About
The race
The Chuckanut 50k is a mountain ultra with technical terrain and variable weather. The lollipop course starts and finishes on with 10k on the Interurban Trail with smooth running to start and finish. The middle 30k is what this race is known for as you get to climb (5,000ft), traverse and descend the famous Chuckanut Mountain Ridge exposing runners to the elements as well as the beautiful pnw terrain.
Our commitment
Equal podium spots Equal prize money and awards Women's specific swag and apparel Menstrual products at aid stations Equal opportunity and space for women on the starting line
We acknowledge that we are on the traditional and unceded lands of the Coast Salish Peoples, specifically the ancestral territories of the Lummi Nation and Nooksack Tribe. We honor their enduring care and stewardship of these lands and waters since time immemorial, and we offer our deepest respect and gratitude to our Indigenous neighbors for their continued protection of these shared lands and waterways.
What we support
We encourage everyone to give directly to these organizations at registration or any time during the year.
- Girls on the Run of Whatcom County: the Kids' Race has been a benefit event for Girls on the Run since 2022.
- Runners for Public Lands: building a movement of runners dedicated to equitable access, stewardship and protection of the places we run.
- Washington Trails Association: connecting everyone to the outdoors and building a community that gives back to trails and public lands.
Increasing Inclusivity
We want everyone to feel welcome at the Chuckanut 50k and remain open ears and also seeking resources on ways to include anyone that wants to run. Following the guidelines of United in Stride, we added a Visually Impaired Division to the Chuckanut 50k in 2019. This is to encourage and let runners know we will do our best to involve anyone that is interested and prepared to run our race course. In 2023 we added a Non-Binary category that receives cash and awards equally. In 2024 we partnered with RIDC, through sponsor Patagonia, to invite Running Industry Diversity Coalition athletes to our start line. Please contact race director Krissy with questions and for additional information.
Chuckanut 50k makes efforts towards sustainability in the production of our race - UltraSignUp Article: The race to sustainability
Brief Race History
This event is possible from the coordination with our coRDs Kevin & Tyler and the many amazing hours of help and support by many committed volunteers year after year.
1993
The Chuckanut 50k has been around since 1993.
Doug McKeever and Richard West started the race and led the charge for ten years.
2000
In 2000 RD Krissy Moehl participated in the Chuckanut 50k as her first ultra.
“When Doug and Richard “retired” in 2002, I decided to ensure that the Chuckanut 50k would continue. There is something about that first ultra that holds a special place in one’s heart.”
2003
Krissy assumed the race director role in 2003.
2010
Runner Girl Races, LLC, dba Chuckanut 50k was founded in 2010.
2012
Start of the Chuckanut 50k in 2012.
2020
The 2020 edition was canceled due to COVID-19.
2021
We held a Virtual version in 2021.
Dave Terry cruising into Aid #1, 2008
The Chuckanut 50k is dedicated to Dave Terry (1961-2009)
The following note written in January 2010 from race founder Doug McKeever captures our dedication to DT:
“Chuckanut was a special race for Dave and I think he liked the present course that Richard and I designed more than we did! The technical trails, the mud, the long climbs and descents on gravel roads, and the 10 km flat out and back on the crushed rock path ALL matched Dave’s versatile running skills. I remember him writing me a thank-you note, which he concluded (after we had muttered about some course changes): “It’s a classic….don’t ever change it!”
Special Thanks
To Peggy & Dennis Moehl (aka Ma & Pa Moehl). They give so much of their time, life and energy to making each year a success.
Doug McKeever, former RD, marked and cleaned the course through 2024.
Steve Loitz. Through many life events Steve swept the course on race day every year from 2003-2018.
To Ellen Beecroft for her major contribution the as co-RD 2010-2012. Ellen's hard work ethic made the 20th anniversary a huge success. With just the two of us we pulled off double the event size and triple the work load.
Heather Anderson added her flair as co-RD in 2013 & 2014. She coordinated volunteers and managed local details.
Kristie Ensley (2015 & 2016) brought her friendship and caring nature to coordinating the volunteers and tirelessly helping with connecting the race with the community. Her energy filled the work days leading up to, and on race day, with laughs while getting stuff done.
Kevin Douglas & Tyler Pouley for their energy and awesome collaboration to pull off the 25th Running Celebration in 2017 and continued partnership since.
