Andrea Kane's Staging Area

After 5 years of qualifiers, I was convinced I would never be selected to run this conveted race. A few days before the December 2022 lottery, I was lucky enough to be offered a sponsor spot that gave me entry to the 2023 and bypass another year of likely not being selected in the lottery. It’s so incredibly difficult to get picked for this race so of course I had say yes.

After months of training, it was finally almost race time. There are numerous events to attend the week of the race and although I wanted to attend, I also needed the rest. I did go to the flag ceremony the Thursday before the race at Palisades High Camp which was pretty fascinating.

On Friday, the day before the race, we had to go to mandatory race registration for our bibs, drop off drop bags and also attend a mandatory race briefing. I planned to stay that day until after the briefing with my crew so we could see it all and soak everything in it.

We showed up at race registration and immediately went to the vendor area to see what was going on. We received some free things and then went to race registration so I could get my bib and picture taken! I also picked up my race swag which consisted of a Hoka brand race bag, socks, Goodr sunglasses, a buff, a reusable cup, a book co-written by Tim Twietmeyer and some Hoka slides. All pretty awesome! I also got a picture with elite runner Nikki Kimball putting on my race wristband.

We attended the race briefing where we learned a lot about the race and then it was time to go.

After a 3am wake up and a 4am departure to drive the 5 minutes from our cabin to Olympic Village for the race start, the nerves and energy were both extremely high. I found a couple of friends who were also running, said bye to my family and friends and headed to line up for the start. We found a spot in the middle of the pack and soon the countdown was on. We took off and were able to run a few minutes before the climbing began.

After a very long winter, there is still plenty of snow on the mountain. The snow began after a couple of miles and was pretty continuous until we got to the top, known as the escarpment. There were so many people up there cheering for the runners and it was great to see some friends! The escarpment is the highest point in the race which has a nice descent following it. We had a nice break from the snow as we headed down the backside of the mountain, but it wasn’t long before it started again. We had more miles of snow, mud and cold streams to cross before we hit the first aid station. Heading to aid 2 was more snow and another fall where my calf cramped and I was worried it might take me out to the race. I kept moving and it seemed to be okay. After that, it was more off and on snow until mile 23 or so, right before aid 3. I was happy to have a break from it because everyone was slipping on the icy snow and plenty of runners, including myself, were falling.

Around mile 27, we had a creek crossing with a slack line to help us get across safely. The water was moving quickly and I sank to my waist in one spot. We had a couple of miles that were a gradual climb to the mile 30 Robinson flat aid which was the best aid and I had a chance to dry out. My legs were cramping a little from all of the snow miles and I was trying to get back to feeling good. A little before this aid, we had some more snow patches, but I was happy to finally be able to see my crew.

After a lot of hugs, a quick sock change, more sunscreen applied, I grabbed some food and took off. I was really concerned about being behind on my pace chart and not making the cutoffs. I called my first pacer and talked to him for a few minutes and he assured me I was doing great with plenty of buffer. It was okay if i walked for a little while so I chose to walk/run the next few miles. This next section until almost mile 46 ish was primarily downhill. I made a friend who was around my pace and we spent miles 41-46 together before the big climb to devil’s thumb where she pulled ahead. I was getting pretty hot on this climb (1.7 miles of switchbacks and 1,500 ft of elevation gain) so I put on my music as a distraction and focused on getting to the top. I caught the friend a little before the top and we headed into the aid. We both refilled and grabbed food before taking off together for more miles. We had a little more climbing until the infamous water pump and then there were more miles of runnable downhill to El Dorado creek. I made it to the aid after the creek and prepared myself for the next climb which would eventually bring me to Michigan Bluff where my crew and first pacer were waiting for me.

It was the best feeling getting into Michigan Bluff and seeing so many people. I had some other friends there waiting for their runners, but also saw my husband and parents with my crew. I was developing some hot spots on the sides of my big toes and wanted to change my socks. My amazing friend Sallie wrapped my toes, changed my socks again and my pacer Keith and I headed out again. Soon it was dark and we needed our headlamps. We arrived at Foresthill and were again met by my crew and parents, ready to help. It was a short break where I got some soup and coke to drink to help keep me awake.

