Whatcom Falls 5K
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Whatcom Falls 5K
The Whatcom Falls 5K is a community road and trail race held in Whatcom Falls Park in Bellingham. Registration will open November 15, 2026. The event is family friendly; strollers are allowed and dogs are not permitted on the course.
Chip timing is provided by Pacific Multisports. Refreshments and snacks are available at the finish. A running shoe recycling drop off will be available for used shoes to keep them out of landfills. Discounted lodging is offered for bookings made by January 23.
The course starts and finishes near the fish hatchery and is marked with chalk and signs. Runners follow a short loop to the north, turn onto the Waterline Trail, then proceed to Lakeway Drive and enter Bayview Cemetery. The route stays to the right through the cemetery, returns to the Waterline Trail, crosses a wooden footbridge, climbs a short steep hill, crosses the old stone bridge, passes the parking area and toilets, then follows a final loop back to the start and finish area.
Entry fees vary by membership and age: adult GBRC members free with a race day fee of 5.00, GBRC youth free with a race day fee of 5.00, adult nonmembers 20.00 with a race day fee of 25.00, and nonmember youth 5.00 with a race day fee of 10.00. Entry fees are nonrefundable. Registration remains open until race day but fees increase on January 6.
Parking at Whatcom Falls Park is very limited; additional parking is available in the upper park lot off Electric Avenue and at Bloedel Donovan Park a short run or walk from the start. A race map is provided by the organizer. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
