North Face Challenge Needs Volunteers

- 3/27/09

The North Face is looking to recruit 50-70 volunteers for various roles at The North Face Endurance Challenge on Sat. June 6, 2009.

The Endurance Challenge encourages people to push their personal limits by participating one of the following run lengths: 10 kilometer, half marathon, 50 kilometer or 50-mile trail runs.

Some duties include: setup/break down, working at aid stations, distributing medals and chip timing. A handful of volunteers are also needed a few days prior to the event with registration and packet pickup. Please see more details below.

Volunteer Benefits include: a $25 gift certificate to The North Face, a free The North Face Race Crew T-shirt, a ticket to the post-race meal and Finish Line Festival, entry to win a The North Face gear package, as well as the satisfaction of helping others achieve their endurance goals.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer... [Read full story]

Girls On The Run - Volunteers Needed!

- 3/8/09

Girls on the Run of NW Washington needs adult volunteers to assist with its program. Girls on the Run is a character building program for 8 to 12 year old girls. The interactive curriculum combines training for a 5k running race with life-changing, self-esteem enhancing, uplifting warm-ups and workouts that encourage emotional, social, mental and physical development.

Coaching Girls on the Run is a rewarding way to get involved! As a GOTR coach, you can empower girls to GET ACTIVE and learn to value their own strength, individuality and inner beauty. Any woman who lives a healthy lifestyle and is committed to improving the lives of girls can serve as a GOTR coach.

Spring session runs from March 23rd until the final 5k race on June 6th. Small groups typically meet at schools around the county from 3:40-5:00 p.m. one day per week. Please contact Jen Gallant @ 733-8630 or... [Read full story]

GBRC Track Workouts to Begin Feb 25

- 2/16/09

The weekly GBRC track workouts will be on Wednesday evenings at 6:00PM at the WWU campus track. The point of these workouts will be to develop speed, strength and running technique (for those interested). They are meant for anyone who is currently a GBRC member and interested in improving their race performances, overall fitness and also to develop running habits/strategies that may be used for life-long healthy running all regardless of how experienced a runner you are.

Parking: Please park on the gravel lots ajacent to the WWU recreation center. For directions to the track please visit www.wwu.edu/wwu_campus_map

This year we have two outstanding coaches running the track workouts, Steve Grichel and Erik DeRoche. Erik has many years experience as a Triathlete and is a former professional Triathlete. He holds degrees in Exercise... [Read full story]

10th Annual High School Scholarship forms - Now available

- 2/5/09

A $1000.00 running scholarship will be awarded by the Greater Bellingham Running Club to one qualified college bound senior male and female runner (two total recipients) from Whatcom County High Schools. Candidates should have not only a current love and dedication to the sport, but also an intention to continue running into their future, though competing at the college level is not a requirement. The scholarship is intended for college related expenses (i.e. tuition, room & board, books),with completed applications due no later than April 30th. To obtain a copy, please contact Christy at kevfaz@comcast.net or click this pdf link. (requires Acrobat Reader)

Lake Samish Runs this Weekend - CANCELLED

- 1/1/09

LAKE SAMISH RUNS - CANCELLED!!! The Whatcom County Sheriff has stated that the Lake Samish Runs cannot proceed because of dangerous conditions due to snow and ice on both the shoulder and roadways around the lake. Given the continued winter weather that has been hitting our area, we do not foresee that conditions will improve enough to be safe for a race this weekend. Thank you so much for understanding our need to cancel the race again this year.

Bellingham Bay Marathon Needs Volunteers

- 9/20/08

The 2008 Bellingham Bay Marathon (Marathon, Half-Marathon, and 5K) will be hosting runners and walkers for its second annual event on Sunday September 28, 2008. Last year, we welcomed over 2,100 participants. This year the Bellingham Bay Swim Team and the WFC Rangers Soccer Club have partnered to put on a great event with a festive start/finish at Depot Market Square in downtown Bellingham. Start time for the Marathon and Half-Marathon is 7:30am. Start time for the 5K is 7:45am. We need volunteers. If you and/or people you know are available to volunteer, please have them go online to www.bellinghambaymarathon.org to print out and complete a volunteer form. You and/or they can also call Bob at 920-7839. Thank you in advance for your help and support!

Bob Baird-Levine for the 2008 BBM Organizing Committee

Bellingham Bay marathon runners/walkers invited to participate in a study about the marathon!

- 8/26/08

I am looking for first-time marathon runners and walkers to participate in an exciting study about the physical and psychological experience of running a marathon.

If you participate, you will be asked to complete three very brief (5-minute) surveys, one before the race and two after. In addition, you will be asked three questions at a water stop during the race. (You will not need to slow down to do this, but you can if you want!)

