Ski to Sea Weekend is here

May 23, 2017 by Michael Eisenberg

Ski to Sea Weekend is here

7 sports, relay race, over 90 miles from Mt Baker to Bellingham Ray at the Fairhaven finish line.

This year there will be 500 teams with 4,000 racers.

A team os made up of 8 racers (2 in each canoe) competing in seven legs of the race (Cross Country Ski; Downhill Ski/Snowboard; Running; Road Bike; Canoe; Cyclocross Bike; Kayak).

The Ski to Sea Race from Mt. Baker to Bellingham Bay began as the Mt. Baker Marathon held from 1911 to 1913. The marathon challenged man and machine in the face of rugged terrain, taking participants over treacherous roads and trails to the top of the mountain and back. Racers had the option of using cars or train to help them get to the point at which they would have to start running up the mountain side.

In 1973 the Mt. Baker Marathon was reborn and took the name, the Ski to Sea Race. The relay was designed to display the recreational opportunities and the extreme and varied beauty of Whatcom County. The Race has consistently attracted participants from around the world.

Lots of events happen each year at this time from Junior Race to car shows to the big party on race day, where it all ends in Fairhaven

Picture Courtesy of michaelastley via flickr.com

It’s party time in Bellingham, It’s Ski to Sea is here again

May 28, 2016 by Michael Eisenberg

Ski to sea 2016

It’s party time in Bellingham, It’s Ski to Sea week, the race, parties, parades.

The first modern day Ski to Sea race was run in 1973, but it’s origins runs back to 1911. It is a seven-legged, 93-mile (150 km) long, team relay race from the Mt. Baker Ski Area to Bellingham Bay.
The race is held every year on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend in Whatcom County, Washington starting at the Mount Baker ski area and runs through the towns of Glacier, Maple Falls, Kendall, Everson, Lynden, and Ferndale, finishing at Marine Park in the historic district of Fairhaven in Bellingham.

Although everyone races on the same course, teams are segmented into eight divisions: Competitive, Whatcom County, Recreational, High School, Masters, Veterans, Family, and Corporate.

The Ski to Sea Race from Mt. Baker to Bellingham Bay dates back to the Mt. Baker Marathon held from 1911 to 1913. The marathon pitted man and machine against rugged terrain of Whatcom County, taking participants over treacherous roads and trails to the top of the mountain and back.

The foot race to the top of Mt. Baker was a publicity stunt focusing the government’s attentions on the region, with an eye toward getting the North Cascades area designated as part of the National Park System.

It was in 1973 that the Mt. Baker Marathon was reborn and renamed the Ski to Sea Race. The relay race was designed to showcase the recreational opportunities and beauty of Whatcom County. The Race attracts participants from all over the world.

Image Courtesy of michaelastley via flickr.com

Day 146 – 365 Things To Do In Bellingham, WA – Sign up for The Bellingham Traverse

September 15, 2010 by Michael Eisenberg

There is still time to register for The Bellingham Traverse. Their website says “Wild Salmon Do It! You should too.”

The Traversre is a fundraising event for soloists, tandem and relay teams that celebrates the lifecycle of wild salmon, recognizing the natural and urban challenges of their life-long journey.

The event is Saturday, Sept. 18th – The course recreates the urban and natural challenges that salmon face in their life’s journey. The course follows urban greenways and roads through Bellingham, showcasing Boulevard Park, Lake Padden Park, Fairhaven Park, and Marine Park.

The course also heads out into the open water of Bellingham Bay finishing at a hidden beach at the end of Cornwall Avenue, where all teams gather to finish the last leg together as they “trek” the last 1/2 mile to the finish line at the Depot Market Square and Boundary Bay Brewery.

“Each participant (SPAWNER) is encouraged to choose an environmental group or related non-profit.. The group that they choose will be whom they will be raising funds for through pledges. This event is unique in that participants have the opportunity to choose the group that their pledges will benefit. 100% of what is raised goes directly to the group of choice.”

To encourage people to raise money, “Bait” is donated by local companies.
For every $500 that you raise, you get cool Traverse gear and a raffle ticket to win the great prizes.

The Course consists of a 5.5 mile Run, 6 mile Mountain bike, 18 mile Road Ride, 3 mile Trail Run, 4 milePaddle, .5 mile Team Trek to the finish line at Boundary Bay Brewery.