My Profile

@amandasava

Redmond, WA Raving since 2016 Active 2 years, 9 months ago

About Me

  • Running club(s):

    Brazen Racing

  • Rave race:

    Brazen Dirty Dozen

  • Race that's calling my name:

    Oakland Running Festival Full Marathon

  • I run because:

    I really, really like cupcakes. Oh, and beer.

My Races

Organize, track & review your races and personal bests here.

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Half Marathon

Marathon

Ultramarathon

(Marathon or Ultra) + Half

Marathon + Ultra

Other

Future Races

Personal Bests (8)

Race Distance Location Date Result
6 hr San Pablo, CA Jul 8, 2017 19 mi
Marathon Relay Folsom, CA Dec 3, 2017 1:35:43
Half Marathon Las Vegas, NV Nov 12, 2017 2:59:29
15K Seattle, WA Mar 1, 2020 1:58:06
10K Berkeley, CA Nov 19, 2017 1:34:38
5 Miler Redmond, WA Dec 6, 2014 1:06:00
6.5K San Francisco, CA Apr 1, 2017 52:37
5K Boston, MA Apr 14, 2018 38:58

Future Races (19)

Race Distance Location Date Paid
Half Marathon Petaluma, CA TBD
5K Coeur d'Alene, ID TBD
Half Marathon Seattle, WA TBD
Half Marathon Half Moon Bay, CA TBD
Half Marathon Healdsburg, CA TBD
Half Marathon Geyserville, CA TBD
10K San Rafael, CA TBD
Half Marathon Ojai, CA TBD
Half Marathon Seattle, WA TBD
Half Marathon Napa, CA TBD
5K Spokane, WA TBD
10K San Rafael, CA TBD
10 Miler San Francisco, CA TBD
5 Miler Redmond, WA TBD
4.2 Miler Seattle, WA TBD
Half Marathon Santa Cruz, CA TBD
Half Marathon Sacramento, CA TBD
5K Spokane, WA TBD
Half Marathon West Yellowstone, MT TBD

Past Races (121)

