Coyote Hills Half Marathon, 10K & 5K
Fremont, CA
- Half Marathon, 10K, 5K
- Road (Paved), Trail (Unpaved)
- Official race website
The low-lying Coyote Hills rise as a prominent landmark on the eastern shoreline of San Francisco Bay, along the western edge of southern Alameda County. Archaeology has revealed that Native Americans have lived in the area for at least 12,900 to 13,500 years. The Tuibun Ohlone village site (which is … MORE
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No Lone Wolf here
This was my 6th time running the Coyote Hills half marathon. This year the course was modified a little. Instead of being two full out and backs, it was one … MORE
This was my 6th time running the Coyote Hills half marathon. This year the course was modified a little. Instead of being two full out and backs, it was one big loop with a small out and back climb in the middle. Total gain for the half was just below 800′. The starting area for the 2022 race was in the brand spanking new camp ground area. There was plenty of room and the weather was perfect! Oh and I got 3rd place in my age group, so that’s pretty rad! 🙂 Kudos to the Brazen crew and volunteers for another awesome event!
A Brazen Race with Some Hills (not too)
Event & Course Description: Brazen Racing's Coyote Hills Trail Runs is done at Coyote Hills Park in Fremont, CA. The hills border the southeast end of San Francisco Bay, and … MORE
Event & Course Description: Brazen Racing’s Coyote Hills Trail Runs is done at Coyote Hills Park in Fremont, CA. The hills border the southeast end of San Francisco Bay, and are just south of where Alameda Creek pours into the bay. In past years the start/finish area was in the park. This year the it was at a campground on the southern border of the park, not far from the Dumbarton Bridge.
The event was done in the three common distances, half marathon, 10K (which I did), and 5K. The courses shared some trails, and some were used by just one distance. The interconnected arcs, loops and out-and-back legs were more intricate than I could describe without being an insomnia cure. The best description would be that the courses were varying length tours of the park.
The 10K course was about 5% shade, and cumulatively a little over 1/3 paved. The courses were mostly gently rolling, but had 1 (5K), 2 (10K), or 4 (half marathon) fairly steep hills. It could be said to be a moderate intro to trail running, 🙂 . Every distance shared the hill about 3/4 mile from the finish, a .36 mile 10% grade climb up, and a 10% grade downhill of similar length.
The views were varied and pleasant – marsh, hills, and the bay. 10K and half marathon runners used a wooden causeway to cross a marsh. The weather was pleasant and sunny, neither too cool or too warm. But the event is done in January, so a few past years have had rain and mud.
Organization & Production: As mentioned, Brazen has been doing this event for quite a few years. My first time was in 2014. For those past runnings, runners parked at nearby DeVry University, and were shuttled to the park. DeVry moved, and the property owner was not willing to do this. Brazen learned this some 3 or 4 months before the usual race date and had to work out all new parking arrangements and reroute new courses with a start/finish area that had not been part of previous years’ courses. Only the event name and park were the same.
I usually describe Brazen races as register-and-run, everything so well organized that a participant just needs to register, get there, run their race, and return home. With all new courses and parking, the reorganized Coyote Hills event was still register-and-run. All courses were well marked with color-coded ribbons, chalk/flour, and course marshals at key turns. Covid adjustments were few, because Brazen has always done food handling at aid stations and the recovery area well.
Bib: Brazen doesn’t do plain race bibs. Bibs usually have some sort of distance color-coding. There is artwork (often shared with the race T-shirt), with the race name and date, bib number and runner’s name, and Brazen Racing’s logo.
The bib for Coyote Hills has a stylized coyote head (see below) in the top left corner, and the race name and distance across the rest of the top in block letters. In the center is the runner’s name in letters large enough to read an oncoming runner’s bib and cheer them on by name. Below that is the bib number, and across the bottom is Brazen Racing’s logo. The half marathon bibs were brown or burnt orange, the 10K bibs sky blue, and the 5K bibs yellow.
