BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The Jr. Ski to Sea race taps into the excitement of the community event by inspiring the younger generation to participate in outdoor recreation.

On May 11, the Jr. Ski to Sea race took place here in Whatcom County. The event was just two weeks before the annual Ski to Sea event, hosting thousands of racers from around the world.

The Jr. race allows for a smooth transition from Mount Baker to Lake Padden, offering two separate race locations with mass start times for skiing and running legs and adapting the course to accommodate to the skill level of participants.

The relay consists of downhill skiing or snowboarding at Mount Baker followed by running, biking and kayaking at Lake Padden. Kids ages 8-18 competed in the multisport race.

Sarah Beck, the Race Director for Jr. Ski to Sea, talked about the effect this race has in the community.

“We have so many people in Whatcom County that participate in Ski to Sea and for them to be able to share that excitement about the race with their children, and for them to do the same kind of race as their children, there’s been a lot of excitement,” Beck said. 

The Jr. Ski to Sea is only a couple years old and is always looking for feedback from the community, looking to grow and engage more participants as the event continues annually.  This year, the young racers tested out a brand-new course. 

“We made improvements from last year to this year and tweaked some stuff. So, it’s just a matter of time getting together and meeting with everybody from different legs to see their feedback.” Beck said. 

As Ski to Sea gets closer, the race committee is still looking to organize around 500 to 600 volunteers. Anyone interested in volunteering at this year’s race on May 26 for the canoe, kayak or cyclocross legs are able to sign up at the Ski to Sea volunteer page.