The Bellingham Trail Running Club and Fairhaven Runners are excited to continue the tradition of Jake Hartsoch’s Thanksgiving World XC Championships XVII for 2025!
This legendary event started back in 2009 when Jake dreamed up a Thanksgiving morning race that didn’t take itself too seriously — just friends, mud, and joy. Jake passed away in 2024 while climbing the mountain he loved the most, but his spirit still blazes through every ridiculous costume and every runner smiling through Cornwall Park. BBAY Running carried the torch from 2016-2024, and we’re honored to keep Jake’s magic alive in 2025.
It has been called magic. It has been called profound.
It’s a lot to take in. We know.
At its core, it is the most beautiful footrace the world has ever seen... or maybe just a bunch of people running through the park in silly costumes on Thanksgiving morning. Heck we don’t really know.
But rest assured the sweet sauce that is the Thanksgiving Cross Country World Championships does not disappoint.
This is a 5.4km (3.4 mi) cross country run through Cornwall Park Thanksgiving morning. We take all comers. Run, walk, smile, wear a costume, wear your underwear. We don't really care. The run starts at 9 AM.
Invite anyone you'd like. There will be prizes. There will be running. Unfortunately, there might be some spandex.
We are again hosting a Food Drive for Bellingham Food Bank!
Bellingham Foodbank pantry needs:
-Peanut butter and canned meat
-Seed and nut butters (peanut free).
-Pinto beans and rice,
-Boxed milks,
-Diapers and baby formula,
-Menstrual products,
-Kid friendly foods.
Please bring your donation near the start line before the run. Thank you for helping us feed hungry neighbors!
Date: Thursday November 27th
Start Time: 9 am
Meeting Location:
XC Champs start line: Across the bridge just south of water park
Google Map:
https://goo.gl/maps/iGuNFHV1iY42
Link to Strava Event:
https://www.strava.com/clubs/1338459/group_events/3419408083486399064
Link to Route:
https://www.strava.com/routes/3419071651766081430
*This isn't a sanctioned event, just a bunch of people getting together to run through the trees and be thankful and what not. It’s family friendly and please no alcohol.
Photo Albums
2024 XC World Champs XVI
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1124790656316136&type=3
2022 XC World Champs XIV
https://www.facebook.com/media/set?set=a.579934054135135&type=3
2021 XC World Champs XIII
https://www.facebook.com/media/set?set=a.5171154809565931&type=3
2019 XC World Champs X
https://www.facebook.com/media/set?set=a.3061546407193459&type=3
Also check out other Sports events in Bellingham, Trips & Adventurous Activities in Bellingham, Meetups in Bellingham.