After hours of achy quads, dark miles and concerns about being too slow, we finally made it to the river crossing. It was a boat year due to the heavy water flow and the break was a very needed one. My husband and second pacer were waiting on the other side of the river and were ready to hike up with us.

Almost 2 miles later, we made it to the top where the aid was and my second pacer Jake and I were on our way with a little over 20 miles to the finish. This is when I hit my lowest low and was just ready to be done. I couldn’t stop crying, I didn’t know if I would make it to the end with time to spare and I was in a very bad place. Jake gave us trying to reassure me we had plenty of time and we focused on getting to the the aid stations.

I asked my crew to skip the aid station at mile 94 so we wouldn’t waste time, but they showed up anyway which was definitely needed. At this point, I had plenty of time to make it to the end and just wanted to get there. I was moving slowly on the rocks and roots as the miles ticked off and pretty soon we were crossing No Hands Bridge with only a few miles left. We made it up the last climb before Robie Point and I saw my family and friends waiting to head to the finish with me. Along the way we saw other friends there for the race and famous ultra runner Sally Mcrae. We got to the infamous track and my crew, pacers, husband and I headed for the finish line. I saw more friends cheering for me as I ran towards the end and crossed the final timing mat.

It was an incredible and magical race that is absolutely worth running. It was much harder than I thought it was going to be, but it was an amazing weekend having so many people there to support me! There’s a reason it’s so popular and it’s absolutely worth it.

This was my first time doing a race with altitude and it was definitely concerning! I didn’t finish a 100k back in May and my friend suggested I continue my training and run the TRT 100 in July to get my Western States qualifier. I had never run in Tahoe before and felt this race was way over what I could do, but registering also gave me a chance to check out new trails. My friend and I did 3 training runs leading up to the race since he knew the trails fairly well and wanted to help make sure I was fully prepared come race day.

The race start changed for 2022 and it now begins at Western Nevada College in Carson City. There was bib pickup the day before where we got also received a race shirt, Injinji socks, a poster and a reusable cup with carabiner to clip to our packs as swag. There was also a little store for people to purchase more race items. The 100 miler had a race briefing as well where the Race Director went over some important information and we could drop off our drop bags too.

The race started at 5am and because it’s summer, headlamps were only briefly needed. I had mine on, but never used it because enough other people around me did and it was bright enough.

The race begins with a 4,200 ft climb to mile 9 and it’s a great way to wake up the legs and lungs! Once up top, there are beautiful views of Lake Tahoe and Marlette Lake. It’s all so incredibly scenic and the trails are very runnable for the most part, minus the Diamond Peak climb that’s done twice. The aid stations were amazing and had a lot of food options including quesadillas, bacon, broth, chips, peanut butter sandwiches, etc. One aid station even has beer and liquor for runners!

It was a hot weekend and I finished thanks to my pacers, but it’s definitely a tough race that’s not for beginners. I was lucky to not have any noticeable altitude issues, but I heard others did. There are also 55k and 50 mile distances which give a great taste of the race!

This is one I would definitely think about going back to, but the current end to the race is not the most scenic so the RD is looking to changing that. But it was definitely a great time and I highly recommend this race!

I had been wanting to do the Yeti 100 in Virginia for awhile, but it’s a lottery now and harder to get into. When I heard there was going to be a west coast version in Washington, I registered as soon as it opened! Now I absolutely need to do another Yeti race! The RD Jason Green and his team were so awesome, the volunteers were incredible and people came out from all over the US to support the Yeti family.

We got some awesome swag ( hat, shirt, pin, sticker, socks, buff and finishers received a buckle). The course was beyond beautiful too with the mountains around us. We ran across bridges, through a tunnel and into the forest on a very runnable gravel trail. The aid stations were well stocked and volunteers extremely helpful as well.

This race was perfect for anyone wanting to complete their first 100 (or 100k) or attempt
sub 24. The flat did get a little tough to run in the later miles, but it was a very cool looking area!

I highly recommend the Yeti Trail Races based on how welcoming everyone was and plan to do another!

I ran this race last year for the first time last year and despite the difficulty of the course, there’s so many reasons why the race sells out year after year!

