The thirty-first running of the Chuckanut 50km took place over the weekend, and while the event has been spoiled by good weather since the pandemic, the 2025 edition was not for the faint of heart. After a dry week, race morning found Bellingham, Washington, battered by wet, cold conditions that would muddy the runners quickly. Despite challenging conditions that included snow sticking to the ground on the upper section of the course, 624 runners made it back to Fairhaven Park as official finishers into the arms of race director Krissy Moehl.
While Dylan has well over 60 ultra-distance finishes to his name on UltraSignup this was his first time at Chuckanut. Here’s what he had to say, “After 17 years in the sport, it feels like it’s finally time for me to start ticking some classics off my to-do list. The Chuckanut 50k in beautiful Bellingham, WA has been a staple of the early season calendar for 31 years, making it one of the oldest ultra races in the country. I remember becoming intrigued with the event in 2011 when Ellie Greenwood and Geoff Roes were at the height of their powers, winning the race in then-course record times. Still, it took until 2025 for me to find myself on the start line ready to take on the race myself. I covered a bit about my experience on this week’s Rest Day pod, but the short version is that I still thoroughly love the game even as my ability to perform has fallen off a cliff. Chuckanut provided a complex but engaging course, a great community vibe, and enough inclement weather to keep things interesting. It was a joyful 31 miles in the PNW.”
Dylan handled the tricky course on a challenging day like a seasoned veteran, including being a middle of the race “good guy” giving his jacket to a runner in need which allowed us to safely help get the runner off course. Rumor has it we might be able to talk Dylan into coming back next year (looking at you weather gods).
Need a little more Chuckanut? You and me both! If you haven’t yet checked out Ryan Thrower’s edit from race day, find that here. Since we have you check out a selection of Ryan’s snaps from the day.
Women’s Top Ten
(1) Jade Belzberg 4:22:40
(2) Klaire Rhodes 4:24:44
(3) Sarah Carter 4:29:07
(4) Abigal West 4:34:22
(5) Sarah Paxson 4:35:16 (First Master)
(6) Heidi Ohrling 4:37:45
(7) Jenny Quilty 4:44:17
(8) Mercedes Vince 4:45:09
(9) Katherine Boere 4:46:13
(10) Sarah Trautman 4:46:32
Men’s Top Ten
(1) Chris Myers 3:39:10
(2) Karl Augsten 3:49:04
(3) Andrew Rylaarsdam 3:51:13
(4) Tracen Knopp 3:51:41
(5) Ryan Sullivan 3:54:02
(6) Chris Balenstrini 3:58:48
(7) Matt Seidel 3:59:19
(8) Will Murray 4:00:56
(9) Greg Krachwohl 4:01:07
(10) Gub Gibbs 4:01:32