By Jessi Stark

March 15 2011 -- The race to the finish line has become the race to registration. Spaces for the 100th Ski to Sea Race in Bellingham, Wash. are filling up faster than ever.

As of March 9, 386 teams had registered, filling most of the 500 spaces available. By this time last year, 82 teams had registered.

“Local teams have always waited until the last few weeks of April to submit their applications,” said Pete Coy, race director. “If they wait until the last few weeks this year, teams face the chance of not getting into the race.”

The registration fee, if paid before May 1, is $399. Any later and it costs an extra $80.

The race consists of seven legs: cross-country skiing, downhill skiing or snowboarding, running, cycling, canoeing, mountain biking, and kayaking. Each team consists of eight members. Two members are required for canoeing, and each other leg has its own member.

The race will take place on Sunday, May 29. It will be the 100th annual race since it was founded in 1911 as the Mount Baker Marathon.

For information on the race visit www.skitosea.com.