The Dipsea Trail is a famous Bay Area trail that goes from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach. Other than a few slightly flat and short sections, the trail is either ascending or descending and also contains just a few stairs.

The initial climb out of Mill Valley is around 700 stairs, broken up into three sections. Once you are able to catch your breath, you still have a decent amount of uphill through a residential neighborhood before your legs get a break with mostly a grinding downhill. You cross a creek only to find yourself going up another hill that turns into more uphill and eventually you’ll find yourself at Cardiac where then views can’t be beat! If your legs aren’t tired by then (almost 4 miles in), they’ll surely be tired on the descent that’ll eventually bring you to Stinson beach; there are countless roots, rocks and uneven boards (stairs) built into the trail to get you there. Be warned of the confused tourists on breezy summer days who won’t know where to move on the trail when you come barreling down it screaming “on your left!”

“Quad” Dipsea is exactly how it sounds. It’s the Dipsea trail, but going up and down that trail a total of four times, which is only something those who enjoy suffering pay to do. Once you get to the turnaround in Stinson Beach, you head back to Mill Valley where you do it all over again!

The race is 28.4 miles, over 9,000 feet of elevation gain and thousands of stairs to go up and down over and over. Thankfully, there is wood fired pizza at the end that makes it all worth it because it’s baked right there! The Race Director puts on an amazing race, the volunteers are exceptional and if you’re really lucky, you’ll have great weather. This year, we were unfortunate enough to have terrible wind and pelting rain. But finishers also received the coveted Quad Dipsea shirt and a Patagonia fanny pack!

This race is definitely one I will recommend and continue to come back to.

I ran this race last year and I really loved it so I decided to do it again. It also helped one of my friends registered me for as an early birthday present so I didn’t have a choice!

The race starts at Huddart Park which is a beautiful place, but then goes into Purisima, which is just so incredible. There is a big creek that flows down the middle, lots of waterfalls (especially after a good rain), and it’s so lush and green. Plus, banana slugs are everywhere! You can also see Half Moon Bay and the beach when you’re higher up.

It had rained the day before and overnight, but finished a little while before the race began. Thanks to the weather, it was a very wet course. We ran through small streams, huge puddles, so much mud and had to climb over lots of trees. That all just made it so much more fun! And I saw hundreds of banana slugs, no joke. Those things are so cool.

This race isn’t the easiest and it has some pretty decent hills. It’s also kind of a different course with how it is set up. The runners hit the same aid station three times which is kind of nice, but also tough because you’re so close, yet so far from the finish! The beginning of the race was a long stretch to that aid station, then a big loop through Purisima, an out and back section, and then back to the finish, but on a different way from the beginning. It definitely does not lack scenery!

Inside Trail always does a great job with their races and race swag. Every runner gets a medal and a shirt, but the 50k runners also get a pint glass! And they have a table of food at the end. I ate probably 3 entire quesadillas while waiting for my last friend to come in.

This is definitely a race I would do a third time!

This race is local to me and I run a lot of the course fairly regularly so I’ve never been interested in running it. My husband said he would run it though so I registered us for the race.

The course was changed slightly this year which threw off a lot of runners, but it was still fairly flat. It begins and ends in downtown Livermore, with the majority of it being on a bike path that goes through two large parks and along some vineyards, in addition to alongside a creek. It’s very scenic and there were spectators cheering along the course.

Every finisher got a tech shirt (given at bib pickup) and then a medal after crossing the finish line. Participants also got a stemless wine glass with the race name on it and were able to drink at the finish line festival where local wineries and breweries were serving.

Everything was fairly well done, except the quality of the swag is poor. The medal I received is very chipped. The wine glass doesn’t have the race date on it either which is disappointing.

It’s a large race and everything else was mostly fine. There were lots of aid stations with helpful volunteers who did a great job. I probably won’t run it again, but it was anther fun race day with my husband and friends!

Single Track Running does an amazing job with races! This was my second year running this race and they did another awesome job with more great swag. The 50k runners all received a hat, a cotton race shirt, a Klean Kanteen tumbler and a medal. The aid stations and volunteers were the best as well.

