Mostly flat~dirt/gravel trails mostly, around the lake. A great race for newcomers and rabbits both. Perfect race to bring your kid or teen with. Aid station volunteers are fantastic and … MORE
Mostly flat~dirt/gravel trails mostly, around the lake. A great race for newcomers and rabbits both. Perfect race to bring your kid or teen with. Aid station volunteers are fantastic and the race is well managed. 5k, 10k, half and marathon all going on that day. Great after race food and people.
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Yep. It’s mostly flat
Mostly flat~dirt/gravel trails mostly, around the lake. A great race for newcomers and rabbits both. Perfect race to bring your kid or teen with. Aid station volunteers are fantastic and … MORE
Mostly flat~dirt/gravel trails mostly, around the lake. A great race for newcomers and rabbits both. Perfect race to bring your kid or teen with. Aid station volunteers are fantastic and the race is well managed. 5k, 10k, half and marathon all going on that day. Great after race food and people.
Easy on the knees
This was my 4th full marathon and although it was a trail race, it did feel more like a road marathon than I expected. The course is mainly flat which … MORE
This was my 4th full marathon and although it was a trail race, it did feel more like a road marathon than I expected. The course is mainly flat which is great on the knees, but a little boring and monotonous as you crank away the miles. The race production was fantastic as with all Brazen races. There was a medical emergency on the course and the staff did a great job navigating us through it. I’d highly recommend this race for anyone wanting a potentially quick race with minimal body damage. But if you’re looking for a scenic and entertaining course, this may not be the one for you 🙂
Great Marathon Views!
I've done several Raves about Brazen's Western Pacific, so this Rave is going to be about a few things new to me. I was an aid station volunteer (4th time … MORE
I’ve done several Raves about Brazen’s Western Pacific, so this Rave is going to be about a few things new to me. I was an aid station volunteer (4th time at WP, I think), and was posted to an aid station that only saw Marathon runners.
A quick description of the marathon course would be that it circles half way around Quarry Lakes Park, heads toward San Francisco Bay along the Alameda Creek Trail for the first out-and-back leg, passes the park, follows the trail upstream for the second out-and-back leg, and then returns to the park to complete the circuit around the park. While some of the marathon course is common to the half marathon, 10K, and 5K, about half the first out-and-back leg and the second out-and-back leg are run by the marathoners only.
I was posted at the aid station at the turn-around for the first leg. Our station was about four miles distant from the previous aid station, and at the very end of a levee that juts into the bay. Two or three yards past our station was water! Thus, we – and more importantly, the runners – had a panoramic view of that part of the bay, from the Dumbarton Bridge to the San Mateo Bridge. Across the water from us we could see Redwood City and a city or two north and south of RWC. I’m not a BIG fan of marsh land, but the trail from the previous aid station to us had marshes on both sides of the trail, with Alameda creek on one side. After a certain point we started seeing driftwood washed inland from the creek by storm and tide. Along with the various bushes along the way, it really was quite pretty.
Our aid station was near the half way point in the marathon, so we had lots of water and Ultima electrolyte drink. We also had Coca Cola for those who wanted it. For fruit we had bananas, watermelon, and oranges (the “Holy Trinity” of running events), cut of for easy handling and consumption. We had chips and pretzels, cut up Payday bars and Rice Krispie Treats, trail mix, several varieties of candies – lots of salt and sugar for sweating runners expending calories. As we told one lady who was doing her first Brazen race, that was typical for a Brazen aid station. We also had ice for a bucket of cold water with a sponge to cool off runners, and to add to our water and electrolyte drink containers and to add to runners’ water bottles.
As mentioned above, this was my 4th time volunteering at Western Pacific, and I don’t know how many times I’ve volunteered for Brazen Races. So all in all I’d do Western Pacific again, maybe even some day as a runner.
Great First Marathon
This was my first marathon and I thought this course was great! There were some hills, but not too many or so steep that it wore me out. The scenery … MORE
This was my first marathon and I thought this course was great! There were some hills, but not too many or so steep that it wore me out. The scenery was great too!
Perfect first race.