Race Distance Location Date Result My Raves My Performance
10 Miler San Francisco, CA Nov 8, 2020
15K Seattle, WA Mar 1, 2020 1:58:06
5K Fremont, CA Dec 28, 2019
5K Woodinville, WA Nov 28, 2019
5 Miler Issaquah, WA Nov 16, 2019
5K Redmond, WA Oct 27, 2019
5K Woodinville, WA Sep 21, 2019
10K Castro Valley, CA Jul 27, 2019
5K San Pablo, CA Jul 6, 2019
6 hr San Pablo, CA Jul 6, 2019
Half Marathon Oakland, CA May 5, 2019
21 Miler Big Sur, CA Apr 28, 2019
5K Walnut Creek, CA Apr 13, 2019
Half Marathon San Francisco, CA Apr 7, 2019
5K Oakland, CA Mar 24, 2019
Half Marathon Santa Cruz, CA Mar 3, 2019
10K Richmond, CA Feb 23, 2019
10K San Leandro, CA Feb 9, 2019
5K Fremont, CA Nov 24, 2018
5K San Pablo, CA Nov 22, 2018
Half Marathon San Ramon, CA Sep 29, 2018
Marathon San Francisco, CA Jul 29, 2018
6 Miler Santa Cruz, CA Jul 22, 2018
6 hr San Pablo, CA Jul 7, 2018
5K Concord, CA Jul 4, 2018 48:45
Half Marathon El Sobrante, CA May 12, 2018
18 Miler Fremont, CA May 5, 2018
12K Big Sur, CA Apr 29, 2018
5K Boston, MA Apr 14, 2018 38:58
We Run the Town Challenge (5K + Half) Oakland, CA Mar 25, 2018
Half Marathon Livermore, CA Mar 17, 2018
Half Marathon Santa Cruz, CA Mar 4, 2018
5K Richmond, CA Feb 24, 2018
5K San Leandro, CA Feb 10, 2018
10K Fremont, CA Jan 20, 2018
Half Marathon Castro Valley, CA Jan 1, 2018
Half Marathon Saratoga, CA Dec 9, 2017
Marathon Relay Folsom, CA Dec 3, 2017 1:35:43
5K San Pablo, CA Nov 23, 2017
10K Berkeley, CA Nov 19, 2017 1:34:38
5K Las Vegas, NV Nov 12, 2017
Half Marathon Las Vegas, NV Nov 12, 2017 2:59:29
Half Marathon Oakland, CA Oct 28, 2017
10K Paris, France Sep 22, 2017
Half Marathon Paris, France Sep 22, 2017
10K Oakland, CA Sep 17, 2017
Half Marathon Martinez, CA Aug 12, 2017 4:44:41
1st Half Marathon San Francisco, CA Jul 23, 2017 3:13:03
5K Sausalito, CA Jul 9, 2017
5K San Pablo, CA Jul 8, 2017
6 hr San Pablo, CA Jul 8, 2017 19 mi
5K Concord, CA Jul 4, 2017 40:56
5K Oakland, CA Jul 2, 2017 39:44
Half Marathon Orinda, CA Jul 1, 2017 4:02:55
5K San Diego, CA Jun 4, 2017 48:22
Half Marathon San Diego, CA Jun 4, 2017 3:04:18
10K San Pablo, CA May 27, 2017
10 Miler Orinda, CA May 21, 2017
Half Marathon Anaheim, CA May 12, 2017
10.6 Miler Big Sur, CA Apr 30, 2017
Half Marathon Santa Cruz, CA Apr 9, 2017
5K Oakland, CA Apr 2, 2017 52:57
6.5K San Francisco, CA Apr 1, 2017 52:37
Half Marathon San Francisco, CA Mar 26, 2017 3:14:39
Half Marathon Livermore, CA Mar 18, 2017 4:10:57
5K Richmond, CA Feb 25, 2017 53:39
10K Salinas, CA Feb 4, 2017 1:47:29
5K Castro Valley, CA Jan 1, 2017
5K Fremont, CA Dec 31, 2016
Half Marathon Saratoga, CA Dec 10, 2016
5K San Pablo, CA Nov 24, 2016
Infinity Gauntlet Challenge (19.3 Miles) Anaheim, CA Nov 11, 2016
Half Marathon Walnut Creek, CA Nov 5, 2016 5:26:51
5K Livermore, CA Oct 15, 2016
10K Berkeley, CA Oct 9, 2016
12K San Francisco, CA Oct 2, 2016
10K San Ramon, CA Oct 1, 2016
10K Antioch, CA Sep 17, 2016
10K San Francisco, CA Sep 11, 2016
10K San Jose, CA Sep 3, 2016
10K Martinez, CA Aug 13, 2016
Half Marathon San Leandro, CA Aug 6, 2016
2nd Half Marathon San Francisco, CA Jul 31, 2016
6 Miler Santa Cruz, CA Jul 24, 2016
10K Castro Valley, CA Jul 23, 2016
5K Sausalito, CA Jul 10, 2016
5K San Pablo, CA Jul 9, 2016
12 hr San Pablo, CA Jul 9, 2016
5K Concord, CA Jul 4, 2016
5 Miler Belvedere Tiburon, CA Jun 25, 2016
5 Miler San Jose, CA Jun 4, 2016
10K San Pablo, CA May 28, 2016
5K El Sobrante, CA May 21, 2016
Pixie Dust Challenge (19.3 Miles) Anaheim, CA May 6, 2016
10K Fremont, CA Apr 30, 2016
9 Miler Big Sur, CA Apr 24, 2016
10K Walnut Creek, CA Apr 17, 2016
Half Marathon Santa Cruz, CA Apr 10, 2016
5K West Sacramento, CA Apr 2, 2016
Half Marathon Oakland, CA Mar 20, 2016
Half Marathon Livermore, CA Mar 12, 2016
9K Scottsdale, AZ Mar 5, 2016
5K Richmond, CA Feb 27, 2016
5K San Leandro, CA Feb 13, 2016
Half Marathon Huntington Beach, CA Feb 7, 2016
10K Fremont, CA Jan 23, 2016
5K Castro Valley, CA Jan 1, 2016
5K Fremont, CA Nov 28, 2015
Half Marathon San Jose, CA Sep 27, 2015
Dumbo Double Dare (19.3 Miles) Anaheim, CA Sep 4, 2015
6 Miler Santa Cruz, CA Jul 26, 2015
13.7 Miler Stinson Beach, CA Jun 20, 2015
Marathon Relay Big Sur, CA Apr 26, 2015
Half Marathon Santa Cruz, CA Apr 12, 2015
5K Vacaville, CA Mar 28, 2015
Half Marathon Livermore, CA Mar 28, 2015
Half Marathon Anaheim, CA Jan 15, 2015
5 Miler Redmond, WA Dec 6, 2014 1:06:00
Half Marathon Monterey, CA Nov 16, 2014
Half Marathon Anaheim, CA Aug 29, 2014
10K San Pablo, CA May 31, 2014

My Raves

Nice course, well-marked with good views and easy to navigate. The hills weren't too bad (in the comparison to San Fransicso hills or trails), though I clearly didn't train well … MORE

Nice course, well-marked with good views and easy to navigate. The hills weren’t too bad (in the comparison to San Fransicso hills or trails), though I clearly didn’t train well for enough for them! I would have preferred that the course be a little more scenic, but starting and ending at the Space Needle is pretty great.

