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A Race for Everyone with Views, Microbrews, and Unique Pacific Northwest Charm
Nestled between the foothills of Mount Baker and the shore of the Salish Sea sits the laid-back town of Bellingham. Occasionally called the “City of Subdued Excitement” Bellingham is becoming known for a growing microbrew scene, coffee roasteries and bakeries, and incredible outdoor recreation. The locals know Bellingham is as quintessential a Pacific Northwest town as it gets.
What better way to experience this portside gem than by running in the much-loved Bellingham Bay Marathon (BBM)? Now in its 12th year, BBM takes place the last Sunday of September – falling on September 30 this year. The event boasts options for everyone: a Boston-qualifying full marathon; half marathon, 10K and 5K races; and a recently-added marathon relay (for teams of 2-5)! Kids can run for free in the 5K with a participating adult.
Along the course you will be cheered on by hundreds of volunteers and community members who come out to support BBM participants. Full marathoners and relay runners will start their day on Lummi Nation, with traditional drumming and a blessing from Lummi tribal members. You will wind your way along the coast and through open farmland with views of the San Juan Islands and North Cascades before joining up with the half marathon runners on the outskirts of town. From there the excitement builds as you pass through Bellingham’s neighborhoods and coastal parks before finishing in the heart of downtown.
In true Bellingham style celebrate your accomplishment with a great finish line festival featuring music, food trucks and a beer garden with beer, cider and kombucha on tap. Plus you can feel great in knowing that 100% of the net proceeds from the event benefit local youth non-profits, like the Bellingham Bay Swim Team and the Whatcom FC Rangers soccer club.
All race participants receive a high-quality tech race shirt and a commemorative medal or token featuring artwork by local native artist Neeka Cook. But you’ll also be able to take home memories of a fantastic course with gorgeous scenery and a unique Pacific Northwest charm that only Bellingham has to offer.
To find out more and register for the event visit: www.bellinghambaymarathon.org
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