PamelaDawn Schipper's Staging Area

Some of the vistas are awe-inspiring, though so different from the coastal views of the other BSM courses. Passing Row crops studded with old barns as the morning fog hung over the hills put me in a serene, reflective mood. There were markers on the crops, “feeding the world Romaine,” for example which impressed the value of this place. The course also had references and quotes from John Steinbeck throughout, which I thought offered a neat literary grounding. My favorite was that Beast of Eden Hill! For me, it was a contemplative run. No record-breaking for me on this day, just another race accomplished. Gotta give a shout-out about the strawberries 🍓! My epiphany came at that mile 10 aid station: there is absolutely no food more delicious than Salinas strawberries!

I think this ace is rather expensive. The pre-race expo was great, but so crowded– hard to park or even arrive by uber because of the traffic. The Peanuts theme made it a very cheerful race. Swag is nice: wine and a full-sleeve pullover. The course was a surprise to me; it seems the race directors had to get creative to meet the distance requirements. I liked running by the creek, but not the strange route through town. Also, I bought tickets to the beer festival that was to follow the race, but there was a long interval between the race finish and the start of the beer festival. If they could tighten up those aspects of the race, I’d be a happy repeat racer.

Starting in front of the historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, this course follows the local favorite running path along Cliff Street to Natural Bridges park, and then on to Wilder Ranch, where the course turns to packed dirt trail. Here, you’re exhilarated by the majestic ocean views and, likely, some thrilling wildlife sightings from otters to dolphins or whales. The course returns to Cowell’s Beach, where you can continue your dash from the finish line straight into the cold Pacific. One course caution: you’re finishing your final .25 mile on a steep downhill, when I found it hardest to keep my feet under me. The finish gate is a sharp turn and transition from pavement to sand. This is where the race photographer will take your proud finish pic– try not to fall down, as I so ingloriously did!