Peak Hydration Is a Proud Leg Sponsor of the 2026 Trails to Taps Relay

This October, Peak Hydration is hitting the trails with Bellingham runners as a proud leg sponsor of the 2026 Trails to Taps Relay, an eight-leg team event that brings together local trails, local breweries, and one seriously fun finish line.

Whether you are running one leg, taking on two, or meeting your team at the after-party, a little planning can help you feel better from the first handoff to the final toast.

Participants get 25% off ALL IV Therapy the week of the race!

Trails to Taps Relay 2026 at a Glance

There is no individual drop-in registration for Trails to Taps. If you want to participate but do not have a team, use the event’s message board to find runners or join an existing group!

Please note: alcohol is not permitted on the course or in public parks, and participants must be 21 or older, though children may attend the after-party.

Check the official Trails to Taps event page for the latest course and registration details.

How to Hydrate Before, During, and After a Relay Race

Hydration after a relay race matters, but the best plan starts before race morning. Fluids, electrolytes, carbohydrates, protein, rest, and pacing all play different roles. No single drink, supplement, shot, or IV replaces the basics.

Individual needs also vary with weather, pace, body size, sweat rate, medical history, and how many legs you are running. The goal is not to drink as much as possible. It is to arrive well prepared, replace what you lose reasonably, and pay attention to how you feel.

Prepare for race day with 25% off all IV therapy during the week of the relay. Book your session and get ready to hit the trails feeling your best.

See Our IV Therapy Menu

Before the Relay

Start with your normal hydration routine in the days before the event rather than trying to catch up all at once on Sunday morning. Drink regularly, eat balanced meals, and include familiar carbohydrate-rich foods that sit well with you.

The evening before, pack the fluids and snacks you know you will use. Trying a new supplement, unusually large meal, or aggressive hydration strategy right before a race can create more problems than it solves.

On race morning, eat a familiar breakfast and sip fluids according to your usual needs. If you have a medical condition that affects fluid or electrolyte balance, follow the plan provided by your healthcare professional.

During the Relay

Each leg is relatively short, but the full event can last several hours for teams. Bring water, an electrolyte beverage, and easy-to-digest snacks so you can refuel between handoffs instead of waiting until the after-party.

Pay attention to thirst, weather, exertion, and the time between your assigned legs. Avoid overhydrating, since drinking far beyond your needs can also be unsafe. If you become confused, faint, repeatedly vomit, develop a severe headache, or feel seriously unwell, stop and seek medical help rather than trying to push through.

After Your Final Leg

Once you finish, keep the recovery plan simple:

• Drink fluids and consider electrolytes, especially if you sweated heavily.
• Eat a meal or snack with carbohydrates and protein.
• Walk briefly and cool down before settling in for the after-party.
• Change into warm, dry layers if the October weather is cool or wet.
• Give your body time to recover before drinking alcohol.

If you choose to have a beer, eat and rehydrate first, pace yourself, and arrange a safe ride home. A commemorative pint glass is also perfectly useful for a non-alcoholic drink.

Where IV Therapy and Wellness Shots May Fit

Most runners should build recovery around oral fluids, food, sleep, and time. For those who are interested in additional support, Peak offers medically supervised services in Bellingham that can be considered alongside those fundamentals.

Sport Support IV

The Sport Support IV combines IV fluids with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids and is available for people looking for hydration and nutrient support around training or an event. Because an IV is a medical service, our team reviews your health history, symptoms, and goals before treatment to determine whether it is appropriate for you.

Wellness Shots

Peak also offers wellness shots, which deliver specific nutrients by intramuscular injection. These are not a substitute for fluid replacement and should not be presented as hydration treatments. Depending on your individual needs, our medical team can explain the available options and help you understand what each one is designed to support.

Timing is personal. A pre-race appointment should never be the first time you try a therapy, and a post-race appointment is not appropriate for every symptom or every runner. If you have signs of severe dehydration, heat illness, chest pain, fainting, confusion, persistent vomiting, or another urgent concern, seek medical care immediately.

Trails to Taps FAQs

Where does the Trails to Taps Relay start?

The relay begins at Lake Padden at 9:00 am on Sunday, October 11, 2026, and travels roughly 35 miles through Bellingham’s parks, trails, and streets.

How many runners are on a team?

Teams have between four and eight runners, and each team completes eight legs ranging from approximately three to six miles.

Can I participate without a full team?

There is no individual drop-in registration. If you want to run but do not have a team, use the event’s message board to find other runners or join an existing group.

Is alcohol allowed on the course?

No. Alcohol is not permitted on the course or in public parks. All participants must be 21 or older, though children may attend the after-party.

Can I book an IV therapy or wellness shot appointment around the relay?

Yes. Peak’s medical team can help you review your goals and choose a pre-event or post-race appointment that fits your needs, following a health history review.

IV therapy and wellness shots are medical services and may not be appropriate for everyone. Services are provided following health screening and clinical review. This article is for general education and does not replace individualized medical advice.