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Marathon Details - Bellingham Bay Marathon

North America Marathons > USA > WA > Bellingham > Bellingham Bay Marathon

Bellingham Bay Marathon

PeaceHealth Bellingham Bay Marathon & Half Marathon, 10K, 5K

Bellingham, WA USA

September 21, 2025

http://www.bellinghambaymarathon.org

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Race Details

Beautiful point-to-point course starting near Gooseberry Point on Lummi Nation, finishing near Depot Market Square in downtown Bellingham.

Contact Information

Name:	Brooke Larrabee, Event Director
Address:	PO Box 6008 Bellingham WA 98227-6008
Phone Number:	3604668081
Email:	Email the organizers

Runner Reviews (35)

Course 4.3

Organization 4.1

Spectators 3.8

Write a review

Number of comments: 35 [displaying comments 1 to 11]

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]

DONGJUN HWANG from SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA (10/30/2019) "amazing running" (about: 2019) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Bellingham Bay Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I run 2019 Bellingham Bay Marathon from South Korea. Really nice ocean view and cheer for me many people. So amazing experience for me. I think really hard to participate in BBM again...because of long distance and time...but someday I want to run Bellingham. Hope you enjoy Bellingham ocean!!
L. M. from Calgary, Alberta (9/30/2017) "Recommended Small Race" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Bellingham Bay Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I thoroughly enjoyed the race. I am generally not that crazy for point to point courses due to logistics, but this is an exception The facility at the startline on the Lummi Nation was a perfect place to hang out, stay comfortable and warmup pre-race. They even had coffee. The pre-race ceremony was a nice touch too. (Thank you Lummi Nation). Buses to the start were well organized. Bag check went smoothly at both ends. The course is rolling, but no really difficult climbs. I like that in a course. The scenery was varied from ocean to trees to farmland. I saw earlier posts complaining about runner bottlenecks. The organizers must have fixed that, as I had no difficulties managing runner traffic. I did see a train that some spoke of, but fortunately it didn't affect my race. (Luck of the draw). It was good to see tons of the kids manning aid stations, marshalling the course and just generally cheering. The weather was perfect for racing. Locals say that can vary a bit. This was our first time to Bellingham, but we plan on returning at some point to explore the many running routes in the area.
n. s. from US (12/14/2015) "Beautiful Course but the Train Crossings...." (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Bellingham Bay Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Loved the start at the Lummi Nation School. The chant done by the tribal members had to be the coolest pre-race thing I had ever seen/heard. Course is spectacular, but definitely not a flat course. Some uphill rolling in the first 7 - 8 miles, then flat, then a couple of significant hills. However, I wish I had known about the two TRAIN CROSSINGS. We were told about this the night before. I was stuck at nearly 24 miles standing around waiting for a train, and it killed my momentum. Even with the adjustment, it added a good 1 - 2 minutes to my time due to legs stiffening up while waiting. I won my age group after the adjustment, but it was not done in time for awards there. Course is beautiful, just wonderful scenery. If I did it again, it would just be for an enjoyable jog instead of having trained for a goal race. Also, course was very crowded with slow walkers/ joggers in the last couple of miles due to the half marathon being put on. It starts at 9 and is on the last half of the marathon course. There has to be a better way to do this.
L. K. from Portland OR (9/28/2015) "Beautiful course, over-crowded last few miles" (about: 2015) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Bellingham Bay Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 The course was beautiful and the volunteers were awesome. Starting on the Lummi Indian Reservation and running along the Bay it is not a spectator course, but the beauty of the Bay makes up for it. Although there are no big climbs, the course was surprisingly rolling for what was advertised as a flat course. The only real negative comment I have is that by merging with the half marathon at 17 miles, the balance of the course was way too congested. The worst part was in the last 3 miles where you ran along a narrow trail followed by a narrow bridge with no room to pass the many walkers and slow joggers who were not really aware that other races were taking place. As a prior race director I understand the desire to utilize the same roads and volunteers for multiple events. Yet, you have a responsibility to limit your numbers and logistics to ensure all of the races can be run with minimal interference.
Leonard Stanley from Qualicum Beach, British Columbia (11/1/2014) "Great experience for my first!" (about: 2014) First Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my first marathon, or race of any length, so I have nothing to compare it with. I loved the expo, start set up, the course, the spectators, the water/goo stations (particularly the children volunteering), and the finish. I had to wait a long time for a massage, because they were a therapist short, but I was enjoying the finish line excitement and did not mind. Unfortunately, I did not preview the last part of the course, and believed the previous reviews that said it was flat, so I struggled with the hills, but that's my fault! I really appreciated the encouragement in the last 10 km, and thank the people of Bellingham for putting on a great experience for my first marathon.
