Last Chance Marathon and Half Marathon

Last Chance Marathon and Half Marathon closes the year in Bellingham, Washington, on December 31, 2026, with the marathon (26.2 miles) and the half marathon (13.1 miles) both starting at 9:00 a.m. The course is an out-and-back on the Interurban Trail, from the Fairhaven Park Pavilion out toward Clayton Beach, on well-maintained trail. Several aid stations along the way carry drinks and snacks, and finishers receive a commemorative medal and a post-race meal.

Come prepared for winter conditions — the organizers say so plainly, and a December date in the Pacific Northwest earns the warning. An out-and-back rewards conservative pacing, because you learn exactly what the return leg holds before you commit to it. As a last-chance marathon it draws runners finishing something, whether that is a first 26.2 or a year-end goal; either way a 16-week build with a weekly long run is the honest preparation, and the 9:00 a.m. start leaves time to eat properly first.