The race route goes from downtown Bellingham out to the Bay and then up to State Street and then back to downtown via the trail from Boulevard Park.

There's a long steady hill in the beginning 1/3 of the race getting you up to State street. A good portion of the course is the same as the Bellingham Bay Marathon's 5k. The course is scenic with views of the bay and about half of it is run through a wooded, hard packed gravel trail.

It's a fun, family oriented race (lots of toddlers, strollers and pooches). Great race for those just starting out.

Parking can be a bit of a challenge as this is Saturday am in downtown Bellingham and often the same day as the St. Patrick's Day parade (right after the race). It was hard to find the start line as it wasn't set up until less than a half hour before race time and the google map wasn't too specific. Turns out I parked my car about 30 m from the start but wandered most of downtown trying to find the start line before the race. There are no aid stations - this is a 5K, porta-potties and lots of food/drink establishments are available at the start and finish.

The shirts run large for this race - a better surprise than those that run way too small. Package pick up was fine. Nice relaxed family race. Great way to start a Saturday morning.