ONCE HOME TO TNT FACTORIES, NOW HOME TO AN EXPLOSION OF TRAIL RUNNING! The original Brazen Racing event, Nitro Trail was the race that started it all. Since that first event, over 200,000 runners have crossed the finish line at Brazen events. Share in the joy by joining their anniversary …
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ONCE HOME TO TNT FACTORIES, NOW HOME TO AN EXPLOSION OF TRAIL RUNNING! The original Brazen Racing event, Nitro Trail was the race that started it all. Since that first event, over 200,000 runners have crossed the finish line at Brazen events. Share in the joy by joining their anniversary race!
All three courses are primarily fire trails through the park including sections of easy rolling hills and flats.
The 10K and half marathon courses will include short sections on a paved walking/bike path. The entire course is included within the park and there is no street running or street crossing.
All courses include panoramic vistas of the bay offering views of seven counties and about that many bridges.
The 5K and 10K courses are loops. The Half Marathon course is two loops (with views so nice, you’ll want to see them twice!).
Home of gunpowder and dynamite manufacturers for almost 100 years, Point Pinole became part of the East Bay Regional Park District in the 1970s. With panoramic views of the bay, wildflowers, over 100 species of bird and eucalyptus woodlands (originally planted to buffer potential explosions!), Point Pinole Regional Shoreline Park is truly the hidden gem of the East Bay. If you have never been there before, you are in for a surprise.
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Point Pinole, Brazen Style
Event & Course Description: All distances share the 5K course. I runs along part of the shore, in and out of eucalyptus groves. It then climbs through a grove up … MORE
Event & Course Description: All distances share the 5K course. I runs along part of the shore, in and out of eucalyptus groves. It then climbs through a grove up to an open ridge with 360-degree views. Coming down from that ridge, 5K runners turn right toward the finish. 10K and half marathon runner then head out toward the tip of the peninsula, in and out of groves, along more shoreline, and then through a grove to a split. 10K runners go to the finish, while half marathon runners repeat the whole course. The views are pretty amazing, and the Eucalypti smell pretty nice, too. I had signed up for the half marathon distance, but needed to bail out to do “just” a 10K. Under-prepared, warm day, sun exposure, and starting with a too aggressive pace work poorly for me (surprise, surprise, surprise!). That’s my fault. Nitro Trail, Dirty Dozen, and Nitro Turkey are wonderful race experiences.
Organization & Production: It’s a Brazen race. That means it’s register-and-run and well produced. A runner just needs to “worry” about getting there and getting home.
Bib: Brazen doesn’t do plain race bibs. The top has the same artwork as the race T-shirt at the top (described below), with the race name and date. The bib number and runner’s name is in a distance color-coded strip in the middle, and Brazen Racing’s logo is at the bottom.
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 tech type T-shirt is bright golden yellow. The front has the prospector’s donkey described below, along with a small Brazen Racing logo.
Finisher’s Medal: Different people have different tastes, I get that. For me, the medallion is amazing, insta-favorite. The medallion is a copper-colored prospector’s mule (the venue is a former site for manufacturing explosives, such as a miner might use), about 3 1/2 inches long, nose to tail. The mule is loaded up with frying pan, bed roll, water bottle (wink, wink), shovel, and wood panels for making a shelter. The race name and info are on the wood panels. The degree of detail is amazing! The ribbon is dark brown, with a lighter brown lace-like pattern
Finish & Recovery Area: The finish/recovery area is a picnic area, with tables and trees. Brazen always has plenty of recovery goodies, including several flavors of It’s It ice cream sandwiches.
My Results & Opinion of the Race: I was disappointed in my outcome, but that was largely my doing. That aside, I’ve done Nitro Trail before, and probably will again.
Flat-ish and beautiful!