The race production and swag are usually great at the Hot Chocolate races, and this one was no different. Always love running back for Hot Chocolate and other tasty goodies!

DIFFICULTY
4
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
3
SWAG
4

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If you've always wanted an amazing Mega Medal - this is one way to get it! Complete the Almost New Year's Eve race and then do it all again on … MORE

If you’ve always wanted an amazing Mega Medal – this is one way to get it! Complete the Almost New Year’s Eve race and then do it all again on New Year’s Day and you get a beast of a medal 🙂

Some years (when the races fall on consecutive days) you can run both halves and brag that it took you a year to run a marathon!

But seriously, this is a great race. A flat, easy well-marked 5k course, with one well-staffed aid station. And of course, in true Brazen fashion, the swag is great and there is tons of stuff to eat at the finish.

DIFFICULTY
1
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
3
SWAG
5

1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

The 5k was a nice easy loop along the Sammamish River Trail and the Bear Creek Trail. The costumes were fun to watch run past and the fall foliage was … MORE

The 5k was a nice easy loop along the Sammamish River Trail and the Bear Creek Trail. The costumes were fun to watch run past and the fall foliage was gorgeous! There were fun giveaways and good snacks at the end of the race and free race photos via email a few days later.

DIFFICULTY
1
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
4
SWAG
4

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This was just my second race with Northwest Trail Runs - and it was great. I did the 5k just to test myself out and it was an amazing course. … MORE

This was just my second race with Northwest Trail Runs – and it was great.

I did the 5k just to test myself out and it was an amazing course. Not a ton of elevation in the 5k, which was fine with me given the slipperiness of the trail (rain and trails are always tricky). The single-tracking was nice, and overall the trail was well marked – there were a few spots that I was a bit worried about being lost, but then I saw a ribbon.

The only downside was that I was waved through at the aid station, I figured that I was supposed to loop back to it, but that didn’t happen so I ended up without water.

On the upside, there was a raffle at the end and I got a coupon for $30 off some new shoes (thanks to Shoes-n-Feet) – and just in time as I need new trail shoes if I’m going to do more of these slippery Washington trails!

DIFFICULTY
1
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
5
SWAG
4

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I know I'll never run the Boston Marathon, but at least I can say I've "run Boston". If you're in the same boat then, this race is for you. You … MORE

I know I’ll never run the Boston Marathon, but at least I can say I’ve “run Boston”. If you’re in the same boat then, this race is for you.

You get to start off in Boston Common with 10,000 of your fellow runners (it’s a great way to stay warm). Then you head out Commonwealth and through Boston’s beautiful Back Bay neighborhood. You make the iconic “Right on Hereford, Left on Boylston” and go through the finish line of the marathon then back to the Common. What more could you want for the privilege of not having to run all 26.2 of the marathon????

The swag was great – a unisex tech tee (this year was bright yellow, which is unfortunate, but…), a nice B.A.A. medal and a good little snack bag. But then who thought that the B.A.A. would put together a bad race?

I’d be willing to do it every year if it weren’t all the way on the other side of the country!

DIFFICULTY
1
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
4
SWAG
3

1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

I jumped into the relay as a last minute substitution so I wasn't really prepared for it - but it was a really great race anyway. The race production was … MORE

I jumped into the relay as a last minute substitution so I wasn’t really prepared for it – but it was a really great race anyway.

The race production was great – nice expo, relatively easy to get bibs, etc., great shuttle service to and from the relay points and a really nice finishers area.

The first 7 miles of the course (the first leg) were relatively easy, nice rolling hills, nothing that would kill anyone that’s done a few trail races. The race itself is a net downhill so the hills at the beginning really aren’t that bad.

The only criticism I have is that they don’t treat relay runners very well. The swag is pretty crappy compared to the marathon runners – no nice reusable bag or well-designed shirt and medal. And I was disappointed with the support for the relay runners – (I had no idea how to get my medal, I found them and had to ask if i could take one, then I was denied water at the main finsh line because it was “for the runners”.

Still, I’d run the relay again and If I survive my first marathon in July I just might sign up for the real deal next December!

DIFFICULTY
2
PRODUCTION
4
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4
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2

1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

The Pros: - There are challenge medals if you run any of the SF Marathon races - You do get some nice scenery The Cons: - You have to take … MORE

The Pros:
– There are challenge medals if you run any of the SF Marathon races
– You do get some nice scenery

The Cons:
– You have to take a shuttle to the start
– The parking is atrocious
– The 10k start is halfway through the half marathon course so you are merging with some fast or tired runners
– They don’t space the waves out enough and so you end up with A LOT of traffic for the first 3 miles
– The last three miles are all uphill – it’s not a big hill, but if you don’t like hills.

DIFFICULTY
2
PRODUCTION
3
SCENERY
4
SWAG
3

2 members marked this review helpful. Agree?

