One of my favorite Brazen races. Tough half marathon in Briones Regional Park. 13.6 miles with ~2,800' of gain. Beautiful views all around and some great views of Mount Diablo, … MORE
One of my favorite Brazen races. Tough half marathon in Briones Regional Park. 13.6 miles with ~2,800′ of gain. Beautiful views all around and some great views of Mount Diablo, which isn’t that far away. This was my 9th year in a row running the Bear Creek half marathon. It’s one of the smaller events that Brazen puts on, but it’s definitely one of my favorites. The last mile is the best part of this course, in my opinion! And in case you didn’t know, Brazen puts on the BEST races anywhere!!
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A Bear-y Good Time
One of my favorite Brazen races. Tough half marathon in Briones Regional Park. 13.6 miles with ~2,800' of gain. Beautiful views all around and some great views of Mount Diablo, … MORE
One of my favorite Brazen races. Tough half marathon in Briones Regional Park. 13.6 miles with ~2,800′ of gain. Beautiful views all around and some great views of Mount Diablo, which isn’t that far away. This was my 9th year in a row running the Bear Creek half marathon. It’s one of the smaller events that Brazen puts on, but it’s definitely one of my favorites. The last mile is the best part of this course, in my opinion! And in case you didn’t know, Brazen puts on the BEST races anywhere!!
Awesome!!
I was worried about parking but it was organized with flaggers and field parking so absolutely no issues with lots of racers getting to a comparatively small area MORE
I was worried about parking but it was organized with flaggers and field parking so absolutely no issues with lots of racers getting to a comparatively small area
A Beary Awesome Race
This is one of my favorite courses. It's just under 13.6 mile with ~2,700' of gain. It's part of the Ultra Half Series, and it very much is an "ultra" … MORE
This is one of my favorite courses. It’s just under 13.6 mile with ~2,700′ of gain. It’s part of the Ultra Half Series, and it very much is an “ultra” half! This race starts and finishes at the Bear Creek Staging area at Briones Regional Park. It’s always in August which means the temps are high, but this year wasn’t too bad. It was still quite warm, but not un-bear-able. 🙂 The climbs on this race never disappoint, and the last mile is one of my favorite finishes to a race! Highly recommend! As always, the Brazen crew and volunteers are the absolute best in the business!!
Tough but amazing views and trail
Great organization and vibes. Really wonderful and challenging race in Briones State Park. So nice to run on both forest single trail and hill trails. Some really steep parts. 100% … MORE
Great organization and vibes. Really wonderful and challenging race in Briones State Park.
So nice to run on both forest single trail and hill trails. Some really steep parts. 100% nature. I loved it
A Beary Good Time
So happy to be back out at Brionnes for the Bear Creek Half Marathon. ~13.6 miles, with about 2,700' of gain. Ending with a sweet downhill mile to finish the … MORE
So happy to be back out at Brionnes for the Bear Creek Half Marathon. ~13.6 miles, with about 2,700′ of gain. Ending with a sweet downhill mile to finish the race (just before a tiny little climb) 🙂
As always, Brazen puts on such an amazing event. Course is really beautiful, and tons of aid stations (4 in the half marathon) all stocked with all the goodies and drinks you’d need to keep going. Great work by the volunteers and course monitors etc. Highly recommend this race.
I Got "Bit"
Though my performance wasn't spectacular, I was encouraged by what I was able to do at Dirty Dozen to try the 10K at Bear Creek. The elevation profile – viewable … MORE
Though my performance wasn’t spectacular, I was encouraged by what I was able to do at Dirty Dozen to try the 10K at Bear Creek. The elevation profile – viewable on Brazen’s webpages for the race – is quite challenging, but the major climb is early in the race, so I thought I could take it on. Yeah, no. Like all Brazen events, Bear Creek is well organized, but I’m not up to Bear Creek 10K right now. Ah, well. My daughter was with me, and we dropped out at the first aid station, a bit more than two miles in. The aid station was well equipped with liquids, goodies, and encouraging volunteers. In other words, Brazen Racing Normal. I don’t know if I’d do Bear Creek again, but it’s not due to deficient organizing or lack of beauty along the course. I’d just have to work up to the challenge.
Good course
Since this is one of Brazen's Ultra Half, it has a lot of climbing. The hills are mixed in through the course and this keeps it interesting and tough. I … MORE
Since this is one of Brazen’s Ultra Half, it has a lot of climbing. The hills are mixed in through the course and this keeps it interesting and tough. I think this was my first race that ended with a climb.
