The Bellingham Bay Marathon starts at 6:45 AM, so plan your arrival the night before if you're traveling in. The event takes place September 20, 2026, at 1100 Railroad Ave in Bellingham, Washington. Runners can choose from four distances: 5K, 10K, half marathon, or the full 26.2-mile marathon. Entry fees range from $30 to $300 depending on the distance and registration timing. Whether you're targeting a marathon finish or testing yourself at a shorter distance, factor in the early start and book accommodation accordingly within Bellingham.
From the Race Organizer
Join us on Sunday, September 20th, 2026 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 Whatcome Football Club Rangers & Bellingham Bay Swim Team. Event Schedule & Information Pre-Race Packet Pickup Date: Saturday – September 19, 2026 Time: 1:00pm – 6:00pm Location: Four Points By Sheraton - 714 Lakeway Dr, Bellingham WA 98229 --Late Registration (Credit/Debit only, no cash or checks accepted) *To save time, register via your smart phone at www.bellinghambaymarathon.org --Packet Pickup & Information --Need to change race distances or transfer race entry? You can do it here! --Picking up a friend's packet? This IS allowed, you just need to know their name, just let them know ahead of time Day of Race Packet Pickup Date: Sunday – Sept. 20, 2026 Time: 5:45am – 15 minutes prior to event start time Locations: Marathon – Start Line at Lummi Nation School (5:45am – 7:30am) Half | 10K | 5K – At Start Line, Located at Depot Market Square Event Day Timeline 6:00AM – Full Marathon Packet Pickup Begins For Marathon, Relay & Early Starters (All Marathon Events Packet Pick happens ONLY at Marathon Start Line) 7:00AM – Half Marathon/10K/5K Packet Pickup Begins 6:45AM – Marathon Early Start Walkers Begins 7:30AM – Full Marathon & Full Marathon Relay Start – At Lummi Nation School* 9:00AM – Half Marathon Run/Walk Start at Depot Market Square 9:15AM – 10K Run/Walk Start at Depot Market Square 9:30AM – 5K Run/Walk Start at Depot Market Square 10:00AM – Finish Line Celebration featuring live music, beer garden and more! *Full Marathon Run is a point-to-point race starting at Lummi Nation School (2334 Lummi View Dr, 98226) and finishing at Depot Market Square Price Increase Schedule Thru 5/8 5/9 - 7/10 7/11 - 8/21 8/22 - 9/18 9/19 - 9/20 Marathon & Early Walkers $100 $110 $120 $140 $155 Marathon Relay (per team) $180 $215 $235 $260 $300 1/2 Marathon $80 $90 $100 $115 $130 10K Run/Walk $35 $40 $45 $50 $60 5K Run/Walk $30 $35 $40 $45 $50 For more information regarding the the Bellingham Bay Marathon - Please visit our event website at www.bellinghambaymarathon.org
Course & Travel Notes
The Bellingham Bay Marathon kicks off at 6:45 AM on September 20th, 2026, just about nine minutes before sunrise, so bring a headlamp or reflective gear for the early morning start. You'll be running at just 59 feet of elevation, so it's a pretty flat course to work with. Bellingham International Airport is only 4.1 miles away, making it super convenient to fly in, and plan for typical early fall weather with highs around 69°F and lows near 50°F—though there's about a 30% chance of rain that time of year, so pack layers and maybe a light rain jacket just in case.
⛰️ 59 ft elevation☀️ Typically 69°F / 50°F · 30% chance of rain✈️ Bellingham International Airport (BLI) — 4.1 mi
Hotels Near This Race
Find accommodation close to the start line in Bellingham, WA. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.
RaceHotelFinder earns a small commission when you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Results are sorted by distance from the race venue.
Race weekend dates pre-loaded on Booking.com. RaceHotelFinder may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for September 20.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Bellingham, WA.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is Bellingham Bay Marathon 2026 — Bellingham, WA?
Bellingham Bay Marathon 2026 — Bellingham, WA takes place on September 20, 2026. The race is held in Bellingham, Washington.
Where is Bellingham Bay Marathon 2026 — Bellingham, WA held?
Bellingham Bay Marathon 2026 — Bellingham, WA is held at 1100 Railroad Ave in Bellingham, Washington.
Where can I find hotels near Bellingham Bay Marathon 2026 — Bellingham, WA?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Bellingham. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
