Race: Bellingham Trail 1/2 Marathon
Runner: Stacey N
Race Date: 11/02/2019
Location: Bellingham, WA
Results: 3:19:14, 59th Overall
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
1. Location: It is an easy drive from Seattle area, so no overnight required. Yet it is far enough away to feel like you are “getting away”. It is a beautiful area and course!
2. Course has a wide variety of terrain.
3. It has got that small and low key feel all while being a well-oiled machine.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
Having to wait for a traffic light towards the end on a sidewalk section that followed a main road by the highway was kinda a bummer.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
Great training race for me to wake up my climbing muscles!
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Don’t forget to slow down or stop to enjoy the gorgeous views!
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
Save some in the tank to be ready to run last few miles at the end on flat hard pack multi user trail and some “road” sidewalk sections.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Yes! It is beautiful!
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Some really good climbing at the beginning and some fun downhills, that required thoughtful footwork. Otherwise very runnable!
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Well oiled machine.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Seemed like there was some competition out there!
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
The logistics were easy, I think I signed up two weeks before the race. I drove to race and back same day from the “Eastside” of Seattle area.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
The aid stations were standard fare and seemed spaced out well.
Weather and typical race conditions
I think the weather varies year to year. This year is was perfect PNW running weather. It was dry, sunny, and crisp with a little chill in the air.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?
Nothing special needed.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
The start finish is at a beautiful park, with walking trails, lake, bathrooms etc. Friends and family can hangout there.
How’s the Swag?
Tech shirt and a pint glass.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
10 outta 10! Yes, it is a great PNW run.