The 25th annual Chum Run will be held Saturday, Sept. 23 at South Whidbey Community Park’s forested trails off Maxwelton Road. Participants are welcome to walk, jog or run as they please.

There will also be a free kids’ “Fry Run.” Children must be accompanied by an adult.

The race is an all-inclusive family event that is fun for all, from the energetic kid to the competitive runner. Prizes will be handed out to the first three male and female finishers in high school and middle school categories. Participants are encouraged to buy the 25th annual Chum Run T-shirt before the event.

Proceeds from the event will support the Healthy Island Youth Initiative Scholarship Program and South Whidbey Parks and Recreation District. The scholarship program provides Island County youth, whose families may find the cost of activities a barrier to participation, with funds to participate in sports and active programs such as soccer, baseball, dance classes and swim lessons.

Race registration will take place from 8-9:30 a.m., with the Chum Run set to begin at 10 a.m. and Fry Run at 10:45 a.m. The awards ceremony will be at 11 a.m. Registration fees are $20 by Sept 17, $25 the week of the event, and $30 on the day of the race. This fee does not include a T-shirt, which can be purchased via the link on the registration website, Chum Run 5K 2023 – South Whidbey Parks and Recreation Department (swparks.org). Kids’ registration (13 years and under) is $15.

Volunteers are still needed for the event. Anyone interested in volunteering can visit swparks.org/chum-run or contact Liz Dickman at L.dickman@islandcountywa.gov or 360-678-7935.