Our Mission

To offer a safe, fun, and professionally run multi-discipline event that supports local businesses and organizations, and showcases all that Bellingham has to offer: a healthy and thriving community with a world-class venue and recreation scene.

History

The roots of the Lake Whatcom Triathlon date back more than 12 years, when pro triathletes came to compete in Bellingham's well-known Baker's Breakfast Cookies ITU International Triathlon in an attempt to qualify for the 2004 Olympic Games and other ITU events. The race drew pros like Olympic-medalist Sheila Taormina and nationally ranked Bellevue-native Joe Umphenour. That event last took place in 2005, but the spirit of the race has been kept alive over the years through the Homemade Cookie Tri and, more recently, the Homemade Pie Tri. These laid-back organic events put more emphasis on local community than official timing chips and medals (finishers received edible "awards" in the form of cookies or pie). They also highlighted Lake Whatcom and the surrounding area as a prime venue for triathlon and multi-sport events.

Olympic-distance triathlon officially came alive again in 2017 with the Lake Whatcom Triathlon (LWT), a timed event that welcomes athletes and relay teams. The race includes a 1500-meter swim on Lake Whatcom, 40km bike ride along North Shore Drive and Y Road, and a 10km run around the trails of Whatcom Falls Park, with the transition area and start/finish lines at Bloedel Donovan Park. The event will draw beginner to elite athletes, in individual and relay divisions, and will include a vendor area for athletes and spectators.