Run with the Chums 2026 – It was really (finny) fun!!
What happens when 400 people, dozens of dogs, 2 parakeets and a pig gather with 9 organizations on a sunny Saturday to celebrate salmon, water, orcas, and community? To quote a Run with the Chums 2026 participant, a "really (finny) fun event!!"
Participants in Run with the Chums experience more than a 5K course, with a mix of beautiful views, educational signage, hopscotch, and chalk art along the way. Before the race kids can participate in an obstacle course, and after the race participants enjoy awards and a trivia raffle. Throughout the event, attendees can explore interactive and educational booths from local organizations working to support community, clean water, and salmon! It is no wonder that this Whatcom Water Week kick-off event has become an annual tradition for many!
The event always begins with the Smolt Sprint Obstacle course. Children under ten compete to outrace each other through a series of obstacles that call to mind the challenges salmon will face on their journey between ocean and stream. Some kids loved the race so much that they decided to run the course again after their heat was finished! Mascots Sammy the Salmon and Wayne Drop led the way and encouraged all the Smolt Sprint fin-ishers.
After the smolt sprint and Sammy’s moonwalk across the starting line, the 5K began. With sunshine and a breeze in the air some participants worked to beat a personal best while others strolled with their friends. Dozens of dogs, a couple of parrots in a carrier, and a leashed pig joined the fun alongside their humans. As participants ran, walked, or rolled through the BP Highlands they could enjoy views of the Salish Sea, San Juan Islands, Mount Baker, farmland, and BP Cherry Point.
The fastest runners, dogs, and young families all received recognition. Then a drawing for everyone who filled out the raffle was held. Answers for the trivia raffle could be found on course and from partner booths. Whether someone wanted to experience live art, check out a book, play a Ukulele, or connect and learn about our shared water the booths had it all!
This event is a team effort, and we are very grateful to all the organizations and people that helped make it happen! Thank you to our co-host Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Management District (BBWARM). Thank you to our 2026 sponsors: Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association (NSEA), Blaine-Birch Bay Parks & Recreation District 2 (BBBPRD2), Whatcom Water Alliance, Birch Bay Water and Sewer District (BBWSD), BP Cherry Point Refinery, Deb & Dave Hiller eXp Realty, and MC Portables & Septic, LLP. Thank you BBWARM, Cherry Point Aquatic Reserve, NSEA, Whatcom County Library System (WCLS), WLT, and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) for sharing your time and expertise with everyone at Run with the Chums! Thank you to our ten wonderful volunteers who helped the event to run smoothly. Thank you to the organizations who donated provisions and/or prizes to the event including, Beach Cat Brewing, Birch Bay Bikes, Fairhaven Runners, and Hydaway. Thank you to the 400 people who spent their Saturday with us celebrating salmon, water, orcas, and community!
If you would like to join in the fun next year, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and/or subscribe to our monthly E-News to be one of the first to hear about the event and our other events and programs! You can also sign up for our free calendar, which is mailed to your door this December with all of Whatcom CD’s upcoming events.
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