April 5th, 2025
about the Birch Bay Road Race
Birch Bay Road Race offers a 5k, 15k and 30k distance–something for everyone! 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 these amazing courses. Birch Bay is a seaside village close to the Canadian border, just two hours from Seattle and an hour and a half from Vancouver, BC. Stay at Semiahmoo Resort and make a weekend out of it! Running groups and teams are invited to sign up for the Club Challenge. Walkers are welcome.
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NO RUNNING ON A DEAD PLANET
There are no higher stakes than being kind to the earth; we care deeply about keeping our planet viable for the next generation. To that end, we organize our events with an eye towards minimizing our impact on the planet. Read more here.
Committed to Making All Feel Welcome
Orca Running is making a new effort to make sure that everyone feels welcome and safe at our running events and in our community. We have a non-binary registration option and a non-binary category for overall awards.
If you have a suggestion or idea for how we can improve our events in this regard, please let us know!
registration prices
5K
October: $33
November-December: $38
January-February: $43
March-April: $48
Race day: $58
15K
October: $58
November-December: $63
January-February: $68
March-April: $73
Race day: $83
30K
October: $75
November-December: $80
January-February: $85
March-April: $90
Race day: $100
Important
Please note that all registrations are non-refundable. Be sure to review our race policies.
Prices do not include processing fees. Online pre-registration closes the day before the race at 8:00pm.
If you’re planning on doing multiple Orca Running races in a year, consider using our Bundle and Save!
Please note the new information on bib pickup below under ‘Packet Pickup’. Bibs will only be available on race morning for pickup.
Youth Discounts
Participants under 22 automatically receive a discount of 15% on registration fees.
race info
The course
Views abound as the beautiful course is run along the shores of Birch Bay while the crisp sea air fills your lungs. The start and finish line are at North Bay Community Church.
There will be aid stations on the course serving water, GU Gels, and Tailwind electrolyte drink. 15k runners will hit the aid stations at approximately 1.75, 3.75, 5.5, and 7.5 miles. 30k runners will hit aid stations at approximately 1.75, 3.75, 5.5, 7.5, 9.5, 11, 13, 15, and 16.5 miles. There are no aid stations on the 5k course, but plenty of food and drink after you’re done running.
There are portable restrooms every 2-3 miles along the course as well as at the start/finish line.
CUPLESS RACING
Orca Running is committed to reducing waste and protecting the environment. As part of this commitment, we are making all events cupless. The tiny little cups that are used for an instant generate tremendous amounts of garbage. We recommend you purchase a handheld bottle, a hydration pack, or we can provide you with a small re-useable cup that folds easily into your waistband to use during the entire race and future races.
CLUB CHALLENGE
Birch Bay Road Race has something unique: the Club Challenge! Members of running clubs, here are the steps:
- Both Canadian and US clubs can register (must be a member of an organized club)
- Be sure to add yourself to your club before you complete your registration!
- If your team is not listed, email us to be added
- Club Challenge results applies to 15K & 30K only
Plaque awarded to the highest ranking Club Score.
Points awarded for Age-Group Finishes in 15K and 30K only.