Fourth time running at the Western Pacific race. I chose the 5k today. This course takes place at Quarry Lakes Regional Park in Fremont. It is run on the Alameda … MORE
Fourth time running at the Western Pacific race. I chose the 5k today. This course takes place at Quarry Lakes Regional Park in Fremont. It is run on the Alameda Creek Trail and is an out and back. The trail consists of gravel/fire roads and small section of pavement. Total elevation is less than 100 ft for the 5k. I think the area around the lakes is very pretty. There is one aid station for the 5k. Shirts and medal are train themed and are very nice. This race would be great for a first time trail runner and someone that wants to go fast.
Great race, my first marathon!
This was my first marathon. I choose this race as I did not want to drive too far. Overall it is a great race and was ideal as my first … MORE
This was my first marathon. I choose this race as I did not want to drive too far. Overall it is a great race and was ideal as my first marathon. Weather was awesome and not hot like the previous year. Would definitely recommend this race to anyone planning for first marathon or looking to do a PR. I ran with the 3:35 pacer till about 16 miles but then could not keep up. My goal was to finish the race in under 4 hours and I just about made it in 3 hour 56 min. Also, came 2nd in my age group.
Some highlights:
> Volunteers are friendly and enthusiastic. Plenty of aid stations with water and gatorade drinks
> Awesome pacers for various finish times
> Lot of food after the race
> Free race pictures!
> The race start is just a min walk from the parking
> Age group awards and separate medals for age group award
> Nice tech t-shirts
> No long queues for the
Flat route
This was a flat route, the weather was not hot and there were a lot volunteers to provide support of water station. The finish was in park with beautiful view. … MORE
This was a flat route, the weather was not hot and there were a lot volunteers to provide support of water station.
The finish was in park with beautiful view. Also there were a lot parking spaces in the park.
Awesome Rave
This was my first race and I had so much fun. Everyone was so friendly and it was so organized. It’s a good spot for people who are new or … MORE
This was my first race and I had so much fun. Everyone was so friendly and it was so organized. It’s a good spot for people who are new or struggle with hills.
Wonderful race, qualified for Boston
Easy access, no hassle parking or lining up for bathroom. Fully stocked aid station and amazing post race party. Very relaxing feel, family friendly. Heard usually it would be too … MORE
Easy access, no hassle parking or lining up for bathroom. Fully stocked aid station and amazing post race party. Very relaxing feel, family friendly. Heard usually it would be too hot to race, but weather turned out to be perfect this year. My second Marathon and so happy to got qualified for Boston.
Beautiful & small trail race.
Loved the well stocked aid stations. Everything from gels to pretzels. Lots of hydration. Great volunteers. No frills Expo. Beautiful flat as a pancake course. Very few spectators. Would definitely … MORE
Loved the well stocked aid stations. Everything from gels to pretzels. Lots of hydration. Great volunteers. No frills Expo. Beautiful flat as a pancake course. Very few spectators. Would definitely run another Brazen race!
Perfect experience for a first timer
Awesome aid station, food station. Never been to a race before and this was a perfect experience for a first timer. I would highly recommend everyone to join the race. MORE
Awesome aid station, food station. Never been to a race before and this was a perfect experience for a first timer. I would highly recommend everyone to join the race.
I love this race!
This was my second time running a 5k at Quarry Lakes. The first time was the New Year's Eve run. We ran the opposite direction this time, so it felt … MORE
This was my second time running a 5k at Quarry Lakes. The first time was the New Year’s Eve run. We ran the opposite direction this time, so it felt like a new trail even though it was not. It’s a nice and easy race, and a good time to try for speed. This was my personal best and I got to walk away with an age group medal.
These events always run super smooth and I always have a great time. Normally, I have other runners with me, but this time I was alone and it was still great.
Fun Run, amazing view!
This is one of my favorite races I ran the half marathon in 2017 and the 10k in 2018. The enthusiasm for all the people is great! And the scenery … MORE
This is one of my favorite races I ran the half marathon in 2017 and the 10k in 2018. The enthusiasm for all the people is great! And the scenery is nice once inside the lake area! It keeps your mind away from the distance and focus on the beauty. It can be a little difficult because of the gravel! But with the proper shoes! It’s worth the run!
A well organized local race
This was my second race and I signed up for this race just for Brazen. My first ever race (Hellyer) was so well produced that I couldnt resist signing up … MORE
This was my second race and I signed up for this race just for Brazen. My first ever race (Hellyer) was so well produced that I couldnt resist signing up for another one within 1 month. As always, the race was well organized and i enjoyed it through and through.
My first marathon!!