This study is coordinated by 3-time marathoner and WWU Psychology professor Kristi Lemm, Ph.D, and it has been approved by WWU and the B’ham Bay Marathon committee. If you have any questions about the study or if you would like to participate, please send an email to Kristi at marathonstudy@yahoo.com, or call me at 650-3187. Contacting me does not obligate you to participate.

Whatcom Cross Country Needs You

- 8/24/08

Whatcom Community College, a two year institution located in Bellingham, is looking for more men and women cross country and track & field athletes to come compete for the Orcas and help them build a tradition of excellence and success!

Whatcom just started practice for the 2008 xc season. In just its first year of competition Whatcom placed 5th (Men) and 8th (Women) out of 16 teams at the NWAACC Cross Country Championships. (3 states of community college schools) Whatcoms top male runner Damian Hill lead the way by placing 6th at the championships receiving All American honors. Cory Jenkins (Lynden high 06') placed 12th earning All Star status. Alison Bartosch (Squalicum high 06') lead the womens team with an 18th place finish. Head Men and Women's XC coach Joel Pearson was named North Region Coach of the year!

Scholarships Available: Whatcom has partial, half and full ride... [Read full story]

Girls on the Run looking for Volunteers in North Whatcom County

- 8/18/08

We are currently seeking adult female volunteers to be head or assistant coaches at our program sites in North Whatcom County: Blaine, Ferndale, Lynden and Nooksack Valley. The fall session starts the week of September 22 and goes through the week of December 1. Program sites meet once or twice a week depending on program location. We provide thorough training for all new coaches (required). As Girls on the Run is a non-competitive running program, there is an easy-to-follow curriculum designed to teach valuable life lessons to girls in grades 3rd-5th. Lessons include subjects such as emotional health, values, cooperation and standing up for oneself. The program finishes with a celebration event that includes a fun 5k event. Coaches do not need to be elite runners. Any woman who is committed to making a difference in the lives of girls is welcome to apply. To request an application or... [Read full story]

GBRC Fall Trail Runs Starting Sept 2

- 8/12/08

Calling all Trail Runners!

The GBRC is pleased to announce it's annual fun trail-run series during the months of September and October. These runs will take place every Tuesday evening starting at 5:30 pm. The runs will take from 45 minutes to 90 minutes depending on the route and date and the amount of daylight left.

Runners from "expert trail runners" to "novices on the hills" are all welcome. These runs will give GBRC members a chance to try out trail running, or visit some trails you may not seen before, or just run these trails again with a great group of runners. All paces are welcome. The routes are varied from very flat to very hilly, but all are on trails. The runs will take place during daylight hours, usually finishing up at dusk.

This series is open for current GBRC members only. Feel free to print out a membership form and bring it to any of the runs along with your... [Read full story]

North Lake Whatcom Trail Fun Run Results

- 8/3/08

Jason Gulley and Alanna Steele

This saturday the August GBRC event was run, the "right around 10k" North Lake Whatcom Trail Fun Run. The winners this year were Jason Gulley, 28 with a time of 38:34; and Alanna Steele, 17 with a time of 44:34. Congratulations to both Jason and Alanna for adding another first place finish to each of their list of wins.

Human Race Event Big Success

- 6/25/08

The Human Race is coordinated each year by the Whatcom Volunteer Center, in conjunction with many community sponsors and volunteers, to raise money for non-profit organizations. This year it was held on Saturday, June 14 at Maritime Heritage Park and consisted of a 5K walk/run and a 10K run. About 550 participants showed up to walk and run on a pleasant, cool spring morning, all for a good cause. Awards categories were 1st place male and female in three age divisions, 12 and under, 13 – 18, and adult. The event earned more than $56,000 to be distributed to non-profit organizations throughout Whatcom County. A big “thank you” to the club for permitting us to use the clock and finish line equipment and to the GBRC members who took part in the run!

The 5K winners were Deyvind Link, 24 with a time of 16:53 and Jodi Brautaset, 32 with a time of 19:49. 10K winners were Robert Durrant,... [Read full story]

GBRC Website Problems

- 6/20/08

If you had tried to access this website during the last 5 days, you would either seen a message indicating that the website was sitting on a server that was scheduled to be shut down, or a blank screen.

When technology works well, things are great. When it does not, it can be ugly!

We were and continue to be challenged by an unexpected website migration this week. Many of the pages are now working, but you may still find blank pages. When that happens, use your back button to return to the previous page. We are working on tracking down all of the small glitches left on the website.

In the meantime, get away from your computer and go for a run!

New Race Directors Needed for Lake Samish and Haggen-to-Haggen Runs

- 5/28/08

Mary Steinberg is retiring after many years as co-RD of the Lake Samish Runs. Christy Fazio, the long-time co-RD with Mary, is in need of a new partner to help her organize this popular first event of the year. This is a fairly low-key event and offers a correspondingly low-pressure way to learn the ropes as a race director in conjunction with Christy's long experience.