Rock n Roll races are always well produced and Las Vegas was no exception. The course is super basic and pretty darn flat, just run up and down the strip. … MORE

Rock n Roll races are always well produced and Las Vegas was no exception.

The course is super basic and pretty darn flat, just run up and down the strip. The experience is what it’s all about – if you’re a slow runner like me, you really get your money’s worth when it comes to the scenery – everything is lit up and the crowds and on course entertainment.

DIFFICULTY
1
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
4
SWAG
4

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If you like lots of hills and lots of single track, you'll love this race! The course is challenging and beautiful - it just wasn't my day. As always, Brazen … MORE

If you like lots of hills and lots of single track, you’ll love this race! The course is challenging and beautiful – it just wasn’t my day.

As always, Brazen puts on a fantastic race. The course was well-marked and easy to follow (even if it isn’t easy to run). The aid stations were well positioned and well stocked. And of course, the t-shirts and medals were fantastic as were the It’s-Its!

I’ve run the 5k and the 10k on this course and they are plenty challenging. This was my first time trying to tackle the half marathon course, and even though this year’s result was sub-par, I’ll be back to try again!

DIFFICULTY
5
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
5
SWAG
5

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This is a great race to see SF - the first half offers some challenging hills along with nice easy runs through some of the best neighborhoods in the city, … MORE

This is a great race to see SF – the first half offers some challenging hills along with nice easy runs through some of the best neighborhoods in the city, not to mention a run across the Golden Gate Bridge.

There are plenty of aid stations and bathrooms and lots of locals cheering you on – always one of my favorites. The shirts and medals are nice and I love that they offer quite a few challenge medals with other cities as well as the “Half it All” challenge for running both halves in consecutive years.

The only complaint I have about this race is the packet pick up, it’s usually at Fort Mason on the weekend – trying to get to that part of the city and find parking is tough on a weekday, let alone a Friday or Saturday. Other than that, they run a great race.

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
5
SWAG
5

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I never thought that I'd pick an all day race as my favorite, but it is! I love the fact that you have 6 or 12 hours (and anywhere in … MORE

I never thought that I’d pick an all day race as my favorite, but it is!

I love the fact that you have 6 or 12 hours (and anywhere in between) to see just how much your body can do. That, coupled with the fact that you get to run/walk/crawl with all sorts of people throughout the day makes it a pretty great day.

The aid stations are fully stocked with all the food and drink you need to keep running all day. The medal/coaster is always awesome and the hoodies are a coveted item to say the least.

And don’t forget the bragging rights that you have from being crazy enough to run around in loops for hours on end.

DIFFICULTY
2
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
4
SWAG
5

2 members marked this review helpful. Agree?

I do love an inaugural race!!!! This was the first year that the Stars and Stripes was actually a Brazen race, previously they just offered timing for the race. Brazen … MORE

I do love an inaugural race!!!!

This was the first year that the Stars and Stripes was actually a Brazen race, previously they just offered timing for the race. Brazen kept the great feel of the race and just made it a bit better with easier bib pick up, great shirts and medals and a smoother pre-race experience.

The race its self is still a fun family event and is a great way to start off the 4th of July holiday. A nice, easy course with tons of kids and families running feels about as apple pie as you can get these days!

DIFFICULTY
1
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
2
SWAG
5

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The good news: I love that you get to start the race off on the ball field and that they get a ticket to the baseball game later that afternoon. … MORE

The good news:
I love that you get to start the race off on the ball field and that they get a ticket to the baseball game later that afternoon. The medal and shirt were nice. And getting to see the 1989 World Series trophy was fun (the Giants usually have theirs out).

The bad news:
The course was pretty crappy – two loops around a parking lot are not fun and not worth the entrance fee. The course also wasn’t marked all that well so there was some confusion at one turn and there were a number of people that were cutting the course around some cones that were spaced too far apart.

DIFFICULTY
1
PRODUCTION
2
SCENERY
2
SWAG
4

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Overall, ITR does good solid races. The trails are always well marked and challenging (to say the least). The shirts are nice and the age group/dfl prizes are neat. The … MORE

Overall, ITR does good solid races. The trails are always well marked and challenging (to say the least). The shirts are nice and the age group/dfl prizes are neat.

The half marathon course for Reservoir Dogs was really beautiful and challenging, the elevation was pretty manageable. The two toughest parts were the some of the more technical parts of the trail (around a little landslide) and the heat.

The aid stations are pretty well stocked, but it’s always worth bringing your own hydration and food.

DIFFICULTY
4
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
5
SWAG
3

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If you're going to run a Rock n Roll race - this is the one to do! All the RnR races are well produced, good bling and shirts, the expos … MORE

If you’re going to run a Rock n Roll race – this is the one to do!