Beautiful scenery along the bay. Flat-ish course with a few rollers. Expertly Run with great medals and shirts that you actually want to wear. Options of tech or cotton. Brazen … MORE
Beautiful scenery along the bay. Flat-ish course with a few rollers. Expertly Run with great medals and shirts that you actually want to wear. Options of tech or cotton. Brazen Racing also allows for a hiker division so if you’re not a rabbit or don’t love the stress of cutoffs…this is the racing group for you!! Several races at various times of the year for Brazen are held on this course which has paved road as well as trails along the water. Try one!
Nitro is dynamite!
BOTTOM LINE: Whether it’s held on the moon in zero gravity or at Point Pinole Regional Park, ain’t no race like a Brazen race. This year marked the 10th anniversary … MORE
BOTTOM LINE: Whether it’s held on the moon in zero gravity or at Point Pinole Regional Park, ain’t no race like a Brazen race. This year marked the 10th anniversary of the Nitro Trail Races, the first event Brazen Racing produced way back in 2009. Since then the company has built a fanatically loyal fan base and expanded to 27 (plus or minus) annual events on paved and (primarily) unpaved trails across the Bay Area.
The Nitro Half Marathon course comprises a shorter starting loop followed by two longer identical loops around Point Pinole Regional Park, site of the original Alfred Nobel Dynamite plant which speaks to the race’s theme. The beginner-friendly course is one of Brazen’s flatter off-road courses with only modest hills, so you can push yourself without having to pause frequently to catch your breath as on some of their more challenging courses (e.g. Wildcat, Drag-N-Fly and oh yes, Rocky Ridge). The diverse terrain varies from grass to gravel to asphalt to dirt with sweet views across San Pablo Bay, even if some of those views are marred by the not-so-sweet white smoke pouring out of the Chevron refinery across the bay.
I’ve been a huge Brazen fan since I first discovered them in 2011 (Nitro 2018 was my 12th Brazen race, plus two volunteer gigs). And if we still lived up in the Bay Area rather than down in SoCal, I’d seriously consider dedicating a year of my life to chasing “Streaker” status, awarded annually to those crazy runners (225 in all through 2017!) who participate in every Brazen race in a calendar year. Brazen’s diverse catalog of events is consistently that good, and the loyal community of runners and streakers they’ve cultivated in their nine years is a big reason why. Brazen really is a family, as evidenced by the fact that so many of their runners and volunteers know each other by name. It’s like “Cheers” for runners. All of which makes race day a lot more fun.
Enjoy running trails but don’t want to commit to chasing Streaker status? I’d highly recommend Brazen’s Ultra Half Series, in which you can earn a wicked cool coaster for running at least five of their toughest trail races plus their season-ending butt-kicker, the Rocky Ridge Half Marathon. Check out the deets at https://brazenracing.com/races/ultra-half-series/
PRODUCTION: Flawless, as always. Sam, Jasmin and their team have this down to a science, though it feels more like art. And I can appreciate that the smoother an event runs, the more work went into making it happen. Everything about the race is low-key but professional, from race-day packet pickup to the well-marked course to an awesome post-race spread (don’t forget your IT’S-IT). I could drone on for several paragraphs, but once you run with them you’ll understand what I’m talking about. And you’ll be hooked. Other race companies, if they’re smart, will sit up and take note of what Brazen is doing,
SWAG: All Brazen registration fees* (*for the half marathon distance and longer; I can’t vouch for the 10K and 5K) include a t-shirt, with one cool caveat — if you don’t want a shirt, you can deduct $5 at the time of registration. And though I own a small army of Brazen tees, I’m more enamored with the finisher medals which are a creative and ever-changing expression of Sam’s vision for the race. In recent years, he’s even started creating unique medals for his age-group award winners at each individual race. That’s 25+ different age-group medals to go with 25+ different finisher medals, every year — and each one thoughtfully designed to match the race theme. Incredible. It’s safe to say that no race company pays greater attention to detail or shows more respect for its runners than Brazen.
