This is a really well done event for a small-town race, with an ideal course surface (slight downhill on fine gravel, on an old converted railroad track trail) through the … MORE
This is a really well done event for a small-town race, with an ideal course surface (slight downhill on fine gravel, on an old converted railroad track trail) through the foothills of Lassen National Park. They have several events to choose from: I ran the half marathon on Saturday (as opposed to the out and back option on Sunday), and I was really happy with that choice, since the first 6 miles are especially beautiful. It is a small race, which can either be awesome or boring, depending on what you’re looking for – but the natural beauty and fresh mountain air (it is at elevation) makes it super enjoyable. The weather was perfect both years I ran it (2014 and 15) – would do it again if scheduling allows! The slight downhill cancels out the elevation as far as impact on pace (in my experience), and the grade is very slight so you won’t destroy your quads – though I can’t speak to the first 13 miles of the full marathon. They do a great job at the finish line with post-run snacks too, especially for a small event – M & Ms, oranges, hot soup / chili, and a free Sierra Nevada beer. The shirts are all right, and the medal is lacking, but those should not be the reasons you choose this race anyhow! If you’re looking for a beautiful, mellow fall race on a great surface, this is a good choice.
Beautiful course, small-town event
This is a really well done event for a small-town race, with an ideal course surface (slight downhill on fine gravel, on an old converted railroad track trail) through the … MORE
This is a really well done event for a small-town race, with an ideal course surface (slight downhill on fine gravel, on an old converted railroad track trail) through the foothills of Lassen National Park. They have several events to choose from: I ran the half marathon on Saturday (as opposed to the out and back option on Sunday), and I was really happy with that choice, since the first 6 miles are especially beautiful. It is a small race, which can either be awesome or boring, depending on what you’re looking for – but the natural beauty and fresh mountain air (it is at elevation) makes it super enjoyable. The weather was perfect both years I ran it (2014 and 15) – would do it again if scheduling allows! The slight downhill cancels out the elevation as far as impact on pace (in my experience), and the grade is very slight so you won’t destroy your quads – though I can’t speak to the first 13 miles of the full marathon. They do a great job at the finish line with post-run snacks too, especially for a small event – M & Ms, oranges, hot soup / chili, and a free Sierra Nevada beer. The shirts are all right, and the medal is lacking, but those should not be the reasons you choose this race anyhow! If you’re looking for a beautiful, mellow fall race on a great surface, this is a good choice.