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Sun, Sep 20 · 2026Bellingham, WASince 2007

Bellingham Bay Marathon

A point-to-point course that hugs the shore of Bellingham Bay, this race gives you a genuinely flat shot at a fast finish in a small, low-key field where every runner gets noticed.

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BELLINGHAM BAY · US
Bellingham Bay
SUN, SEP 20
2026
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Race Overview

EST. 2007

Bellingham Bay is a small, no-fuss marathon that punches above its weight for runners chasing a fast time. The course runs point-to-point along the shore of Bellingham Bay, starting at Lummi Nation School and finishing in downtown Bellingham. It is about as flat as a marathon gets in Washington state, which matters a lot if you have a number in your head. You start the day on a shuttle bus from downtown out to the start, so plan that logistics the night before.

The field is small, which means the energy is different from a big-city race. You will not have crowds three deep or a roar coming off a bridge. What you do get is room to run your own race, clear lines through water stations, and a finish line in a walkable downtown where food and a beer are close. The weather in late September is usually your friend, with cool mornings that warm up but rarely punish. Don't overdress at the start. Registration is open and straightforward, with fees that go up as race day approaches, so there is no reason to wait.

Field size
~286
286 finishers
BQ rate
5%
Below national average
Time limit
7:00
Generous cutoff
Entry
Open
First-come registration

The Course

Total ascent
—
Total descent
—
Net elevation
—
Highest point
163 ft
Lowest point
5 ft
Course shape
Point to point
Different start and finish

The Bellingham Bay Marathon runs point-to-point with essentially zero net elevation change. The highest point barely clears 160 feet, so this is as flat as a marathon course gets in the Pacific Northwest. With no meaningful climb to manage, pacing is straightforward from the gun, but that also means nowhere to hide if you go out too hard. The course's coastal exposure means wind can be a factor depending on conditions. Turns and surface details are not in the available data, but the flat profile means your legs should feel fresh late. If you want a time race, the course cooperates.

Past results

Race-Day Weather

10-year median
Low
48°F
High
67°F
30°MARATHON-IDEAL 45–60°80°
What to expect

Late September in Bellingham typically means a cool morning at the gun that warms into the mid-60s by the time you finish. That is a solid window for a fast race. The start will feel chilly enough that you might want a throwaway layer, but you will warm out of it by mile four or five. The back half can be exposed along the bay, so if there is a wind, you will feel it. Overall, conditions usually cooperate here. Most years this is a fast-weather day.

Entry

OPEN

The Bellingham Bay Marathon uses open registration with rolling entry fees. Registration opens with a $100 entry fee and increases in stages leading to race day (final price $155). Register via RunSignup platform at any time before the race.

Register on RunSignup

Frequently Asked

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