Overview
The Chuckanut 50K is a legendary Pacific Northwest classic that blends runnable trails with rugged mountain challenges. Starting from Fairhaven Park in Bellingham, this race has been inspiring trail runners for more than three decades. Runners begin and end with smooth miles on the Interurban Trail, but the real heart of the course is in the middle 30K: steep climbs, ridge traverses, technical descents, and views that will make you stop in your tracks—if only you had the time.
This is more than a race. It’s a celebration of trail running, community, and the spirit of the Pacific Northwest. Whether you are taking on your first ultra or returning to run the ridge again, you’ll be supported by incredible volunteers, energized aid stations, and the electric atmosphere that only Chuckanut can deliver.
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Registration
Opens
Dec 5, 2025, 12:00 AM
Closes
Mar 1, 2026, 11:59 PM
Registration Fee
$150
UTMB Index Qualifier
Official race details:
Course
Distance:
50
K
Course type:
Lollipop
Elevation gain:
▲
5500 ft
Elevation loss:
▼
5500 ft
Max altitude:
2100 ft
Start time:
Mar 21, 2026
7:00 AM
Cutoff time:
8HR
Course Description
The Chuckanut 50K is a lollipop-shaped adventure that delivers both speed and grit. The first and last 10K follow the Interurban Trail, giving you smooth, fast running to start and finish. But the middle 30K is what makes Chuckanut famous. You’ll climb over 5,000ft, tackle the Chin Scraper, traverse the rugged Chuckanut Mountain Ridge, and descend into fern-filled forests. Along the way, you’ll pass roaring waterfalls, mossy singletrack, and those sweeping views over Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands.
Expect a little bit of everything: runnable stretches, quad-burning climbs, rooty descents, and pure Northwest trail magic.
Logistics
The closest airport is Bellingham International Airport, just 15 minutes from the race start. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes away by car. Vancouver International Airport in British Columbia is also an option, about 1.5 hours away by car.
Driving Directions
Parking
Parking is available at Fairhaven Park for runners and visitors. Carpooling is strongly encouraged. Crew access at Lost Lake is limited and requires a Discover Pass.
Passes Required
Lodging
Downtown Bellingham offers a variety of hotels and inns just minutes from the race start. Fairhaven Village also provides boutique lodging options within walking distance of the start line.
Aid Stations
There are five well-stocked aid stations hosted by passionate volunteers who bring as much energy as they do food. Expect standard ultra fare with some creative surprises, costumes, and a big dose of fun. Crews and spectators may access Aid Stations 1 and 5 at Lost Lake, though parking is limited and requires a Discover Pass.
Aid Station 1 → 6.8M / 10.9K → Lost Lake Parking Lot → Crew access, no cutoff
Aid Station 2 → 10.2M / 16.4K → Two Dollar Trailhead on Cleator Road → no cutoff
Aid Station 3 → 13M / 20.9K → Ridge Trail entrance near top of Cleator Road → no cutoff
Aid Station 4 → 20.3M / 32.7K → Bottom of Chin Scraper → Cutoff 1:30PM
Aid Station 5 → 25M / 40.2K → Fragrance Lake Trail & Interurban junction → Crew access → Cutoff 3:00PM
Race Requirements
The Chuckanut 50K welcomes runners with prior trail experience who are prepared for technical climbs and descents. Runners must be capable of completing the course within the 8-hour cutoff.
Trail Work
All runners are required to complete 4 hours of service between April 1, 2025 and March 5, 2026. This may include trail work, volunteering at a race, or making a financial donation equivalent to 4 hours of labor to a local trail organization. Proof of completion must be submitted prior to race day.
Mandatory Gear
Runners must carry at least one water bottle or hydration system, as the race is cupless. Poles are not allowed, unless for medical exemption with approval from the race director.
Policies
Event Details
Drop Bags
Drop bags with post-race clothes may be left at the lower pavilion in Fairhaven Park on race morning. Bags must be tagged with your bib number. Do not leave valuables, as the race cannot be responsible for lost or stolen items. Left-behind bags will be donated after the event.
Bib Pick-up
Bib pickup is available on Friday afternoon at Fairhaven Runners and on race morning at Fairhaven Park starting at 6:00AM.
Schedule
Friday, March 20, 2026
3:00PM to 6:00PM: Bib pickup at Fairhaven Runners
Saturday, March 21, 2026
6:00AM: Bib pickup opens at Fairhaven Park
7:00AM: Early 50K Start
8:00AM: 50K Mass Start
10:00AM: Kids’ Race begins (½ mile loops for 30 minutes)
4:00PM: Course closes and finish line celebration
Cancelations & Deferrals
Runners who notify the race director before February 21, 2026 will receive a refund minus $25. No refunds will be issued after February 21. There are no roll-overs or transfers allowed. If the event is canceled more than one month in advance, partial refunds will be issued after costs are covered. If canceled within a month of race day, no refunds will be available.
Kids
The Chuckanut 50K offers a Kids’ Race consisting of half-mile loops run within a 30-minute period. This event is open to children and youth, providing a safe, fun way to be part of the race.
Crew, Pacers & Spectators
Crews and spectators are welcome at the start, finish, and at Aid Stations 1 and 5. Please note that parking at Lost Lake is limited and requires a Discover Pass. The finish line is a lively celebration with food trucks, sponsor tents, recovery zones, and a welcoming community atmosphere for all.
Volunteers
Volunteers are the heart of Chuckanut. Each year dozens of energetic helpers bring creativity, enthusiasm, and support to make this event thrive. If you would like to join the team, please sign up via the Volunteer Google Form. Contact volunteer coordinator Kevin Douglas at lostlake50@gmail.com for more information.
Charity & Beneficiary
The Chuckanut 50K supports multiple nonprofit organizations, including Girls on the Run, Runners for Public Lands, and The Conservation Alliance. These partnerships help protect wild places, inspire youth, and build inclusive outdoor communities. Learn more at www.runnersforpubliclands.org and www.conservationalliance.com.
Land Acknowledgement
The Chuckanut 50K takes place on the ancestral lands of the Coast Salish peoples, including the Lummi and Nooksack Tribes. We honor their deep connection to this land and recognize our responsibility to be good stewards of these trails.
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