serves as a qualifier for the 2008 Boston Marathon. The course is unchanged from 2007. See
www.bostonmarathon.org for qualifying times, noting that
the small-print permits a 59 second grace period beyond the listed times for each age group.
| Greater Bellingham Running Club |
| GBRC Home | BBM Home | Registration | Reg List | Course | Results | Photos |
New Direction! Awards! Prizes! Shirts!
A Boston Marathon Qualifier
Sunday February 17, 2008 at 7:30 am will mark the 40th running of the scenic and historic Birch Bay International Marathon, managed and directed this year by Joel Pearson, whose father Jim Pearson created and directed this year for many years. The race will start and finish at the south end of Birch Bay State Park.
The marathon course has been certified (certification code WA 06002 BL) and the race
serves as a qualifier for the 2008 Boston Marathon. The course is unchanged from 2007. See
www.bostonmarathon.org for qualifying times, noting that
the small-print permits a 59 second grace period beyond the listed times for each age group.
For 2008 we are again offering a 25K race; this follows the same course as the marathon but only does one loop (instead of two) around Birch Point. This race starts at 8:00 AM from a line about 400m north of the marathon start line, but ends at the marathon finish.
Expect very cold, wet, windy weather and dress accordingly; we recommend layering and carrying a windproof jacket. Windy conditions combined with high tide can result in a soaking from sea-spray or even waves lapping over the road - be prepared to get wet.
Northwards on I-5: Take exit 266 (Grandview Rd.); travel 7.5 miles west on Grandview to Point Whitehorn Rd. (ignore the earlier sign pointing north to Birch Bay State Park). Turn right onto Point Whitehorn Rd. and follow it north to the waterfront and race start.
Southward on I-5: Take exit 270 (Birch Bay - Lynden Rd.); follow this west into Birch Bay to the traffic lights at Harborview Rd. Turn left down to the waterfront. Turn left onto Birch Bay Drive and follow the waterfront southwards to the start.
For futher inquiries or to volunteer please contact;
Joel Pearson (Race Director) e-mail: birchbaymarathon@yahoo.com, phone: 360 223-0264
| Beautiful Birch Bay | |
This was my first time running this marathon and first time to Birch Bay. What a beautiful course and scenery and the weather couldn't have been any more perfect.
I've never run such a small marathon and agree that Joel and the volunteers did a great job. The only complaint I have is that there was a mix up with my bib at the finish. I'm looking forward to my time being corrected in the results.
I hope to be back next year. ::) | |
| Krista (Seattle) - 02/23/08 07:04 | |
| A Great Day for a Race! | |
This race is a welcome "no frills throw-back" to my earliest days of racing. I ran the 25K, but if ever there was a day to run the marathon, this would have been it. What a beauty. I carried my own aid, figuring the marathoners might need the aid stations more than I did on their second loop, but it still seemed like there might have been a shortage of cups for the runners. Other than that, it was a super event. Thanks Joel and all the volunteers for your hard work.
John Hastings Everett, WA | |
| John Hastings - 02/19/08 15:54 | |
| Great day | |
Thank you Joel, and thank you weather gods for a beautiful footrace. I think there was a mixup on the availability of aid and I ran out of gas on the second loop. Otherwise a great run on a great day!
| |
| Stephen Lundgren - 02/19/08 13:44 | |
| Great Weather | |
Sunday was a great day for the 40th annual Birch Bay Marathon. Kudos to Joel for ordering the clear skies and no wind. | |
| Bellinghamspence - 02/19/08 11:44 | |
| running in the elements | |
I would add to carry some sort of rag to wipe that salty spray out of my eyes. That stuff can really sting if the wind is whipping up (and I'm sure it will!). | |
| Ric H - 02/13/08 14:12 | |
| Gear | |
Rob from the Desert,
Visit Fairhaven. It is a very cool, funky section of Bellingham. You will find great shopping in historic old buildings, spectacular food, and you will find Fairhaven Runners. Fairhaven is cozy and easy to walk...you will love it. See you on Sunday...good luck. | |
| Kevin Olson - 02/12/08 18:54 | |
| Gear | |
Thanks Kevin!
I don't have a vest top for the wind.
Presently planning: -long sleeve dryfit -short sleeve dryfit -thick socks to cover my arms -Brooks zip-up jacket -wool cap for the head -compression shorts -shorts over them
I am planning to purchase gloves and socks in Bellingham. Any suggestions on good socks and gloves and where I should look to purchase these?
THANK YOU for your support!
Rob | |
| Rob Gilmore - 02/10/08 18:00 | |
| Gear | |
Rob from the Desert,
I like to layer in the windy, rainy NW weather. I go with a long sleeve shirt and singlet. A wind vest is a nice option if it is very windy. Compression shorts, smart wool socks, gloves, and a hat complete the ensemble. Do not underestimate how wet you can get and how cold that feels, even if the temps are in the 40s. If you have support on the course, have them carry dry clothes for a quick change.
Kevin Bellingham,WA | |
| Kevin - 02/09/08 14:38 | |
| Start Times | |
I know it's going to be windy, cold and wet. If you started the 25K at 8:30, the finish line crew would have an extra half hour to stay warm. Running in the cold is better than just standing there in it. Last year the first 25K finisher came in 32 minutes (real time, not race time) before the first Marathon finisher. Having the two races finish closer to the same time might make the two races a little bit more exciting, as well as easier to manage. | |
| Michael Bergquist - 02/08/08 13:33 | |
| Gear? | |
Hey Runners, I am a desert dweller...out of my element soon!
Any suggestions on how to dress for the weather?
I can handle the cold, but it's the wind and rain that have me a bit nervous.
I looked at the photos from the previous runs, but I am wondering if runners were happy with their gear or would change it?
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!
Rob Phoenix, AZ | |
| Rob - 01/28/08 19:50 | |
| View All Comments |
Top
Latest Race Updates
Photos of the 2008 race by Hovde Productions can be viewed at www.hovdephoto.com. Additional photos by Karl King will be posted under the photos tab of the menu very shortly.
2008 Race Results are now posted on this page.
Aid stations (8) at mile markers 2.5 / 7 / 10.5 / 13.1 / 17.5 / 21 / 23.5 and finish. Includes: Water and gatorade, cups.
Awards: noon at marathon start/finish line.
2/13/08 AWARDS: All award certificates are with frames.
1st place in the 25k Male and Female: Plaques and gift certificates.
1st place in the Marathon male and female: Plaques and gift certificates
2-3 place - Marathon - Award certificates and award
40th place marathon (regardless of gender) - gift certificate
1st place Masters (40+, 50+, 60+ M and F) - Award Certificates
11/25/2007
The 40th annual of the Birch Bay Marathon will include awards for the top 3 overall male and female athletes as well as the top male and female masters runners in the 40+ 50+ and 60+ categories.
11/12/2007
This year Joel Pearson has taken over the Directorship and Sponsorship of the Birch May Marathon. The marathon was started and run for many years by his father, Jim Pearson, so this transition marks the return of this race to it's roots.
GBRC club members will still be be able to run free for the 2008 race, and fees for other runners will not change for 2008. Please keep checking this...
[Read complete updates]