T-Shirt: Brazen’s registration fee includes a tech type T-shirt for half marathon runners and a poly-cotton T-shirt for 10K and 5K runners. 10K and 5K runners can upgrade to a tech type Tee for a moderate fee (currently $7).
Because Coyote Hills 2014 was my first trail event and first Brazen event, I upgraded to the tech type shirt. The T-shirt is black, and in the front is a string-art-style coyote head, one side pink, the other yellow. Below one of the coyote’s cheeks is the race name and year. Brazen Racing’s logo is on the left sleeve. On a Favorite-Meh-Bye spectrum, it’s clearly a favorite.
Finisher’s Medal: The medallion has a black background, and at the top, the string-art coyote head, with orange “strings”. The year is at the coyote’s muzzle, below that the race name in block letters, and in a small rectangle the distances, all outlined in orange. The overall effect is visually dramatic.
Finish & Recovery Area: It’s a Brazen race, so there were plenty of recovery snacks, and a bottle of water was given with the finisher’s medal. The area was a bit compact, but organizers have to work with what they have. There were just a few park benches for those wanting to sit down, BUT the usual start/finish area for the event just had few low fence railings. There were some portacans, and because of the adjoining campground, several permanent restrooms (some had showers … not sure if those were functioning, but if the same area is used in 2023 …).
My Results & Opinion of the Race: This was kind of another welcome back event for me. Brazen’s Coyote Hills is nostalgic for me, and it was the first event I’ve done since 2019 with significant hills. As to the hills, I’ve got a way to go yet (10% grade!), but it’s a start. I was initially a little disappointed with my finish time, but then I remembered that the actual distance was 6.6 miles instead of 6.22 miles. I finished vertical, self-powered, and with a decent (for me) finish time. I’ll take it!
Do I need to say I’d consider doing Coyote Hills Trail Runs in 2023? Brazen Racing consistently does well organized events, so I’ll be back for this and some of their other events, as fits my abilities and goals. I recently signed up for one of their February halfs. I checked out the price for a large international event organizer (not The Mouse). The price for the same time between registration and the event was $60-$65 higher. Very different experiences, but for me, all in Brazen’s favor (and other local trail run organizers!).
A Great January Race
Parking is offsite with frequent buses taking runners into the park. The Half Marathon is two loops and includes the marsh boardwalk. A large portion of the loop is on … MORE
Parking is offsite with frequent buses taking runners into the park.
The Half Marathon is two loops and includes the marsh boardwalk. A large portion of the loop is on the Bayview Trail with views of the shoreline, the salt marshes and the Bay we love. The loop includes and out and back leg that gives an opportunity to see running friends on the trail that may be in front or behind you. The hills are small. There’s a nice hill near the finish.
The 2020 medal has a cool stained glass effect.
Good race, greatly managed
The race was a nice first trail running race for me. Very well managed, with an effective commuting system. The route if about 2/3 paved 1/3 trail however. Good overall. MORE
The race was a nice first trail running race for me. Very well managed, with an effective commuting system. The route if about 2/3 paved 1/3 trail however.
Good overall.
Gorgeous views reached by moderate hills
I absolutely love this course. In fact, it may be my favorite that I've done with Brazen Racing! The park is absolutely beautiful, the hills give a slight challenge but … MORE
I absolutely love this course. In fact, it may be my favorite that I’ve done with Brazen Racing! The park is absolutely beautiful, the hills give a slight challenge but aren’t anything crazy, and, as always, the race is well-organized, the medals and shirts are fantastic, and the food on the course and at the finish line are amazing. One thing I love about Brazen is that, even as a back-of-the-pack runner, everyone is always friendly, encouraging, and inclusive!
Brazen always kills it!
