The annual Chuckanut Foot Race returns to Bellingham on Sunday, June 28, with the gun going off at 9 a.m. at Marine Park in Fairhaven. Runners will tackle a mix of trails and county roads before finishing at Larrabee State Park, one of the most scenic finishes in the Pacific Northwest race calendar.
The race is organized by the Greater Bellingham Running Club, which has hosted the event for years as part of its community race series. The Chuckanut course is beloved for its combination of challenging terrain and stunning views of Chuckanut Bay and the San Juan Islands, drawing both local runners and competitors from across the region.
Whatcom County Public Works issued a reminder this weekend for motorists to expect runners on county roads along the route. The course moves largely through trail systems but crosses several public roads as it winds south from Fairhaven toward Larrabee. Drivers in the area should slow down and watch for participants in the roadway, particularly in the early morning hours when traffic is lightest and visibility may be reduced.
Marine Park, the race start at 100 Harris Avenue in Fairhaven, serves as a natural gathering hub for the event. Participants and spectators are encouraged to arrive early, as parking fills quickly near the waterfront on race morning. The Fairhaven Village neighborhood is a short walk from the start line and offers coffee shops and restaurants for pre-race fuel.
Larrabee State Park, the finish line, sits about eight miles south of Bellingham along Chuckanut Drive. The park is Washington's oldest state park and features waterfront access, old-growth forest, and sweeping views of Samish Bay. For spectators who want to cheer at both points, the drive between Marine Park and Larrabee takes roughly 20 minutes without traffic.
Sunday's race coincides with the Lake Padden Triathlon, which is also wrapping up its final hours of road closures near Lake Samish Way. Drivers planning to be in the south Bellingham area should allow extra time and check WSDOT's real-time traffic information before heading out.
For those not racing, cheering at both the Marine Park start and the Larrabee State Park finish line is a tradition for Bellingham running fans. The community atmosphere at both ends of the course makes it a family-friendly morning outing even for non-runners.
Registration for the 2026 Chuckanut Foot Race was handled through Pacific Multisports. Full race details and results will be posted through the Greater Bellingham Running Club website after the event concludes.
