All distances within Contra Loma and Black Diamond Mines Regional Parks~gorgeous but super tough trails. First two miles gradual incline to “the wall”. Sharp uphill to a Ridge and then … MORE
All distances within Contra Loma and Black Diamond Mines Regional Parks~gorgeous but super tough trails. First two miles gradual incline to “the wall”. Sharp uphill to a Ridge and then down for a mile or so. Then starting a rocky and sandy climb for 4+ miles on single track and dusty trails. Maybe 3 trees to shelter under for a drink. Lol. It’s usually blazing hotttt for this race, ranging from high 80s to 106-mostly in that latter area. Little to no shade on most parts. Where there is shade, it’s single track and covered in dense woods~with little airflow. It’s challenging to say the least. Will test your quads by miles 2 and 5! And the rest of you by mile 8!🤣 Expertly run by Brazen Racing with great shirts and medals. Hiker or early starts available. Not a good race for someone’s first trail half….IMO. But a great race and a fantastic challenge for someone looking!
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Hotttttt as hello there coyote!
All distances within Contra Loma and Black Diamond Mines Regional Parks~gorgeous but super tough trails. First two miles gradual incline to “the wall”. Sharp uphill to a Ridge and then … MORE
All distances within Contra Loma and Black Diamond Mines Regional Parks~gorgeous but super tough trails. First two miles gradual incline to “the wall”. Sharp uphill to a Ridge and then down for a mile or so. Then starting a rocky and sandy climb for 4+ miles on single track and dusty trails. Maybe 3 trees to shelter under for a drink. Lol. It’s usually blazing hotttt for this race, ranging from high 80s to 106-mostly in that latter area. Little to no shade on most parts. Where there is shade, it’s single track and covered in dense woods~with little airflow. It’s challenging to say the least. Will test your quads by miles 2 and 5! And the rest of you by mile 8!🤣 Expertly run by Brazen Racing with great shirts and medals. Hiker or early starts available. Not a good race for someone’s first trail half….IMO. But a great race and a fantastic challenge for someone looking!
Lives up to its name!
The Drag n Fly is one of those races that attracts many repeat runners. It’s all up, up, up, and then you fly downhill. Loved the scenery and the rolling … MORE
The Drag n Fly is one of those races that attracts many repeat runners. It’s all up, up, up, and then you fly downhill. Loved the scenery and the rolling hills. Brazen always hosts wonderful races that are just the right amount of challenge and excitement!
Fun Trail Run
My first trail run race, basically in my backyard. One super tough hill and a fair amount of smaller ones. Very pretty day and great views. Easy to get to. … MORE
My first trail run race, basically in my backyard. One super tough hill and a fair amount of smaller ones. Very pretty day and great views. Easy to get to. Best shirt of the year for me, a very cool design. Looking forward to doing it again this year!
Hot and hilly
This was a real challenge. There's not a lot of shade coverage, and it's usually hot out in Antioch. Thankfully it wasn't too bad when we started. Plus, there was … MORE
This was a real challenge. There’s not a lot of shade coverage, and it’s usually hot out in Antioch. Thankfully it wasn’t too bad when we started. Plus, there was a pretty good elevation gain.
Challenging Course!
This race is part of "Ultra Half Series Challenge" from Brazing Racing. official total elevation of this course is 2718' but as per my GPS it touched around 3100'. The … MORE
This race is part of “Ultra Half Series Challenge” from Brazing Racing. official total elevation of this course is 2718′ but as per my GPS it touched around 3100′. The course is pretty challenging with rolling hills, steep elevation and steep decline and the distance is not exact 13.1 Miles but around half a mile longer. The hills are very dry during this part of the month. I love to do trail running with challenging courses so love this race and was doing second time with my new course PR! Overall it’s very well organised race with plenty aid stations in between, beautiful medal and nice T-shirt! Will repeat it again next year and One Happy Runner!!
Tough race, but fun!
This race takes place in East Contra Costa County at Black Diamond Mines and Contra Loma Regional Parks in Antioch. This area used to be old coal mining towns a … MORE
This race takes place in East Contra Costa County at Black Diamond Mines and Contra Loma Regional Parks in Antioch. This area used to be old coal mining towns a 100-150 years ago with large scale coal production, hence the name Black Diamond.. The area is steeped in history and you can take tours of the mines.
I ran the half marathon for the second year. This race is part of the Ultra Half Series. Total distance is 13.49 miles with 2718 feet of elevation. Much of the course is run on wide fire roads, but there a couple of technical sections with very narrow single track, rocks to scale, and sandstone to run down. You definitely need to pay attention in those sections. 75% of this race is sun exposed, so bring a hat and wear sunscreen. It can and does get hot. This race is called the Drag-N-Fly because you have to drag yourself up some pretty steep hills, but then you get to fly down them.
