Ski to Sea race sells out for the first time since 2011, placing 25 teams on the wait list
Ski To Sea, Whatcom County’s famous seven leg multi-sport team relay race, is back for its 51st year and has sold out.
The popular race that started in 1973 takes participants from Mt. Baker down to Bellingham Bay, with legs of skiing, running, canoeing, biking, kayaking, snowboarding and cyclocross biking.
The race allows 500 teams to sign up for the event, and for the first time since 2011 the race has sold out, according to an email from race director Anna Rankin.
“I am surprised we sold out so early this year,” Rankin said. “It is such a unique event, people want to try it out and people want to return year after year to participate. The lack of snow at Mt. Baker did not slow down the registration process like I thought it might have.”
Although the race did not sell out last year for its 50th anniversary, it was close, with 478 teams signed up, according to Rankin. Each year the race has a maximum of 500 teams, but no cap on the number of participants, as teams can range in size. The junior Ski to Sea race for children does not have a maximum limit.
“The 500 limit is set in accordance with safety on roadway and waterways, and most of the parks we use for transition areas and the finish are not large enough to accommodate more teams,” Rankin said.
Those still wishing to participate can join the wait list on the race’s website, although it does not guarantee a spot in the race.
“Currently the wait list has 25 teams on it. ... The top 5-10 teams on the wait list have a decent chance of getting in, as we held back some sponsor teams and have had a few high school teams drop out. ... But it is unlikely more than 10 will get in,” Rankin said.
This year’s Ski to Sea race will take place Sunday, May 26.
