Frequently Asked Questions

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

We will offer free bus transportation to the start line location on Gooseberry Point before the race start. Participants can also get dropped off at the start line. The start is 15 minutes from downtown Bellingham, 10 minutes from Hampton Inn and 5 minutes from Silver Reef Casino ( & hotel).

Yes. All three courses -- the marathon, half-marathon and 5k -- are USATF certified courses. The marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifier.

We will not be offering pace teams this year. We are considering the use of pace teams next year.

Yes, another person can pick up your event packet for you provided s/he has your written and signed permission with them.

Road shoes. Definitively. The vast majority of the marathon is on road asphalt. 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.

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

Yes.

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.

No, all fees are non-refundable.

Yes. You may transfer your own registration fees from one event to another (e.g. half-marathon to marathon, marathon to half-marathon, half-marathon to 5k, etc.). There are no refunds of registration fees already paid. Any additional registration fees are based on the cost of registration as of the day of transfer.

State in the transfer request full name and address of registrant and to which event the transfer is requested. If transfer is requested to a higher cost event, then include check in U.S. dollars for the difference between the amount paid and the current rate for event to which the transfer is requested. Send transfer request to:

Bellingham Bay Marathon
ATTN: REGISTRATION
P.O. Box 28488
Bellingham WA 98228

No, you may not transfer your registration fees from one person to another or from one year’s event to another year’s event.

No, participants cannot defer their entries to the next year in the event that they cannot run.

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.

Net proceeds will benefit the Bellingham Bay Swim Team and the WFC Rangers soccer club. Both are not-for-profit youth organizations.

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

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