There were five aid stations that were on course and they were stocked with water, sports drink, soda, fruit, sweet and salty snacks. The course was well marked.
Half marathons received a short-sleeved tech tee. I liked the shirt this year because the graphics had bold colors. In previous years, it was difficult to see the graphics. Finishers received an awesome medal.
There was ample food at the finish.
A great race and it is definitely one of my favorites on the Brazen race calendar.
Beautiful but Hard
This trail run was a hard one for me with a lot of climbing. I am not sure there is any downhill at all. LOL. But seriously, this is a … MORE
This trail run was a hard one for me with a lot of climbing. I am not sure there is any downhill at all. LOL. But seriously, this is a technically difficult course. It worth it….so worth it. I did the hiker start and really enjoyed my time on the trails. Unless you’re super speedy, take your time and just enjoy this course. The aid stations are amazing and the race directors make sure everyone is taken care of. Take in the beautiful scenery and enjoy the race.
Wow - Hilly, but Amazing Run!
There are some pretty tough hills in this one, but the run back downhill is amazing. I felt like I was flying, with beautiful scenery all around me. Great setup, … MORE
There are some pretty tough hills in this one, but the run back downhill is amazing. I felt like I was flying, with beautiful scenery all around me. Great setup, as always with Brazen – awesome aid stations, swag, post-race grub, and overall atmosphere. Looking forward to doing this one again!
Difficult, but very scenic
This year year I ran the half marathon because this was race number five for me for the Brazen Ultra Half Series. You must run at least five of their … MORE
This year year I ran the half marathon because this was race number five for me for the Brazen Ultra Half Series. You must run at least five of their toughest half marathons, plus Rocky Ridge and you will be rewarded with an awesome coaster medal. The Drag-N-Fly is definitely one of the toughest. Total distance measures 13.49 miles with about 3,000 ft of elevation. It has some tough trails named the Lark, Coal Canyon and the Lower Chaparral. The race takes place at Contra Loma and Black Diamond Mines Regional Parks in Antioch in Contra Costa County. It is well worth the drive to attend this race. Most of the trails are very wide and enjoyable, but there are some very narrow single track, roots, and rocks that you have to scale, and big cracks on the trail because the area gets so dry. The Lower Chaparral has a sandstone surface that can be very slick. Sure footing definitely required for this course. The rolling hills in the area offer a lot of beauty and you have panoramic views of the Delta. The course is aptly named the Drag-N-Fly because you have to DRAG yourself up the hills, but you can FLY down the other side. After you complete this race, you will have a sense of accomplishment because you will have earned that medal. Aid stations are spaced 2 to 3 miles apart and are nicely stocked. Definitely carry extra water because it can and does get hot on the course, Finishers are rewarded with a very nice medal. Half marathoners receive a tech-tee and 5k/10k runners receive a cotton shirt, Both are gender specific. Nice post race snacks and everyone gets an It’s It ice cream sandwich. This is another great race produced by Brazen Racing.
Beautiful, somewhat hilly, fun!
Course length 3.27M. Two sets of hills comprise the 230 feet of climbing that you will do while overlooking the beautiful Antioch Reservoir in beautiful Contra Loma Regional Park. Highly … MORE
Course length 3.27M. Two sets of hills comprise the 230 feet of climbing that you will do while overlooking the beautiful Antioch Reservoir in beautiful Contra Loma Regional Park. Highly recommended for anyone looking a 5k with a little challenge to it.+
Stained Glass Medal!!!
I still think this race is one of the toughest Brazen Racing has on their calendar. Since Double Dipsea was added, maybe top 3 or 4 toughest? I have gotten … MORE
I still think this race is one of the toughest Brazen Racing has on their calendar. Since Double Dipsea was added, maybe top 3 or 4 toughest? I have gotten slower over the past few years, but my love for these trails hasn’t diminished. This race covers a wide variety of landscape, terrain, and wildlife. If you ever want to get some quality hiking in, these trails will not disappoint. The heat and tough climbs is what makes this race a doozy. The AS are setup in really great locations, and the course is well marked! There are a lot of turns on this course, but they do a great job of keeping us all on track. The medal this year was so beautiful! It is one of my all time favorites. The views you see on the HM course…well, you just need to come out for the 2016 race and see for yourself. Oh, and It’s It Ice Cream tastes like heaven at the end of this one!
I can't wait to do it again!
The race was beautiful and extremely well organized. I didn't know what I was getting myself into with this race. Hills! But the views were awesome and I felt like … MORE
The race was beautiful and extremely well organized. I didn’t know what I was getting myself into with this race. Hills! But the views were awesome and I felt like a million bucks afterwards. Aid stations were well stocked and the after-race fare was incredible. This year the race is on my birthday and I’m hoping to place!
