calendar icon Sep 19, 2024

Birch Bay Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Birch Bay Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 3.8 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 3.2 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 1.7 
 
 
Number of comments: 13 [displaying comments 11 to 13]
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R. G. from AZ (3/17/2008)
"Beautiful Course!" (about: 2008)

6-10 previous marathons | 1 Birch Bay Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 1


This marathon was terrific from start to finish. Looking for medals or crowds of people that all say, "Looking strong"? Then this is not your race.

Looking for beautiful views and a challenging course? Sign up! Part of the course is a ten-mile loop that you do twice.

The organizers were great. The race started on time and the aid stations were fine.

I would do this race again and again.

 

J. L. from Seattle, WA (11/1/2007)
"Small, friendly, scenic (and sometimes fierce)" (about: 2007)

11-50 previous marathons | 2 Birch Bay Marathons
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 2


Did it in '06 and '07 and plan for '08 as well.
Watch the weather and be prepared to dress up for cold, rain, and wind if necessary. Temps can be in the teens at the start.
Much of the run is along the seashore, which is scenic but sometimes windy. The course is two loops around the peninsula, and stays interesting enough to keep you from getting too bored, with one tough hill thrown in too (you get to do it twice).
Support is sparse but adequate.
Very friendly folks put this race on.

 

m. l. from Canada (2/23/2005)
"Friendly Low-Key" (about: 2005)

6-10 previous marathons
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 5  FANS: 2


'No medals, no t-shirts; no glory, no wimps' is the advert for this race. It's definitely no-frills.

Course: two loops of a peninsula. Start in Birch Bay State Park with the mountains on one side and the bay on the other. Very pretty; just a touch monotonous at times.

Organization: Was expecting plain water at the aid stations, so was pleasantly surprised with the gel offerings. Was also surprised that it is chip timed. RD answered my registration questions promptly and in detail.

Spectators: none except volunteers (who were great), but got some thumbs ups from pedestrians. There seems to be much interest in this race; sounds like locals would support the event should it grow in the future. And those Marathon Maniacs from Seattle are nice people.

For accommodation, Driftwood Inn is about a mile from the start. Super clean and comfy, with helpful staff. (The Birch Bay hostel is closed during winter).

Proximity to the Canadian border, the fantastic weather this year and friendly atmosphere made this a fine February race. Recommended.

 

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