Jean La Valley and Rick Hill are retiring after 5 years as co-RDs of the high-profile Haggen-to-Haggen Race. We need a new team to replace them in organizing this hugely popular downtown race. Jean and Rick are highly organized and will hand over an exceptionally smoothly-functioning event, and they will be on-hand to help smooth the transition to new leadership.

Please contact either the current race directors, or Tjalling Ypma at tjalling.ypma@wwu.edu or (360) 734-2616,... [Read full story]

Holland Days 5K/10K Run

- 5/6/08

Under rainy conditions, the annual Holland Days 5K & 10K runs introduced new courses starting and finishing at Lynden Christian Schools, and a larger than usual field (nearly 200 runners). Individual winners in the 5K were Mark Messiter for the men in a fast 16:07, and Alma McMurty for the women in 20:05. Winners in the 10K race were Kevin Olsen in 35:16 and Theresa Westfall in 45:58. Olsen took second in the 5K in 2007. Three of the four individual winners were in the 40-49 age division. Despite the achievements of the masters’ division runners, forty percent of the participants were 18 or younger, taking advantage of free registration for those 18 and under.

In addition to the run, in non-competitive participation, almost 75 walkers also took to the streets walking the 5K route in the rain.

Race results are posted here under the results link or under recently posted, or you can... [Read full story]

Running Buddies for Girls on the Run

- 4/25/08

Lindsay and some of the girls

Want to get involved with Girls on the Run, but don’t have a lot of time? Be a girl’s Running Buddy! A Running Buddy accompanies and encourages one or two girls through their community 5k event. That means keeping pace with the girl, ensuring her safety and cheering her on. This is a two-time commitment; one weekday afternoon to visit your buddy’s program site and one weekend morning for the 5k event. To request an application or for more information, please contact Amber, 733-8630 or email to aswim@whatcomymca.org.

Partnering for the Trails

- 4/21/08

We Bellingham runners love our trails!! Recently on a run on Galbraith, we ran into a WHIMPS organizer and had a great conversation about enjoying all the trails of Bellingham. Those WHIMPS really do a lot to build and maintain the trails on Galbraith and on Chuckanut. Not only do they work on the trails, but they work with Trillium on many land use issues. One day we met them at a booth they had set up at the Galbraith trailhead to survey trail use so they could show the developers how many parking spots we trail users need! We started talking about ways we can support their efforts, not just to better our running/biking trails, but to show our appreciation for the work they do.

Two thoughts came to mind:

One way to help while running is to stick to the trails and switchbacks that they have built and not cause erosion by taking shortcuts across switchbacks or cutting new... [Read full story]

300 Runners Finish the 16th Chuckanut 50k

- 3/29/08

Race winner Bryan Dayton and Jeff Hashimoto (background) at the first aid-station.

300 runners completed the 16th running of the Chuckanut Mountain 50k on March 15, the largest field to complete the event ever. The day started with significant rain, ensuring that all runners were thoroughly soaked before getting on the trail. By the time the race started at 8:00, the rain had stopped. Conditions were good for the rest of the day; plenty of mud, little wind, and great volunteers on the course.

Bryan Dayton from Boulder, CO, Peter Ellis from Bellinghan, and Scott Jurek from Seattle took the top 3 spots for the men, while Devon Crosby-Helms from Seattle, Kathleen Harri from Bellingham, and Annie Thiessen from Tacoma held top honors for the women.

Once again race director Krissy Moehl did a great job organizing this race, with volunteer director Cheryl Batty adding a delightful commentary on all the finishers throughout the long day.

The complete results can be found... [Read full story]

GBRC Members Win Free Marathon Registration

- 3/28/08

Congratulations to the winners of Adventures NW’s recent survey contest. Members who took ANW’s online survey at www.AdventuresNW.com were entered in a drawing for a free registration to either the Whidbey Island Marathon/Half Marathon (April 13) or the Eugene Marathon/Half Marathon (May 4). The lucky GBRC runners are: Bruce Moore, Stacy Otter, Rita Filbeck, Scott Railton, Amy Esary and Laura Gully.

The North Face Endurance Challenge comes to Bellingham

- 3/23/08

The North Face Endurance Challenge offers a series of trail runs between 10k and 50 miles designed to challenge runners to push their limits. The Challenge is put on at five locations throughout the country. This year the event will be held at Camp Lutherwood on Lake Samish on May 10, 2008. The runs will be run on the Chuckanut/Blanchard trail network.

Volunteers Needed

Because an event of this size will need many volunteers to make it successful, the race sponsors are looking for 50-70 volunteers. Please be aware that the event date, May 10, is the same date as the Haggen to Haggen 5k. However there are volunteer options the day or two before the Challenge for people who wish to run or volunteer at the Haggen to Haggen.