This is the closest Brazen race to me, so I always make it a point to get there; on sunny days, I can even bike to it. This year wasn't … MORE
This is the closest Brazen race to me, so I always make it a point to get there; on sunny days, I can even bike to it. This year wasn’t quite bike weather, but Brazen provides free nearby parking and a shuttle to the start line.
Pre-race: bib pickup, shirt pickup, and gear check are smooth and easy, with minimal lines.
Race: on-time start, with Sam giving a quick rundown of the course, aid stations, and course records. The course is low-to-medium difficulty, with rolling hills and minimal single-track, and gorgeous San Francisco Bay views.
Post-race: Sam or Jasmine calls your name out as you finish! Brazen’s legendary post-race food tables groan with overflowing snacks of all description, plus the requisite It’s It ice cream.
Medal and shirt: awesome design as usual!
Photos: Free, provided by volunteer photographers and uploaded to a Web service for easy searching/downloading.
Scenic and Serene
It was a wonderful experience running the half marathon at coyote hills. The route was well marked with well placed aid stations and volunteers to cheer us on. Being a … MORE
It was a wonderful experience running the half marathon at coyote hills. The route was well marked with well placed aid stations and volunteers to cheer us on. Being a nature lover, the views were a treat to the eyes and running those trails was like attaining nirvana. It has been my strongest run on a trail so far. The best part was that I ran this race on a special day for Indians as January 26th is our republic day.
Running with happy runners
This is a nice runing event with just about right crowd. The senice is very pretty, and the trail is easy to manage. What I like the most is the … MORE
This is a nice runing event with just about right crowd. The senice is very pretty, and the trail is easy to manage. What I like the most is the volunteer staffs. They are very energizing and supportive. I ran like a turtle, but they still cheered me like I am marathon runner with the first prize.
You can PR on this course!
Get there earlier than you want in order to get on the shuttle with plenty of time to get to the start. If you pick up your bib race day, … MORE
Get there earlier than you want in order to get on the shuttle with plenty of time to get to the start. If you pick up your bib race day, you need a lot of time to park, get on the shuttle, pick up your bib use the bathroom etc. The course is awesome, quick with some rolling hills and beautiful views throughout.
Beautiful Course!
This was my first year running at this location. It has some beautiful trails and was nice that it was a loop course, which I personally prefer over an out … MORE
This was my first year running at this location. It has some beautiful trails and was nice that it was a loop course, which I personally prefer over an out and back. Aid Stations are always good. The medal and the shirt was awesome! I normally never get the shirts but the design on this one was a must. By kiddo even ran with me and it was great. The bus over was easy to deal with and was better than walking. Would definitely run this course again!
Rolling Hills & Breathtaking Views
This course is a well kept secret for those living in the Fremont/Union City area. From the rolling hills, to the wetlands, to the breathtaking views of the Dumbarton bridge … MORE
This course is a well kept secret for those living in the Fremont/Union City area. From the rolling hills, to the wetlands, to the breathtaking views of the Dumbarton bridge and the wide open bay, this was an unforgettable race. For a half marathon, the hills got a little tiring, but it was well worth it in the end.
A great race in a beautiful seeing.
This is a great race that has a lot going for it - it's got scenic views along the course, a good location close to freeways (but not too close), … MORE
This is a great race that has a lot going for it – it’s got scenic views along the course, a good location close to freeways (but not too close), and the usual smooth operation of the Brazen team. There is a shuttle to the start line but they run regularly. I’ve run the 10k and the 5k options and both are fun; there’s a little bit of elevation in the 10k option, which was a challenge but not too bad. Great medal and great shirt, usually. Recommended!
Beautiful views & great running weather!
This is the second time I run a Brazen Racing race and each time it's gone without a hitch! I come from So. California to run and the views are … MORE
This is the second time I run a Brazen Racing race and each time it’s gone without a hitch! I come from So. California to run and the views are so worth it. They make everything easy for us runners: transportation to the running site and all the wonderful volunteers. All the after-race activities are awesome; you can even get your medal engraved for a nominal fee. I highly recommend Brazen Racing to everyone!
