Bellingham Bay Marathon

    Emerging BQ Likelihood
    Bellingham, WA

    Date

    September 20, 2026

    Field Size

    Small (<500)

    PR Score

    98.3 / 100

    BQ Rate

    4.6%

    Rolling Hills
    Small race fansFirst-time qualifiers

    Why It's BQ-Friendly

    Rolling hills throughout the course create a more varied running experience compared to flat marathons.

    The marathon finishes near the picturesque Bellingham Bay, offering stunning views and a scenic backdrop.

    With only 286 finishers, the smaller field size allows for a more intimate race atmosphere and personalized crowd support.

    The BQ rate of 4.6% indicates that while it's a challenge, dedicated runners have the opportunity to qualify.

    About This Race

    With a PR score of 98.33, it's clear that this marathon isn't a flat course, but runners appreciate the rolling hills that keep things interesting. You’ll weave through Bellingham’s waterfront and lush landscapes, with plenty of scenic views to distract from the effort. Only 4.6% of finishers manage to qualify for Boston, which gives a sense of the competitive edge among this small field of 286 participants. Expect a local vibe, as the smaller crowd means more support from enthusiastic spectators along the route.

    Race Strategy

    Focus on maintaining a steady effort on the hills, as the rolling terrain can sap your energy if not managed well. Save some strength for the final miles near the bay, where the scenery may push you to find an extra gear.

    Course & Elevation

    Course Profile Coming Soon

    Detailed elevation profile data is being prepared for this race. Check back soon for interactive course analysis.

    Typical Race Day Weather

    Historical average based on 3-year data for this race date

    🌡️

    Temp

    65.1°F / 49.7°F

    ☁️

    Conditions

    Partly Cloudy

    🌧️

    Precipitation

    0.04 in

    💨

    Wind

    7.7 mph

    Historical averages · Source: Open-Meteo · Actual conditions will vary

    Travel for This Race

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