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2023
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| 1st | FitFirst Run Club | 194 |
| 2nd | HotPot | 16 |
| 3rd | Risky Richmond Runners | 13 |
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2019
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| 1st | FitFirst Run Club | 143 |
| 2nd | Pacific Road Runners | 27 |
| 3rd | PR Langley | 19 |
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2018
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| 1st | FitFirst Run Club | 163 |
| 2nd | Runners’ Den | 51 |
| 3rd | VFAC | 37 |
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2017
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| 1st | FitFirst Run Club | 96 |
| 2nd | Pacific Road Runners | 62 |
| 3rd | The RR bRUNch Gang | 22 |
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2015
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| 1st | Runners Den | 173 |
| 2nd | Pacific Road Runners | 123 |
| 3rd | VFAC | 93 |
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2014
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| 1st | Runners Den | points |
| 2nd | Pacific Road Runners | points |
| 3rd | Bonsor Breakfast Club | points |
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2013
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| 1st | Pacific Road Runners | 239 |
| 2nd | Runners Den | 205 |
| 3rd | Greater Bellingham Running Club | 9 |
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2012
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| 1st | Runners Den | 159 |
| 2nd | Pacific Road Runners | 133 |
| 3rd | Greater Bellingham Running Club | 76 |
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2011
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| 1st | Pacifice Road Runners | 164 |
| 2nd | Runners Den | 96 |
| 3rd | Greater Bellingham Running Club | 69 |
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2010
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| 1st | Runners Den | 119 |
| 2nd | Pacific Road Runners | 101 |
| 3rd | Bonsor Breakfast Club | 60 |
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2009
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| 1st | Pacific Road Runners | 81 |
| 2nd | Runners Den | 66 |
| 3rd | Running Room | 31 |
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2008
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| 1st | Pacific Road Runners | 64 |
| 2nd | Running Room | 28 |
| 3rd | Greater Bellingham Running Club | 32 |
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Overall Winners
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| 2007 | Greater Bellingham Running Club |
| 2006 | Greater Bellingham Running Club |
”Club
|
2023
|
||
| 1st | FitFirst Run Club | 194 |
| 2nd | HotPot | 16 |
| 3rd | Risky Richmond Runners | 13 |
|
2019
|
||
| 1st | FitFirst Run Club | 143 |
| 2nd | Pacific Road Runners | 27 |
| 3rd | PR Langley | 19 |
|
2018
|
||
| 1st | FitFirst Run Club | 163 |
| 2nd | Runners’ Den | 51 |
| 3rd | VFAC | 37 |
|
2017
|
||
| 1st | FitFirst Run Club | 96 |
| 2nd | Pacific Road Runners | 62 |
| 3rd | The RR bRUNch Gang | 22 |
|
2015
|
||
| 1st | Runners Den | 173 |
| 2nd | Pacific Road Runners | 123 |
| 3rd | VFAC | 93 |
|
2014
|
||
| 1st | Runners Den | points |
| 2nd | Pacific Road Runners | points |
| 3rd | Bonsor Breakfast Club | points |
|
2013
|
||
| 1st | Pacific Road Runners | 239 |
| 2nd | Runners Den | 205 |
| 3rd | Greater Bellingham Running Club | 9 |
|
2012
|
||
| 1st | Runners Den | 159 |
| 2nd | Pacific Road Runners | 133 |
| 3rd | Greater Bellingham Running Club | 76 |
|
2011
|
||
| 1st | Pacifice Road Runners | 164 |
| 2nd | Runners Den | 96 |
| 3rd | Greater Bellingham Running Club | 69 |
|
2010
|
||
| 1st | Runners Den | 119 |
| 2nd | Pacific Road Runners | 101 |
| 3rd | Bonsor Breakfast Club | 60 |
|
2009
|
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| 1st | Pacific Road Runners | 81 |
| 2nd | Runners Den | 66 |
| 3rd | Running Room | 31 |
|
2008
|
||
| 1st | Pacific Road Runners | 64 |
| 2nd | Running Room | 28 |
| 3rd | Greater Bellingham Running Club | 32 |
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Overall Winners
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| 2007 | Greater Bellingham Running Club |
| 2006 | Greater Bellingham Running Club |
Awards
Overall awards will be given to the top 3 male, female, and non-binary runners based off of gun time not chip time. So, you should start in the front of the pack for your distance. We also give out age group awards in 5 year increments, so be sure to check your results at the Orca Running tent. We DO NOT MAIL OUT AWARDS after the race, they must be picked up at the race.
Awards
Overall awards will be given to the top 3 male, female, and non-binary runners based off of gun time not chip time. So, you should start in the front of the pack for your distance. We also give out age group awards in 5 year increments, so be sure to check your results at the Orca Running tent. We DO NOT MAIL OUT AWARDS after the race, they must be picked up at the race.
PARKING
Start Line Parking: Birch Bay Water Slides across the street from the Start Line. If the waterslides lot is full then there is parking in the neighborhoods to the northwest of the start/finish line.
