Want to get loopy in beautiful Bellingham Washington? Run a 6, 12, 24, or 32 hour race around the gorgeous 2.6 mile Lake Padden loop. A wide and non-technical gravel path with 150 feet elevation gain per loop will allow runners the opportunity to stretch their legs and test their …
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Want to get loopy in beautiful Bellingham Washington? Run a 6, 12, 24, or 32 hour race around the gorgeous 2.6 mile Lake Padden loop. A wide and non-technical gravel path with 150 feet elevation gain per loop will allow runners the opportunity to stretch their legs and test their limits in classic PNW forests. A fun aid station atmosphere with experienced volunteers await all runners reach their goals!
The course will be the well marked 2.6 mile trail that circumnavigates Lake Padden. The trail will have obvious markers and additional glow lights for the night time hours. The trail is a wooded, natural setting so it’s required that runners come prepared with headlamps. Trail surface is compact dirt and/or crushed gravel, nontechnical, with minimal elevation change. Each loop has 150+ ft. of elevation gain.
Race support will include a variety of food, water and electrolyte drinks. There will be a variety of individually packed snacks, chips, gels, and more. Back by popular demand, a variety of wraps will be available including peanut butter and pickle (don’t knock it until you try it!). We will also have hot food and beverage options at night and Sunday morning for 24 & 32 hour runners. Updates will be shared as we get closer to the race when we know whether we can use portable stoves. We also encourage runners to bring their own fuel if there are special dietary restrictions and can not risk any cross contamination. We will have a large drop bag area, and runners will be welcome to use designated picnic tables under the shelter. There will be gluten free and vegan options!
Tent camping is not allowed outside the shelter but runners are allowed to take naps in their cars. 24 & 32 hour runners – we will only be allowed a few runners to rest during the night under the shelter. Based on Hamster history, this has not been an issue as runners spread out nicely. However, we encourage those going the distance to think of your car as a second aid station!
Why
While trying to achieve a time or distance goal, runners’ entry fees will support Whatcom Family YMCA’s Girl’s On the Run. Runners who complete 100 miles in their time category will receive a belt buckle.
Who
Walla Trails & Community was formed specifically to continue this event started by Kelly Krieger in 2013. The idea of helping runners with their goals while supporting a local organization doing excellent work sounded too good to pass up. With 17 years of non-profit work under my belt, three 100 mile belt buckles, and experience directing a night time trail running event called Twilight 12 Hour, I am passionate this event will be a win-win for everyone involved. The 2020 local non-profit will receive a donation courtesy of your entry fee:
Whatcom Family YMCA Scholarship Fund As a previous YMCA employee, I have seen firsthand what and how scholarships benefit families. Programs like Girls On the Run are fully funded by money received by the community.
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Very clique-y in my opinion
From the moment I went to pick up my shirt and bib the day before, I felt like I didn’t belong. I had to interrupt a conversation and then they … MORE
From the moment I went to pick up my shirt and bib the day before, I felt like I didn’t belong. I had to interrupt a conversation and then they looked at me like I was a cyclops. There was no shirt.. told me to ask about it the next day at the race. On race day I felt like no one was counting my laps. Yeah I’m shy but I tried to be seen and smile and wave when I came through each lap and I had the sense I was not seen, even though it’s about a quarter mile that you’re running up to the transition. I stopped at one point and asked and yes, they missed one of my laps. Then when I went to get snacks there were teenagers (not running the event) taking up the benches under the pavilion (it was 95 degrees that day) and eating the food and blocking the water and fluids area. I had brought enough support for myself in a backpack I stored under a shaded bench. It felt like if you didn’t know anyone then you were kind of invisible. In the end out of being there 12 hours and doing 16 laps (41.6 miles) there isn’t a single photo of me on the web. Also I came in 3rd on my age group so I wasn’t a complete loser entering the event. But in the end I kind of felt like it. The management is different now. This was just my experience in 2016.