This event takes place at Castle Rock State park at Mt Diablo in Walnut Creek. There are four races that take place. There is a 50k that has 8000 Ft … MORE
This event takes place at Castle Rock State park at Mt Diablo in Walnut Creek. There are four races that take place. There is a 50k that has 8000 Ft of elevation, a half marathon with about 2500 ft, a 10k with 1200 ft and a 5k with about 300 ft. I chose the 5k. Previously, I have run the half marathon in 2016 and the 5k twice.
The 5k course is an out and back with an aid station that you see twice. Because of all the rain that we’ve had this season, we did have 12 stream crossings. Most were ankle deep, but there were a couple that went up to my calves and the streams were wide. There was no way to avoid them, so we all ended up with wet feet. This course is slightly technical because of the streams and the slick rocks and a couple of sections of sandstone that is slick and rutty. I do enjoy this course. Castle Rock Park is quite nice the scenery and all the trails.
Brazen Racing produces great races. All finishers get a very nice medal and shirts. There is plenty of food at the finish including an It’s it Ice Cream Sandwich.
In November, Brazen puts on the Summit Stomp which has a 30k in addition to the half, 10k, and 5k.
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Love this race
This event takes place at Castle Rock State park at Mt Diablo in Walnut Creek. There are four races that take place. There is a 50k that has 8000 Ft … MORE
This event takes place at Castle Rock State park at Mt Diablo in Walnut Creek. There are four races that take place. There is a 50k that has 8000 Ft of elevation, a half marathon with about 2500 ft, a 10k with 1200 ft and a 5k with about 300 ft. I chose the 5k. Previously, I have run the half marathon in 2016 and the 5k twice.
The 5k course is an out and back with an aid station that you see twice. Because of all the rain that we’ve had this season, we did have 12 stream crossings. Most were ankle deep, but there were a couple that went up to my calves and the streams were wide. There was no way to avoid them, so we all ended up with wet feet. This course is slightly technical because of the streams and the slick rocks and a couple of sections of sandstone that is slick and rutty. I do enjoy this course. Castle Rock Park is quite nice the scenery and all the trails.
Brazen Racing produces great races. All finishers get a very nice medal and shirts. There is plenty of food at the finish including an It’s it Ice Cream Sandwich.
In November, Brazen puts on the Summit Stomp which has a 30k in addition to the half, 10k, and 5k.
Devil made me do it
This is the toughest race I do all year. I've done 50 milers that are easier. :) But I tell you, there is nothing like finishing the Diablo 50k. This … MORE
This is the toughest race I do all year. I’ve done 50 milers that are easier. 🙂 But I tell you, there is nothing like finishing the Diablo 50k. This was my fifth year doing it and my fastest ever! Weather was perfect.
This race has a very generous cut off time (11 hours), and the best support group ever. Every time I’ve ran this race I am so impressed with how many people stay until the last 50k finisher comes in, just to cheer them on. I always stay, and to see the look on the faces of some people (who perhaps didn’t have anyone there to cheer for them specifically) is priceless. To see their smile when dozens of people are cheering loudly for them, is one of my favorite parts of this race (and the Brazen community).
So if you want to run up to the summit, then up to North Peak, then all around the park, come out and do what I think is the best 50k around!
Harder than I remember
This was my second time taking on the 50k at Mt Diablo with Save Mt Diablo and Brazen Racing. It was well organized, great aid stations, awesome volunteers and the … MORE
This was my second time taking on the 50k at Mt Diablo with Save Mt Diablo and Brazen Racing. It was well organized, great aid stations, awesome volunteers and the medal is spectacular!
A MUST!!!
Expertly Run. Great AS support. Beautiful scenery. 2500 elevation. 22+ creek crossings. Well marked for the most part. What goes up, MUST come down. Miles 8-10 downhill after 4 miles … MORE
Expertly Run. Great AS support. Beautiful scenery. 2500 elevation. 22+ creek crossings. Well marked for the most part. What goes up, MUST come down. Miles 8-10 downhill after 4 miles up. Should do it once!
