Race Day

Weekend Weather

The average high temperature on race day is 65°F (18°C). For race start, the temperature is normally 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
  • 7:30 AM - 5K Road Race
  • 9:30 AM - Half Marathon

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. Lummi Nation has generously opened their Wex'liem Community Building for use by marathoners for pre-race cover.
  • 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.

Parking

See parking.

Late Packet Pick-up Race Day

Packet Pick-up on race day for all races is held in Depot Market Square (DMS) Building. Marathon packets are also picked up at DMS. Marathon packets are not brought to the marathon start. Only registrants who have registered and paid for Late Packet Pick-up Race Day will have their packets available at Late Packet Pick-up.

Shuttle Bus Transportation to Marathon Start for Participants Only

For marathon participants not being driven to the marathon start, shuttle buses will transport those marathon participants to Gooseberry Point. Buses will leave from E Maple St & Cornwall Ave near the Finish Line area near Depot Market Square starting at 5:30 AM. LAST SHUTTLE BUS DEPARTS AT 6:15 AM SHARP. Shuttle buses are for marathon race participants ONLY. Non-participants will not be allowed on the buses.

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

See Rules & Regulations.

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

All races are chip timed. 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 athlete leaves finish line chute.

Gear Check / Lost & Found

Marathon Gear Check will be located at the Wex'liem Community Building near the marathon start on Gooseberry Point. Gear bags left at the Marathon Gear Check will be transported to the Gear Check in Depot Market Square building at the Finish Line. Half Marathon and 5K Gear Check and Lost & Found will be located in Depot Market Square building. Paper bags or ID tags for your own bag will be provided to 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 Klicks Running and Walking.

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.

Hydration Stations

Located along the course approximately every 2 miles, hydration stations will have available:

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

Gel Stations

Hammer Gel will be available at marathon miles 11.6 (Montana Huckleberry) and 19.8 (Raspberry; half marathon mile mark 6.7).

Toilets

Portable toilets will be located at the start and finish lines of all races and along the marathon and half marathon courses at the following locations:

  • Marathon mile locations: 2.2, 6.2, 11.5, 18.2, 19.9
  • Half Marathon mile locations: 2.6, 5.1, 6.8

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.

Let's Go Green - Recycle

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

Race Regulations

See Rules & Regulations.

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

Dr. Curtis and Advanced Sports Chiropractic will have a team of massage therapists at the finish of the race for post race massage. This will help reduce race-related soreness, pain, injury and improve blood flow and recovery. You must pre-register during online registration and will receive a wrist/ankle band that allows for this massage. You can purchase 15 minute sports massage for $15.

Meeting Family & Friends

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.

Awards Ceremonies and Celebration

BBM Finish Line Beer & Wine Garden will be open 11:00pm – 4:30pm at Depot Market Square. No Host BBQ and beverages. To save you time, Beer & Wine and Food script may be purchased in advance with your registration. A special ESB will be brewed for this occasion. Beer & Wine Garden menu includes: Boundary Bay Brewery (burgers, bratwurst, veggie burgers, salmon burgers, fries and onion rings), Peace Love Pizza and Lummi Nation (salmon).

  • 10:30am - 4:30pm - Live Music
  • 11:00am - 4:30pm - Beer Garden Open
  • 12:30pm - Marathon & Half Marathon Awards
  • 2:15pm - 2:30pm - Closing Ceremony
  • 4:30pm - Beer Garden Closes

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