Race Day

Weekend Weather

The average high temperature on race day is 64°F (18°C). For race start, the temperature is likely to be between 47°F and 55°F (8°C and 13°C). Rain is unlikely, but not out of the question, so be prepared in the event of showers. Check The Weather Channel.

Start Times

  • 7:30 AM - Marathon
  • 9:00 AM - Half Marathon
  • 9:15 AM - 5K Road Race

Start/Finish Locations

  • Marathon Start - Located on Gooseberry Point. Transportation will be provided for participants ONLY to the start from downtown Bellingham near Depot Market Square or participants may be dropped off at marathon start.
  • Marathon Finish, Half Marathon & 5K Start & Finish - Located downtown Bellingham on Railroad Avenue very close to the Depot Market Square. Depot Market Square is located at 1100 Railroad Ave., Bellingham 98225 between Maple and Chestnut streets. See map.

Transportation to Marathon Start for Participants Only

Buses will transport marathon participants to Gooseberry Point. Buses will leave from near the Finish Line area near Depot Market Square starting at 5:45 AM. LAST SHUTTLE BUS DEPARTS AT 6:30 AM SHARP.

Parking

There will be ample free street parking available throughout downtown Bellingham on race day. If you park downtown, please take special care not to park on sections of roads being used for the marathon, half marathon and 5K courses. Please also note that the 1100 block of Railroad Ave by the start/finish area between Maple and Chestnut streets is completely closed to normal motor vehicle travel and parking on race day.

Marathon Start Line Parking - There will be ample free parking near the marathon start line on Gooseberry Point for those dropping off an athlete or wanting to watch the race start.

Race Routes

It is the responsibility of each runner to know the route. Study the course maps. Do not cross the center line, stay on the proper side of the road as directed by signs and marshals. Race officials will monitor the course and will warn or disqualify violators.

Baby Joggers

Baby joggers and strollers are not permitted in the Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K Road Race for insurance and safety reasons. If an accident were to occur between a runner and a baby jogger, neither party would be covered by our event liability insurance.

Race Numbers

Pin your race number to the front of your shirt. This helps us identify you at all times. Ensure you arrive at the correct start line for the race you have entered. The color of your race number identifies which race you are entered in.

Chip Timing

Attach chip strap around either ankle. Your time is recorded as you cross timing mats at start and finish lines and on-course mats where used. No chip = no time. Timing chip with strap will be removed as ahtlete leaves finish line chute.

Gear Check / Lost & Found

Gear Check and Lost & Found will be located in Depot Market Square building. Paper bags will be provided to place gear and leave at Gear Check. Runner's number must be on the bag. Running number (bib) is required to retrieve gear bag. Gear bags and lost & found items not picked up by 3:00 PM on race day will be taken to RunningShoes.com on State Street.

Course Markers

The Marathon and Half Marathon will have all miles marked, as well as markers every 5 kilometers and halfway for the Marathon. The 5K Road Race will have all kilometers marked.

Aid Stations

Water and Lemonade Ultima Replenisher stations will be located along the course approximately every 2 miles.  Hammer Gel will be available at roughly miles 10, 16 and 22. Gel flavors include chocolate, vanilla, raspberry, apple-cinnamon and espresso. Porta-potties (13) will be located along the course approximately every 2 - 4 miles.

You may carry your own fluids and gels to supplement what is already provided at the aid stations.

Petroleum Jelly will be available at all aid stations.

Let's Go Green

Recycle all compostable material used on course and at start/finish area. Use the green toters, provided by sponsor SSC, placed at these locations to recycle:

  • ALL Paper Cups (hot or cold drink)
  • Paper Plates & Napkins
  • ALL Food Scraps

Medical Support

A Medical Aid station will be located at the start/finish line and at miles 16 and 22. Competitors unable to finish should walk to the next aid station and seek help.

Race Regulations

The Bellingham Bay Marathon is a foot race. For safety and liability reasons all events are limited to registered participants only. Baby joggers, strollers, bicycles, hand cycles, skateboards, rollerblades, scooters, skates, pacing and running with dogs are strictly prohibited on the course. Non-compliance with these safety rules will result in disqualification. An athlete who collects refreshments from a place other than the refreshment stations renders themselves liable to disqualification. In accordance with USATF Rule 1.44.3(f), we prohibit the use of all electronic devices on the race course. These devices include cell phones, MP3 players, and other portable audio or video devices using headphones. We ask that you not bring them, or stow them in the provided sweat check bag. Course officials will be monitoring the starting line and the course, and there will be a USATF Referee monitoring the finish line. You are subject to disqualification should you choose not to follow this policy.

Course Closure

Police and flaggers will be allowing some traffic to travel across the race route when it is safe. All traffic, including transit facilities, will be controlled by the local police, official course marshals and flaggers. Runners must take extreme caution at all times. BICYCLES, CARS, OR OTHER VEHICLES ACCOMPANYING RUNNERS ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED AND WILL RESULT IN THE DISQUALIFICATION OF THE RUNNER.

The police will begin opening the roads as the participants complete the different sections of the course. At 3:00 PM all streets will be re-opened to traffic; aid stations and the finish line will be dismantled. When the road is re-opened, participants must move to the sidewalks and obey local traffic laws.

Post-Race Massage

Advanced Sports Chiropractic will provide complimentary massage therapy and chiropractic care at the Depot Market Square for 15 minute sessions. Injury assessment is also available with sports chiropractors on site. After you finish your race and collect your post-race refreshments, check in at the massage desk. Participants will be treated in order of arrival.

Awards Ceremonies and Celebration

Boundary Bay Brewery Beer Garden 12:00pm – 5:00pm. No Host BBQ and beverages.

Boundary Bay Brewery is located across the street from Depot Market Square near the start/finish lines at 1107 Railroad Ave, Bellingham WA 98225.

  • 12:00pm - Beer Garden opens
  • 1:00pm - Awards Presentation
  • 2:00pm - 5:00pm - Live music by bandZandt

If you are unable to stay for the award ceremony, you may pick up your award at the finish from the race director.