Bellingham Man Attempts World Record for Food Bank

A Bellingham man is taking on an extraordinary physical challenge that could feed thousands of families while pushing human endurance to its limits.

Ethan Hunger will attempt to break the world record for super sprint triathlons completed in 24 hours on July 24 at Bloedel Donovan Park. Each triathlon includes a 400-meter swim, a 10-kilometer bike ride, and a 2.5-kilometer run.

The current record stands at 18 triathlons in one day. To beat it, Hunger needs to complete at least 19, which means swimming nearly 4.5 miles, biking 112 miles, and running 28 miles without stopping for more than brief transitions.

This isn't his first extreme challenge. Hunger founded the Hunger vs Hunger project in 2021, and over five years his fitness feats have raised about $800,000 for the Bellingham Food Bank.

Last year, he tackled a 10.5-mile swim across Lake Whatcom, a 112-mile bike ride from Mount Baker's Artist Point to Bellingham, a grueling mountain bike ride, a high-intensity training class, and a five-mile run. He completed everything in about 18 hours despite severe cramping, shoulder pain, hunger, and exhaustion after sleeping only 30 minutes beforehand.

"I hate the idea of anyone having to go through a single day of their life hungry," Hunger said. "I want to be a part of the solution."

Why This Inspires

When Hunger hits the wall during these challenges, when his body screams to quit and every muscle burns, he thinks about the 5,000 households using the Bellingham Food Bank each week. His suffering is voluntary, but theirs isn't.

"There was no part of me that would ever consider giving up, not when there are other people who are fighting through difficulties that they have no chance to avoid," he said.

The Bellingham Food Bank serves more families than almost any other food bank in Washington State. Hunger's $500,000 goal would nearly double what his project has already raised over five years.

The community has rallied around his mission with multiple fundraising events throughout the spring and summer. Basecamp Fitness is offering free week passes for donations made May 11-17, while Stones Throw Brewery will host a block party with a silent auction on May 22.

Rome Store Bakery & Market will donate $2 from every pizza sold June 25-27, and a pickleball tournament on May 31 will add to the total.

One man's refusal to accept hunger in his community is creating a wave of giving that feeds thousands.