Here are some Bellingham races and activities your family might want to check out this summer
Summer’s the time to get moving, whether you have a competitive spirit or just enjoy the way you feel when you’re running, biking or swimming. Here are a few of the special events taking place in Whatcom County this summer.
Girls on the Run 5K
June 4, Lake Padden Park
Girls on the Run of Northwest Washington is an after-school program for girls in grades 3-5, designed to increase physical activity and emotional health by providing girls with the tools to make healthy decisions and form healthy self-images. The program combines training for a 5k run with self-esteem enhancing, uplifting workouts, with the goal of encouraging positive emotional, social, mental, spiritual and physical development.
The fee for the run is $25 general, free for Girls on the Run participants and coaches. Register online or at Whatcom Family YMCA, 1256 N. State St.
Details: 360-733-8630, jgallant@whatcomymca.org.
Race Beneath the Sun
June 10, start and finish at Fairhaven Park
The 5-mile race and half-mile kids’ fun run at Fairhaven Park starts at 10 a.m., with the kids run starting 15 minutes earlier. Online registration through the Greater Bellingham Running Club will be available until about three days before the race. Race-day registration is 9-9:45 a.m. at Fairhaven Park’s upper pavilion. Fee for non-GBRC members is $10 adults, $5 for ages 18 and under, free for the half-mile kids’ race.
Details: 360-733-4386, gbrc.net/race_beneath_sun.php.
All-Comers Track and Field meets
June 12-Aug. 28, Civic Stadium
The All-Comers Track and Field meets are fun for the whole family, with track and field events for children and adults of most ages Monday evenings, June 12-Aug. 28, at Civic Field. Each meet starts at 6 p.m., with participants 4 and younger in the 50-meter dash and 50-meter hurdles, height adjusted. Later events with heats for children and adults include shot put, javelin/mini-javelin, 200 meters, 400 meters and more, plus a jogger’s mile. Go online to register and for a complete schedule. The top three participants in each event will receive a place ribbon; everyone else receives a participant ribbon. Cost: $5 for individual day pass, available only at each meet; $30 for season pass; $90 for family season pass, available at Individual Season Pass Registration; Family Season Pass Registration and at the meets.
Details: 360-778-7000, cob.org/races.
Padden Triathlon
June 24, Lake Padden Park
There are two distances from which to choose: Competitive, with 1 1/2 -mile swim, 21-mile bike and 5.2-mile run; and Recreational, with one-fourth-mile swim, 10-mile bike and 2.6-mile run.
Divisions are male and female, 10 and younger, then older age groups. Registration fees vary.
Details: Lance Romo, 360-778-7000, Lromo@cob.org, or stop by Bellingham Parks and Recreation Department office, 3424 Meridian St., in Cornwall Park.
Bellingham Youth Ultimate Frisbee Camp
June 26-29, Battersby Field
Ultimate Frisbee is an exciting, fun, non-contact team sport that mixes elements of soccer, basketball and American football into a high-energy game at Battersby Field, 900 Girard St. The camp is for youths 9-14, directed by veteran coaches from local Bellingham clubs.
Details: Bellingham Parks and Recreation, 360-778-7000, bellinghamyouthultimate.org.
Tour de Whatcom
July 29
The family-friendly bike ride goes through valleys, farmland and along the water in Whatcom County. There is no minimum age for riders, but, for safety reasons, bike trailers and tag-along systems for pulling children are not allowed.
Details: Whatcom Events/Tour de Whatcom, 360-746-8861, tourdewhatcom.com, Tour@skitosea.com
Bellingham Youth Triathlon
Aug. 6
In a partnership with Train or Tri and Bellingham Parks and Recreation Department, the Bellingham Youth Triathlon has been initiating kids to the sport of triathlon since 1999. The swim is in the 25-yard, Arne Hanna Aquatic Center Pool; the well-marked bike leg is on nearby hills on the open roads; and the run is one to four laps, depending on the division, in a course set up in the fields next to the pool.
Details: Lance Romo, 360-778-7000, Lromo@cob.org
Dog Days of Summer 5K & Festival
Aug. 20, Lake Padden Park
Dog Days of Summer, sponsored by Whatcom Humane Society, transforms the softball fields at Lake Padden Park into a giant playground for dogs and their people. Festivities include a 5k fun run/walk for dogs and people followed by a free family festival for all animal lovers. The Dog Days of Summer festival will feature more than 45 pet related vendors, interactive doggie games and contests, an animal caricaturist, canine demonstrations, a kids’ area and a vegetarian food court.
Details: 360-733-2080, whatcomhumanesociety.org
Muds to Suds
Aug. 26, BMX Ract Track
The mud race and obstacle course has been called the “most fun mud race” in the country by experienced mudders. Challenge yourself through eight large mud pits and more than 15 obstacles at Bellingham BMX Race Track, 5022 Guide Meridian. Kids 8 and older can race with their families.
Details: 360-746-886, mudstosuds.com
Chuckanut Classic
Aug. 29
The Chuckanut Classic (formerly Chuckanut Century) is the Mount Baker Bicycle Club’s signature ride, one of the most scenic rides in Washington. With many routes offered you can pick your distance ranging from 25, 50, 62, 100 or the double metric century of 124 miles. If you’d rather bring your family on a shorter guided ride, join the family-friendly 10-mile jaunt with treats, entertainment and other surprises for kids. All routes start and finish at the legendary Boundary Bay Brewery.
Details: 360-255-8550, mtbakerbikeclub.org/chuckanut
Bellingham Traverse
Sept. 16
The 16th annual event is a fun relay race that celebrates the journey of wild salmon. Families, friends and local companies form Chinook (solo), Coho (tandem) and CHUM (relay teams) to run, bike and paddle through Bellingham’s scenic parks, winding trails and open waterways. The event supports the stewardship programs of Recreation Northwest and Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association.
Details: 360-739-8458 recreationnorthwest.org
This story was originally published May 18, 2017 at 12:41 PM with the headline "Here are some Bellingham races and activities your family might want to check out this summer."