Ski to Sea has come to a close for yet another year, and what a race it was. Pacific North Sports took first place in a neck-and-neck finish, overtaking Marr's Heating during the kayak leg to claim the top spot on the podium. Pacific had been hot on Marr's heels for much of the race.
Pacific North's kayaker Ian Sawyer rang the bell just 30 seconds ahead of Marr's, crediting the event organizers' decision to use the longer sea kayak route as a key factor in his team's victory.
Marr's Heating finished second despite a last-minute lineup change in the kayak leg. Competitor Esteban Juranovics stepped in after Greg Redman, the originally scheduled kayaker, was injured in a car accident just two days before the May 24th race.
Perennial podium contender Boomer's Drive-In came in third, nearly eight minutes behind Marr's. Nelson's Market — featuring Olympiad kayaker Jonas Ecker — finished fourth, and Yeager's Sporting Goods rounded out the top five.
The race saw some notable changes from previous years. The cross-country ski route was shortened due to a lack of snow, which contributed to an average 10-minute speed increase for the top two teams. Concerns about snowmelt also affected conditions during the first two legs of the race.
The top two finishing teams featured familiar faces from four-time champion Birch Equipment, who elected not to compete together this year.
A Great Turnout for Ski to Sea 2026
This year's Ski to Sea drew an exceptional crowd, with enthusiastic spectators lining the course from Mount Baker all the way to Bellingham Bay. Volunteer and participant numbers were up across the board, reflecting the community's enduring passion for the event. Fairhaven's finish line area was buzzing with energy as fans gathered to cheer on teams and celebrate the region's spirit of adventure and camaraderie. The strong showing this year is a testament to just how much this beloved Whatcom County tradition means to locals and visitors alike.
Ski to Sea is a 93-mile, seven-leg relay race featuring zany costumes, Olympic athletes, car-free competitors, and countless emotional highs and lows as teams traverse the stunning landscape of Whatcom County.