Hilly fun at Contra Loma
Nice hilly 5k course at Contra Loma in Antioch. Great place to run. Definitely need your hill legs. No shaded area on the 5k, so bring your hat and sunscreen. … MORE
Nice hilly 5k course at Contra Loma in Antioch. Great place to run. Definitely need your hill legs. No shaded area on the 5k, so bring your hat and sunscreen. Nice shirt, medal, and post race refreshments.
Lots of Drag'n, lots of Fly'n...
This is an awesome course! I has just under 3,000' of climbing in the half, and has some steep climbs, especially Lark Trail (2/3 mile and it's pretty steep). Good … MORE
This is an awesome course! I has just under 3,000′ of climbing in the half, and has some steep climbs, especially Lark Trail (2/3 mile and it’s pretty steep). Good thing is you get to run down it 9 miles later. 🙂 Also, while you’re running on Coal Canyon Trail, don’t forget to take a peak in to Jim’s Place. It’s a super cool cave. There are some awesome views and some cool single track.
This year I opted for the hiker start, meaning I started an hour earlier than the rest of the half marathon starters. It was an awesome decision. 🙂 Weather was a little cooler and I got a lot of just-me-and-the-trails time.
A lot of this race is exposed, but still it is one of my favorite courses.
Hills, hills, hills
Until I did the Brazen races at Lake Chabot, I was sure this was their toughest course. Lots of hills made it a challenge, and it's mostly brown hills, so … MORE
Until I did the Brazen races at Lake Chabot, I was sure this was their toughest course. Lots of hills made it a challenge, and it’s mostly brown hills, so it felt a little desolate. Sam the race director asked at the beginning of the race how many were running it for the first time, and when a lot of hands went up, he joked that’s because no one comes back. Brazen races are always super fun, though, with great atmosphere, medals, shirts and post-race spreads.
DNF = Drag-n-Fly :)
It was just as tough as the first time! Well, maybe even a bit tougher because of the weather. Previous year, it rained towards the end of the race. This … MORE
It was just as tough as the first time! Well, maybe even a bit tougher because of the weather. Previous year, it rained towards the end of the race. This year, the sun was out for us 🙂 I love these trails, they are in my backyard. The Brazen family has become so much a part of my life, they are truly like family. Doing this race a year later, and looking back the past year, their races just keep getting better. I cannot express how wonderful the views are, and you get to see so many different type of terrain. Sandstone, fire trail, stairs, gravel, sometimes mud. You really get to experience a lot in 13+ miles. I’d rate this race as one of their top 3 toughest courses.
This race was everything.
Being an out-of-towner, and only in the area for a few days for work, I had no idea what to expect from this course. I had done another Brazen race … MORE
Being an out-of-towner, and only in the area for a few days for work, I had no idea what to expect from this course. I had done another Brazen race the last time i was in the Bay Area for work, so I was pretty confident that this would be a well run event. I basically signed up because 1) I was in the area and 2) The timing would allow me to race and then get to my work event later in the day. 3) This race seemed way hard.
Now, coming from New England, I am no stranger to hills and pride myself on doing things just because they are really hard. This race did not disappoint. Awesome scenery? Check. Hundred of feet of elevation gain? Check. Good race support? Check. Friendly participants? Check.
I also had the really fun experience of chatting with a woman whose husband attended college in my hometown. We ended up running together for a while, pacing each other.
I would totally do this race again.
Great course for a first time trail run
I cursed every step of the way! I wanted to turn back many of times yet it was a nice challenge. Definitely bring water and a protein bar. The views … MORE
I cursed every step of the way! I wanted to turn back many of times yet it was a nice challenge. Definitely bring water and a protein bar. The views are gorgeous. It was warm so hydration is a must. There was staff on the trails which was reassuring. Post race snacks were awesome. Afterwards I felt super awesome, “Like wow I made it!” I will definitely do this one again. The medal was cool.
The name says it all
The finisher medal depicted a dragonfly. Running this race you get a feeling for the name of this race: Drag and Fly. There are mile long parts of the race … MORE
The finisher medal depicted a dragonfly. Running this race you get a feeling for the name of this race: Drag and Fly. There are mile long parts of the race where you feel like flying, not too steep, just right. And there are parts where you drag. Brazen Racing always has great aid stations.
1st Brazen Race - I think I'm in love!
My DIL talked me into doing this race since it was so close to home. My first official trail race, and first race with Brazen Racing. I'm totally spoiled now. … MORE
My DIL talked me into doing this race since it was so close to home. My first official trail race, and first race with Brazen Racing. I’m totally spoiled now. I had friends and family join me and we all had a blast. This is a tough course, it kicked my butt, but I’m totally hooked! There are beautiful views of Mt. Diablo, historical Black Diamond Mines, Contra Loma, Rose Cemetery, and more! Lark is no joke, but at least that climb is in the beginning of the race. I was pleasantly surprised at how well the AS were stocked and when we got to the finish, they even had It’s-It ice cream waiting for us. Brazen Racing is the best of the best.