
Bellingham Bay Marathon
Bellingham Bay Marathon offers a scenic waterfront run with a strong community focus.
Race Date
Sep 20, 2026
Location
Bellingham, WA
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, September 20, 2026
- Location
- Bellingham, Washington
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2 Miles, 10K, 5K
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 19,106
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Bellingham Bay Marathon, first run in 2007, has grown into a beloved event for runners seeking a scenic and community-focused race. Held annually, it draws participants from across the country, with about 20% returning each year, testament to its appeal. The half marathon, a popular distance, is part of a series that includes a full marathon, 10K, and 5K.
Runners can expect a course that showcases the natural beauty of the region, with the half marathon course designed by runners for runners. The event is known for its personal touch and authentic race experience, with 100% of net proceeds benefiting local youth non-profit organizations. The typical winning time for the half marathon hovers around 67 minutes, indicating a competitive yet accessible field.
The race is organized by the Bellingham Bay Swim Team, emphasizing a strong community connection. Participants can look forward to a well-supported event with ample opportunities for packet pickup, including day-of options for those traveling from afar. The typical race-day weather is mild, making for a comfortable running experience.
Race-provided description
Join us on Sunday, September 20th, 2026 The Bellingham Bay Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K are a group of races designed by runners for runners and walkers. Founded in 2007 by the Bellingham Bay Swim Team, BBM delivers a fun, highly personal, authentic race experience. 100% of net proceeds benefit Whatcom County youth non-profit organizations, the Whatcome Football Club Rangers & Bellingham Bay Swim Team. Event Schedule & Information Pre-Race Packet Pickup Date: Saturday – September 19, 2026 Time: 1:00pm – 6:00pm Location: Bellingham Cruise Terminal – 425 Harris Ave, Bellingham WA 98225 --Late Registration (Credit/Debit only, no cash or checks accepted) *To save time, register via your smart phone at www.bellinghambaymarathon.org --Packet Pickup & Information --Need to change race distances or transfer race entry? You can do it here! --Picking up a friend's packet? This IS allowed, you just need to know their name, just let them know ahead of time Day of Race Packet Pickup Date: Sunday – Sept. 20, 2026 Time: 5:45am – 15 minutes prior to event start time Locations: Marathon – Start Line at Lummi Nation School (5:45am – 7:30am) Half | 10K | 5K – At Start Line, Located at Depot Market Square Event Day Timeline 6:00AM – Full Marathon Packet Pickup Begins For Marathon, Relay & Early Starters (All Marathon Events Packet Pick happens ONLY at Marathon Start Line) 7:00AM – Half Marathon/10K/5K Packet Pickup Begins 6:45AM – Marathon Early Start Walkers Begins 7:30AM – Full Marathon & Full Marathon Relay Start – At Lummi Nation School* 9:00AM – Half Marathon Run/Walk Start at Depot Market Square 9:15AM – 10K Run/Walk Start at Depot Market Square 9:30AM – 5K Run/Walk Start at Depot Market Square 10:00AM – Finish Line Celebration featuring live music, beer garden and more! *Full Marathon Run is a point-to-point race starting at Lummi Nation School (2334 Lummi View Dr, 98226) and finishing at Depot Market Square Price Increase Schedule Thru 5/8 5/9 - 7/10 7/11 - 8/21 8/22 - 9/18 9/19 - 9/20 Marathon & Early Walkers $100 $110 $120 $140 $155 Marathon Relay (per team) $180 $215 $235 $260 $300 1/2 Marathon $80 $90 $100 $115 $130 10K Run/Walk $35 $40 $45 $50 $60 5K Run/Walk $30 $35 $40 $45 $50 For more information regarding the the Bellingham Bay Marathon - Please visit our event website at www.bellinghambaymarathon.org
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, September 20, 2026
Start Time
9:00 AM
Giveaway
Shirt Style
Start Location
1100 Railroad Ave, Bellingham, WA, 98225
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Lake River
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
Standout7517 years running
~695 finishers a year
shrinking
20% returning runners
6 timing sources · 6 photos
runners from 1 state
winner 1:07:00
typical high 67°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
52°
Afternoon (High)
67°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.2"
Precipitation
9 mph
Wind
77%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 19,106 finishers actually crossed the line across 17 years.
Most recent
2024
Total finishers
19,106
Median time
2:11:18
Latest turnout
631
States
45
Turnout by year
2016–2024
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Bellingham Bay Marathon?
The Bellingham Bay Marathon is held on Sunday, September 20, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM.
Where does the Bellingham Bay Marathon take place?
It takes place in Bellingham, Washington.
What distances does the Bellingham Bay Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles, 10K, 5K.
Is the Bellingham Bay Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Bellingham Bay Marathon is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
How many people run the Bellingham Bay Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 19,106 runners who have completed the Bellingham Bay Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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