THE OLDER I GET- THE FASTER I WAS!!!!!
Most of you already know and appreciate BRAZEN RAZING! You may also know that MT. DIABLO is one of the most beautiful places on earth. A perfect place to race … MORE
Most of you already know and appreciate BRAZEN RAZING!
You may also know that MT. DIABLO is one of the most beautiful places on earth. A perfect place to race when you tire of the usual-it’s unlike any other place at all.
Beautiful course, steep spots
Nice group of people both putting it on and running. Parking down the street was easy- there was a shuttle bus from the high school to the starting area. Don't … MORE
Nice group of people both putting it on and running. Parking down the street was easy- there was a shuttle bus from the high school to the starting area. Don’t be me and not train on enough hills prior to running this. I ran in the area weekly, but choose flatter trails! Oops! There are quite a few steep uphill sections and a sustained steep downhill section just prior to the last few miles which I was not prepared for. The other surprise for me was how many creeks there were to run though and how cold they were. Only a few single track sections where if you wanted to run up the hill you couldn’t as there was a line of people walking up. I suppose if you were speedy out the gate you’d be with other folks running up it though. Course was clearly marked. I thought the race guide said there was a bathroom at the half way aide station, but there was not. I held it, but it would have been nice to have some sort of bathroom at least once on course, as it’s pretty exposed so hard to just go ‘in the woods’. Cute shirt and medal. I guess there was some food at the end, but my kids were sick of waiting for me since it took me a long time and we left pretty quickly.
Great way to kick the devil's ankles
Second time running the 5k, but I volunteered the two years prior to the 5ks. All races start and end at Castle Rock Park in Walnut Creek at the base … MORE
Second time running the 5k, but I volunteered the two years prior to the 5ks. All races start and end at Castle Rock Park in Walnut Creek at the base of beautiful Mount Diablo. The 5k had ten (10) water crossings. These were not water crossings that you could jump over. These were stream crossing that you had to go through. Most were ankle to shin high. The water was COLD, too. The 5k measured 3.12 miles with 558 ft of elevation. There were some technical parts of the course, but the water was the most challenging aspect.
The 5k had one aid station that we saw twice. The 5k turnaround was just past the aid station and another stream crossing. Eager volunteers were there to hand out water and sports drink. I did not stop, but Brazen AS are stocked with sweet and salty snacks, Gu, and fruit.
All runners get a race shirt. 5k/10k get cotton and half marathoners get a technical fabric tee. The 50k runners get a special 50k shirt.
Brazen Racing medals are first rate and this one did not disappoint. As you crossed the finish line, Sam, the race director, called out your name. This is always special after a tough race.
There was food and drink at the finish as well as the traditional It’s It ice cream sandwich.
A special note about this race from the Brazen Racing website:
For over 40 years, Save Mount Diablo has worked tirelessly to preserve and increase the open space on and around Mount Diablo. In that time, their efforts have taken us from 6,788 acres of open space to over 100,000 acres of open space on and around the mountain!
With distances suitable for everyone from those hitting the trails for the first time to experienced ultra-runners, the Diablo Trails Challenge was created to help celebrate and support these achievements. A portion of all entry fees will go to Save Mount Diablo to help them continue preserving open space and trails for all of us to enjoy.
Awesome trail in the East Bay
This was my first trail race. I placed first in my age group and immediately signed up for a 37K and 100K - that's how inspiring this event was. There … MORE
This was my first trail race. I placed first in my age group and immediately signed up for a 37K and 100K – that’s how inspiring this event was. There was such a great group of runners! And they went all out feeding the runners after the race.
#BeBrazen
Beauty in the Devil
Want beautiful scenery? Check. Want a butt kicking challenge? Check. Want both, combined with support from an amazing racing organization? You got it. This race rocks, but be prepared. It’s … MORE
Want beautiful scenery? Check. Want a butt kicking challenge? Check. Want both, combined with support from an amazing racing organization? You got it. This race rocks, but be prepared. It’s tough.
