Rangers Run the Day: Bellingham Bay Marathon
September 30, 2018
The Whatcom FC Rangers have been volunteering at the Bellingham Bay Marathon since it inception, 12 years ago. Each year our players, parents, and friends of our program gather together to help host one largest events in Bellingham.
Our players and parents play a vital role in preparing for and facilitating race day logistics. Each team is assigned a specific zone and duty. The Rangers take on tasks such as providing water at hydration stations, course clean up, handing out medals at the finish line, and managing food and waste the Market Depot Festival.
Beyond being a race, the Bellingham Bay Marathon helps unite the community in many ways. Every year, the course is lined with Ranger volunteers and supporters encouraging racers throughout the 26.2 mile course. Possibly their most impactful role is inspiring and encouraging runners throughout their marathon journey.
“This event is a great opportunity for our players to give back to our community,” says Rangers President Brad Swanson. “We provide over 700 volunteers at each marathon, and our club’s hard work on race day is a source of pride. Year in and year out, race participants thank our club for our wonderful support from the start to the finish.”
In return for helping make the Bellingham Bay Marathon one of the finest and most interactive marathons around, one hundred of the net proceeds from the race support local organizations such as the Whatcom FC Rangers. The donations from the marathon has played a vital role for the growth of the Rangers program over the past 12 years. It has helped raise between $20,000 and $25,000 for the Rangers each year.
“I have never been more proud to be apart of the WFC Rangers organization.” says Technical Director Derrick Ayers. “There was nothing better than seeing our players, staff, and parents having such a positive influence on the people around them today. This marathon is a wonderful community event, we are extremely proud to represent the Rangers as we encourage and support racers from far and wide.”
The Bellingham Bay Marathon was founded in 2003. The race offer 5k, 10k, half and full marathon options. This point-to-point marathon is one of the nations most beautiful courses, starting on Lummi Island and finishing in downtown Bellingham. See the full course & race details here.