BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The team behind the Chuckanut 50k race in Bellingham will be hosting the Chuckanut Kids Race on March 15.

The half mile loop, geared for runners 12 and under, goes through Fairhaven Park near the finish line of the esteemed Chuckanut 50k race. Runners are able to run that loop as many times as they can in a 30-minute period.

The Kids Race helps support Whatcom County Girls on the Run, a community organization that works to get young runners out and about to discover, build and grow their self-confidence. Coaches and team members from Girls on the Run will be stationed throughout the half mile loop to count laps, cheer on the runners and hand out tickets and prizes.

Chuckanut 50k Race Director Krissy Moehl started the Kids Race when she began going for runs with her partner’s daughter. She realized that the finish line of the 50k is dormant until the runners complete the rigorous course and wanted to involve the younger generation in the spirit of running.

“I was hard-nosed on it only being a 50k for years,” said Moehl. “The community that jumped around [the Kids Race] was so cool.”

Additionally, $10 from every $25 registration fee will go straight to Whatcom County Girls on the Run.

Courtesy of Krissy Moehl

“The first year, we had 50 kids sign up. Then 75 the next year, so this has continued to grow,” said Moehl. “We’ve worked with Girls on the Run for years.”

Runners can register on the day of the race, but Moehl the team behind the Kids Race encourage everyone interested to register ahead of time. The race begins at 10:00 a.m. and concludes at 10:30 a.m., just around 30 minutes before the first finishers of the Chuckanut 50k come flying through the finish line.

For more information on the Kids Race and how to register a runner, head to the Chuckanut 50k website.