E. W. from Washington State (9/29/2014) "Under impressed" (about: 2014) 1 previous marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 This was my first full marathon although I've run 2 other half marathons and several 5k. I ran just around 4 hours. The good: beautiful scenery especially around miles 22-24 along the water; volunteers out in the rural farm areas and Native American reservation were terrific. Great water/goo stations. I liked having the half marathoners merge with us. Definitely sped me up for a few miles. The bad: The mile markers are HORRIBLE! I never heard anyone say at any time what the mile markers look like. It's not on the website. There are big flags that look like advertisements and they are almost unreadable. It was only at mile 18 that I finally figured out blue flags for marathon; orange flags for half marathon; yellow for 5k. Worse yet....for mile 25, there was the mile marker for mile 24!!!! Unbelievable. Also note that the streets are mostly not blocked off so expect to be elbowing with other runners on sidewalks. A few trails are also narrow. Lastly, the food at the finish was paltry. There was a line with 25 people just to get water. I was exhausted and just said to heck with waiting and left. Lots of potential given the beauty but below average organizing.
S. D. from Mount Vernon, WA (9/29/2014) "Very well organized" (about: 2014) 50+ previous marathons \| 4-5 Bellingham Bay Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Not much that I would change. Great course. I really like the point where the marathoners meet up with the half course. Much nicer to run the last miles with people around to pull you along. Buses were comfortable, although taking the first one is probably a mistake - you get to the start way too early in addition to having to get up at a painful hour. The facilities that the Lummi provide at the start are wonderful. If I didn't have to get up at 4 am, I would do this one every year. Also, best weather ever in 2014 - no wind!
K. L. from Louisiana (11/2/2012) "Fantastic 1st Marathon experience!" (about: 2012) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Bellingham Bay Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This course is very beautiful. Mostly a flat course with small hills at the beginning and end. I love the course support with the Sasquatch giving hi-fives to everyone at Mile 6. The hydration aid stops were great - about every two miles with Nuun and water. I brought my own GU but Hammer gel was also provided a few times along the way. I ended up finishing better than my goal time, and placed 3rd in my age group! I am looking forward to my next one! Thank you Bellingham for a great first marathon experience!
C. P. from Santa Clarita, California (10/18/2011) "Great Landscape" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Bellingham Bay Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I ran this marathon with little training due to a four month upset hamstring. I went mainly as a companion for my lady friend who is on her way to complete 50 marathons in 50 states. I couldn't resist the town's enthusiasm at the expo, and after 43 marathons under my belt I decided to make Bellingham Bay my 44th. My first delightful surprise was being dropped by the bus at the starting line and guided inside to a warm gym, contrary to most marathons where you are dropped off early in the morning in the middle of nowhere sometimes in the cold, sometimes in the rain. My second surprise was the opening ceremony. The native Americans blessed us by the spirits, and to the sound of the chanting drums we were sent off to the starting line. Although the course was extremely scenic, the 30-40 mph headwind deprived you from enjoying it. Looking up or even around would cause you to run extra distance to retrieve your hat or even lose it entirely. My lady friend chose not to chase hers down. As the early lonely miles dropped behind us, at mile 17 my concentration was spooked by the rush of noisy and fresh half-marathoners who joined us at their mile 4 and took over the course. Going around them was a struggle that I've always experienced at the beginning of any race, but mile 17 and the ones after requested an extra effort. We were outnumbered 10-1 and the fans were cheering the half-ers. At around mile 20 from a small group of fans a lady in a Boston Marathon jacket saw my different colored bib and went out of her way to cheer me on. I felt recognized and discovered. It was disappointing at mile 22 to be passing a few feet away from the finish line and seeing half- marathoners and fast full marathoners finishing to the sound of a live band, the announcer and cheering fans, while the rest of us continued on to finish the remaining miles. This race would have been a favorite one if the half-marathoners had a different course and mile 22 was further away from the finish line. I hope the organizers think of us full marathoners and perhaps make those changes.
David Penrose from Bellingham, WA (6/19/2011) "2011 Better Than Ever!" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Bellingham Bay Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Marathon course adjusted (yes, 1 'last' time) to remove the Ferndale Rd and Interurban out-and-backs which reduced elevation about 50' making BBM one of the lowest elevation gains [=FAST] in the region. Live music awaits finishers. Beer garden at the finish area will quench your thirst during the post race party in Depot Market Square. Finally, new host hotel location at the beautiful, well appointed Best Western Lakeway Inn for BBM expo, packet pick-up and pasta dinner.