Details about the volunteer duties and contact person can be found at this volunteer link.... [Read full story]

Girls on the Run Needs Scholarship Help

- 3/11/08

Help a girl

Develop tools for navigating life!

Gain a love for running!

Start a habit of healthy exercise!

Make new friends!

Build relationships with positive role-models!

Help a girl achieve all these by making a financial gift to Girls on the Run through the Whatcom Family YMCA’s Strong Kids Scholarship Campaign during the month of March. In 2007, 51% of our 235 girls required either full or partial financial support. The actual cost per girl is $150 and with your help, we will make this program available to all girls, regardless of their family’s ability to pay. It costs $150 to scholarship one girl, but any donation amount is welcomed with gratitude! If you would like to donate or need more information, please call or email Amber at 360.733.8630 or... [Read full story]

Two for the Road

- 2/15/08

Two for the Road Runners

About 100 folks, young and old, braved a rainy day to do the Two for the Road in Whatcom Falls Park. Since this run is around Valentine's Day, participants are encouraged to run or walk in pairs - guy and gal, 2 gals, 2 guys, parent/child, and siblings, although many ran individually as well.

Aaron and Casey Carter (right in picture) show their stuff during the race through the park. The twins ended up winning the sibling category of the race. Complete results can be found using the link above or under the results section.

-Sharon Ensslen and Debi Wiebe, race directors

Girls on the Run looking for Volunteers

- 2/5/08

Girls on the Run is looking for adult female volunteers to facilitate and coach an all girls running program starting the week of March 24th until the week of June 9th. Program sites are located throughout Bellingham and greater Whatcom County and meet once or twice a week depending on program location.

We provide thorough training for our coaches before each session; covering logistics of the program, general tips about coaching and the program curriculum. As Girls on the Run is an international program, there is an easy-to-follow, well-developed and well-researched curriculum which we follow that is designed to teach valuable life lessons to girls in grads 3rd through 5th. Lessons include subjects such as emotional health, values, cooperation, and standing up for oneself. The program finishes with a celebration event that includes a fun 5k run/walk event.

If you would like a coach... [Read full story]

GBRC Track Workouts to start Jan. 15

- 1/13/08

The GBRC Track workouts will start Tuesday January 15th and will be held every Tuesday from now till the End of July. While working things out with Civic we will be meeting for the first few weeks at Squalicum High School at 5:30. According to Joel Pearson, "I know it will be dark at first, but hey! Its an Oval, in the dark, what can go wrong? How much fun we are going to have! See you all on Tuesday at Squalicum!"

Chuckant 50K Race Fills in Record Time

- 1/3/08

This year the Chuckanut 50K filled up in record time. At the time of this posting, less than 3 days after the registration opened, there were only 8 more slots available out of 350 for the 2008 race. It's been closing faster each year, but no one thought it fill up this quickly. Now get out there and train so all can have a great race in March.

Chuckant 50K Race Registration Open

- 1/1/08

It's a new year, and what better way to start off than to get your name down to run the Chuckanut 50K race this March. Online registration opened promptly at midnight New Year's Eve and will only take 350 runners. This popular race will certainly fill within 2-3 weeks so resolve to register today! Link to the registration page can be found on the main Chuckanut 50K Race page.

Birch Bay Marathon 2008 Registration Open

- 12/17/07

Online registration is now open for the 40th running of the Birch Bay Marathon. This marathon is certified and will allow you to qualify for Boston for 2008. Very few marathons have the history or cachet of the Birch Bay, so be one of folks that think running a Marathon in February is more fun than eating Valentines Day candy. Or do both. Information and registration can be found following the link on the left hand side of the page.

Free Marathon Registration available for 2 GBRC Member

- 12/1/07

Two GBRC members can win a free registration to the Whidbey Island Marathon or Half Marathon (April 13), or the Eugene Marathon or Half Marathon (May 4)! Adventures NW magazine will select two current GBRC members to receive a registration of their choice. To be eligible for the drawing, just complete

Adventures NW’s online survey (get to it directly from this survey link, or from www.adventuresnw.com), and note in the comments portion your involvement in GBRC and your event choice if you win. Surveys must be taken no later than March 15 to be eligible.

Girls on the Run Winter Camp

- 11/21/07

Looking for something active for your daughter to do over winter break? The Girls on the Run curriculum will be condensed into three days that will be filled with self-development learning, running and various fun fitness activates, such as swimming and climbing. The camp will take place on January 2 - 4 at the Whatcom Family YMCA from 9:00am - 12:30pm. For girls in grades 3rd - 5th.

