A great small marathon. In 2004, it was 40 degrees and raining. That was the only bad thing about this race. There were few spectators, but no one cared. The few that were there were encouraging and we didn't care how many there were, because of the scenery. The water crew was fantastic. How many races have you been at where the course workers get to know you because they are the same ones all along the course? They give you water and then they drive past you wishing you good luck and set up at one of the next stops. It's also a bit out of the way to get to, but you should try it.

You know it is a small marathon when the aid station workers not only know your first and last name, but also your mother's maiden name and your favorite color. What the Burney Marathon lacks in terms of the larger marathons with their hundreds of runners, it returns in beauty, splendor, and quaintness. The views rival that of Napa and Big Sur. Landscape vistas of Mt. Shasta, Mt. Lassen, farms, fields of golden California grass, small ponds of water lillies and, of course, Shasta Pines. The race, if you call it that, is not that hard, with rolling hills from mile 7-11, and a dirt trail from 22-25. They claimed it was the warmest marathon ever. But it only got up to 80, and there was a breeze. It's a very low-tech marathon; there is no chip timing, just rubber hose timing. The
start was on the dirt track at MacArthur High School, where a rubber hose was stretched across the 50-yard line.

As for the marathon it self, it was more like a 26.2 mile training run, except you get a T-shirt and a finisher's medal. After a few miles you don't see very many runners, and the only people cheering you on are at the finish line at the Burney High School.

The aid station workers are a little different then any we've seen at other marathons. They're not your typical high school or college volunteers. No, it's more like the various volunteer firemen, farmers, and Lions Club members. I especially enjoyed the guys hitting golf shots into the gravel pit at mile 13.

I can't think of another marathon where you can get to know every one of the other competitors at the starting line on race morning. The aid station volunteers were all cheerful and greeted you by name. The scenery was spectacular, and rivals that of the Big Sur and Napa marathons. On occasion it felt lonely, since after the first few miles the field was so spread out, and the course had so many winding roads that you don't see another runner. However, the stunning views of Mt. Shasta from almost every part of the course meant that there were plenty of distractions. I'll be back again. I want to place in my age group. ;-)

I did the 1/2 in '99, then they cancelled it in 2000. I'm glad it's back. I'll do it every year, either the 1/2 or the full. Great after race BBQ too!!

It's a nice little town marathon in the eastern Sierra mtn's in CA. Great family getaway. The kids had a ball. The Burney Falls are a must see.

I have run 66 marathons, 25 Ultras and honestly do not think there is any of these that compare to Burney... I especially enjoy visiting with all the local folks before/after and all along the course... They really seem to enjoy the event... I get a real kick out of the traveling Aid Stations...
I know you would like to see the event grow, but the size adds to the unique experience.