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]



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DONGJUN HWANG from SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA (10/30/2019) "amazing running" (about: 2019) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Bellingham Bay Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 I run 2019 Bellingham Bay Marathon from South Korea. Really nice ocean view and cheer for me many people. So amazing experience for me. I think really hard to participate in BBM again...because of long distance and time...but someday I want to run Bellingham. Hope you enjoy Bellingham ocean!!
L. M. from Calgary, Alberta (9/30/2017) "Recommended Small Race" (about: 2017) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Bellingham Bay Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I thoroughly enjoyed the race. I am generally not that crazy for point to point courses due to logistics, but this is an exception The facility at the startline on the Lummi Nation was a perfect place to hang out, stay comfortable and warmup pre-race. They even had coffee. The pre-race ceremony was a nice touch too. (Thank you Lummi Nation). Buses to the start were well organized. Bag check went smoothly at both ends. The course is rolling, but no really difficult climbs. I like that in a course. The scenery was varied from ocean to trees to farmland. I saw earlier posts complaining about runner bottlenecks. The organizers must have fixed that, as I had no difficulties managing runner traffic. I did see a train that some spoke of, but fortunately it didn't affect my race. (Luck of the draw). It was good to see tons of the kids manning aid stations, marshalling the course and just generally cheering. The weather was perfect for racing. Locals say that can vary a bit. This was our first time to Bellingham, but we plan on returning at some point to explore the many running routes in the area.
n. s. from US (12/14/2015) "Beautiful Course but the Train Crossings...." (about: 2015) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Bellingham Bay Marathon COURSE: 3 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 3 Loved the start at the Lummi Nation School. The chant done by the tribal members had to be the coolest pre-race thing I had ever seen/heard. Course is spectacular, but definitely not a flat course. Some uphill rolling in the first 7 - 8 miles, then flat, then a couple of significant hills. However, I wish I had known about the two TRAIN CROSSINGS. We were told about this the night before. I was stuck at nearly 24 miles standing around waiting for a train, and it killed my momentum. Even with the adjustment, it added a good 1 - 2 minutes to my time due to legs stiffening up while waiting. I won my age group after the adjustment, but it was not done in time for awards there. Course is beautiful, just wonderful scenery. If I did it again, it would just be for an enjoyable jog instead of having trained for a goal race. Also, course was very crowded with slow walkers/ joggers in the last couple of miles due to the half marathon being put on. It starts at 9 and is on the last half of the marathon course. There has to be a better way to do this.
L. K. from Portland OR (9/28/2015) "Beautiful course, over-crowded last few miles" (about: 2015) 50+ previous marathons \| 1 Bellingham Bay Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 1 The course was beautiful and the volunteers were awesome. Starting on the Lummi Indian Reservation and running along the Bay it is not a spectator course, but the beauty of the Bay makes up for it. Although there are no big climbs, the course was surprisingly rolling for what was advertised as a flat course. The only real negative comment I have is that by merging with the half marathon at 17 miles, the balance of the course was way too congested. The worst part was in the last 3 miles where you ran along a narrow trail followed by a narrow bridge with no room to pass the many walkers and slow joggers who were not really aware that other races were taking place. As a prior race director I understand the desire to utilize the same roads and volunteers for multiple events. Yet, you have a responsibility to limit your numbers and logistics to ensure all of the races can be run with minimal interference.
Leonard Stanley from Qualicum Beach, British Columbia (11/1/2014) "Great experience for my first!" (about: 2014) First Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 This was my first marathon, or race of any length, so I have nothing to compare it with. I loved the expo, start set up, the course, the spectators, the water/goo stations (particularly the children volunteering), and the finish. I had to wait a long time for a massage, because they were a therapist short, but I was enjoying the finish line excitement and did not mind. Unfortunately, I did not preview the last part of the course, and believed the previous reviews that said it was flat, so I struggled with the hills, but that's my fault! I really appreciated the encouragement in the last 10 km, and thank the people of Bellingham for putting on a great experience for my first marathon.