Always enjoy Point Pinole
Third time running this race and once, again, I did the 5k. The Nitro Trail race is run at the Point Pinole Regional Shoreline. Home of gunpowder and dynamite manufacturers … MORE
Third time running this race and once, again, I did the 5k.
The Nitro Trail race is run at the Point Pinole Regional Shoreline. Home of gunpowder and dynamite manufacturers for almost 100 years, Point Pinole became part of the East Bay Regional Park District in the 1970s. With panoramic views of the bay, wildflowers, over 100 species of bird and eucalyptus woodlands (originally planted to buffer potential explosions!), Point Pinole Regional Shoreline Park is truly the hidden gem of the East Bay. It really is a great place to run.
This years was Brazen’s 10th time running the Nitro Trail. The course is mostly on gravel and dirt trails with a tiny section of pavement. There is one aid station for the 5k that is well stocked with sweet and sally snacks, Gu, water, Ultima sports drink, and fruit. Aid station volunteers are great and very helpful.
5k/10k runners receive a cotton shirt and half marathoners receive a tech shirt. All finishers receive an awesome medal. Brazen medals do not disappoint.
Finish line food is an expanded version of the aid stations with bagels, pastries, popcorn, more fruit, and It’s It ice cream sandwiches. YUM!
Brazen also gives out age group medals in five year increment for male and female. I was lucky this year and won second in my age group.
You can’t go wrong with running a Brazen race. This would be a great first race if you want to try trail running. The elevation is about 200.
Fun fun race!
Brazen does the best races! Well organized, great eats, super ppeople. Brazen has been a great inspiration in my running. The people who run in the races are very nice … MORE
Brazen does the best races! Well organized, great eats, super ppeople. Brazen has been a great inspiration in my running. The people who run in the races are very nice and supportive. The. Olunteers get up early and set aide stations and mark the course. Food is prepared so when you come in hungry there’s plenty. And it’s it’s ice cream!
Beautiful run
This was a gorgeous run....it had everything from waterfront to tree lined trails...well marked and staffed with lots of smiling faces. Brazen always puts on the best events....with music and … MORE
This was a gorgeous run….it had everything from waterfront to tree lined trails…well marked and staffed with lots of smiling faces. Brazen always puts on the best events….with music and a post run snack buffet that has everyone’s faves!
Great view and scenery
This race is very well organized. The volunteers are very friendly and the food after is great. They have Its Its ice cream. It’s family friendly. MORE
This race is very well organized. The volunteers are very friendly and the food after is great. They have Its Its ice cream. It’s family friendly.
Good for first time trail runners
Growing up in Pinole, I am very familiar with this course. This is an easy trail run, as its mostly flat dirt trails (for the longer distance, there is a … MORE
Growing up in Pinole, I am very familiar with this course. This is an easy trail run, as its mostly flat dirt trails (for the longer distance, there is a bit of paved road), and no big hills. I am trying to get my anti-trail running friends to join me here, since this is a great a introduction to trail running for a beginner. Brazen does it again with the race support, aid stations, volunteers, and race swag. And yes, I had my vanilla Its-It after! mmmmm
Great scenery with a challenge
This is a challenging yet beautiful run. This was my 1st trail half which is more challenging that a road half. There is always great support with Brazen runners. All … MORE
This is a challenging yet beautiful run. This was my 1st trail half which is more challenging that a road half. There is always great support with Brazen runners. All levels welcome with brazen racers!!
Great Race
The course was a little hillier than I expected but quite doable. This is a nice race but would not recommend it as a first Brazen event as it is … MORE
The course was a little hillier than I expected but quite doable. This is a nice race but would not recommend it as a first Brazen event as it is a little tougher and rougher than some of the others. However, you cannot go wrong either way.
Where it started
This was the first Brazen Race 10 years ago. Pt. Pinole is a very good place to run with Bay views and woods. The race swag was supreme. MORE
This was the first Brazen Race 10 years ago. Pt. Pinole is a very good place to run with Bay views and woods. The race swag was supreme.
