Overall Rating
Overall Rating (46 Reviews)
4.6
(46 Ratings)  (46 Reviews)
DIFFICULTY
2.5
SCENERY
4.6
PRODUCTION
4.8
SWAG
4.5
Run along the beautiful shores of Birch Bay at the Birch Bay Road Race! You’ll spot eagles and herons as you run or walk along our USATF certified courses. Views abound as the beautiful course is run along the shores of Birch Bay while the crisp sea air fills your … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Apr 05):
  2024 2023 2022 2021 2020
 
H (°F)  52  51  52  50  52
L (°F)  42  34  44  35  38
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Recent reviews

    clingham REPEAT RUNNER '24

    Well organized, beautiful scenery, awesome medals and tshirt, good after race treats. It is a run that we cross the border for every year. The discount at Semiahmoo resort is … MORE

    Well organized, beautiful scenery, awesome medals and tshirt, good after race treats. It is a run that we cross the border for every year. The discount at Semiahmoo resort is awesome as well.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    4

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    Profile photo of Chris Hicks-Davis
    crazybrattyone FIRST-TIMER '24

    Absolutely positively stunning course! Comfy T-shirt, love the medal, and the Orca Running crew staffing the event are top notch! First time doing this course and I will definitely have … MORE

    Absolutely positively stunning course! Comfy T-shirt, love the medal, and the Orca Running crew staffing the event are top notch! First time doing this course and I will definitely have this one in my list to do it again!

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
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    renardbleu7476 REPEAT RUNNER '24

    This is a well-run race in a beautiful setting. Parking is easy and there is plenty, even though I arrived shortly before the race started. This is my second year … MORE

    This is a well-run race in a beautiful setting. Parking is easy and there is plenty, even though I arrived shortly before the race started. This is my second year running this race. We plan on turning this into a yearly event.

    The course is flat and the scenery lovely. There are places along the way that you can hear the waves lapping the shore, so you get the energy/excitement of a race and the calming of the nature. Perfect combination!

    I hope to run the 15K next year as it promises even better views.

    DIFFICULTY
    1
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    4

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    runner77girl FIRST-TIMER '24

    Recovering from an injury so I knew a 10K would be my limit but I couldn't resist running just a bit further. Sunny weather always helps but just breathing in … MORE

    Recovering from an injury so I knew a 10K would be my limit but I couldn’t resist running just a bit further. Sunny weather always helps but just breathing in the salty sea air makes me wonder if I can ever do another city run that doesn’t have this fresh air. Plenty of close by parking which is also a bonus.

    DIFFICULTY
    1
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    3
    My Media

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    ritablood REPEAT RUNNER '23

    This is a well organized race on a beautiful course. This was my third in person time but did one virtual. It’s my favorite and this year I had a … MORE

    This is a well organized race on a beautiful course. This was my third in person time but did one virtual. It’s my favorite and this year I had a PR. I’ll do it every year I can.

    DIFFICULTY
    5
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
    My Media

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    uijikuat REPEAT RUNNER '23

    This is my second year running this race and I foresee myself coming back again next year. The 30K course will take you along the waterfront, Birch Bay State Park … MORE

    This is my second year running this race and I foresee myself coming back again next year.

    The 30K course will take you along the waterfront, Birch Bay State Park for the first half of the race and the last half will be a bit challenging with rolling hills.

    This is definitely one of the most beautiful races I have participated in in the PNW, if you aren’t feeling the hills, the 15K course will be relatively flat.

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    kerrymittleman REPEAT RUNNER '23

    You can always expect wind at this race, mostly sun otherwise and very scenic along the bay. Age group awards for all also. The race is well organized through Orca … MORE

    You can always expect wind at this race, mostly sun otherwise and very scenic along the bay. Age group awards for all also. The race is well organized through Orca Races

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    3

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    pt105 REPEAT RUNNER '22

    This is a well-organized and small-town race. Orca Running race directors put on excellent events, and this one is no different. It's an out-and-back along the water, which can make … MORE

    This is a well-organized and small-town race. Orca Running race directors put on excellent events, and this one is no different. It’s an out-and-back along the water, which can make for some wind.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    3

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    mmctaggart2022 FIRST-TIMER '22

    I ran the 30k for this race and had a really great experience. Parking was clear, the course was mapped out clearly, the aid stations had great volunteers, and the … MORE

    I ran the 30k for this race and had a really great experience. Parking was clear, the course was mapped out clearly, the aid stations had great volunteers, and the scenery was beautiful. The race ended with a nice little uphill challenge which was the most difficult part of the course! I really enjoyed my experience and the shirt/medal/snacks after were top notch!

    DIFFICULTY
    1
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

    1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

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    LACanadaJen FIRST-TIMER '22

    Well put on race from Orca Running. First half of the 30k course is mostly flat and along the ocean, second half is rolling hills and on a country road. … MORE

    Well put on race from Orca Running.
    First half of the 30k course is mostly flat and along the ocean, second half is rolling hills and on a country road. Cones are used on either side and there are volunteers all along the way.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    Profile photo of Tina Williams
    tinamwilliams4 FIRST-TIMER '22

    This is such a beautiful course to run by the bay and through the trees. The hosts were so friendly and aid stations were well placed. And the wooden medal … MORE

    This is such a beautiful course to run by the bay and through the trees. The hosts were so friendly and aid stations were well placed. And the wooden medal is an absolute piece of art.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    Recap: 2022 Birch Bay Road Race 15k I love this race! Honestly, I kinda want to leave it at that, but then I wouldn’t get to brag on the amazing … MORE

    Recap: 2022 Birch Bay Road Race 15k

    I love this race! Honestly, I kinda want to leave it at that, but then I wouldn’t get to brag on the amazing crew of Orca Running staff and volunteers that made this race so wonderful.