Registration Deadline is Friday, December 21, 2007. Fee is $75.00 (financial assistance available); participants will receive a t-shirt, water bottle and snacks. Please register at the business desk in the Whatcom Family YMCA. For more information or if you have any questions, please call Amber, GOTR Coordinator, at 733-8630 or email aswim@whatcomymca.org.

A poem for the Northern Lights Run on the December 21st:

- 11/17/07

It Is Coming!!!!!!!!!!!!

By Anonymous Runner

December twenty first is for more than being jolly,

It’s that time of year we bundle up and run the Taylor folly.

Find your headlamp, get your gear,

It is a coming, drawing near.

Several miles in the park,

Several miles in the dark.

Do not fret about the weather, that’s too far to know,

Could be rain or wind or clear or frost or fog or snow.

Charge that headlamp, check the strap,

Bring a friend, forget the map.

Several miles in the night,

Several miles with just your light.

We’ll all go out and trust and hope, just following our dot,

That the course is marked and clear and comes back to the parking lot.

Oh, bring some money, Dean’ll ask ya

To help his niece up in Alaska.

He somehow thinks that we should care

What those folks want to do up there.

Yes folks, the 2nd annual Northern State Winter Solstice... [Read full story]

Update about GBRC Member Cathy Cushing

- 11/6/07

Fellow runner Cathy Cushing returned to her home on Halloween after a few months of hospitalization and therapy following a 20' fall from a ladder. She has made remarkable progress and will continue therapy and care at home. Cards and well

wishes are encouraged.

1317 Butler Creek Road, Sedro Woolley, WA 98284

Volunteers Needed for NWL XC Championships in Anacortes, Oct 18

- 10/18/07

A request for volunteers by Dean Taylor.

"This Thursday I am helping out coordinating volunteers helping with the NWL XC Championships at Anacortes. This year's race will feature some of the best teams in the state. There are at least 4 top ranked teams in the cross country poll along with others. 3 defending State Champions teams will be present. This is the most competitive league meet in the State of Washington and you can be part of making it happen.

Thursday at 3:00 will be the start of the first race. With races very half hour. 3:30 4:00 and 4:30. I will be having a meeting at 2:30 to go over details. If you can be there let me know. If you can't make it to the first race but a later race, I am sure I can put you to work. The final race is one of the hardest because these boys come into the finish chute fast and furious! We gather all our resources to... [Read full story]

WCC Looking for Cross Country Runners

- 10/11/07

Whatcom Community College, a two year institution located in Bellingham, is looking for more men and women cross country and track & field athletes to come compete for the Orcas and help them build a tradition of excellence and success!

In just its first year of competition Whatcom placed 5th (Men) and 8th (Women) out of 16 teams at the NWAACC Cross Country Championships. (3 states of community college schools) Whatcoms top male runner Damian Hill lead the way by placing 6th at the championships receiving All American honors. Cory Jenkins (Lynden high 06') placed 12th earning All Star status. Alison Bartosch (Squalicum high 06') lead the womens team with an 18th place finish. Head Men and Women's XC coach Joel Pearson was named North Region Coach of the year!

Scholarships Available: Whatcom has partial, half and full ride scholarships available for both men and women athletes... [Read full story]

Padden Mudfest Online Registration Opens

- 10/3/07

The rain has started, so that must mean that the Padden Mudfest is close. In just a month (Sunday, November 4) the popular run will take place on the (hopefully) muddy upper trails of Lake Padden. This year we are once again offering online registration. The race is free for GBRC members, $10 for non-members, but everyone will want to get the optional $10 hat offered this year. Use this link to register for the race. And let the rains continue!

Fall GBRC Cross Country (Trail) Series to Start

- 8/28/07

This fall the Cross Country/Trail runs will take place on Tuesday evenings at 5:30 pm starting on September 11. This series runs during the months of September and October and gives runners a chance to run a variety of great routes. Joel Pearson will be leading the series this year. Each runner will run with a buddy. See the event calender for details, or email Joel or call him at 233-0264.

Volunteers Wanted for the Bellingham Bay Marathon

- 8/26/07

October 7th 2007 is the date of the inaugural Bellingham Bay Marathon (BBM). The BBM will benefit the Bellingham Bay Swim Team, a non-profit organization. It is the organizers hope in years to come that this event will benefit many non-profit organizations in our community.

The original expectations for numbers of participants for this event are being wildly exceeded. As of August 27, 2007 there are over 800 total participants with the expectation of 1200 to 1500 participants on race day. The BBM committee needs a lot of experienced volunteers to assist in pre-race, during-race, and post-race activities.

The BBM would be grateful to any runner that would consider assisting in this inaugural event. If you are already signed up to run, thank you! If you are not running, please consider helping as a volunteer. Volunteer sign up sheets can be ... [Read full story]

GBRC Member Improves following Accident

- 7/12/07

Update about Cathy; She is recovering and is in rehabilitation in Bellingham. She is making good progress, but how much and how soon she will recover is still uncertain.