Previously, I have run the 5k and 10k on this course. This year, I decided the Western Pacific would be a great first marathon for me. This course takes place … MORE
Previously, I have run the 5k and 10k on this course. This year, I decided the Western Pacific would be a great first marathon for me. This course takes place at Quarry Lakes Regional Park in Fremont. It is run on the Alameda Creek Trail and is an out and back. The trail consists of gravel/fire roads and small section of pavement. total elevation over the 26.2 miles is about 200 ft, so bring on the speed, if you have it. There were ample aid stations spaced every two to three miles that were well stocked. Since, I was a “Back of the Packer” for this marathon, it was great to see that the aid stations still had food left and that the volunteers were still very happy and energetic after being out on course for hours and hours. Brazen has awesome volunteers.
When I finished, my medal was handed to me. Surprisingly, I finished strong and felt pretty good.
There was still finish line food left and I even heard some cheers from the remaining runners. It was a great day and I’m glad I ran it. I’m trying to decide which marathon to run in thee future. There WILL be another.
Thank you Brazen for putting on such a nice and fully supported marathon
Nice course
This was my second race with Brazen and again, it was well run as their other races. This was my first time on this type of trail (fire trail) so … MORE
This was my second race with Brazen and again, it was well run as their other races. This was my first time on this type of trail (fire trail) so that was definitely different for me. There are just a few spots with shade, so if you have a warmer day (like we did this past year), it made it difficult. Even seasoned runners I’ve spoken to had a hard time with how hot it was (I’m a beginner). In any case, the medal, the food, and the shirt was great. I would do Brazen races again.
Great choice for a first marathon
I turned the dreaded 5-0 in April, and instead of buying a sports car, I had decided to stave off midlife crisis angst by running my first marathon. (Previously I … MORE
I turned the dreaded 5-0 in April, and instead of buying a sports car, I had decided to stave off midlife crisis angst by running my first marathon. (Previously I had never run further than 14 miles.) I picked the Western Pacific and signed up in January based on recommendations from friends and the fact it was scheduled in April close to my birthday and not far from where I live.
Since this is my first marathon, I don’t have a ton of experience so please take my ratings with that in mind.
Pros:
* Scenic course, very flat, not too complicated a route
* Excellent aid stations — well-stocked, and staffed with friendly and enthusiastic volunteers
* Pacers really helped
* Free photographs from the site after the race
* Fewer than 200 runners, so plenty of room on the course
* Excellent selection of food and drink and snacks at the end of the run
Cons:
* Not a ton of shade over most of the course, and it became a very hot day before too long
* I’m not much of a morning person so I don’t mind a late start, but the 7:30am marathon start time meant that the heat of midday really was a factor
C'mon baby, do the locomotion
EVENT & COURSE INFO The race starts at Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area and takes you along Alameda Creek. The start/finish area is at the picnic area, with lots of … MORE
EVENT & COURSE INFO
The race starts at Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area and takes you along Alameda Creek. The start/finish area is at the picnic area, with lots of green space and lots of parking. This is a good race to bring your entire family out to; parts of the course are on unpaved dirt/gravel but there’s nothing difficult about this course other than fighting mental boredom.
The course runs along Western Pacific Trail, which was part of the old Transcontinental Railroad. There are no trains or even train tracks to run alongside on this race, but the course is flat as a pancake and feels straight as an arrow, making it feel like YOU’re the locomotive chugging along. Truth be told, this isn’t the most scenic or exciting race from Brazen, but its marathon is USATF-certified if you want to try to use it to put in a fast finish to qualify for the Boston Marathon.
For the full marathon, the course continues along Alameda Creek, past Coyote Hills Regional Park, and turns around right before the trail hits the water.
There are occasional “elevation changes” on the course by way of underpasses. A lot of the course is also under shade, although there is still quite a bit out in the open. There are also several miles of paved path, but enough unpaved portions that if you’re used to wearing gaiters on trail runs to keep the pebbles out, you might want to wear some for this race as well.
For the 2017 race, the weather was on the warm side. For those running the full marathon, it got awfully warm. The course started feeling pretty warm and lonely once you got out by the Coyote Hills area. By this point, you completely lose any tree cover. With all the rains this year, the grasses on the side of the path were really tall so you didn’t have much of a view at all. Plus, there were a whole lot of flying gnats buzzing around trying to land on your face.
