I ran Birch Bay for the first time today while in Washington State visiting my daughter at PLU. It's pretty mellow, without any artificial hype resulting in a relaxing event. Other than water/electrolytes on the course (the number and location of aid stations were satisfactory), you have to prepare yourself with GU, toilet paper, and the like. The strength of the event is the beautiful/scenic course. I especially liked the views of Canadian Cascades across Puget Sound. Although the course was 1/4-mile long by my Garmin, it is Boston-qualification certified. For the price, it's well worth doing, especially if you like running in solitude through spectacular scenery and don't care about schwag. Fort a first-time runner, though, it's probably not a great choice, as it's somewhat hilly and has zero "fan support" to drive you along.

Posted by SRK, member: Team MarathonGuide.com

I actually love running in Birch Bay. I've run the BB 30K a few times, so I knew the route.

First the good: The race started right on time. The aid station volunteers were very supportive. The course was beautiful.

Now the issues: First off, no chip timing. We had little ribbons, and not even numbers. I like to keep my race number from every race. I was left with a 1-inch piece of blue attached to my jacket.

There were absolutely zero facilities on the course. I get no frills, but I think it's mighty presumptuous of organizers to decide for the citizens of BB that it's a-okay for people to pee in their yards! Because there are very few areas of commerce, and none past mile 2, most of those not even open in the off season, there was NO PLACE to use a restroom. I prefer NOT to drop trou in public, especially wearing a bright yellow jacket that screams, "I know what YOU'RE doing!" But I had no choice.

Up until mile 17 or 18, the water stops were good. Only one had food, and there was no GU, but there was water and Gatorade. The others were all water, until the second loop when one of the guys at a water stop told me that he'd had his brother take Gatorade to the next stop so people could get some there too.

At about mile 17 or so, the organizer drove up beside me, asked how I was doing, and asked if I needed the next water stop. I said no, but I didn't mean I didn't need ANY course support for the rest of the marathon. Plus, how do you answer that? It shouldn't have even been asked. I was shocked to find not only no more water on the route, but not another SOUL on the route. What if one of us had had an emergency? I know the guy behind me was really struggling, and I'd lost a guy WAY back in the first loop who was already doing poorly. That was really a HUGE liability just waiting to happen! I don't think that a race with no time limit should pull course support, period. I'm no Deena Kastor, but I finished in 5 hours. That was slower for this field, but not exactly a walking pace. I generally finish middle of the pack.

I won't run this one again. I've had better course support on marathons that had no fee. Heck, I even got some silly "medals" in those. Nothing on this one. For $35, it would have been nice to have had a piece of fruit (they had some cookies and chips that had been at the one water stop left over) at the end. This was my 19th marathon, and 4th this year. Of those four, this was the second most expensive (cheap at $35), but had the least support.

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.

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.

'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.