The course is called FOURmidable due to the four main hills on the course, but there are a lot more hills than that on the course. The hills are Cardiac, which is a long uphill of steep switchbacks, K2 aka training hill which is almost a mile long with over 900 ft. of elevation gain, Knickerbocker which is long switchbacks and then finally Overlook, which brings you back to the finish area.

Last year all of the races were on the same day, but this year the 50k was held on Saturday and the other distances on Sunday. It made a huge difference with the amount of people on the course and it was really nice not having to deal with as many runners. Another difference from last year was the conditions the trails were in. The course was very wet and muddy last year from all of the rain and there were barely any water crossings this year. It also got much warmer this year!

It’s a beautiful course that is on the Western States trail and it goes from Auburn into Cool and back. You start at the Auburn Dam Overlook Park which has a huge parking lot and also bathrooms.

There were burgers for the finishers and plenty of space to hang out and relax after finishing. Despite the climb back up Overlook being more awful than I remembered, this was another fun race and I hope to do it again!

This was my 4th race by Nor Cal Ultras and like the others, it didn’t disappoint!

There was great swag (we received a medal, belt buckle, jacket and cinch bag that held some samples), well stocked aid stations (peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, potatoes, chips, cookies, soda, etc., with warm food in the later hours such as grilled cheese sandwiches, pizza, quesadillas, broth and then breakfast burritos in the morning hours), attentive and helpful volunteers and of course, a great finish line party.

I ran their American River 50 miler as my first 50 and the two races are on a lot of the same course. I didn’t remember much of the AR50 trails, but I didn’t have any issues with them then and figured I would be fine on those sections again.

The first 18.5 of the course is a big loop that starts and finishes at Beal’s Point. There are no crew stops allowed at the first two aid stations in this loop, but they aren’t too far apart, especially since the majority of this section is on a bike path. A crew wasn’t needed yet though. The first crewing point is Beal’s and it is also the first aid where drop bags are allowed.

For the last week leading up to the race, the weather forecast had been predicting rain for the entire weekend. The rain began around 6am (an hour after the race started) and although it wasn’t a cold morning, it was very wet.

After you leave Beal’s and start the 26 mile journey to the Auburn Dam Overlook (ADO), there are some great views of Folsom Lake and fire roads that eventually lead into some great single track trails. This chunk of the race isn’t too hilly until you start the 3.5 mile climb to the overlook, but it does include a 2-3 mile section known as “the meat grinder.” It’s really not as bad as people make it out to be though; it’s lots of big roots, loose rocks and wood plank stairs built into the side of the trails. It’s hard to get a good groove though because it’s up or down without much flat. Between the meat grinder and the climb to the overlook, the trails are single track and mostly runable.
This chunk also has four aid stations with crews allowed at two. Although the rain had been off and (mostly) on all day, the trails were surprisingly puddly and very muddy.

Eventually the trail ends and you get to the end of a gravel road. To the left is the Cardiac trail and going up the road will eventually bring you to the overlook parking lot. A lot of it is road, but there is some gravel, and most of it is uphil. When you finally get to the Auburn Dam Overlook parking lot, you’re met by another big party at the aid station and can also pick up your first pacer (mile 44.5). I was joined by my friend Keith who was probably not looking forward to 31 wet and muddy miles with me!

The 4 miles after ADO are primarily downhill and take you onto the famous Western States trail where you end up at No Hands Bridge. It’s important to fill up and refuel at this aid because there isn’t another stop until mile 59. This loop of 31 miles that brings you back to ADO is a lot of the same course as Way Too Cool and also includes “Goat Hill around mile 65 or so. This hill isn’t too bad; it’s just short and steep switchbacks, but the trail leading to it collapsed this past winter from the California weather and a new hill leading to it was created. This new hill is much steeper than Goat Hill and had poison oak on either side. It had rained the majority of the day (it was still off and on a little) and this hill was a lot of loose, slippery mud. I attempted to climb up it on my hands and knees which was very scary and made me so thankful I had my friend Keith pacing me because he helped get me up this hill.