AID STATIONS
Those of us who run Brazen races get pretty spoiled because the aid stations are so great. Most of them have pop-up tents, and folding tables laid out with a ton of options for refueling (everything from water and sports drink to cookies and candies).
They had seven aid stations, and due to the way most of them were available for both out and back, full marathoners had access to 12 aid stations.
GOODIES/BLING
Finisher’s medal: Brazen always rewards every finisher with a beautiful finisher’s medal that is specific not just to the race, but to that year’s race. No generic race medals, or an undated version with the date just printed on the lanyard. This race was no exception. 5K, 10K, and half marathoners got a medal with a train on it. Full marathoners got a separate medal that was round… and was also a coaster.
Age group medal: If you are fast enough to earn an age group medal (given to the top three finishers for both women and men, in 5-year increments), Brazen made a custom version specific to this race. If you find out you won an age group but didn’t get an AG medal, let them know so they can get it to you. For this race, age group winners got medals with an old locomotive train on it.
Race shirt: Gender-specific shirts were available in male, female, and youth sizes, and you could choose between tech fabric and cotton versions. 5K and 10K participants get a cotton shirt and half marathoners get the tech, although 5K and 10K folks can pay extra to upgrade to a tech shirt.
You can pick up your shirt before the start of the race so you can wear it for the race–or if you’re like me, change into it after the race so you have a clean shirt to wear when you go and have brunch after the race.
POST-RACE INFO
Brazen is known for generous post-race snacks. Lots of fruit, bagels, chips, cookies. They won’t replace a sit-down protein meal, but it’s perfect for a quick refueling after a race. As always, they offer It’s-It Ice Cream sandwiches (pro tip: Look for the white styrofoam coolers by the post-race food tables. There is usually a volunteer there who will hand you one; it’s free–just ask!).
CAVEATS
If you’re looking for a fast Boston qualifier, there are other faster races… but with minimal elevation changes and turns, this is faster than many others. The course can get pretty boring and hot, as well. But if you’re looking for a straightforward, low-stress course put on by a great professional organization and staffed with a lot of enthusiastic and supportive volunteers, give this one a try. If the full marathon seems a bit too daunting, consider one of the shorter races.
TIPS
If the weather is going to be sunny, make sure to wear sunscreen. I typically don’t wear earphones, but for this race it might actually work out for you. Keep the volume low enough that you can hear people–but there are no technical or single-track portions that require any tricky maneuvering.
My first Brazen 1/2 Marathon
Last year’s Western Pacific was my first 10k this year was my first Brazen ½ marathon. I was not thrilled with my performance, I am sure that will come with … MORE
Last year’s Western Pacific was my first 10k this year was my first Brazen ½ marathon. I was not thrilled with my performance, I am sure that will come with time I started out fine and not unexpectedly fizzled out at the end. Need more training to finish how I would like but still overall thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
I arrived around 6:55 packet pick up went fine and parking was a breeze. I watched the start of the full marathon which is a Boston Qualifier so there were a good number of people running it. Hopefully next year I will be running the full marathon. The race was pretty flat it went partially around the lake and then loops onto the Alameda creek trail for several miles and then we returned back to the lake trail and around to the finish.
The weather was great and the race went smoothly for me. I have to say thank you to the all the aid station workers. The aid stations as usual were well stocked and had cool water to refill my water bottle as well as a good mix of sweet and salty snacks, Gu and sports drink. I honestly prefer hills and trails to flat runs but I had a great time.
I recommend this race to anyone whether they are a road runner or a trail runner like all Brazen races its well done, well organized and a lot of fun.
Not my favorite
I love Brazen and I love Brazen races, but uggg, I am not a fan of Quarry Lakes... It's a relatively un-scenic and easy course. Just not one of the … MORE
I love Brazen and I love Brazen races, but uggg, I am not a fan of Quarry Lakes… It’s a relatively un-scenic and easy course. Just not one of the best Brazen races.
Pluses – it’s Brazen’s only Marathon race (if you like that kind of think ;), it’s flat and easy, there’s always plenty of parking, and of course there’s the awesome food and swag that Brazen always delivers.
Minuses – it’s flat and not very interesting, it’s usually of packed with strollers and walkers (don’t get me wrong, because I’m frequently a walker – I just get frustrated when I see walkers that don’t listen for runners trying to pass or walking 3 and 4 abreast so runners have difficulty getting past).