All the RnR races are well produced, good bling and shirts, the expos are good (plenty to look at and buy), and the challenge bling is always fun (city to city and multiple race). You won’t be disappointed.

The reason that this is the best (and I only have the 4 California races to compare to) is the fun factor. San Diego is a great spot for a “racecation”, the course is a great tour through the city, the residents are super nice and great cheerleaders, and there seems to be the most on course entertainment.

San Diego is RnRs flagship race so it makes sense that it’s the best!

DIFFICULTY
2
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
4
SWAG
4

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I never do a Disney race for the PR - I do it for the Disney Experience. This was my third Tinkerbell half marathon - I wasn't expecting much, so … MORE

I never do a Disney race for the PR – I do it for the Disney Experience.

This was my third Tinkerbell half marathon – I wasn’t expecting much, so I was pleasantly surprised by a course change (lots more running on the Disney property) and a new medal.

Disney always has fantastic on-course support with water stops every 2 miles and a GU stop about half way through, and all stops have port-a-potties. Of course, you can also use the bathrooms in the park while you’re there.

There are plenty of photographers when you’re on Disney property, which is fine since downtown Anaheim isn’t very scenic.

The new course was nice, in that there was more time in the park and I liked going from Disneyland into California Adventure and back again. The change in course (and photographer positioning) did create a huge traffic jam at the Castel, but that may not happen again next year.

As usual with the Tinkerbell, and all the other races that aren’t the Half Marathon Weekend, there weren’t a ton of character stops and there wasn’t much on course entertainment. In my opinion, if you want the best value, do the September race.

DIFFICULTY
2
PRODUCTION
5
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4
SWAG
5

2 members marked this review helpful. Agree?

I admit, I am biased when it comes to this race. I've run a race in the Oakland Running Festival every year since the inaugural race in 2010 - this … MORE

I admit, I am biased when it comes to this race. I’ve run a race in the Oakland Running Festival every year since the inaugural race in 2010 – this is the third time I’ve done the 5k. I live close by so not only is this my hometown race, but I can walk to and from the finish (that’s a great perk).

Due to the construction around the usual start/finish area there was a course change and I think it really made for a great change. We started at the Pergola at Lake Merritt and ran a 5k loop around the lake. It’s a flat, easy and beautiful course.

The shirt and medal were nice (the medal has a bottle opener on it), the volunteers were friendly and enthusiastic and the finishers village was great (TONS of food from Whole Foods and free beer).

New this year, a combo/challenge medal in partnership with the Rock n Roll San Francisco half. All you had to do was both races and you got an extra medal – yay!

DIFFICULTY
1
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
4
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4

2 members marked this review helpful. Agree?

I found out about this race through Brazen. While it's not a Brazen race, they did do the timing. That said, it was almost as well done as a Brazen … MORE

I found out about this race through Brazen. While it’s not a Brazen race, they did do the timing. That said, it was almost as well done as a Brazen race.

The pros:
The race fees all go to support Lazarex Cancer Foundation and Hep B Free San Francisco. The swag was great, nice shirt and great medal (it spins)! The course was glorious – I love running in Crissy Field or anywhere along the Marina if it’s a beautiful San Francisco day. The post race food was really good – and it was pot luck!

The cons:
The course was not well marked at all and unfortunately the “course monitors” were teens that were more interested in their phones than making sure i went the right way (even when I stopped and asked) – so I ended up short on my distance. The other con was that the parking signs were a little far from the race, especially when it turned out there was plenty of parking at the race start.

DIFFICULTY
1
PRODUCTION
3
SCENERY
5
SWAG
4

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Great scenery, fun course and a great production - Rock n Roll really knows how to showcase a city. This was my 4th Rock N Roll race, and everything was … MORE

Great scenery, fun course and a great production – Rock n Roll really knows how to showcase a city.

This was my 4th Rock N Roll race, and everything was as great as usual. The expo was good, plenty of swag and lots of nice race staff. The shuttle service to the start line was easy to use and very good, easy to find and way easier than trying to park out in Golden Gate Park. There were plenty of aide stations and bathrooms – always nice on a long race and not always that plentiful in big races.

I don’t love point to point races, but in San Francisco it always makes for a beautiful race. You start in Golden Gate park, then run out into SeaCliff and on into the Presidio where you get amazing views of the Pacific and a few good hills to tire you out. Then you’re on to the Golden Gate Bridge which is always an amazing experience. From there you drop down into Crissy Field and the Marina on your way over to down town and the finish line. I beautiful way to experience San Francisco.

New this year, a “City to Town” combo/challenge medal in partnership with the Oakland Running Festival. All you had to do was both races and you got an extra medal. I’m not going to lie, this was the reason that I did this race since I always do the Oakland race.

