We have learned that starting on January 1, 2012 a fee was established for parking at the Birch Bay State Park where the Birch Bay Marathon will originate. Unfortunately, our attempts to get that fee waived have been unsuccessful. Paying for it individually as everyone drives in is impossible. As a result, $10.00 will be charged to anyone using that parking area for the race.

If you choose to use parking at the park, you will purchase a ticket at the Ticket payment machine located about every 15 slots. You will receive a receipt ticket and place it on your dashboard. Please allow extra time for parking so you will have plenty of time to warm up prior to the start of the race. We have been informed that the park authorities will wait until the race starts before they begin checking cars for the parking ticket. We encourage you to car pool as much as possible as a way to reduce the impact of the parking fee.  

As an alternative to parking in the lot at the park, there is parking available outside of the park although a majority of that parking is located three miles away. Parking along the waterfront, in front of the Bay Center, and at the Birch Bay Water Slides are alternatives that you can consider.

(Please Note: An email in the next 2 days with parking options / carpool will be sent)

We apologize for this late notice but wanted you to know about this new fee so this doesn’t create an issue the day of the race.