Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. All three courses -- the marathon, half-marathon and 5k -- are USATF certified courses. The marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifier. Please refer to the Boston Marathon website for qualifying times.

Absolutely! Walkers are encouraged to participate in all of the events.

No. Currently, we do not offer a wheeled division in any of our races.

Yes. Go to the register page, then click the link under Confirmation Registration.

Please refer to our Packet Pick-up information.

Please refer to our Packet Pick-up information.

To add options to your existing registration, please refer to our Registration instructions for adding options.

Free shuttle bus transportation is provided from Depot Market Square to the start line location on Gooseberry Point before the race start (see schedule of events). Participants can also be dropped off at the start line. Participants should not drive to the marathon start unless they have arranged for transportation back to the start after the race to pick-up their car. After the marathon start, no transportation is provided back to the marathon start area from the finish line area.

The start is 20 minutes from downtown Bellingham, 10 minutes from Hampton Inn and 5 minutes from Silver Reef Hotel Casino and Spa.

We do not have pace groups, but those running a similar pace as you will be lined up at the start line time banner that reads: 

Road shoes. Definitively. The vast majority of the marathon is on asphalt road. The portion of the course on trail is 6 feet or more wide, hard packed with negligible camber and very easy to run. Trail shoes would provide no advantage.

The surface is hard packed crushed rock and dirt about six feet or more across. The trails were built on an old rail line so they are relatively flat. The trails offer a beautiful break from the asphalt and concrete course surfaces. These trails are very easy to run. Typically, these trails are used by people of all ages and capabilities for walking, baby jogging, baby strollers, running and biking.

Yes, porta-potties will be located along the course approximately every 2 - 4 miles.

The Bellingham Bay Marathon (BBM) prohibits the use of all electronic devices on the race course -- in accordance with USA Track & Field (USATF) Rule 1.44.3(f). These devices include cell phones, MP3 players and other portable audio or video devices using head phones. We ask that you not bring them or stow them in the provided check bag.

USATF Rule 144.3(f)

The following shall be considered assistance and not allowed:

The visible possession or use by athletes of video, audio, or communications devices in the competition area. The Games Committee for an LDR event may allow the use of portable listening devices not capable of receiving communication; however those competing in (USATF) Championships for awards, medals, or prize money may not use such devices.

As a matter of safety, we ask that all participants not wear headphones or ear buds. All races are held on open courses which require participants be aware of traffic, pedestrians, fellow athletes and instructions from course officials including flaggers and monitors.

While we discourage their use, you may use your music device with headphones if you are not in competition for any awards. We ask that you leave one ear bud out and turn down the volume so that you may hear what is happening around you.

If you want to be part of the discussion on the topic of headphone use in races, please consider this thread on Facebook.

Please refer to our policies on the registration page.

Please refer to our policies on the registration page.

Yes. Please refer to our Registration page for details.

Please refer to our policies on the registration page.

Average High: 63 Fahrenheit / 17 Celsius
Average Low: 46 Fahrenheit / 8 Celsius

If you need to change your volunteer availability status, ask volunteer related questions or pass along additional volunteer information,  please use our Contact form and select the Volunteer category.

You can arrange to meet your family and friends in the Finish Line Festival area of Depot Market Square behind Sports Massage and Race Photos.

Results will be posted on the site as soon as they are available after the event.

Net proceeds benefit the Bellingham Bay Swim Team , Lummi Youth Academy and Whatcom FC Rangers soccer club. All are non-profit youth organizations.

We are located in the beautiful Pacific Northwest 90 miles north of Seattle and 50 miles south of Vancouver, British Columbia.
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