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
5
SWAG
4

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Due to the flooding in Del Valle (the usual venue for Badger Cove) the race was moved at the last minute to Wildcat Canyon (the usual venue for Wildcat). So … MORE

Due to the flooding in Del Valle (the usual venue for Badger Cove) the race was moved at the last minute to Wildcat Canyon (the usual venue for Wildcat). So we have the Badger Cove, Wildcat Edition – it may be the one and only!

With all the crazy rains that we had in the winter we knew that this race would be hilly and muddy – and we weren’t disappointed. The course was slightly different from the typical Wildcat course and it made for a challenging race. The first mile hill is a beast, but the longer climb just past the 10k turn around was no joke either. Once you get to the top of that climb the run along the Nimitz trail had beautiful views and nice rolling hills. From there it’s out to the turn around and then you head back.

As usual with a Brazen race the food and friendly volunteers are unlimited and the shirts and medals are great!

DIFFICULTY
5
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
4
SWAG
4

1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

This was the second year for the Brazen Victory - and it keeps getting better. The course is flat and fast (for those fast runners) and pretty much all asphalt. … MORE

This was the second year for the Brazen Victory – and it keeps getting better.

The course is flat and fast (for those fast runners) and pretty much all asphalt. Not your typical Brazen race, but it’s a great location – the views are hard to beat. The good news is that you get all of the great food, shirts, medals and friends you normally get with a Brazen race!

DIFFICULTY
1
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
4
SWAG
5

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I was jonsing for a race, so, yes, I did drive all the way to Monterey for a 10k! I'd heard great things about the Inside Trail Racing so I … MORE

I was jonsing for a race, so, yes, I did drive all the way to Monterey for a 10k!

I’d heard great things about the Inside Trail Racing so I was excited to finally get to one – I was not disappointed.

The pros:
The course was lovely! The first three miles of the 10k were pretty much all downhill, unfortunately that makes the last three miles all uphill, but the views made it worth it. The swag was great – the shirt and medal were really well done.

The cons:
The pre-race parking was a bit slow and difficult. There weren’t a ton of post-race snacks for the 10k racers, but they were also doing a 25k and a 50k that day so I’m guessing that they hadn’t put the snacks out yet.

Overall:
A beautiful, well produced race – I’ll be back!

DIFFICULTY
4
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
4
SWAG
5

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This is my favorite way to start off the year - some times I do the 10k and sometimes it's the 5k (it usually depends on how New Years Eve … MORE

This is my favorite way to start off the year – some times I do the 10k and sometimes it’s the 5k (it usually depends on how New Years Eve goes). This year was a lovely 5k stroll 🙂

The 5k course is relatively easy, a few small rolling hills on a pavement course (there’s a little trail at the turn around, but that’s it). As usual with a Brazen race the aide stations and finish are both stocked with tons of food and water and the shirts and medal are great.

Two random/important things to know about this race:
1. If you want to get the “mega medal” you need to run both the New Years Eve race and the New Years Day race.
2. If you want to be a Brazen Streaker (the few, the proud, the crazy) this is the beginning of the year and the first race you need to complete.

DIFFICULTY
2
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
3
SWAG
5

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They call it an ultra half for a reason! The bad news is there are lots of hills, the good news is the views from the top are outstanding. I … MORE

They call it an ultra half for a reason!

The bad news is there are lots of hills, the good news is the views from the top are outstanding.

I like the hiker start – it’s a little cooler and I like the extra time, and it’s still just as tough as the “regular” half.

As with all Brazen races, the course is well marked and challenging, the aid stations are incredibly well stocked and the volunteers are awesome, the medals and t-shirts are fantastic. Brazen is just a class act all the way around!

DIFFICULTY
4
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
5
SWAG
5

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I love beach races and I love races in Santa Cruz - so it's pretty much a default that I love this race. I've done it 4 years in a … MORE

I love beach races and I love races in Santa Cruz – so it’s pretty much a default that I love this race. I’ve done it 4 years in a row, some years I run it and some years I walk it, but it’s always great.

But what I really love is the beautiful course and all the people on it. There are elite runners and then there are walkers that have done every race for 44 years (he might have run it years ago) – and everyone is having a good time. The music and spectators on the course are always fun (if not always able to carry a tune).

There are two big down sides to the race:
1. It’s getting harder and harder to get in to – it’s a small road race and they like to keep it that way. But I’m bummed that I may not be able to get in one year.
2. They always seem to have issues with the shirts at the end. I’m not sure if they don’t order correctly or if they give out the wrong sizes, but it’s almost guaranteed that if you’re at the back of the pack you won’t get the shirt size you want (if you get one at all).

