14th annual Smithers Chip Run attracts more riders than ever

Published 12:30 pm Sunday, August 3, 2025

By Marisca Bakker

120 motorcycles and 175 riders gather in New Hazelton during the 14th Annual Chip Run, the largest turnout yet to raise funds for the Bulkley Valley District Hospital's Community Cancer Care Team.
120 motorcycles and 175 riders gather in New Hazelton during the 14th Annual Chip Run, the largest turnout yet to raise funds for the Bulkley Valley District Hospital's Community Cancer Care Team.

This year's Chip Run was the biggest yet with 120 bikes and over 175 riders participating. Organizers also expect it to be record-breaking on the fundraising side when all the donations finally roll in and the money is counted.

The Chip Run is a motorcycle ride that raises money for the Bulkley Valley District Hospital Community Cancer Care Team. This year's Chip Run was the 14th annual event.

Not only does the ride raise money, it also remembers Bob Spooner, who died at the age of 45 from cancer in 2011.

Spooner, was the Frito Lay representative out of Smithers, and he delivered chips from Smithers to Kitwanga daily, so that’s why the event has been called the Chip Run and follows a similar route. 

Last year's event raised $16,000 and Spooner's sister, Lainie Waterhouse, is expecting even more money to come in this year because they had more riders than ever. 

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