Big Hills, Wet Feet
Don't shy away from the stream crossings—you will get wet, so go hard and gain over those who shy away. Same goes for the downhills. Often the uphills (which are … MORE
Don’t shy away from the stream crossings—you will get wet, so go hard and gain over those who shy away. Same goes for the downhills. Often the uphills (which are steep and long!) are single track, but the downhills are more wide open. I ran em hard—and shattered my legs, but, heck it’s racing!
Best race series around
Brazen races are hands down the best bang for your buck. The event is always well put together and has great swag/medals yet they still keep the entries priced fairly. … MORE
Brazen races are hands down the best bang for your buck. The event is always well put together and has great swag/medals yet they still keep the entries priced fairly. The crowd is always fun with some brim competitive and some just out there to do their first trail run.
Great race with brazen
Great race and great view of mount diablo. Met new people , nice friendly, raced with Forward Motions sports. Everyone should sign up for this race. MORE
Great race and great view of mount diablo. Met new people , nice friendly, raced with Forward Motions sports. Everyone should sign up for this race.
Wow that's a lot of climbing
If you like hills and you like beautiful views this is a good choice. Mt. Diablo offers really sweeping views of the Bay. Get ready for some hill climbing, but … MORE
If you like hills and you like beautiful views this is a good choice. Mt. Diablo offers really sweeping views of the Bay. Get ready for some hill climbing, but the good news is there’s a sweet downhill descent to balance it all out. Lots of Creek crossings to cool your tired feet. The finish line is basically a party of folks having fun eating and getting free massages!
First DNF Ever
It was a perfect day, and the trails were soft from rain but not muddy. This course has a lot of climb, but I stopped at the peak of Mount … MORE
It was a perfect day, and the trails were soft from rain but not muddy. This course has a lot of climb, but I stopped at the peak of Mount Diablo due to Shingles pain in my ear. I had a wonderful couple of miles with the amazing Catra Corbett and I missed one turn with a group of runners, but still give this course 5 stars since others were able to see the markings. (ok, only 4.98 stars, but I round up!) The RD gave me a half marathon medal since I ran 34.81 km on Garmin, and made it to Aid Station 4. I look forward to running this again next year!
Great Event and Trails
Aid stations are spaced out in great locations and there is a new view around every turn. Trails are mark and easy to follow, but they are very challenging from … MORE
Aid stations are spaced out in great locations and there is a new view around every turn. Trails are mark and easy to follow, but they are very challenging from start to finish. This is a must do at least one time, and I will do a repeat next time in the area.
Get to know Mt. Diablo
First 10k trail race. Nice challenge, a combination of fire trails, single track, stram crossings. Really fun! I loved seeing sections of the state park I had never visited. Good … MORE
First 10k trail race. Nice challenge, a combination of fire trails, single track, stram crossings. Really fun! I loved seeing sections of the state park I had never visited. Good aid stations.
Water Crossings and More
I bet this course this year had more water crossings then any year EVER!! What a perfect day for a perfect race. 22 stream crossings and trails that were spectacular … MORE
I bet this course this year had more water crossings then any year EVER!! What a perfect day for a perfect race. 22 stream crossings and trails that were spectacular = perfect race. I think we were even followed by a turkey. The volunteers and aid stations were spot on and the finish area was stocked to the gills. How can you say no to an IT’s IT? Come on, now.
Best runs in town!
If you ever want to run with an amazing company, Brazen Racing is THE BOMB! These guys seriously know how to execute a race. I've run many of their races … MORE
If you ever want to run with an amazing company, Brazen Racing is THE BOMB! These guys seriously know how to execute a race. I’ve run many of their races and plan to run many more. Many of their runs are trail and some are regular road races. They always offer a variety of distances to appeal to any level of runner: 5k, 10k, 13.1, 26.2 and even some 50k.
