❋
July 31st - August 1st 2027 | Lake Padden Park, Bellingham, WAHamster Endurance Runs
Photo by Takao Suzuki
Hamster Endurance Runs began in 2013 as a fun, community-centered way to run big miles while giving back to local organizations. In 2018, Kelly Krieger passed the torch to Gretchen Walla, who helped grow Hamster into the welcoming and community-driven event it is today.
Beginning in 2027, Trailkind Endurance LLC is honored to continue the next chapter of Hamster Endurance Runs while preserving the inclusive spirit, supportive community, and unforgettable endurance experience that have made Hamster so special.
At its core, Hamster has always been about more than running in circles — it’s about community, kindness, and showing up for one another.
Photo by Takao Suzuki
Registration for the 2027 Hamster Endurance Runs opens January 1st, 2027 on UltraSignup.
To keep the event personal and the trails uncrowded, the race is limited to 130 runners total. Once each event fills, a waitlist will open.
Every runner will receive a handcrafted finisher keepsake. Runners who reach the 100-mile mark will also earn a custom Hamster Endurance belt buckle.
Awards will be presented to the top three women, men, and non-binary finishers in each timed event.
Whether you're chasing a PR, your first ultra, or simply seeing how far you can go, we're excited to share the trails with you. We can't wait to cheer you on every step of the way.
Registration & Pricing
| Registration Period | 6 Hour | 12 Hour | 24 Hour | 32 Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Bird through February 5 |
$85 | $110 | $180 | $200 |
| Regular through June 25 |
$110 | $140 | $225 | $250 |
| Last Chance through July 27 |
$125 | $170 | $255 | $280 |
Registration fees help cover race insurance, chip timing, permits, custom finisher awards, 100-mile buckles, aid station food, and everything that goes into creating a fun, welcoming race weekend for our community.
Photo by Takao Suzuki
Course information
The course will be the well marked 2.6 mile trail that circumnavigates Lake Padden. The trail will have obvious markers and additional glow lights for the night time hours. The trail is a wooded, natural setting so it’s required that runners come prepared with headlamps. Trail surface is compact dirt and/or crushed gravel, nontechnical, with minimal elevation change. Each loop has 150+ ft. of elevation gain.
Photo by Takao Suzuki
Aid Station & Runner Support
One of our favorite parts of race day is taking care of runners. Whether you're out for 6 hours or pushing through the night, we'll have plenty of fuel and encouragement waiting for you each lap.
Our aid station will be stocked with water, electrolyte drink, individually packaged snacks, chips, gels, fruit, and other runner favorites. We'll also have a variety of wraps—including the legendary peanut butter & pickle (trust us on this one!).
For our 24 and 32-hour runners, we'll have hot food and warm drinks available overnight and again Sunday morning. We'll share the final menu closer to race day once we know what cooking equipment we're able to use.
We will have gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options available at the aid station. However, because all food is prepared and served in a shared space, we cannot guarantee that cross-contamination won't occur. If you have severe allergies, strict dietary restrictions, or specific fueling needs, we encourage you to bring your own nutrition so you can race with confidence.
We'll have a large drop bag area, and runners are welcome to set up at the designated picnic tables under the shelter. Gluten-free and vegan options will also be available at the aid station.
Rest & Recovery
Tent camping isn't permitted outside the shelter, but runners are welcome to rest or nap in their vehicles whenever they need.
A limited number of runners will be able to rest under the shelter overnight during the 24 and 32-hour races. Historically, this hasn't been an issue, as everyone naturally spreads out throughout the night. We encourage our overnight runners to think of their vehicle as a second aid station—a comfortable place to recharge, reset, and get ready for the next lap.
Photo by Takao Suzuki
schedule
-
6:30-7:45 AM – Check in at Lake Padden (HEADS UP – the bathrooms will be open around 7:00am. Sorry for the pre-race inconvenience!)
8:00 AM – Start for 32 hour runners
8:05 AM – Start for 24 hour runners
8:10 AM – Start for 12 hour runners
8:15 AM – Start for 6 hour runners
2:15 PM – Finish for 6 hour runners (prizes handed or mailed to runners)
8:10 PM – Finish for 12 hour runners (prizes handed or mailed to runners)
-
8:05 AM – Finish for 24 hour runners (belt buckles handed to runners as they finish)
4:00 PM – Finish for 32 hour runners (belt buckles handed to runners as they finish)
Photo by Takao Suzuki
Photo by Takao Suzuki
directions
Start/Finish will be at the south end of Lake Padden near the baseball fields. Parking at or near the site is adequate but please carpool if possible.
I-5 From the South:
Take exit #246 towards N. Lake Samish. Turn left onto south Samish Way, turn left onto Lakeshore Dr./park entrance.
Follow drive straight towards lake and look for parking directions.
I-5 From the North:
Take exit #252 Samish Way/WWU. Turn left onto Samish Way. Take first right to stay on S. Samish Way
Turn right onto Lakeshore Dr./park entrance
Follow drive straight towards lake and look for parking directions.
Camping is available nearby – Larrabee State Park campground – BOOK NOW!
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Tents are not permitted due to park rules but canopies are allowed near the shelter. You are also welcome to nap in your cars or near the shelter at any point in time.
-
If the race is cancelled due to poor air quality or other unsafe environmental conditions, registrations are non-refundable.
However, your registration may be deferred to the following year's event at no additional cost.
Participant safety is our top priority, and any cancellation decisions will be made with the health and safety of runners, volunteers, and staff in mind.
-
Yes:
95% refund by April 1, 2027 (we account for time and fees to mail a refund check)
50% refund April 2 – June 30, 2027
No refunds on or after July 1, 2027
-
Yes, send us an email.
-
Yes, spectators and/or crew are allowed. Please crew your runner at the start/finish of each loop under or near the shelter. There is plenty of room to spread out near the shelter – many runners set-up a staging area under trees near the bathrooms.
-
Yes, pacers are allowed for the 32 hour and 24 hour events once the 12 hour event is wrapped up a little after 8pm Saturday. Only one pacer at a time but a runner may have more than one pacer help.
-
Yes, you can either bump up or drop down distances. You will have to pay a difference if you bump up into a race and you will not receive a refund for dropping down
-
Hamster Endurance Runs has insurance under USATF which does not allow runners to compete with dogs. Dogs are welcome on leash near the start/finish/aid station area.
results and Photos
All photos taken by Takao Suzuki
Sponsors
There are several businesses, local and nationwide, that are supporting Hamster Endurance Runs!