Cathy Cushing, a club member and frequent volunteer at GBRC races, was involved in an accident on July 4th that has left her in a coma. She lost consciousness after falling off an ladder and is breathing strongly, but remains in a coma. Any cards of encouragement would be welcomed by her family.

1317 Butler Creek Rd.

Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284

Girls on the Run

- 7/8/07

is a life changing after school program for 3rd-5th grade girls. The interactive curriculum combines self-esteem enhancing lessons with uplifting workouts aimed to develop the Whole girl; her physical, mental, emotional and social self.

Starts the week of Sept 24!

Multiple locations, days and times. Please call Amber at the Whatcom Family YMCA 733-8630 or email aswim@whatcomymca.org. We are looking for coaches too!

Race Beneath the Sun Winners

- 7/1/07

Joel Gillman, Stacy Twaddle, winners of this years race

The Race Beneath the Sun lived up to it's name this year as runners ran the 5 mile trail course under clear and sunny skies, and plenty of sun. 15 junior competitors completed the 1/2 mile kids race to start the day off, while 59 runners and walkers finished the 5 mile course.

This year's overall overall winners (Pictured right) were Joel Gillman and Stacy Twaddle.

Cross Country Day Camp to run in July

- 6/11/07

The first ever cross country running camp will take place this summer during July 23-27 sponsored by Bellingham Parks and Recreation and run by local coaches Mark Kerr and Kevin Ryan. The camp is open to all boys and girls who will be entering grades 6-12 in Fall of 2007. Students both new and experienced will be introduced to key drills and proper running technique. The hours are from 8:30 to 1:00 daily and will take place at Sehome High School Field.

Click this link to get more information and print out a registration form.

New Race Directors needed for the Padden Mudfest

- 5/24/07

Ed and Kathleen Harri, who started the Padden Mudfest and have built it into one of the most enjoyable races on the GBRC calendar, would like to hand over responsibility for the race to a new set of race directors. This year’s race is scheduled for Sunday 4 November. Ed and Kathleen will be on hand to help the new directors, so this is an opportunity to transition into the role of directing an established race under the guidance of experienced RDs. If you are willing to

serve the local running community in this capacity, or would like to discuss the possibility before committing, please contact either Ed Harri or Tjalling Ypma.tel. 734-2616)

2007 Holland Days 5K/10K Fun Run/Walk Results

- 5/8/07

Area talent from Bellingham and Ferndale took top honors, but local youth were also showcased at the annual Holland Days Run on Saturday, May 5th. Of the top ten places in the 5K men's race, seven were taken by Lynden High School and Lynden Christian High School runners. All runners 18 years and younger received free entrance to the event, and all adult entry fees received go toward the Holland Days festival fund.

Both 5K races were hotly contested with close finishes. In the men's 5K race, RB Wick held off Kevin Olson to win in a fast 16:40 (Olson won the master's division). In the women's 5K race, Diana Robinson became the first person to win at both distances (after winning the women's 10K last year) in narrowly beating Nikki Terpstra of Lynden. She also was the master's division champion.

Joel Pearson, who coaches track in Lynden, took first place honors in the men's 10K,... [Read full story]

GBRC High School Scholarships Deadline Nears

- 5/4/07

A $500.00 running scholarship will be awarded by the GBRC to one qualified college bound senior male and female runner (2 total recipients) from Whatcom County High Schools. The awards are not based on need but on merit. It is intended for college related expenses (i.e. tuition, room & board). The GBRC Scholarship Committee will have sole responsibility for choosing the recipients. Completed

applications must be received no later than May 31, 2007. Each high school should have copies of the applications, or you can receive one by e-mailing Christy Fazio.

Girls on the Run of Northwest Washington Summer Camps

- 5/4/07

The program curriculum will be condensed into one week that will be with self-development learning, running, and carious fun and fitness activities. The week will end in a 5K run/walk for participants, friends and family. For more information please contact the Whatcom YMCA at (360) 733-8630 or bhyslop@whatcomymca.org.

• Ages: Girls entering into grades 3-5
  

• Dates: July 9 - 13, July 23 - 27, August 13 - 17
  

• Days: Monday - Friday
  

• Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
  

• Location: Lake Padden
  

• Fee: 110.00 per week
  

Volunteers Wanted for Trail Maintenance!

- 1/31/07

The severe windstorms that hit Whatcom County during the last couple of months has left quite a toll on the Chuckanut Mt. trails. There are still many trees and limbs covering the trails, some of them creating significant barriers for runners. In order to get the course for the Chuckanut 50K in reasonable condition we are planning a trail cleanup day on Saturday, Feb 24, and are looking for volunteers.