E. W. from Washington State (9/29/2014) "Under impressed" (about: 2014) 1 previous marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 3 FANS: 2 This was my first full marathon although I've run 2 other half marathons and several 5k. I ran just around 4 hours. The good: beautiful scenery especially around miles 22-24 along the water; volunteers out in the rural farm areas and Native American reservation were terrific. Great water/goo stations. I liked having the half marathoners merge with us. Definitely sped me up for a few miles. The bad: The mile markers are HORRIBLE! I never heard anyone say at any time what the mile markers look like. It's not on the website. There are big flags that look like advertisements and they are almost unreadable. It was only at mile 18 that I finally figured out blue flags for marathon; orange flags for half marathon; yellow for 5k. Worse yet....for mile 25, there was the mile marker for mile 24!!!! Unbelievable. Also note that the streets are mostly not blocked off so expect to be elbowing with other runners on sidewalks. A few trails are also narrow. Lastly, the food at the finish was paltry. There was a line with 25 people just to get water. I was exhausted and just said to heck with waiting and left. Lots of potential given the beauty but below average organizing.
S. D. from Mount Vernon, WA (9/29/2014) "Very well organized" (about: 2014) 50+ previous marathons \| 4-5 Bellingham Bay Marathons COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Not much that I would change. Great course. I really like the point where the marathoners meet up with the half course. Much nicer to run the last miles with people around to pull you along. Buses were comfortable, although taking the first one is probably a mistake - you get to the start way too early in addition to having to get up at a painful hour. The facilities that the Lummi provide at the start are wonderful. If I didn't have to get up at 4 am, I would do this one every year. Also, best weather ever in 2014 - no wind!
K. L. from Louisiana (11/2/2012) "Fantastic 1st Marathon experience!" (about: 2012) 1 previous marathon \| 1 Bellingham Bay Marathon COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 This course is very beautiful. Mostly a flat course with small hills at the beginning and end. I love the course support with the Sasquatch giving hi-fives to everyone at Mile 6. The hydration aid stops were great - about every two miles with Nuun and water. I brought my own GU but Hammer gel was also provided a few times along the way. I ended up finishing better than my goal time, and placed 3rd in my age group! I am looking forward to my next one! Thank you Bellingham for a great first marathon experience!
C. P. from Santa Clarita, California (10/18/2011) "Great Landscape" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 1 Bellingham Bay Marathon COURSE: 4 ORGANIZATION: 4 FANS: 4 I ran this marathon with little training due to a four month upset hamstring. I went mainly as a companion for my lady friend who is on her way to complete 50 marathons in 50 states. I couldn't resist the town's enthusiasm at the expo, and after 43 marathons under my belt I decided to make Bellingham Bay my 44th. My first delightful surprise was being dropped by the bus at the starting line and guided inside to a warm gym, contrary to most marathons where you are dropped off early in the morning in the middle of nowhere sometimes in the cold, sometimes in the rain. My second surprise was the opening ceremony. The native Americans blessed us by the spirits, and to the sound of the chanting drums we were sent off to the starting line. Although the course was extremely scenic, the 30-40 mph headwind deprived you from enjoying it. Looking up or even around would cause you to run extra distance to retrieve your hat or even lose it entirely. My lady friend chose not to chase hers down. As the early lonely miles dropped behind us, at mile 17 my concentration was spooked by the rush of noisy and fresh half-marathoners who joined us at their mile 4 and took over the course. Going around them was a struggle that I've always experienced at the beginning of any race, but mile 17 and the ones after requested an extra effort. We were outnumbered 10-1 and the fans were cheering the half-ers. At around mile 20 from a small group of fans a lady in a Boston Marathon jacket saw my different colored bib and went out of her way to cheer me on. I felt recognized and discovered. It was disappointing at mile 22 to be passing a few feet away from the finish line and seeing half- marathoners and fast full marathoners finishing to the sound of a live band, the announcer and cheering fans, while the rest of us continued on to finish the remaining miles. This race would have been a favorite one if the half-marathoners had a different course and mile 22 was further away from the finish line. I hope the organizers think of us full marathoners and perhaps make those changes.
David Penrose from Bellingham, WA (6/19/2011) "2011 Better Than Ever!" (about: 2011) 11-50 previous marathons \| 3 Bellingham Bay Marathons COURSE: 5 ORGANIZATION: 5 FANS: 5 Marathon course adjusted (yes, 1 'last' time) to remove the Ferndale Rd and Interurban out-and-backs which reduced elevation about 50' making BBM one of the lowest elevation gains [=FAST] in the region. Live music awaits finishers. Beer garden at the finish area will quench your thirst during the post race party in Depot Market Square. Finally, new host hotel location at the beautiful, well appointed Best Western Lakeway Inn for BBM expo, packet pick-up and pasta dinner.

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Marathon Details - Bellingham Bay Marathon