Trail run with good variety
Brazen does it best! This run has a healthy mix of up and down, wide trail and single track, last mile is shaded, and a creek crossing with a short … MORE
Brazen does it best! This run has a healthy mix of up and down, wide trail and single track, last mile is shaded, and a creek crossing with a short steep climb to the finish to keep it interesting! Brazen thinks of all the details- easy to enter on their web page, fair pricing, organized bib and shirt pick up, cool medals, good quality shirts, post race snacks, name on your bib,and free photos. They create a positive environment that makes everyone feel good about themselves and gives a sense of community. I am so happy I have found Brazen!
Beautiful Trail
It was a tough trail run with a lot of hills for me, and the narrow path was really difficult. But the views made it really worth it. I also … MORE
It was a tough trail run with a lot of hills for me, and the narrow path was really difficult. But the views made it really worth it. I also liked the difficulty of the course, it made it feel like an adventure. Like, running through the woods of Endor.
Holy cow... er, bear
So after running the Dirty Half Dozen Brazen event in July, I thought I was pretty tough, and decided for my next challenge I would run Bear Creek. I knew … MORE
So after running the Dirty Half Dozen Brazen event in July, I thought I was pretty tough, and decided for my next challenge I would run Bear Creek. I knew it was hilly and it would be a challenge, but I did not know it would kick my butt so thoroughly!
It was a hot day in Briones Regional Park, so that already made it challenging, but the 3100 ft of elevation is what really got me. You start out with some mild hills, running by some cows, and then the real hills start. Don’t even attempt to run up these hills, because I’m pretty sure it’s not possible (though based on some of the finishing times I saw, some people manage to do it, but I think they must be superhuman). The hills are TOUGH. And while some of the trail is shaded, a lot of it is not, which means you’re climbing those hills in direct sun and heat. I have asthma, which is bad enough on regular courses, and combination of the heat and the hills really kicked my butt. The uphills were so tough that my legs felt like jelly, so I was very cautious on the downhills, and only really trusted myself to run the flat parts (there aren’t many!). So I felt like I spent a lot of the course walking, which was totally not my goal—but to be honest, I felt like a winner just finishing this race! Around mile 4 I started to wonder if this would be my first DNF (that wasn’t due to injury). But I didn’t quit, and somehow I didn’t die.
Due to the nature of trails, a few of the aid stations are pretty far apart, so definitely take your own water, and fuel if you need it. The aid stations were like heaven though – they had fruit, salty snacks, electrolyte drinks (once again I have to commend Brazen for using Ultima Replenisher! As someone who can’t have sugar, I LOVE that they use Ultima rather than one of the sugar-filled drinks!), cold water, and sometimes ice cold sponges that the volunteers will squeeze over your head, giving you a few minutes respite from the punishing heat.
Once you make it to the end, after going through a single track trail where you have to cross a small creek (and don’t forget to high five the bear!), you finally reach the finish line, where the awesome medals and snacks await. Being a non-carb-eater, there weren’t many I could have, not to mention I was so hot and tired that I didn’t even feel like eating, but if I could have, I would have had an Its It and a massage—there was a vendor there with massage tables set up, which I should have taken advantage of—it probably would’ve made the next day hurt a little less!
This is definitely a challenging event, and one that I’m glad I did, and proud that I finished (despite my worst half marathon finishing time EVER), but it might be a couple of years before I decide to attempt it again.
Great Race!
Great Race! Beautiful scenery and well organized. Briones Regional Park is a perfect location for a race. Organizers did a great job of the course, pretty difficult but gorgeous! MORE
Great Race! Beautiful scenery and well organized. Briones Regional Park is a perfect location for a race. Organizers did a great job of the course, pretty difficult but gorgeous!
I Fought the Bear and the Bear Won
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!
One of the hardest Brazen' s Ultra Half
I have run Rocky Ridge, I have ran 22 miles of My Diablo but this race kicked my butt!! I actually did very well until I ran out of water … MORE
I have run Rocky Ridge, I have ran 22 miles of My Diablo but this race kicked my butt!! I actually did very well until I ran out of water at mile 8.5 (my bad planning). It was all exposed trail from this point out so by the time I got to AS 9.92 I was very dehydrated. Took forever to recoup but I did finish it!!
Beautiful scenery!!! There are many times you are in shade but towards the second half a lot of exposed trail. We did have one creek crossing right at the end, FUN!
Sam and Jasmin put on magnificent races. The biggest medals ever! I absolutely LOVE their tech shirts (even though female, I wear the men’s tech shirts. More shoulder room). ALWAYS creative designs for their medals and shirts AND they are different for EVERY race.
This was a crazy hard race but the finish is always so much sweeter!!
Definitely one of my Faves!!