I ran Way Too Cool back in March after a very rainy winter and these trails were very comparable when it came to the puddles and mud on the trails, despite this being the first real rain of the season. There were a few water crossings on this section also so my feet got even more wet then they already were.

After Keith and I made it back to ADO, I picked up my second pacer, my friend Megan. This is the last 24.5 of the course and you get to run back to Beal’s Point the way you came. The long stretch of road and gravel we had to climb up was much better running down and the meat grinder wasn’t as bad going in reverse. The night hours were tough on me and it seemed like it would never be daytime. Once the sky started lightening, I began feeling better. The rain had stopped between 10PM and 11PM and the weather was supposed to be sunny Sunday for the end of the race. Eventually it was dawn and then the sun was fully up. Megan and I finally hit the the levee which was lined with spectators cheering on their runners and soon after, I crossed the finish line. I was immediately handed my medal, belt buckle and jacket and then went to find my friends.

Although I didn’t indulge in any of the post race food (there was breakfast food being cooked for runners) or check out the tents, I did stay to see the last runners come in. This was a great first 100 mile experience and although some people got lost, I didn’t have any issues with the course or how the race was organized. It’s a fairly local race to the Bay Area and also a Western States Qualifying race which makes it more appealing for runners. Although I could’ve and should’ve done much better, I have nothing but positive feedback for this race company. I definitely recommend Rio Del Lago for anyone looking for their first 100 mile race!

Beautiful location with both paved and trail sections. A lot less elevation than other races, but great views of the surrounding areas at the top and easy trails.
Always a great way to start the year!

Beautiful course that started with a nice downhill. We ran through the redwoods and thanks to a recent storm, the course was very muddy with little streams going down the trails. There were also a few downed trees we had to climb over, under and around. The course wasn’t too hard with lots of ups and downs.

Cold morning, but still a great time. Inside Trail had a long sleeve tech shirt for runners which will be perfect for winter running. The finish line food area had hot soup which was perfect post race! I definitely want to do this one again.

Beautiful race with great swag. The shirt and medal are both awesome and the 50k runners get a pint glass with the race logo too.

Parts of the course are on the infamous Dipsea Trail as you’re climbing all over Mt. Tam and the race starts and finishes at Stinson Beach. There is a lot of elevation in this race, but it’s incredibly scenic. You get some great views of the Bay Area and the ocean. It’s not easy and you definitely earn your medal. The last few miles are downhill, but make sure you don’t slip on the wood stairs.

This race company takes really good care of you from start to finish. Bib pickup pre race is smooth, the aid stations are well stocked and they had good at the end, in addition to getting pizzas.

This was my first time at Mt. Tam and despite the poison oak I got all over my legs, I plan to go back!

This race was extremely tough. The first 2.5 miles or so are uphill and then the next 8 are up and down. Thankfully the last few are downhill! It’s a very covered course with all of the trees and so scenic which makes it worth it. The only portion of the course that’s really exposed is in the last mile. Very difficult though. Not a good race to do when you have plans that day!

Like every other Brazen race, there’s a great shirt and of course an amazing medal. The aid stations have the best volunteers and there course is marked very well.

Limited parking so get there early!

This was my first 50k and difficult doesn’t even begin to describe it. Beautiful sights and views, but an extremely tough course.

The course was changed this year and started at Castle Rock Park in Walnut Creek, instead of Brentwood, due to some nesting golden eagles. Lots of elevation, especially in the two mile climb up to the summit. It was a very warm and dry day and it’s a course where you need to stay very well hydrated and fuel well to keep going. The climb to North Peak was also very tough and a lot of runners (myself included) fell on the way down. Having a hydration pack for this type of race was very beneficial because I was able to have extra water on me and have my hands free to keep my balance.

Despite the difficulties and heat, I finished and came in first and last in my age group! Being the only women in my age group was pretty awesome and something that will probably never happen again. In addition to my amazing medal that was also a coaster, I got a second age group medal! The tech shirt I received was for just the 50k which was also really cool.

It was a long day for everyone, volunteers included, but they were amazing like always and made sure every runner was well taken care of. There was BBQ at the finish for 50k runners and anyone else could pay for a plate of food. After a long day on the trails and in the sun, it tasted even more amazing!!