Paddle 4 Food - 2026
Help Whatcom Paddlers feed our community!
Every year, Whatcom Paddlers race in honor of Peter Marcus, continuing his legacy of raising money to fight local food insecurity. All donations go to Bellingham Food Bank to buy fresh food that people need, such as eggs, chicken, vegetables, and fruit.
Why Your Support Matters
This race is in honor of Peter Marcus, beloved paddler, father, and coach who passed away battling cancer. For many years, Peter worked to create the Paddle 4 Food event, bringing joy and giving back to his community with every race. Racers might be Olympic athletes, local racers, weekend warriors, and even small children. All of them are inspired to help their local community in many ways, including this annual Food Bank fundraiser race.
Bellingham Food Bank exists because of the generosity of this community. They are now serving more than 20% of Whatcom County as the busiest food bank in the State of Washington. THEY CAN NOT DO IT WITHOUT YOU! In addition to donating through this site, you can bring food and money to the race itself.
True to it's origins, the Paddle 4 Food Relay Race is teaming up with local businesses and the Bellingham Food Bank to fight hunger! The businesses shown below are matching our donations or providing raffle prizes to event participants. Their generosity helps our donations go at least twice as far!
Want to Race as well as donate?
The Deets...
Before the race
Each racer registers using the link provided
Teams are assigned equitably on the day of the race
Teams consist of 4 boats which must complete a total of 9 laps
There are three 3-lap stages, each with a mass start
Every boat must do at least 2 laps (they don't have to be consecutive)
Your entry fee is any non-perishable food item and/or a $ donation
Race Day Stuff
8:00 am - Check-in near the Lake Padden Swimming area
9:15 am - Everyone must be checked in so we can build our teams
9:30 am - Pre-Race meeting (everyone listen up!)
10:00 am - The Race Begins!
Noon-ish - Soup, Cookies, Awards, Raffle Prizes, and Smack Talk
Click the link or scan the QR code to go to the 2025 Peter Marcus Paddle for Food Registration site. Then come back here to donate!
» RACE REGISTRATION LINK «
https://lnko.eu/Vpk1aOAH
-> BYOB <-
(Bring your Own Boat)