Course: A majority of the out-and-back course is on the Iron Horse Trail, which is a relatively flat, paved path. The first and last 0.2 miles are on neighborhood streets. … MORE
Course: A majority of the out-and-back course is on the Iron Horse Trail, which is a relatively flat, paved path. The first and last 0.2 miles are on neighborhood streets. There were many intersection crossings, manned by volunteers. I’d say about 80% of course was shaded? The course is fairly straightforward, except for the sections not on the Iron Horse Trail. I was lucky to have some runners ahead of me who knew where they were going, but I could see how you could get lost. Oh, and there is a gradual downhill on the way out, and then a gradual incline on the way back.
Parking: Lots of (free) parking at the LDS church where the start/finish area is located.
Aid stations: Water and Gatorade stops at ~0.7 mile, ~2 miles, ~4 miles, ~5.5 miles. No one was handing out cups at the station at miles 2 and 4.
Bathrooms: The LDS church was open to runners to use their bathroom facilities.
Swag: Short sleeve cotton tee that I skipped and a medal at the finish.
Post race food and drinks: Water, Gatorade, and fruit (watermelon, oranges, and bananas). There may have been other food, but I didn’t notice.
Other notes: I thought this was a really nicely organized local race. In cooler temps, this would be a great race to attempt a PR. However, because it’s benefiting the Semper Fi Fund, I think they purposely plan it for Memorial Day weekend. I wouldn’t be keen to run the half marathon here, mostly because the course is monotonous and the weather is likely to be warm. One last note – to counteract the temps, I wished that the race started an hour earlier.
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PR? Maybe in cooler months
Course: A majority of the out-and-back course is on the Iron Horse Trail, which is a relatively flat, paved path. The first and last 0.2 miles are on neighborhood streets. … MORE
Course: A majority of the out-and-back course is on the Iron Horse Trail, which is a relatively flat, paved path. The first and last 0.2 miles are on neighborhood streets. There were many intersection crossings, manned by volunteers. I’d say about 80% of course was shaded? The course is fairly straightforward, except for the sections not on the Iron Horse Trail. I was lucky to have some runners ahead of me who knew where they were going, but I could see how you could get lost. Oh, and there is a gradual downhill on the way out, and then a gradual incline on the way back.
Parking: Lots of (free) parking at the LDS church where the start/finish area is located.
Aid stations: Water and Gatorade stops at ~0.7 mile, ~2 miles, ~4 miles, ~5.5 miles. No one was handing out cups at the station at miles 2 and 4.
Bathrooms: The LDS church was open to runners to use their bathroom facilities.
Swag: Short sleeve cotton tee that I skipped and a medal at the finish.
Post race food and drinks: Water, Gatorade, and fruit (watermelon, oranges, and bananas). There may have been other food, but I didn’t notice.
Other notes: I thought this was a really nicely organized local race. In cooler temps, this would be a great race to attempt a PR. However, because it’s benefiting the Semper Fi Fund, I think they purposely plan it for Memorial Day weekend. I wouldn’t be keen to run the half marathon here, mostly because the course is monotonous and the weather is likely to be warm. One last note – to counteract the temps, I wished that the race started an hour earlier.
Awesome event, very PR-able!
I ran this race with friends a few weeks ago - it was my goal 10k race for the spring. The course is 'flat' along the Iron Horse Trail, there … MORE
I ran this race with friends a few weeks ago – it was my goal 10k race for the spring. The course is ‘flat’ along the Iron Horse Trail, there are no hills to contend with. HOWEVER…it’s ever so slightly downwards on the way to the turnaround and ever so slightly upwards on the way back…and that upward slope is a bit brutal, so be aware and pace accordingly. There were about 400 runners this year – it’s in aid of Semper Fi and there was an old plane fly-by at the start which was pretty special.
Only two things to bear in mind. This year the race started at 8am. It was a hot day and a 7am start would have improved things significantly. Also the course is a tiny bit short – 6.15 miles on my garmin. It helps you PR but I’d love it if they could make it 6.2 miles for accuracy’s sake. Swag was a good, solid medal and a really nice cotton T shirt that actually fitted me REALLY nicely and will be worn again in real life! If they move the time to 7am in 2017, I’ll definitely be back!
Also, go to Chow for post-race brunch 🙂
Small Race in East Bay
Just wanting to get some of my best half times on here. This was my 2nd fastest half. Just a small local race. Not a lot of bells and whistles, … MORE
Just wanting to get some of my best half times on here. This was my 2nd fastest half. Just a small local race. Not a lot of bells and whistles, but it was fun and was a nice fund raiser. Not sure if he is doing this race still.
Flat Course, Fundraiser and PB maker
The Danville Half supports The Semper Fi Foundation (serves the needs of wounded Marines and their families), is a flat out and back on a scenic park trail. The trail … MORE
The Danville Half supports The Semper Fi Foundation (serves the needs of wounded Marines and their families), is a flat out and back on a scenic park trail. The trail is paved and maintained so you won’t be jumping over roots or watching out for branches. It’s a little tough on the knees, but the paved course allows for speed. The course has good support and the post race has great spirit. This race was my 1/2 Marathon PR, and I placed 9th – though this was before they had timing chips, so you’ll just have to believe me! The organizers added timing chips for their 2015 race. Good luck to all who run it – go after that PR!