Brazen Racing knows how to do it right. Their courses are well marked, aid stations well stocked and their finish line food is second to none. One really cool thing, too, is their hardware. Brazen has some of the best, if not, the best race medals around. They really are worth running for. After all, it’s all about the medal, right?
Give them a run. You won’t be sorry you did.
Wet and fun!!!
All I can say is, "WOW!!!". This is my first time running this race, but I did volunteered the past two years at Little Pine Aid Station. All races start … MORE
All I can say is, “WOW!!!”. This is my first time running this race, but I did volunteered the past two years at Little Pine Aid Station. All races start and end at Castle Rock Park in Walnut Creek at the base of beautiful Mount Diablo. I ran the 5k. Because of all the rains that we’ve had this winter and spring, the 5k had ten (10) water crossings. These were not water crossings that you could jump over. These were stream crossing that you had to go through. Most were ankle to shin high, but I did step into one or two that the water came up to my knee. The water was COLD, too. The 5k measured 3.12 miles with 558 ft of elevation. There were some technical parts of the course, but the water was the most challenging aspect. I had not done a water run like this before. As I approached the stream and realized that there was no way of avoiding the wet, I just went for it and got my feet soaked. Wow! The water was cold.
The 5k had one aid station that we saw twice. The 5k turnaround was just past the aid station and another stream crossing. Eager volunteers were there to hand out water and sports drink. I did not stop, but Brazen AS are stocked with sweet and salty snacks, Gu, and fruit.
All runners get a race shirt. 5k/10k get cotton and half marathoners get a technical fabric tee. The 50k runners get a special 50k shirt.
Brazen Racing medals are first rate and this one did not disappoint. As you crossed the finish line, Sam, the race director, called out your name. This is always special after a tough race.
There was food and drink at the finish as well as the traditional It’s It ice cream sandwich.
I won 3rd place in my age group and was awarded a special age group medal. That was fun and exciting to get another medal.
A special note about this race from the Brazen Racing website:
For over 40 years, Save Mount Diablo has worked tirelessly to preserve and increase the open space on and around Mount Diablo. In that time, their efforts have taken us from 6,788 acres of open space to over 100,000 acres of open space on and around the mountain!
With distances suitable for everyone from those hitting the trails for the first time to experienced ultra-runners, the Diablo Trails Challenge was created to help celebrate and support these achievements. A portion of all entry fees will go to Save Mount Diablo to help them continue preserving open space and trails for all of us to enjoy.
Prepare to get wet and run hard
It's an early start in the dark as you arrive to the usual suspects and volunteers at a brazen race. I woke up at 3:30am and drove approx 70 minutes … MORE
It’s an early start in the dark as you arrive to the usual suspects and volunteers at a brazen race.
I woke up at 3:30am and drove approx 70 minutes to get there early to change my distance from the half to the 50k.
I was greeted with big smiles and friendly staff/ volunteers. It was easy to change my distance and time to mingle with my fellow racers.
The usual casual start line had a touch of excitement and apprehension not noticed before at any brazen race.
It was rather cold at the start but getting a swag bag and finding room to get ready was easy.
There were bathrooms and Porto potties so no waiting to use one. I brought some food and had time to eat and stretch then take a few start photos.
I was offered a map but that was redundant since I can’t read small print without my glasses, so I declined.
Besides I really just follow everyone else anyway. Which was easy for almost all of the course by the way.
Our start did run a couple minutes late at 6:33 am just in time for sunrise so no need for a head lamp just bring one to walk from the parking lot to the start area.
Now I don’t remember any name of each trail we hit but we started at the horse stables at Castle Rock park and ran some light rolling hills through about 12 streams , most knee high in the first 2 miles. This was by far the most fun part.
After this we got into some damp and muddy terrain before ascending for what seemed about 4 miles . Then some very wooded area coming down to our first aid station.
This is where you can refill your water bottles or camelbaks. I chose nuun at home then refilled at every aid station. I didn’t stay too long at any aid station. I grabbed and ran. To get to the 1st aid station took 90 minutes.