Second year running the half marathon course and it is one of my favorite races on the Brazen calendar. This race takes place at Briones Regional Park near Orinda. The … MORE
Second year running the half marathon course and it is one of my favorite races on the Brazen calendar. This race takes place at Briones Regional Park near Orinda. The half course is a single loop with almost 3100 ft of elevation. The official course length is 13.1 miles, but most people measured around 13.5 miles. This trail race will not disappoint. It has many miles of tree covered trails and plenty of exposed sections that will have you looking forward to the next aid station for some cold refreshing water and Ultima Sports drink. Be sure to carry water. It does get hot in the open areas. Most of the trails are wide fire roads and some single track. When you climb to the high sections of the trails, you will be rewarded with beautiful views of the surrounding area. The last 1.1 miles is a beautiful, tree-covered single track that rises in elevation. Note: there was plenty of poison oak on course this year, so be mindful of that if you run this race. Also, as you climb this last mile, you can hear race director Sam announcing the finishers. I remembered this from last year that you can hear him quite a bit out from the finish. Last year, I kept thinking, “Sam, where are you? How much further?!?!?” This year, I knew better and just kept going.
There were four aid stations that were well stocked with water, Ultima sorts drink, Gu, sweet and salt snacks, and fruit. Aid station volunteers were very friendly and helpful. They were there ready to hand us what we needed.
At the finish, we are handed our medals. There is plenty of finish line snacks and water. Don’t forget the famous It’s It ice cream sandwich that has become a Brazen tradition. All participants receive a cotton shirt for the 5k/10k or a tech shirt for the half marathon.
For some insane reason this is definitely one of my favorite half marathons. If you are looking for an easy race, this is not it, but if you want a big challenge, give the Bear Creek half a shot.
Absolutely incredible!
This was my first trail race, but because of how amazing it was, it was just the first of many! In fact, this was such an awesome race that I … MORE
This was my first trail race, but because of how amazing it was, it was just the first of many! In fact, this was such an awesome race that I already signed up for my next Brazen. The course is not easy, with many up and downhills, but it’s beautiful, peaceful and perfect! Plenty of food and hydration along the way, and best food spread post-race I’ve ever had!
A tough course with great views
The AS were great, well stocked with water, hydration, snacks, fruit, ice water bucket and chairs if you want to rest a bit and don't want to sit on the … MORE
The AS were great, well stocked with water, hydration, snacks, fruit, ice water bucket and chairs if you want to rest a bit and don’t want to sit on the ground. Course well marked with a few “course monitors” to make sure you make the right turns. The majority of the runners are there to enjoy the run and would stop to check on their fellow runners in need. And they have Its It ice sandwiches at the end!
The view is worth the climb!
I love everything Brazen. That being said, this was another great race. Wonderful weather, great course (even though about half way through it feels like a roller coaster), fantastic aid … MORE
I love everything Brazen. That being said, this was another great race. Wonderful weather, great course (even though about half way through it feels like a roller coaster), fantastic aid stations, amazing volunteers, and cool FUZZY bear medal!! Once at the top, the view from Benicia to Mt Diablo is spectacular. I wish I had stopped to take pics, but I was on track for a trail PR.
Views for days, A+ race production
Briones trails are home to me - ran cross country in high school and our home course was on the other side of Briones. I have completed the half (total … MORE
Briones trails are home to me – ran cross country in high school and our home course was on the other side of Briones. I have completed the half (total butt-kicker) and 10k (challenging but definitely more approachable) – amazing views!!! And Brazen Racing puts on hands-down the best races – excellent organization, volunteers, aid stations, finish line, tees and medals – all are top-notch.
Beautiful park and views.
There were lots of hills, mostly fire road but also single track. It was tough but exceedingly beautiful. The weather was perfect. The aide stations were well stocked with fuel … MORE
There were lots of hills, mostly fire road but also single track. It was tough but exceedingly beautiful. The weather was perfect. The aide stations were well stocked with fuel and very friendly volunteers. Whatever we needed, we had help getting it. My time was slower than expected but comparable to others. Briones Park is one of my favorite settings.
I can BEARLY stand it...
Just like Brazen says.... it's not nice to say you love "one child over the rest" or "one race over the others", but this is my favorite race. It is … MORE
Just like Brazen says…. it’s not nice to say you love “one child over the rest” or “one race over the others”, but this is my favorite race. It is so quaint and intimate. The staging area is small and everyone is packed inside waiting for the race to begin. If this is your first Brazen race, I guarantee you’ll leave with 50 new friends. 🙂
The course is difficult to say the least, but finishes with the most awesome half mile of downhill single track, before heading up a couple hundred meters (or yards) to the finish. Plenty of aid stations and lots of rolling hills.
Come do this race and I promise you will hooked on Brazen!!
Thanks Brazen staff and crew for another awesome weekend!!