Registration is open for the 14th Annual Run with the Chums 5K Fun Run, a free, family-friendly event coming to Birch Bay on Saturday, September 12, 2026. Whether you prefer a leisurely jog, a power walk, or something in between, the event welcomes participants of all ages and all speeds.
The day kicks off with the Smolt Sprint at 9:30 a.m., followed by the main 5K Run at 10:00 a.m. Check-in opens at 8:30 a.m. at the Birch Bay venue, and organizers are encouraging participants to arrive early to snag one of the free T-shirts, which are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
What Is Run with the Chums?
The event is hosted by Whatcom County and has grown into one of the more beloved late-summer community traditions in the county's southwest corner. The "chums" in the name are a nod to chum salmon, also known as dog salmon, which are part of the Pacific salmon species native to the streams and coastal waters of Whatcom County. The run is designed to connect families with the natural environment while celebrating local wildlife and watershed health.
Birch Bay State Park and the surrounding Birch Bay community sit along a shallow tidal bay in the far northwest corner of Whatcom County, just a few miles south of the Canadian border. The area is a popular summer destination for families across the region, and the late-summer timing of this event makes it a fitting sendoff to the season before schools resume full swing in the fall.
This year marks the 14th annual edition of the run, meaning the event has been a fixture of the Birch Bay summer calendar since around 2012. Its longevity speaks to the consistent community support the event has earned, drawing participants from Blaine, Ferndale, Bellingham, and beyond.
Who Should Sign Up
The event is explicitly billed as open to all ages and all speeds, so this is not a competitive race in the traditional sense. Families with young children, seniors, casual walkers, and seasoned runners are all welcome. The Smolt Sprint, which starts about 30 minutes before the main 5K, appears designed for younger participants who may not be ready for the full distance.
Because the event is free of charge, there is no registration fee or entry cost to worry about. That said, organizers are encouraging early sign-up to help with logistics and to ensure participants receive accurate event-day information. Registration is available at the link shared by Whatcom County Public Works: bit.ly/RWTC26-Reg.
The free T-shirt offer is a popular draw each year, but it does come with the caveat that supplies are limited. Getting to the check-in area before 9:00 a.m. will significantly improve your chances of walking away with a shirt. Check-in opens at 8:30 a.m., giving participants a full 90 minutes to get settled before the 5K begins at 10:00 a.m.
Birch Bay in Late Summer
September 12 falls in a stretch when the weather in Whatcom County is often still mild and sunny, making it ideal for an outdoor run. Birch Bay typically sees warm, dry conditions through mid-September, and morning temperatures along the bay tend to be comfortable for physical activity before the afternoon sun fully arrives.
Birch Bay State Park, located along Helweg Road just off Birch Bay Drive, offers parking and easy access to the waterfront areas that make this corner of Whatcom County so scenic. If you are planning to make a full day of it, the bay itself, the tidal flats, and the surrounding trails offer plenty to explore after the run wraps up.
For visitors driving from Bellingham, Birch Bay is roughly a 25-minute drive north via Interstate 5. Take exit 266 for Birch Bay and follow Birch Bay Drive toward the waterfront. Parking availability in the area tends to tighten up during summer weekends, so arriving at check-in right at 8:30 a.m. is advisable both for the T-shirt and for a good parking spot.
How to Register and Get More Information
Registration for the Run with the Chums 5K is free and available online now. Whatcom County Public Works has been managing event outreach through its official channels, and updates about the course route, any road impacts on event day, and volunteer opportunities are expected to be shared in the weeks ahead.
If you have questions about the event or want to learn more about watershed and salmon habitat work in Whatcom County, the Whatcom County website is a good starting point. The county's conservation programs have long partnered with community events like this one to raise awareness about local salmon species and the health of waterways feeding into Birch Bay and the Strait of Georgia.
Mark your calendar for September 12 and get registered early. For a free event with a free T-shirt, a scenic Birch Bay backdrop, and a course designed for every fitness level, it is hard to find a better late-summer Saturday plan in Whatcom County. For additional local events and community updates, outdoor destinations across the county offer more ways to enjoy Whatcom's natural spaces this season.
