Bellingham Bay Marathon
Bellingham, WA
- Marathon, Marathon Relay, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
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 … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Sep 20):
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| H (°F) | 66 | 63 | 66 | 80 | 65 |
| L (°F) | 46 | 48 | 50 | 52 | 51 |
Find Nearby Lodging (hotel, rental, etc.):
Not My Favorite Race
The first half on the course is along the bay with scenery and interesting. The second half is up and down neighborhood streets. Packet pickup was simple although there wasn’t … MORE
The first half on the course is along the bay with scenery and interesting. The second half is up and down neighborhood streets.
Packet pickup was simple although there wasn’t a lot else to see other than grabbing a bib.
They need to corral spectators away from the finish line. It was crowded and chaotic.
Course support was fantastic.
All in all a solid race.
Fun Race by the Bay! Could be Improved!
The half marathon started over 20 minutes late. The first water station was over three and a half miles away. Too far. There were several holes in the road. Saw … MORE
The half marathon started over 20 minutes late. The first water station was over three and a half miles away. Too far. There were several holes in the road. Saw two people fall. These holes should be filled. Hillier than I expected. The scenery was nice especially along the boardwalk and paths along the bay. The medal, that is, the woodal is made out of wood. Something different. Not much going on at the package pickup. Boring.
Good Fall Race
I have done this race 4 times and have really enjoyed it. It goes through the town and residential areas of town with occasional views of the harbor and San … MORE
I have done this race 4 times and have really enjoyed it. It goes through the town and residential areas of town with occasional views of the harbor and San Juan Islands. This year the weather was rainy, but not cold.
The parking is easy and there is a lot of room to warm up and stretch prior.
The race benefits the local youth soccer club and the kids are positioned at aid stations and throughout the course to cheer you on. Aid stations consisted of GU, Nuun, and water.
I was disappointed in the medal this year. The past years it was based on artwork of native Northwest art and this year it was not.
I definitely would recommend this race.
Covid and the weather impacted the races
Due to Covid, this race was much smaller than in normal years and the weather did not cooperate at all. Overall, the course is nice and would have been scenic … MORE
Due to Covid, this race was much smaller than in normal years and the weather did not cooperate at all. Overall, the course is nice and would have been scenic had it not been for the downpour. The same medal was given out for all 4 races (5K, 10K, HM and marathon). The finisher jacket was great. the volunteers are really wonderful and make the race – spotters at every turn and very enthusiastic aid station volunteers.
Repeat runner
This was my 3rd year running the Bellingham Bay Half and I will likely go back for next year as well. The medal is the most unique I've ever received. … MORE
This was my 3rd year running the Bellingham Bay Half and I will likely go back for next year as well.
The medal is the most unique I’ve ever received. It’s a piece of art.
The race itself is well organized. The local youth soccer league kids are present all along the course at aid stations and road crossings cheering you on.
In the 3 years running it, the weather has been decent. Slightly cool but not cold.
The course consists of a lot of small hills, nice views of the bay, and downtown. The hills aren’t too bad with the exception of the last one.
I don’t stick around for the post race festivities. The line for the beer and kombucha is way to long to stand in after running.
Beautiful, easy-going half marathon
Things I loved: free photos! a relaxed and welcome feeling a beautiful course relatively flat, but with some challenges in there the medal is pretty the town is fun to … MORE
Things I loved:
free photos!
a relaxed and welcome feeling
a beautiful course
relatively flat, but with some challenges in there
the medal is pretty
the town is fun to be in, lots of breweries and good places to eat
the band at the finish line was great
Things I didn’t love:
hard to find a cheap place to stay overnight
the race shirts weren’t available for everyone at the expo
not very many pacers, would have been nice to have a 1:35
Get your cameras ready
The race bills itself as being one of the most beautiful on the Pacific coast. For the first half of the race I questioned this statement, but the last 10k … MORE
The race bills itself as being one of the most beautiful on the Pacific coast. For the first half of the race I questioned this statement, but the last 10k was gorgeous!! The was an amazing bridge that you run across – unique and stunning. Well worth a quick photo stop if you are not working on a pr and are able to break away from other runners.
The expo was tiny. I did liked that you have shirt options (long sleeve or short). Medal was just ok. There was post music and plenty of food and beer.
Beautiful course in a beautiful city
The Bellingham Bay marathon was a treat. Starting at 7:30 on the Lummi Indian reservation, we were treated to a short song and dance by some of the native dancers, … MORE
The Bellingham Bay marathon was a treat. Starting at 7:30 on the Lummi Indian reservation, we were treated to a short song and dance by some of the native dancers, followed by a prayer in their native tongue. The marathon ran along the bay for a good 10 miles before cutting inland just a short bit. Unfortunately, although you could easily see the bay and the beautiful landscaping surrounding you, the fog was HEAVY for about 20 miles. I tend to really absorb my surroundings (i.e. space out) and was able to watch bald eagles hunting in the bay and retreat to tree tops along our route to devour their catch. With approximately 500 marathoners, you have plenty of space to enjoy your run until around the 18 mile mark when the half marathoners join in (they start 2 hours after the marathon starts). The field gets crowded and as they are fresh, are whipping past the marathoners. The finish line one is treated with a smorgasbord of food options, but you must prepay or carry cash with you to purchase “scrip” at the finish line. Great technical shirt, a nice medal and a fun party at the end. A great time.