Amazing but no Bathrooms!
This race's scenery and trail were unbeatable. The hills were challenging but not overwhelming. My only issue was a lack of access to bathrooms (transportable or otherwise) along the trail. MORE
This race’s scenery and trail were unbeatable. The hills were challenging but not overwhelming. My only issue was a lack of access to bathrooms (transportable or otherwise) along the trail.
Brazen Racing Rocks!!!
First class spread from pre race to post race! Awesome race shirts that are super soft. Medals are super cool! Friendly volunteers and great aid stations. Beautiful course (s) looking … MORE
First class spread from pre race to post race! Awesome race shirts that are super soft. Medals are super cool! Friendly volunteers and great aid stations. Beautiful course (s) looking forward to running many more Brazen events!!!
Gorgeous Bay Views!!
This is one to bring your friends to introduce them to a 5k. The course can easily be walked (but no doggies on the boardwalk section of the trail, so … MORE
This is one to bring your friends to introduce them to a 5k. The course can easily be walked (but no doggies on the boardwalk section of the trail, so best to leave the four-legged runners at home). It’s a pretty fast course for those that are trained and like to get a move on! Either way, runners will enjoy a short bit of time out on boardwalk, followed by mostly paved trail winding along the water’s edge. Not much in the way of shade, so sunscreen is a must! So worth it!
Brazen Coyote Hills was Awesome
There maybe inclines but they are doable. It was an enjoyable rave especially with the beautiful scenery. I did not think I was going to be able to run this … MORE
There maybe inclines but they are doable. It was an enjoyable rave especially with the beautiful scenery. I did not think I was going to be able to run this whole race but I did and was able to do it without stopping. Which was surprising to
me. I would do this race again!
Well organized, fun race
There is no onsite parking, so you have to park offsite and take a shuttle in. (Ton't know if this was an issue in previous years, but they shuttle you … MORE
There is no onsite parking, so you have to park offsite and take a shuttle in. (Ton’t know if this was an issue in previous years, but they shuttle you in using school busses, but the returning shuttles are private cars, so I missed all the shuttles going back to the offsite parking.)
It was perfect weather — about 45 degrees and sunny, so there were no muddy trails. The trails were generally easy even for people who don’t hike or do trail running, except for one rocky steep downhill section near the end.
I thought the hills were pretty challenging, but that is because I live in a very flat city and have not done any hill training. I don’t think the hills are that difficult if you have done hill training.
The scenery was pretty nice, and the aid stations were well stocked with water, electrolytes, and snacks.
The only complaint I have is that the forks (where half marathoners go one direction and 5K or 10K runners in another) weren’t as clearly marked as they could have been. I would have liked to have seen bigger signs at the forks; I ended up running an extra 0.71 miles because I took the wrong fork and had to double back. (I do realize that it is my responsibility to know the course, and I should have paid closer attention to the course map.)
The medal was alright, but the tech shirt was fantastic.
Marsh, Hills, and Bay Views
Event & Course Description: Coyote Hills (CH) is organized by Brazen Racing and three distances are run, half marathon, 10K (which I did), and 5K. The race is creatively named … MORE
Event & Course Description: Coyote Hills (CH) is organized by Brazen Racing and three distances are run, half marathon, 10K (which I did), and 5K. The race is creatively named for its venue, Coyote Hills Park. All three distances do a loop around the hills. The 10K adds an out-and-back leg, branching off at about the 7/8 point in the loop. The half marathon does the 10K course twice, except for a .1-.2 mile segment through the hills behind the start/finish area that is unique to the half marathon course.