    First, I love a race that has super easy parking! Sometimes it’s the little things.

    Moving on…

    The start/finish area was super well organized. Pre-race I had plenty of time to greet friends, visit the porta potty, and get myself ready to run. Post-race I got my medal, shirt, and snacks with little to no waiting in line.

    This course is so beautiful! There are amazing views of Birch Bay for most of the 15k, and when you do turn inland it’s into a very pleasant forested area. Running along the water brings with it some wind, but it’s well worth the views in my opinion.

    All the folks at today’s race were so friendly and supportive! Runners, volunteers, and staff!!! I ran in my Where’s Waldo costume and so many people offered shout outs, support, and various other joyful reactions.

    It was an absolutely gorgeous morning for a run!

    DIFFICULTY
    1
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5
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    Rainy REPEAT RUNNER '22

    Super organized, beautiful scenery when running along the shoreline with a fresh breeze to keep you awake. Well supported with excellent volunteers! MORE

    Super organized, beautiful scenery when running along the shoreline with a fresh breeze to keep you awake. Well supported with excellent volunteers!

    DIFFICULTY
    4
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    eg06 FIRST-TIMER '22

    I traveled from Las Vegas to participate in the 5k run. I visit the area often and it is a beautiful place to find some peace and quiet during the … MORE

    I traveled from Las Vegas to participate in the 5k run. I visit the area often and it is a beautiful place to find some peace and quiet during the off season. I met a wonderful gal from Bellingham whom I hope to join in other area runs in the future. The weather was almost perfect just a bit breezy. The finisher’s medal was just stunning and won’t end up in a metal tin with the rest of my collection. It was not a rigidly structured race but offered everything needed including gear check and hot red pepper tomato soup at the finish. Thank you to the organizers, sponsors and volunteers who made this well worth the time and expense to make the trip north.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    Oso13 FIRST-TIMER '22

    This race was not organized good, they sent me a email telling me the 5K race I raced in would start at 9:00 AM but then it started at 8:00 … MORE

    This race was not organized good, they sent me a email telling me the 5K race I raced in would start at 9:00 AM but then it started at 8:00 AM instead. My race card or whatever it’s called had a random persons name. They said I signed up late???? What does that mean? The race its self was good, fun and a good amount of exercise.

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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    FizzPop FIRST-TIMER '22

    As well organized and positive as all Orca races. Packets were mailed, making the morning of easy peas and stress free. Chilly, but we lucked out with clear skies all … MORE

    As well organized and positive as all Orca races. Packets were mailed, making the morning of easy peas and stress free. Chilly, but we lucked out with clear skies all morning. We made a weekend out of it and enjoyed exploring the area, definitely worth the trip up!

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5

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    kerrymittleman REPEAT RUNNER '22

    Great event with lots of volunteers, I believe even though they had enough people for package pickup it still lacked the perfection of organization . Couldn’t even find my package … MORE

    Great event with lots of volunteers, I believe even though they had enough people for package pickup it still lacked the perfection of organization . Couldn’t even find my package despite registering weeks before. Otherwise I wouldn’t hesitate to do it again😊

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    2
    SWAG
    3
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    stentron FIRST-TIMER '22

    -A mix of pleasant water views and mostly-calm, wood-flanked streets. -Pretty flat course on all pavement -An abundance of refuel stations. -Good support on both sides of the event in … MORE

    -A mix of pleasant water views and mostly-calm, wood-flanked streets.
    -Pretty flat course on all pavement
    -An abundance of refuel stations.
    -Good support on both sides of the event in terms of communication, kiosk help, water, food, restrooms, etc…

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5

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    dt.johnson.mail FIRST-TIMER '22

    Best part was the swag. I loved the shirt and wooden "medal". It was windy going out, but then the wind was behind us coming back. A small hill at … MORE

    Best part was the swag. I loved the shirt and wooden “medal”. It was windy going out, but then the wind was behind us coming back. A small hill at the beginning in end. Nice views of the bay. Simple fun little race.

    DIFFICULTY
    2
    PRODUCTION
    4
    SCENERY
    4
    SWAG
    5

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    This race was great, and I absolutely loved how they mailed the bibs and told us to just show up 10 min before our start time - it really reduced … MORE

    This race was great, and I absolutely loved how they mailed the bibs and told us to just show up 10 min before our start time – it really reduced my race anxiety and helped things go smoothly! The course was incredibly beautiful, super helpful volunteers, and plenty of aid stations. They made us feel special and valued at the end – the way you want to feel in every race! I loved how you pick up your swag at the end too, instead of at the beginning! A+ experience and I can’t wait to do another Orca Running race!

    DIFFICULTY
    3
    PRODUCTION
    5
    SCENERY
    5
    SWAG
    5

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