Accommodations
Semiahmoo Resort & Spa provides a 15% off discount valid April 11th – 15th link for participants. Use the code BBRR24 or click this link to receive this participant discount the weekend of the race.
Semiahmoo Resort & Spa
There are many features that create the quintessential Washington State resort getaway. If outdoor adventure is a must, then the beautiful landscape of the Pacific Northwest can’t be topped. If the desire is a host of amenities that deliver comfort and relaxation, then you need the relief of a cozy and convenient retreat. Semiahmoo Resort checks all those boxes, and more.
Policies
We have a clear set of policies that we uniformly follow for all races. Entries are not refundable, but you can defer your entry, transfer it to another race, or transfer it to another participant. You can review our full set of policies here.
COFFEE
Stop by Rooted by the Bay coffee shop to fuel up, whether before or after the race (race day hours: 7am – 2pm). They serve coffee/tea, as well as breakfast and lunch food items. You can also take home a Birch Bay/race memory by shopping goods made by 18 local artists. Cheers!
gear check
Free gear check is available at the Birch Bay Road Race. In an effort to reduce waste, we will not be providing drop bags, so PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN BAG. We will have identification tags for you to use.
Charity Partner
Our charity partner for the Birch Bay Road Race is the Blaine High School Booster Club! The dollars donated go to support various programs for students. Say hi to the amazing and friendly volunteers that support the race every year!
Packet Pickup
Save some time on race day and come to pre-race packet pick-up!
Date: Friday, April 4th
Time: TBD
Location: TBD
You can also pick up your packet on race morning from 7am-8:30am.
race day schedule
7:00am: Packet pick-up opens
8:00am: 30k Start
8:15am: 15k Start
8:30am: 5k Start
1:00pm: All courses closed; any participants still out on the course are welcome to continue, however aid stations will be removed and finish line area dismantled.
Please note: In general, we do not pull anyone off a race course, as long as they are moving forward with determination, under their own power. However, we reserve the right to remove any participants from the race course as needed, based upon weather conditions, assessment of the participant’s physical condition, and other reasons.
FAQs
Q: How can I confirm that I am signed up?
The best thing to check first is to look in your email inbox for a confirmation email from RunSignUp for the race in question. You can also look up your registration in your RunSignUp account by logging into your account then go to your “Profile” page where you can view your current registrations under Upcoming Events. Click HERE for more information on accessing a registration in RunSignUp.
Q: How can I confirm what shirt size I ordered?
A: Your t-shirt size that you selected appears on your confirmation email. If you did not receive your confirmation email, try checking your spam folder.
Q: I cannot participate! What are my options?
A: Please check out our refund/transfer policy by clicking here.
Q: I cannot participate, but I would still like to pick up my swag. Can I pick it up?
A: Yes. You can send a friend or family member to packet pickup to get your race packet & swag.
Q: Are walkers welcome?
A: Absolutely yes!
Q: Are dogs welcome?
A: No, dogs are not allowed to participate in the Birch Bay Road Race. They are welcome at the start and finish line areas, however.
Q: Are strollers welcome?
A: Strollers are not allowed at Birch Bay Road Race.
Q: What time does the course close?
A: The course closes at 1:00pm.
Q: Will there be porta-potties at the start/finish? What about out on the course?
A: There will be porta-potties available at the start line and finish line area. There will be porta-potties out on the course at several areas.
Q: When does online registration close?
A: Online registration will close at 8:00pm on March 31, 2023
Q: What/who does this race benefit?
A: Birch Bay Road Race supports the Blaine High School Booster Club. The volunteers on the course are raising funds for their annual trips to Central America.
Q: Can someone else pick up my packet?
A: Yes! You do not need anything special to have someone else pick up your packet. Just be sure to coordinate!
Q: Can I sign up in person at packet pickup or on race day?
A: If the race is not sold out, yes you can register in-person. You can pay with cash (exact change only), check, or credit card.
Q: Is there gear check?
A: Yes! Free gear check is available at the Birch Bay Road Race. In an effort to reduce waste, we will not be providing drop bags, so PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN BAG. We will have identification tags for you to use.
Sponsors