Right now several sections of the course have anything from loose branches on the trail to large trees over the trails. We'll be using pruners, hand saws and hands to help make the course as hazard free and obstacle free as possible for the race scheduled March 17. Please email Rick Hill at

rickjhill@gmail.com if you are interested in helping out or have any questions. We'll be meeting at Fairhaven Park at 9:00 AM to coordinate who will go... [Read full story]

Chuckanut 50K Filled for 2007

- 12/2/06

The 325 slots and most of the 50 standby positions for the 2007 Chuckanut 50K filled within a week this year, much faster than previous years. Currently there are only about 10 standby places left before the registration closes for this year. Just a reminder for GBRC members that have signed up; because this race takes place in 2007 we need your 2007 membership renewal to be turned in before the registration is considered complete. You should have received an e-mail from GBRC membership after registration.

This link takes you to the membership renewal form if you have not started your renewal process yet.

Girls On the Run Looking for Volunteer Coaches

- 12/1/06

Girls on the Run is looking for Volunteer Coaches in Lynden, Ferndale, Bellingham, and Blaine! Please contact Brie Hyslop at the Whatcom Family YMCA at (360) 733-8630 or bhyslop@whatcomymca.org.

Chuckant 50K, Birch Bay Marathon Registration Now Open

- 11/21/06

Online Registration opened this week for the GBRC's two long runs, the Chuckanut 50K in mid-March, and the Birch Bay Marathon in mid February. Birch Bay offers two distances, a 25K and a Certified Boston Qualifying Marathon. The Chuckanut 50K's growing popularily is reflected in how quickly it fills each year. The limit of 300 entrants filled in about a month last year, but this year it has more than half way filled on the first day. If you have any thought about running this course this year, you should register very soon.

Links to the registration page can be found on each races home page. Just follow the link on the left under GBRC races.

New GBRC Online Registration for Padden Mudfest

- 10/7/06

The GBRC is trying out its own online registration system for some of the larger races. The first race to give this a try is the Padden Mudfest, scheduled for Sunday, November 5. Many of the existing online registration systems build in a fee for using them. All of the GBRC runs are free to members, except the Chuckanut 50K, so by having the registration on the GBRC site, no fees are charged for the registration process. If any money is due, either because of options like a t-shirt or for a non-gbrc member race fee, payment options include credit card payment through PayPal (with no add-on fees) or printing an invoice and mailing in a check or money order.

This system is being piloted with the Mudfest, and will be used for the Birch Bay Marathon and Chuckanut 50K later next year. Because the Mudfest has a limit on the number of runners that can participate, pre-registration would be an... [Read full story]

GBRC Fall Trail Runs to Start Sept 6

- 9/3/06

GBRC would like to invite all members to join us for the Fall Trail Running series

starting Wednesday, September 6 and running through October. Runners will meet at a variety of locations at 5:00 pm each Wednesday and either car pool to a trail or run from the meeting place. The runs usually take 45-60 minutes and cover a variety of terrain, from the almost flat Nooksack Dike to the very hilly Fragrance

Lake trail. Runners of all speeds are welcome.

This is a very popular and well attended series of runs, led by Craig Barlett and others. It gives runners a chance to sample a variety of trails while enjoying the company of other GBRC runners. While the runs are planned to finish before dark, it's a good idea to bring a flashlight and adequate clothing and/or a space blanket when running in the woods near dusk. The first run takes place at the Stimpson trail, runners meet at Civic... [Read full story]

Lake Whatcom Run Winners

- 8/12/06

Kevin Olsen, Donna Rode and Sean Messiter, this year's winners.

This year the frisbee trophy for top man went to both Kevin Olsen and Sean Messiter. (Well, I guess it does take two people to use a frisbee..)

Donna Rode, the woman's race winner, gets her own. This run, open to members only because of the limited parking and space on the course, is always low key and fun, featuring a tailgate potluck after the race. Results have been posted.

High School Scholarship Winners Announced

- 7/18/06

This year's scholarship recipients are Heather O'Moore and Dusty Caseria, both from Sehome High School. Heather started her running career in 7th grade, but really took to running when she entered high school. In Cross Country, Heather raced in 4 State Championship Meets; in track, she ran any distance from 800 to 3200 meters, posting times that remain on Sehome's All-Time best list. Next year, Heather will be attending Whitman College in Walla Walla.

Dusty also began his running career at an early age, and has been a standout ever since. In Cross Country, Dusty was a member of Sehome's varsity squad all 4 years, with this year's team winning the state title. In track this year, Dusty set a new school record in the 800 of 1:56, and placed 3rd in state in the 1600 with a time of 4:17. Next year, Dusty will be attending Whitworth College in Spokane.

Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew Coming to Bellingham

- 7/1/06

Bellingham WA. Aug 10th thru 13th – The International Mountain Bicycling Association’s (IMBA) Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew will be in town to talk trails, teach people proper trail building technique, and spend quality time digging in the dirt. The visit is one of 70 stops on the 2006 schedule. Everyone is invited to attend the weekend’s events.

The award-winning Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew program includes two full-time, professional teams of trail experts who travel North America year-round, leading IMBA Trail building Schools, meeting with government officials and land managers, and working with IMBA-affiliated groups to improve mountain biking opportunities. IMBA’s Crews have led more than 1,000 trail projects since the program debuted in 1997. The Crews teach “sustainable” trail building, which means building trails that last a long time and require minimal maintenance. This... [Read full story]

Stommish Relay Womens Team

- 6/30/06

Stommish Relay Winners

The 60th Annual Stommish Water Festival wrapped up last weekend, which included

a mile run, and 5K race, and a Relay/Iron Man Event. The winning womens relay team

"Autumn Rose" are shown after the run/bike/canoe event. Results for the Kwina mile run and relay

are in the results section.

GBRC Announces New 2007 Race Fees

- 6/17/06

In response to increasing costs associated with racing in Whatcom County, new

non-member race fees have been established as follows (members continue at no charge):

• Lake Samish – 6.5 mile $8, ½ marathon $10

• Two For the Road - $5 each participant

• Honeywagon – 4 mile $8, ½ marathon $10

• Race Beneath the Sun - $8

• Lake Padden Relay - $5 each participant

• Turkey Trot - $8

• Fairhaven Frosty – $ 8 both distances

The GBRC board recognizes that free races to our members is a key part of club membership. To that end, we provide 10-12 free-to-member races per year. Due to the complex and costly nature of the Chuckanut 50k, however, beginning in 2007, all runners will be required to pay: members - $20, nonmembers - $30.

Chuckanut Foot Race Under New Sponsorship, Better than Ever

- 6/7/06

This year the Chuckanut Foot Race enters it's 39th year of continuous operation with a new sponsor, Fairhaven Runners. The flagship race of the running club takes place on July 8 and 9AM and has several significant improvements. Chip timing, free technical shirts for the first 400 entrants, prize money, live music and

great after race food and drink are all in store for this year's runners and walkers. Follow the links on this page for more details, or check the Fairhaven Runners Website.

Race Beneath the Sun

- 6/4/06

The Start of the kids run at the Race Beneath the Sun

The weather was perfect for the runners, spectators and volunteers for the Race Beneath the Sun. 18 kids and 53 runners finished the races. Top finishers for men and women were Robert Durrant and Lora Olinger. See the complete results listed from the link above or go to the results page. Thanks to all of the sponsors and volunteers who make these races so good.

GBRC Track Workouts to Change to Sehome High Track

- 5/14/06

Track season is underway and Bellingham runners are feeling the crunch of Track Space created by the temporary closure of Civic Field for renovation. The GBRC

Track Workouts that have been held at Squalicum High School track are moving once again. Squalicum is the home track for the four Bellingham Middle Schools. For the next month or so, maybe the rest of the season, the GBRC track workouts will be held at Sehome High School's track. Workouts will be at the same time, 5:30 pm on Wednesdays. Check the calendar or the next 30 days section on this website for the most up to date information.

Haggen to Haggen 5k

- 5/14/06

Keefer Whan and Michael Lynes, before the start of the race

Ian Frazier of Port Townsend, Clay Wing from Sedro Woolley, and Sean Messiter of Bellingham won the men's race, while Beth Hartsoch, Kelly Molaski, and Carol Fazey, all of Bellingham, took top honors for the women. It was a gorgeous day with a record turn out. 666 runners finished the race, with an estimated 700 or more walkers putting around 1400 participants on the course Saturday morning from the Sehome Village Haggen store to the Meridian Haggen Store.

Like all GBRC events, this couldn't happen without the backing and resources of Haggen and the many GBRC and community volunteers. We would like to thank everyone for making this race the great event that it has become. Race results are posted, see the link above or the results menu.

Jean La Valley & Rick Hill, GBRC CO-Race Directors.

Bellingham Runners do the Sunflower Run

- 5/7/06

Running along Lake Patterson during the Sunflower

The Sunflower Relay/Iron event is a 21.5 mile relay/ultra between Mazama and Twisp, Wa. This year Bellingham had good representation with 15 runners doing the ultra event. (Including 4 GBRC Board Members!) Some of the notable performances

include Beau Whitehead at 4th overall; Chuck Dooley,John Clark and Scott Young at 17, 18, and 19th.

The course runs through open fields, hillsides, woods filled with wild sunflowers in bloom. There were 115 individuals that finished the ultra course. While Bellingham had a grey cool day filled with showers, the sunflower course was warm and often sunny with beautiful views.

Check the Sunflower Website to see complete results and learn more about this great race.