Lake Samish Runs
Lake Samish Runs: 47 years of flat lake loops in Bellingham.
Race Date
Jan 10, 2027
Location
Bellingham, WA
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, January 10, 2027
- Location
- Bellingham, Washington
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 6.5M run
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
Highlights
Atmosphere
The Experience
Now in its 47th year, the Lake Samish Runs offer a flat, road course that circles Lake Samish in Bellingham, Washington. With a median field of just 76 runners, this is an intimate, community-focused event that has been a local tradition since the early 1980s.
The half marathon starts at 9:30 AM, and the 6.5-mile run follows ten minutes later. Both courses are run on paved roads with negligible elevation gain—the half covers two loops of the lake plus a short dog-leg to reach the full 13.1 miles. The January weather is brisk, averaging 34–46°F with occasional wind, so runners dress for cold.
This is a no-frills, chip-timed event that prioritizes participation over spectacle. The race website asks runners to register only if they’re certain, reflecting the community’s respect for limited spots. It’s the kind of race where locals gather for a quiet winter morning run—low-key, scenic, and reliably flat.
Race-provided description
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[image: https://www.gbrc.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/lakesamishruns_racepage-1200x768.jpg]
Lake Samish Runs
Sunday, January 10, 2027
2026 Race Results (https://register.pacificmultisports.com/Events/Results/1356)
Welcome to the 47th Annual Lake Samish Runs. The 13.1 mile race starts at 9:30 AM & the 6.5 mile race will start at 9:40AM.
This event is chip timed (gun start & chip finish) by Pacific Multi Sports. Both races are run on roads with very little elevation gain. The 6.5 mile race is one loop around Lake Samish and the 13.1 mile race is two loops plus a short dog-leg (to make it a true half marathon!).
PLEASE do not sign up for this race unless you are SURE you will be running it. If you register for this event and do not show, you take a spot away from someone else who may want to take part. We understand there are emergency circumstances, and in this case, pl
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
Solid Pick4616 years running
~76 finishers a year
shrinking
0% returning runners
4 timing sources
runners from 2 states
winner 1:19:23
typical high 46°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
34°
Afternoon (High)
46°
Cool conditions — dress in layers, perfect for fast times
0.3"
Precipitation
13 mph
Wind
81%
Humidity
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Lake Samish Runs?
The Lake Samish Runs is held on Sunday, January 10, 2027.
Where does the Lake Samish Runs take place?
It takes place in Bellingham, Washington.
What distances does the Lake Samish Runs offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 6.5M run.
Is the Lake Samish Runs course flat and good for a PR?
The Lake Samish Runs is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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