HalfRuns
Last Chance Marathon and Half Marathon

Last Chance Marathon and Half Marathon

Last Chance Marathon and Half Marathon offers a scenic, out-and-back trail run on New Year's Eve in Bellingham, WA.

Race Date

Dec 31, 2026

Location

Bellingham, WA

Standout66

Quick facts

Date
Thursday, December 31, 2026
Location
Bellingham, Washington
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 26.2 Miles
Course
Out & Back
Terrain
Trail
USATF certified
Not listed
Finishers on record
1,947

Highlights

Good For

Destination WorthyBeginner Friendly

Atmosphere

Local CommunityParty FinishGreat Post RaceWell Organized

Course

Scenic RouteShaded

The Experience

The Last Chance Marathon and Half Marathon, held annually on December 31st in Bellingham, Washington, provides a unique opportunity to close out the year with a challenging yet scenic run. The course, primarily an out-and-back on the Interurban trail, offers spectacular views and minimal elevation changes, though sections like Arroyos Park introduce some fun hills and bridges.

Runners can expect a cool, often cold, race-day environment, with typical December weather in the low 30s and a high chance of precipitation. The majority of the trail is shaded by a canopy of trees, offering some protection from the elements. With a median field size of around 163 finishers, the atmosphere is more intimate, and about 20% of participants return each year, drawn by the unique year-end challenge and the rewarding post-race spread, which has been known to include hot soup.

This event, first run in 2005 and now in its 16th edition, is noted for its well-organized production and the dedication of its race director. While bibs are typically not included with the entry fee, and runners are advised to be self-sufficient with hydration, the accessible location from Vancouver and the picturesque trail make it a memorable way to ring in the new year.

Race-provided description

OK, here is your Last Chance to run a 1/2 marathon or full marathon this year! The 1/2 marathon course is an out and back and the full marathon course is the same out and back course two times, starting at Fairhaven Park Pavillion, running the Interurban trail out to Clayton Beach for the full 13.1 miles or 26.2. Course is subject to change if trail conditions mandate.   This trail has spectacular views and very few hills, just enough hills to make it interesting, and break up the flat sections. FYI: We have been known to have SNOW this time of the year so plan accordingly. The majority of this trail is covered with a canopy of trees which deflects some of the rain or snow, but this also means it doesn’t heat as fast as an open course would. It can get cold. The majority of the trail is an old railroad bed, very easy to run on gravel surface, with the exception of Arroyos Park. Arroyos Park is a double track trail with a few bridges and a few fun hills. It is a very well maintained set of trails.   The bathrooms at Fairhaven Park will be unlocked as well as the warm heated Pavillion.   You should plan on being self-sufficient and carrying your own water and aid. The 1st aid station on the course is ~ 3.5 miles into the race off Chuckanut Crest Drive. In the 1/2 marathon you will run by this aid station twice, and 4 times in the full marathon.  There will be an aid station at the turn around which you will access once in the 1/2 marathon and twice in the full marathon. We will also have an aid station at the start/finish so full 1/2 marathoners will have 3 chances to refill their water bottles, about every 3 to 3.5 miles, & marathoners will have 7 chances to refill their water bottles.  We will have water, an electrolyte drink and other snacks at the aid stations.  Usually I put some type of candy like candy corn, gummy bears, bananas, pretzels, typical ultra style foods. You won’t go hungry! Keep an eye on the website for any changes to the event. Finishers will receive a Last Chance coin/medal similar to the quality of the Woolley Runs coin.  We will provide food at the end like all the NW Ultra Events.  While all your friends are recovering from their hang over and resting up before the evening’s festivities, you’ll be burning calories and ready to PARTY hardy knowing you’ve already burned off that extra beer or two, or three.

Logistics

Race Day

Thursday, December 31, 2026

Start Time

9:00 AM

Start Location

107 Chuckanut Dr N, Bellingham, WA, 98225

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Out & Back

Terrain

trail

Scenery

Forest, Lake River

Surface

Dirt Trail

Difficulty

Rolling Hills

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

26.2 Miles

Quality Score

Standout66
Methodology
Heritage20/20

16 years running

Size11/15

~163 finishers a year

Momentum3/5

shrinking

Loyalty20/20

20% returning runners

Course & details8/15

5 timing sources · 3 photos

National draw0/10

runners from 1 state

Front-pack speed1/5

winner 1:30:35

Weather2/10

typical high 42°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

32°

Afternoon (High)

42°

Cool conditions — dress in layers, perfect for fast times

0.2"

Precipitation

10 mph

Wind

83%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 1,947 finishers actually crossed the line across 16 years.

Most recent

2025

Total finishers

1,947

Median time

2:17:24

Latest turnout

143

States

11

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:15p50 median ≈ 2:156:05

Turnout by year

20152025

'15'16'17'18'19'23'24'25
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the Last Chance Marathon and Half Marathon?

The Last Chance Marathon and Half Marathon is held on Thursday, December 31, 2026, starting at 9:00 AM.

Where does the Last Chance Marathon and Half Marathon take place?

It takes place in Bellingham, Washington.

What distances does the Last Chance Marathon and Half Marathon offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 26.2 Miles.

Is the Last Chance Marathon and Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?

The Last Chance Marathon and Half Marathon is a rolling hills, out & back course.

How many people run the Last Chance Marathon and Half Marathon?

HalfRuns has finish records for 1,947 runners who have completed the Last Chance Marathon and Half Marathon.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

Explore More Journeys

Can't make it to Bellingham? Discover other experiences that match your running style.

Search All Races