Last Chance Marathon and Half Marathon
The Last Chance Marathon and Half Marathon is a New Year's Eve trail race in Bellingham, Washington, starting from the Fairhaven Park Pavilion. Participants can select either 13.1 miles or 26.2 miles, with the marathon course consisting of the half-marathon route completed twice. The race setup is straightforward: registration closes the day prior, the entry fee is modest, shirts are not included by default, bathrooms will be open at Fairhaven Park, and the heated pavilion offers a warm space before or after a winter run. The course follows the Interurban Trail toward Clayton Beach, primarily on a former railroad bed with a gravel surface beneath a tree canopy. It is largely flat, featuring minimal inclines, although the Arroyos Park segment introduces double-track trails, bridges, and brief ascents. Snow is possible during this season, and race organizers reserve the right to alter the course if trail conditions necessitate it. Participants are advised to carry their own hydration and supplies, with the initial aid station located approximately 3.5 miles into the race, contributing to a low-key, self-reliant trail running atmosphere rather than a large-scale urban event.
