Ski to Sea 2026 Registration Opens at Record Pace as Teams Race for Spots

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Registration for the 2026 Ski to Sea Race opened Jan. 1 and immediately surged, putting the 2026 event on track for another early sellout.

As of early January, 186 teams have already registered. That total more than doubles last year’s pace at the same point. As a result, the race has reached 35 percent capacity in less than two weeks.

By comparison, registration did not fill until Feb. 14 in 2025. Organizers now expect a similar outcome this year.

The iconic multisport relay returns Sunday, May 24, 2026, during Memorial Day weekend. The roughly 93-mile course begins with cross-country and downhill skiing at Mount Baker. From there, teams progress through running, road biking, canoeing, and cyclocross. Finally, racers finish with the sea kayak leg into Bellingham Bay.

Early Registration Discount

To encourage early sign-ups, organizers are offering a $50 discount to teams that register by Jan. 31. Otherwise, race officials report no changes to registration procedures or core race rules for 2026.

Veterans Division Age Requirement Updated

However, one notable adjustment affects the Veterans Division. For 2026, organizers increased the cumulative team age requirement from 385 to 410 years.

According to race officials, this change better separates the Veterans Division from the Masters Division. Even so, all teams that qualified as Veterans in 2025 remain eligible under the updated standard.

Jr. Ski to Sea Registration Opens Feb. 1

Meanwhile, the Jr. Ski to Sea race will return on Saturday, May 9, 2026. The youth-focused event includes elementary, middle, and high school athletes.

50 State Challenge Nears Completion

Additionally, the 50 State Challenge, launched in 2023 to mark the race’s 50th anniversary, continues into 2026. Only five states remain without representation: Arkansas, Delaware, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Rhode Island.

To close the gap, organizers are offering targeted incentives:

Free entry for teams made up entirely of racers from one remaining state
50 percent off entry fees for teams with one to four racers from one of those states

However, teams must obtain discount codes before registering. Organizers will not issue refunds for registrations completed without a code. In addition, racers must actively reside in the qualifying state.

For now, officials hope to assemble at least one full team from the remaining states. They also plan to use the race message board to help connect interested participants.

Full registration details and official rules for the 2026 Ski to Sea Race are available at skitosea.com.

As always, stay with PNW Daily for continued coverage of local events and outdoor recreation. If you plan to race in 2026, now is the time to secure a spot before registration fills.