DIFFICULTY
2
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
5
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4

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The Good: The packet pickup in San Francisco was super easy Friday night. It was a beautiful course, though there is a nice sized hill at the beginning/end so if … MORE

The Good:
The packet pickup in San Francisco was super easy Friday night. It was a beautiful course, though there is a nice sized hill at the beginning/end so if you want a flat course this isn’t it. The course was well monitored and supported. The shirt and medal were nifty and the post race snacks were plentiful. Loved the DJ at the finish line. Good vendors in the finishers area with lots of yummy giveaways.

The Bad:
The race was slow to start because there were some issues with SFPD – I don’t really think this is a reflection on the race, more like an issue with many San Francisco races. The finish line was PACKED with non-runners, I get that they are trying to get pictures of their loved ones but some folks are actually trying to finish a race! And I didn’t like the fact that you had to keep walking and walking and walking to get the medal – medal first, then water and snacks please!

Overall a really well done race! I’ve done the 12k and loved it so I’m glad to see the the 5k is just as good!

DIFFICULTY
3
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4
SCENERY
4
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4

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I've done plenty of halfs, but I finally decided to try my feet on the full marathon distance. I felt like the 12 hour Dirty Dozen would be a good … MORE

I’ve done plenty of halfs, but I finally decided to try my feet on the full marathon distance. I felt like the 12 hour Dirty Dozen would be a good way to do it – plenty of support, bathrooms, food and even the opportunity to sit down and change socks if I wanted to. And of course the 12 hour limit is more than generous for a marathon.

The course is a 3.4 ish mile loop with beautiful views of the bay along the way – you can just keep chugging along for 6 or 12 hours. About half way along the loop there is an aid station with a restroom, so you have plenty of aide. As a 6 or 12 hour runner there is a ton of food available to you at the aid stations. At the start/finish area there’s plenty of space to set up a tent for your support crew or just friends that are there to watch you and your special kind of crazy – there’s even a bbq mid day and your guests/crew can buy food while they’re waiting for you.

As for my race, my theory was sound, all I needed to do was eight laps and I’d be done, no problem! I forgot to do two things – train and trim my big toenail. I did manage the distance and I even added the afternoon 5k for insult, but it was not my best performance by far. The good news is that I know my body can go the distance, it just needs A LOT more training!

DIFFICULTY
2
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
4
SWAG
5

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I wasn't expecting a ton out of this race, but it was a nice little race! A nice course through the neighborhoods around downtown Concord, good selection of post-race snacks, … MORE

I wasn’t expecting a ton out of this race, but it was a nice little race!

A nice course through the neighborhoods around downtown Concord, good selection of post-race snacks, nice looking t-shirts, a free movie ticket for the local theater, plenty of parking – and amazing timing from Brazen Racing.

There was also a $5 Pancake Breakfast that looked yummy but I didn’t get a chance to try. And the Concord 4th of July Parade starts not long after the race ends if you can hang around for that.

DIFFICULTY
1
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
3
SWAG
3

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I wasn't expecting much from this race, but I've always wanted to run on Angel Island so I didn't much care! I did the 5 miler, which was a beautiful … MORE

I wasn’t expecting much from this race, but I’ve always wanted to run on Angel Island so I didn’t much care!

I did the 5 miler, which was a beautiful loop up to the the summit and back. It was pretty much all trail (a little asphalt at the beginning and the end) and had easy switchbacks all the way up and down – so even though there was a nice bit of elevation gain (800 feet or so) it never really felt like it. The 5 mile course pretty much stuck to the Sunset Trail which offered nice amounts of sun and shade as well as AMAZING views pretty much the entire time.

The only minor complaint would be the lack of support. There was no aide station for the 5 mile race and only one stop for the half marathoners (which isn’t really enough on a hot day and tricky course). The pre-race email was very clear on carrying your own water, so I had it covered – I’ve just never not had an aide station on a short race.

It was the inaugural race for them and they are a new race company so I’m hoping that next year will be better – because, yes, I probably will be back!

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
3
SCENERY
5
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2

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This one is a perennial favorite - it's close and easy and pretty. There's a nice mix of trail and pavement as well as sun and shade, the hills are … MORE

This one is a perennial favorite – it’s close and easy and pretty. There’s a nice mix of trail and pavement as well as sun and shade, the hills are all small and manageable – all of which makes for a pretty perfect course.

This time I ran/walked it with a friend’s daughter, so it was fun but slow! We took full advantage of the jelly beans and gummy bears at the aide stations and the It’s-Its at the end.

DIFFICULTY
1
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
4
SWAG
4

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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).

DIFFICULTY
1
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5
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1
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5

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I am always a sucker for beach races, not to mention any that are in Santa Cruz (go slugs!), but this one always has my heart. The race is beautiful … MORE

I am always a sucker for beach races, not to mention any that are in Santa Cruz (go slugs!), but this one always has my heart. The race is beautiful and a bit challenging; the swag and after race eats are all good – mostly I love the scenery, the combination of streets and trails and, of course, finishing on the beach!

