Kimberly Neff's Staging Area

Second year running this marathon. I ran with a friend who had a broken hand and had had surgery the Tuesday before the race, so we took it easy. The production of the race was great EXCEPT…
Our bus got lost!!!! The driver apparently is the only human being on earth who does not have a device with GPS or navigation. Runners on the bus had to direct the bus driver to how to get to the start line. We arrive only 20 minutes before the start of the race even though we showed up for the bus right on time. By the time I got through the porta potty line, the race had already started.
Because I was not trying to PR or BQ, I took it in stride and started with the runners who were hoping to just finish. But the situation would have been entirely different if I had wanted to BQ, it would have stressed the heck out of me.
Race organizers – please give bus drivers directions and/or a resource to navigate. Sadly, this is not the first race where the driver did not know where they were going. Seriously? Is this 1969?

I ran the Big Sur Marathon as a repeat runner. New year, new race for me! Weather is unpredictable at this time of year, so last year was clear and sunny, this year was overcast and rainy. I like overcast and rainy, so I think that worked in my favor (I lopped 22 minutes off my last year finish time, go figure!).
This race is not one to PR on; there are long, steady uphill climbs, with a 2 mile trudge up to Hurricane Point at mile 10. However, just glance to your left, and you see the beauty of the California coastline from mile 4 onward, so you never starve for distractions.
The race is really well organized. The whole bus to the start situation is a bit of a pain (one car with 3 runners doing 3 different races with 3 different bus pick up spots/times was a logistical nightmare). But course is well stocked with aid stations and cheer zones. Finish line is stocked with good food and beer.
If you can’t get into the marathon (it’s a lottery), a friend did the 21 miler and enjoyed it. The first 5 miles are slightly downhill but no ocean view, so you’re not missing too much if you only do the last 21 miles of the marathon.
Do this race – you’ll love it!

I never not run a race that I have signed up for (except in the case of injury) because I don’t like to waste money, but this year, I decided to pass on the SF RnR because of all the changes they made to past years, including:
1) No shuttles from the East Bay. This was one of the best perks! I would park at West Oakland BART, the shuttle would take me to the start and I would then BART back to my car. This year, my only option would have been to drive to the city ($5 for bridge tool) and park in a lot (at least $20)
2) Course completely changed. As another reviewer wrote, just a glorified out and back from Pier 39, across the GG Bridge and back. Boring
3) Didn’t realize this until I drove across the GG Bridge that morning to run a much more fun Marin Headlands run with my running team, but they didn’t close any lanes on the bridge but forced runners to run on the sidewalks. I can only imagine the congestion and annoyance this must have caused. No thanks
4) This race never has good music. It’s called a Rock n Roll but I’ve run lots of other races where the music was much better. Who wants to listen to an acoustic band when they’re running the Rock n Roll half? Not me
I will not be signing up for this race again. It’s no longer convenient, and the cost of packet pick up and getting to the start line no longer makes it a good value, no matter how cheap the early bird price is.

Just completed Way Too Cool 50K which was only my second 50K and it was way fun. The forecast was rain all day but the race gods must have been smiling on us because we have sunshine at the start (the rain and other inclement weather came later).
I had been briefed by a number of people about the course. First 8 mile loop, pretty easy. Some hills but nothing too challenging. First river crossing was about 1.5 miles in. I never did a race with river crossings before and I had psyched myself into thinking that it was the worst thing that could happen, but it’s not all that bad. Yes, your feet get wet. Yes, you need to watch your step as you cross because of slippery rocks. No, you’re not going to get blisters or leaches (that’s a joke). It actually turns out to be fun.
At the end of the first 8 mile loop, you end up back at the start line which gives you a chance to hit the porta potties or your car if you park in the lot. After that, you are in the wilds along and above the American River. Goat Hill at mile 26 had me worried, as I had heard from people running this and other races that it is hard. Yes, it’s hard, yes it’s steep. Yes, your calves and quads are gonna hurt. But at the top is the second to last aid station and they have lovely hot broth!
The one hill I wasn’t ready for was at mile 30. Yup, right before the end. There’s an aid station as you recross Hwy 49. Stop and take a breather because you’re going to need it. Once you’re up the hill, it’s a smooth ride to the finish.
Aid stations are well run and very fun, helpful volunteers. I even had a volunteer at the 20 mile aid station help retie my shoe lace as I was too stiff to touch my toes (thanks Fleet Feet Folsom!).
Finish line area has good beer, tasty sandwiches and, of course, the famous frog cupcakes. That poor froggie never had a chance, I bit him in half in one bite.
If you’re looking for your first ever 50K, I would recommend this race. Just prepare for wet conditions, lots of mud and the time of your life.

If you want to end the year right, enjoy an easy course, score an Its It and get a mega medal, then you will want to run this race (and the NYD one a few days later).
Like all Brazen Races, this one is well organized. I love being able to pick up my race packet the morning of the race. And there’s plenty of parking and it’s free.
This course is not the most picturesque or challenging but you can get a PR on it as it’s fast and flat.

This is not an “easy” race to get into, but the race organizers give you multiple ways to enter the lottery and they don’t force you to give them money to apply for the lottery, nor do they automatically charge you if you’re selected – this is a classy way to handle an otherwise stressful lottery process.
I’m a Northern California native, so the scenario is very familiar. But for a non-local, you could not ask for a more pleasurable way to experience Hwy 1 and the California coast. Carmel and Monterey are beautiful spot to enjoy before and after the race. I would recommend it highly as a destination race.