On starting, all runners go through the dirt parking area that is the start/finish area and onto paved access road for about a tenth of a mile. Runners then turn onto a trail that uses a boardwalk through a marsh and leave the marsh on paved trail. The course goes through some low hills and onto a trail that goes along the edge of the bay. After about a mile and a quarter, 5K runners split off to the left and go through a gap in the hills to the finish. 10K and half marathon runners, however, continue along the bay on packed dirt trail for another mile and a half or so, turn around, and head back to the split. At that point 10K runners use the same gap in the hills 5K runners used to go to the finish. Half marathon runners climb up into the hills, going behind the start/finish area, to start their second time around the course. When half marathoners are near the finish, they again climb into the hills, but turn onto a foot path to get to the start/finish area. The 10K and half marathon course is about half boardwalk and paved, half dirt trail. The 5K course is entirely boardwalk and paved.
Organization & Production: Brazen races are register-and-run. Information on the race webpage is very complete, course markings and marshals make it difficult to go off course, and aid stations are well stocked with water, electrolyte drink and a good variety of snacks, for even the slowest runner. Brazen is very consistent, race to race to … . One thing that sets CH apart from other Brazen races is that parking is so limited that Brazen has arranged for offsite parking and shuttle buses to and from the start/finish area.
Bib: Brazen doesn’t do plain race bibs. The CH bib has distance color-coded race name, runner’s name, distance, and bib number. The race date is under the race name. Brazen Racing’s logo is in the bottom left corner. The background looks like a starry night sky with a steampunk robot coyote constellation.
T-Shirt: Brazen’s registration fee includes a tech type T-shirt for half marathon runners and a poly-cotton T-shirt for 10K and 5K runners. 10K and 5K runners can upgrade to a tech type Tee for a moderate fee (currently $7). The 2019 CH tech type Tee is dark blue and long-sleeved. Brazen usually has really nice T-shirt artwork, usually so good that picking a favorite comes down to personal taste rather than good vs. so-so.
For quite a few years Coyote Hills Tees have been outstanding among excellent for my tastes, and 2019 was up to that standard. The front looks like a string art coyote head, face-on. The coloring of the string art fades from yellow to aqua blue. The back features a winged robotic coyote leg in white, with the name of the race and year on a light blue banner zig-zagged behind it. Just below the paw is the date in white, and below that the distances in light blue. Below the distances, in white, are the sponsors’ logos and Brazen’s logo.
Finisher’s Medal: The medallion is the same artwork as the back of the T-shirt, a winged robotic coyote leg in silver, with white background and a yellow banner with the race name and information. The Ribbon is black, with dark gray machinery wheels (Hello, steampunk!). Along the ribbon are the race name and date in orange, and the distances in white.
Finish & Recovery Area: As runners finished, they received their finisher’s medal and a little farther along someone was handing out bottled water. There was a sort of chute that funneled runners into an area with vendors’ pavilions, a massage pavilion, and several tables with goodies. Brazen’s “signature” recovery snack is It’s It ice cream sandwiches in several flavors of ice cream. I seldom pass up on having one, but I wasn’t sure it would be OK with my stomach. Anyway, Brazen recovery areas offer a wide variety of cakes, cookies, fruit, and more.
My Results & Opinion of the Race: Coyote Hills was my first Brazen race, five years ago. Other than incremental improvements in things like race Tees and finisher’s medals, Brazen has remained consistent in the many things that make for a register-and-run race and an excellent race experience. A Brazen race is like a ginormous (more than 1100 finishers in the three distances at CH, one of Brazen’s larger events) family reunion picnic. Whether Brazen employees, volunteers, or the runners, everyone makes for a great atmosphere! My next two races are also Brazen races, so I’ll probably run or volunteer at Coyote Hills again.
Great run along the shoreline
This run requires parking some distance away and taking a shuttle. The lines were pretty long when we arrived but the line moved quickly. The run is really scenic on … MORE
This run requires parking some distance away and taking a shuttle. The lines were pretty long when we arrived but the line moved quickly. The run is really scenic on wooden pathways across the marshes before becoming asphalt along the shoreline. It’s an undulating track with no too steep of a climb and the Brazen after party and food was great.