Birch Bay Marathon Reviews

  A perfect course for the marathon distance.

By PFH about 2018

Review

The Birch Bay course is the best 'fit' to the marathon distance I encountered in 54 years of racing marathons across North America. The first and last 3 miles are flat; the middle 20 miles are rolling and shaded in forest. The hill at 6 and 16 miles, repeated, is ideal located -- the first time to learn the hill (the top of which is out-of-sight) and the second time to gauge your reserve for the final 10 miles. If you feel good on the hill, second time around, feel free to start pushing the pace, starting with the long gradual descent after the climb. The first and last 3 mi are along the beach: flat but potentially windy. The weather, on the wet-side of the Cascades, is the wildcard.

Race Tips

The marathon is a game of patience. Patience in training; patience in racing.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

I overnighted in Blaine, arriving the afternoon before with enough time to drive over the course in advance.