Jesse Costello's Staging Area

I’m very happy to share a glowingly positive review of the Kodiak 50-miler here, mostly because the few reviews I’ve found of earlier iterations of this race reflect runner frustration with sub-par course markings. Now, I can’t speak to the first 50 miles of the 100-mile course, but as a 50-miler I found the course consistently well-marked (even for the first 90 minutes or so in the dark) and never lacking in volunteers to point us in the right direction whenever there might be confusion. I never once got lost or found myself unsure on the route, with the possibility of the final approach to Skyfern aid station, which comes at the end of a 1.5 mile run over asphalt through a mostly residential section of Big Bear. (I did find it, though, so no complaints.)

What really sets this race apart for me is the volunteers. Every single aid station was packed with eager, enthusiastic race supporters manning the stations and tons of food, drinks, cold sponges, sunscreen, you name it. Big shout-out goes to the Sugarloaf aid station, which everybody hits at least once (twice for 100 and 50-milers and once for 50K’ers). That place is Grand Central Station for the race — big, busy and bustling. It’s easy to move in and out if that’s what you need and it’s also *very* easy to spend a little too long prepping for (or resting and recovering from) the Sugarloaf Mountain climb and descent.

As for the 50-miler, go in expecting thin air, long, tough climbs and breathtaking scenery. I’m a trail runner based in Burbank, but I did make time to join one of the many training runs hosted by the Kodiak folks in the lead-up to the race. If you’ve never run in Big Bear or at altitude in general (average altitude of the race is 7000 feet), I would *highly* recommend making time to join up for the Sugarloaf climb (to 10K) and a trek out to Dead Man’s Ridge. Having scaled Sugarloaf going into Kodiak made a huge difference in my confidence on race day. I would also recommend trying to get out for the Seven Oaks climb out of Siberia Canyon if you can swing it, although nothing can really prepare you for that climb at mile 44. All I can say is, it does eventually end.

Stay hydrated, stay cool, stay consistent and stay positive. Go in prepared and you’ll love this race! I did!

This is my second go-around at Valencia; in 2017 I did the 50K, which was a fun course but I opted for the half-marathon this year on account of a lazy training schedule. To be honest, you see the best parts of the course doing the half while the 50K allows you to stretch your legs a little bit more and test your endurance. Still a good time doing the half and I wasn’t mad to make the last turn home after only 12 miles. 🙂

It’s easy to kind of phone this race in if you’re only doing the 5K or 10K, but if you’re a novice trail runner, don’t expect an easy transition up from the shorter distance to the half-marathon — that back half is monstrous! In a good way, of course, especially if you’re the kind of trail runner who gets off on a little bit of pain for bragging rights. Count on a slow trudge up three massive hills (with the ensuing downhills and views to provide some salve), but if you’re prepared, (which I wasn’t, really), you’ll be fine. I’ve run enough long trail races that I depended on muscle memory to power me through, but next time, I’ll respect the course.