HalfRuns
Bellingham Bay Marathon

Bellingham Bay Marathon

Bellingham Bay Marathon offers a scenic waterfront run with a strong community focus.

Race Date

Sep 20, 2026

Location

Bellingham, WA

Standout75

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

Destination WorthyPR Friendly

Atmosphere

Local CommunityWell OrganizedGreat Post Race

Course

Fast Flat

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

Directions

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

26.2 Miles10K5K

Quality Score

Standout75
Methodology
Heritage20/20

17 years running

Size14/15

~695 finishers a year

Momentum3/5

shrinking

Loyalty20/20

20% returning runners

Course & details8/15

6 timing sources · 6 photos

National draw0/10

runners from 1 state

Front-pack speed5/5

winner 1:07:00

Weather5/10

typical high 67°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (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

10%
25%
75%
90%
0:50p50 median ≈ 2:106:00

Turnout by year

20162024

'16'17'18'19'21'22'23'24
See full results

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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