Dog owners across Whatcom County have a date to circle on their calendars. The 14th Annual Run with the Chums 5K Fun Run is set for September 12, and on-leash pets are not just welcome, they are part of the point. The event is one of the few competitive runs in the region that genuinely encourages four-legged participants, with prizes going to the fastest dog-and-human duo as well as the most unique animal.
The event is organized by the Whatcom Conservation District, which has hosted the run for over a decade as part of its broader mission to connect residents with the natural environment and promote responsible pet ownership and outdoor stewardship. Registration is available at the event's official link at bit.ly/RWTC26-Reg.
What to Expect on Race Day
The 5K course is designed to be accessible for runners and walkers of varying fitness levels, with the key requirement being that pets must remain on-leash throughout the event. Past editions of the run have drawn dogs of all sizes and breeds, along with the occasional non-canine participant. Previous winners have included cats carried in backpacks and at least one on-leash pig, which gives a sense of the event's spirit. This is not a serious competitive race in the traditional sense. It is a community celebration that happens to involve timed running.
Prizes are awarded in two categories: the fastest combined time for a dog-and-human team, and the most unique animal entry. Both categories have produced memorable past winners and give participants something to aim for beyond simply finishing the course.
Why This Event Matters for Whatcom County
Events like Run with the Chums fill an important niche in Whatcom County's fall calendar. As summer winds down and the outdoor event season shifts, family-friendly activities that work for pet owners are relatively rare. The run gives dog owners a structured outdoor activity during a time of year when motivation to get outside can start to wane, and it connects residents to conservation-focused programming in a low-barrier way.
The Whatcom Conservation District has used the event over the years to raise awareness about responsible pet practices, including the importance of picking up after dogs on trails and near waterways. In a county where salmon habitat and creek health are ongoing concerns, the connection between pet ownership and environmental stewardship is not incidental. Whatcom County Public Works has run the annual "We Scoop" campaign for years as a parallel effort to keep dog waste out of stormwater systems that drain to local creeks and bays.
September 12 falls during a stretch of the calendar that includes several other community events in Bellingham and Whatcom County, making it a good weekend to plan around. The Bellingham.org events calendar lists additional activities throughout the month for residents looking to make the most of early fall before weather shifts in earnest.
How to Register
Registration for the 14th Annual Run with the Chums 5K is open now. Participants can sign up at bit.ly/RWTC26-Reg. Details on start time, course location, and check-in procedures are available through the registration page. Prizes for the fastest duo and most unique animal will be awarded at the event.
For residents who have attended previous editions of the run, the format is familiar. For first-timers, the event's track record over 14 years suggests an well-organized, community-focused morning that happens to welcome just about any leashed animal willing to make the trip. Early registration is recommended as the event typically draws strong local participation. More on fall events and outdoor activities across Whatcom County can be found at the Hovander Homestead guide, which covers year-round options in Ferndale and beyond.
