Bellingham Swimrun Race Report 2026
Bellingham Swimrun Race Report 2026
Welcome to episode 339 of the Löw Tide Böyz - A Swimrun Podcast!
We just got back from Bellingham, Washington with the full race report from our third edition of Swimrun Bellingham at Lake Padden Park. This was race two of the 2026 season on the road to ÖTILLÖ, and true to a six-year tradition, we are sitting down to break it all down.
Chris came into this one carrying some extra weight after losing his father just a few weeks before the race, and there is something to be said for what it means to show up for each other in moments like that. Race 26 together. These local races matter not for the result but for exactly this kind of thing, and getting out on course at Lake Padden is its own reward. Brent and Quest Races put on a beautiful event again, and the venue is as good as swimrun gets.
On the race itself: Chris decided to lead most of the swims for the first time, which opened up some interesting territory heading toward ÖTILLÖ and alternating swim leads later in the season. We cover the gear setup (Ark Vigg wetsuits, Adidas Terrex shoes, arm sleeves, Frank Paddles LTBz Edition), the Precision Fuel & Hydration fueling breakdown from race day, and the small navigation adventure near the end that turned into a bonus loop and, honestly, a turning point for how we finished.
The last run came in at sub-eight-minute miles two-plus hours in. We crossed in around 2:25 as the first place men's long course team (one of one, but somebody has to be there) and first overall team on the day. Also, shout-out to the guy in the black beanie who told us we looked badass on the trail. We needed that.
Next up is Folsom Swimrun, one of the only swimruns in California and one we have been doing since it started. Come out and join us at Black Miners Bar. And if you are hearing about Swimrun Bellingham for the first time, go put it on next year's calendar. The Pacific Northwest is building something real.
Enjoy!
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Thanks for listening and see you out there!
Chip and Chris