DIFFICULTY
2
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4
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5
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3

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I've run all of the Giant races and so far this one is actually my favorite! This was the first year in Sacramento and they did a great job. The … MORE

I’ve run all of the Giant races and so far this one is actually my favorite! This was the first year in Sacramento and they did a great job. The shirt and medal were super cute and the course was lovely. The only draw back for me was driving to Sacramento early for a race, other than that – great inaugural race!

DIFFICULTY
1
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
4
SWAG
4

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I've participated in the Oakland Running Festival in some race every year since it's inaugural year - I've done every race except the actual marathon (which I will tackle one … MORE

I’ve participated in the Oakland Running Festival in some race every year since it’s inaugural year – I’ve done every race except the actual marathon (which I will tackle one day!). What I love most is that it’s in my home town and that I can walk to the start!

The spectators and course entertainment are lots of fun, though the aide stations could be a bit better staffed (I may be expecting too much from teen
volunteers). The race production, course marking and course monitors are good as well. An the bling and finish line goodies are pretty awesome!

The half marathon course is nice and flat and easy, with a nice finish around Lake Merritt.

I am biased and I love this race mostly because it’s in Oakland and they do a great job of showing off what the city in a great way.

DIFFICULTY
1
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
3
SWAG
4

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Brazen always does a great job (I know I'm a little biased) but this really was a spectacular first race. I've done plenty of inaugural races, and they rarely go … MORE

Brazen always does a great job (I know I’m a little biased) but this really was a spectacular first race. I’ve done plenty of inaugural races, and they rarely go as smoothly as this one did!

It was a beautiful course, flat and fast. As usual, the aid stations were well placed and well stocked and the swag was great!

DIFFICULTY
1
PRODUCTION
5
SCENERY
4
SWAG
5

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This was my second Rock n Roll race and it was a huge let down compared to San Diego. The course was flat and easy and well marked, but it … MORE

This was my second Rock n Roll race and it was a huge let down compared to San Diego.

The course was flat and easy and well marked, but it was hot and uninspiring.

As usual for a Rock n Roll event, the expo and swag were fantastic. And I did love doing the 5k the day before for the Remix medal.

Overall it was a fine road half, but not one that I’ll be looking to do again.

DIFFICULTY
1
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
2
SWAG
4

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This was a great course - nice rolling hills, pretty neighborhoods and great scenery through the vineyards. The swag was good - ok shirt, cool coaster medal and wine glass … MORE

This was a great course – nice rolling hills, pretty neighborhoods and great scenery through the vineyards.

The swag was good – ok shirt, cool coaster medal and wine glass for tasting at the end.

The down side is that, being a slower runner, a lot of the food and wine booths were packing up when i finished. That was a big bummer, but it’s probably fine since it’s not like wine is an excellent recovery drink!

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
5
SWAG
4

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Disney Races are always well done - well produced, great course markings, lots of water stops and volunteers, tons of photo ops. This was the inaugural Star Wars race, but … MORE

Disney Races are always well done – well produced, great course markings, lots of water stops and volunteers, tons of photo ops.

This was the inaugural Star Wars race, but being Disney, it didn’t feel like an inaugural event.

My only complaints with the race are that there weren’t many character stops and the on course entertainment wasn’t as good as past Disney races.

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1
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5
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5

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The trail was gorgeous and relatively easy, so it made for a nice vacation run. The group is a little more competitive than I'm used to in the laid back … MORE

The trail was gorgeous and relatively easy, so it made for a nice vacation run. The group is a little more competitive than I’m used to in the laid back bay area, but I still managed not to come in dead last!

This seemed like more of a self-service race, there were no aid stations on the 5 mile course, I’m not sure about the half marathon. But given that it was quite cool and drizzly it didn’t really matter for me.

No swag to speak of – no medals, shirts or even ribbons, but there were snacks at the end so that helps

Overall, Northwest Trail Runs seems like a great group – nice people, nice routes and what looks like a few good running series in Summer and Winter. I’m looking forward to more vacation runs with them.

DIFFICULTY
3
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
5
SWAG
1

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I'm not going to lie, I was a little disappointed when I realized that this race was in Monterrey instead of Big Sur. I also didn't realize that it's not … MORE

I’m not going to lie, I was a little disappointed when I realized that this race was in Monterrey instead of Big Sur. I also didn’t realize that it’s not part of the BSIM weekend. Once I got over all of that I had a great time.

The course is gorgeous – it goes through all the best parts of the central coast and it mostly flat and easy. There can be a bit of wind on the return, but totally worth it when you’re looking at the great views along highway one.

The swag is the same as the rest of the BSIM races, nice shirt and great ceramic medallion. Though I’d tend to say that the medallion is one of the best, but I’m pretty partial to otters 🙂

DIFFICULTY
2
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
5
SWAG
4

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