In other words bring your own bottle and gu’s , food with you.
I arrive at the 2nd aid station manned only by one woman who is doing her best but the food is gone and no water or drinks are out or Gu’s.
It was a sort of help yourself kind of station.
I get going quickly it’s mile 12.5 and I soon find the first big tree down going up the hill.
A very nice man helps me over it as it was kind of big and too high for me.
I’m climbing up a few miles in a wide trail, there aren’t many places on this race that has enough space for more than single track.
I kind of ran walked this part and ate some nuts as I started go get hungry.
The 3rd aid station I think was where we bumped into the half marathoners. It was crowded and a bit chaotic. Runners running in all directions .
Never the less the search and rescue people and volunteers were very helpful and also be prepared to be checked in every aid station.
Everyone is monitored and recorded to make sure you arrive before each cut off time.
So far so good. The weather is warming but I’m not hot . I start going again and now I find myself running with new people. We chat and share stories.
We are heading up to the first summit.
I look at my hands they are swelling up and I started to feel a little delirious .
I was hydrating often so I was a little surprised.
I’m not quite sure how high Mt Diablo is but I think it’s about 3,700 ft. At mile 19.5 I made it to the summit.
This aid station was the most organized and seemed to be very aware of how out of it we were . They took my camelbak and filled it for me gave it back and really checked in with everyone.
There were chairs to sit and rest but I knew if I sat down I wasn’t going to get back up.
A few pictures and potato chips later I took off.
Apparently we had to now run down a mile the back up a mile to the 2nd summit.
Really this was quite something.
I stubbed my toe coming down and almost flew down the mountain, which has beautiful green hills all around . The wild flowers were out and everything looked very lush. Now that near fall actually hurt my back. A reminder don’t run and enjoy the views just stop and enjoy then run on.
This part is single track and there were plenty of hikers coming from the opposite direction.
Now getting to the 2nd summit deserves a mention.
It is very steep and uneven and lots of small gravel for you to slip on.
I was on all fours going up and on my butt coming down. It’s about a quarter of a mile up and down of hell but you will survive.
You get a sense of I’m 2/3 there and you know you will make it.
It’s warm and I’m now sunburnt on my neck and shoulder as I forgot sun block. It’s stinging but I plod on .
Turns out the course was long and I had 11 more miles to go not 9.
Anyway down the hill and it’s steep and nasty . My knees are really talking to me and I am almost walking down for miles.
It’s rugged, bushes and very windy. This was a very difficult part for me .
I am now running with a man called Bryan.
We take it easy and steady coming down the cow pasture and steep hill.
We are within the time limit and decide we will be safe and walk a few miles.
We get to the last aid station and its bitter sweet. I thought I had 1.5 miles to go but the volunteers told us it was another 5k.
Now we are heading through knee high grass and rolling hills and eventually back to the streams .
I get a chance to wash off my muddy shoes and enjoy the cool water. It felt good to cool down my swollen feet and bad ankle.
We can sense the finish line just ahead so we get going again and run the last half mile .
The canyon was beautiful with lots of caves and rocks above us with hawks flying over .
We finish in just over 9 hrs and 36 minutes.
The finish line had familiar faces and cheers from the other runners.
The medal was as always large and lovely. As a bonus I got mine engraved for free.
Food was also brisket, pulled pork and beans or potato salad.
I was hungry and managed to eat easily.
Now I may have sounded like I didn’t enjoy this course but I really did in fact it was my favorite Brazen race maybe even the most fun yet very hard to date.
In all , my watch said 32 total miles , elevation unknown as my watch ran out of battery.
Approx 8,400 ft I think .
This was a very technical and hard race one you won’t forget or want to.
I can’t wait to do it again.
You get 11 hours to run this so it’s very doable . You will feel supported all the way from start to finish.
The other runners were very supportive too.
You will see a lot of each other as there are a few out and backs .
A big shout out to Oscar and Oscar Jr who marked the whole course the day before . Well done and thank you Brazen Racing