With eleven days to go, the final countdown is on for Ski to Sea, the beloved multi-sport relay race that has defined Memorial Day weekend in Whatcom County for more than a century. On May 24, 2026, hundreds of teams will wind their way from the slopes of Mount Baker all the way to Bellingham Bay, finishing at Marine Park in the Fairhaven neighborhood as cheering crowds line the shoreline.
Ski to Sea is one of the longest-running and most distinctive community races in the Pacific Northwest. The relay spans roughly 93 miles and seven disciplines: cross-country skiing, downhill skiing or snowboarding, running, road cycling, canoeing, mountain biking, and sea kayaking. Teams of seven pass a baton through each leg, making it as much a community coordination challenge as an athletic one. Competitors range from elite teams chasing podium finishes to casual groups in creative costumes celebrating the spirit of the event.
The race route descends from the Mount Baker ski area, through the foothills of the North Cascades, across the agricultural flats of the Nooksack valley, and into the urban core of Bellingham before the final kayak leg carries racers across the bay to Marine Park. The finish line at Marine Park places the culmination of the race right at the water's edge in Fairhaven, one of Bellingham's most walkable and lively neighborhoods.
For spectators, the finish line is the place to be. Marine Park offers open shoreline and easy access for watching kayakers complete their final push to the dock. Immediately uphill in Fairhaven Village, the celebration continues with additional events, food, and what the Bellingham Experience social media post described as a soccer-related giveaway happening on race day. Exact details on that giveaway are expected to be shared closer to the event.
Ski to Sea is also a significant economic event for the Bellingham area. Teams travel from across Washington State and beyond, filling hotels and restaurants across the city during Memorial Day weekend. Local businesses along the race corridor and in Fairhaven see meaningful foot traffic tied to the event. For many Bellingham families, watching and competing in Ski to Sea is an annual tradition that marks the unofficial start of summer.
Teams are typically still completing last-minute adjustments to their rosters and logistics in the days before the race. The race is organized by the Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism organization with support from numerous community partners and volunteers. Course marshals, timing officials, and transition zone coordinators help coordinate the complex handoffs across all seven disciplines.
For spectators who want to watch multiple legs of the race, the transition zones along the route are accessible, and the race website provides a course map and estimated timing information to help fans plan where to position themselves. The kayak finish at Marine Park is the most concentrated and festive viewing point.
If you have not yet made plans for Memorial Day weekend in Bellingham, May 24 offers one of the region's best free spectator events. Head to Marine Park for the finish, then walk up to Fairhaven Village to catch the post-race energy. More details on the soccer giveaway and race day logistics will be announced through official Ski to Sea and Bellingham Experience channels in the coming days.
