
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
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
Atmosphere
Course
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
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
Course Map
View Course Map
Open on Google Maps
2 other maps for this race
Quality Score
Standout6616 years running
~163 finishers a year
shrinking
20% returning runners
5 timing sources · 3 photos
runners from 1 state
winner 1:30:35
typical high 42°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (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
Turnout by year
2015–2025
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.
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