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Gallery: 2023 Bellingham Traverse relay race

August 19, 2023 8:55 pm

The Bellingham FireFighters team runs under the outstretched arms of colleagues near the finish line. — The Bellingham FireFighters team runs under the outstretched arms of colleagues near the finish line. (Andy Bronson/Cascadia Daily News)

Rhoda Ko wears a cheesehead while paddling during the Bellingham Traverse on Aug. 19 in Bellingham. — Rhoda Ko wears a cheesehead while paddling during the Bellingham Traverse on Aug. 19 in Bellingham. (Andy Bronson/Cascadia Daily News)

A runner hands off a timing chip to a teammate at the mountain bike exchange at Lake Padden. — A runner hands off a timing chip to a teammate at the mountain bike exchange at Lake Padden. (Andy Bronson/Cascadia Daily News)

Paddlers complete four laps in Whatcom Creek channel after high winds forced a course change from going into Bellingham Bay. — Paddlers complete four laps in Whatcom Creek channel after high winds forced a course change from going into Bellingham Bay. (Andy Bronson/Cascadia Daily News)

Paddlers go four laps in Whatcom Creek channel. — Paddlers go four laps in Whatcom Creek channel. (Andy Bronson/Cascadia Daily News)

Runners make their way around the through walkers along Taylor Dock. — Runners make their way around the through walkers along Taylor Dock. (Andy Bronson/Cascadia Daily News)

A biker with team Mish Mash keeps his eyes on the path at Lake Padden. — A biker with team Mish Mash keeps his eyes on the path at Lake Padden. (Andy Bronson/Cascadia Daily News)

Spectators, with some attendees dressed up as a chicken and flamingo, watch paddlers in Whatcom Creek channel. — Spectators watch paddlers in Whatcom Creek channel. (Andy Bronson/Cascadia Daily News)

A racer with The Flaming Pickles bikes through the horse trails at Lake Padden. The team, consisting of racers ages 11 to 14, finished 26th of 49 teams. — A racer with The Flaming Pickles bikes through the horse trails at Lake Padden. The team, consisting of racers ages 11 to 14, finished 26th of 49 teams. (Andy Bronson/Cascadia Daily News)

A runner tears at his shirt as he runs down the Lake Padden trail. — A runner tears at his shirt as he runs down the Lake Padden trail. (Andy Bronson/Cascadia Daily News)

Birch Equipment teammates shake hands after winning the Bellingham Traverse relay race. — Birch Equipment teammates shake hands after winning the Bellingham Traverse relay race. (Andy Bronson/Cascadia Daily News)

Two teammates race hard for the finish line at Waypoint Park. — Two teammates race hard for the finish line at Waypoint Park. (Andy Bronson/Cascadia Daily News)

Dressed in inflatable flamingo suits, racers on team YMCA Department of Fun take turns going down the slide at Waypoint Park before heading to the finish line. — Dressed in inflatable flamingo suits, racers on team YMCA Department of Fun take turns going down the slide at Waypoint Park before heading to the finish line. (Andy Bronson/Cascadia Daily News)

A biker from The Old, The Young, and The Baddass makes the final descent in the mountain bike leg. — A biker from The Old, The Young, and The Baddass makes the final descent in the mountain bike leg. (Andy Bronson/Cascadia Daily News)

A mountain biker heads up the trail at Lake Padden. — A mountain biker heads up the trail at Lake Padden. (Andy Bronson/Cascadia Daily News)

A rider tries to catch up with another mountain biker along the horse trails at Lake Padden. — A rider tries to catch up with another mountain biker along the horse trails at Lake Padden. (Andy Bronson/Cascadia Daily News)

A paddler reacts as his paddle breaks in half. — A paddler reacts as his paddle breaks in half. (Andy Bronson/Cascadia Daily News)

As the clock hit noon on Saturday, Aug. 19, the blaring horn of a fire truck signaled the start of the 2023 Bellingham Traverse relay race at Waypoint Park.

The Bellingham Traverse is a 20-year-old run, bike and paddle race that is making its return after not being held the past three years. This year saw around 170 total participants split into 49 teams of individuals, pairs and larger groups.