Gorgeous! Run thru marsh, woods, beach
Such a pretty place. You’ll run along the bay coast, past marshes and wetlands, through wooded trails. Just gorgeous. Not too many hills so it’s a nice speedier race. Trail … MORE
Such a pretty place. You’ll run along the bay coast, past marshes and wetlands, through wooded trails. Just gorgeous. Not too many hills so it’s a nice speedier race. Trail as always is very well marked with ribbon, flour and mileage markers.
No mother in law there
Great race with lots of friends there. But most of all it got me out of visiting the mother in law . I will continue doing Brazen races as they … MORE
Great race with lots of friends there. But most of all it got me out of visiting the mother in law . I will continue doing Brazen races as they all get me out of visiting the mother in law
Double loop at point pinole
This is a double loop course, not a bad thing, but I always have a little trouble with looped courses. His was a really slow course for me for some … MORE
This is a double loop course, not a bad thing, but I always have a little trouble with looped courses. His was a really slow course for me for some reason – I love point Pinole, and have run variations of this course in other races. Nice mix of bay views and running through the trees and paved and dirt trails. Aid stations were well placed and volunteers were supportive and encouraging. Over all a good event.
Not too packed, great trails/course!
Plenty of water to go around; not too crowded. Easy access to park and bib pick-up the day of. Hidden gem of a park to go running (went back over … MORE
Plenty of water to go around; not too crowded. Easy access to park and bib pick-up the day of. Hidden gem of a park to go running (went back over Memorial Day weekend and not that crowded). Good start time (not too early!)
Great volunteers, food and scenic
Brazen always has a good food selection, cute t-shirts and medals, great volunteers, fully stocked aid stations and a variety of courses to appeal to all levels. MORE
Brazen always has a good food selection, cute t-shirts and medals, great volunteers, fully stocked aid stations and a variety of courses to appeal to all levels.
The Brazen Family Experience!
I'm going to try to be brief (Katie and Mike are laughing at that sentence). My description of the courses in my 2017 Rave is pretty thorough. I did the … MORE
I’m going to try to be brief (Katie and Mike are laughing at that sentence). My description of the courses in my 2017 Rave is pretty thorough. I did the 10K distance this year (2018). The weather was sunny but pleasantly cool.
Like I said below, if Brazen can be said to have a “home course”, it’s Point Pinole. Nitro Trail was Brazen’s first race, 2018 being the 10th running. A family-like atmosphere characterizes Brazen’s races – I noticed this at my first Brazen race, 2014 Coyote Hills. But Point Pinole is HOME, and races there, especially Dirty Dozen and Nitro Trail, are like a ginormous family picnic. The impeccable organization, great aid station and recovery snacks, great bling, and beautiful venue are all great, but the people make it over-the-top special (and this year we were joined by Mike and Katie!).
The question is pretty much superfluous, but yes, I’d do Nitro Trail again, again.
Brazen knows how to put on a race!
After running mostly halfs, I found a new love for 5Ks. Brazen has quickly become my go-to for races. This trail run did not disappoint! I always get do bib … MORE
After running mostly halfs, I found a new love for 5Ks. Brazen has quickly become my go-to for races. This trail run did not disappoint! I always get do bib pick up the morning of the race and never have any problems, it’s organized and well run.
The weather was perfect (a little chilly before the race began) but you can’t beat the scenery of this one! Although be ready for the hills. I traditionally look for flat races but even though this one was a challenge, it was definitely do able. I will be back to do this one again!
Really Enjoy Pt. Pinole
The Nitro Trail race is run at the Point Pinole Regional Shoreline. Home of gunpowder and dynamite manufacturers for almost 100 years, Point Pinole became part of the East Bay … MORE
The Nitro Trail race is run at the Point Pinole Regional Shoreline. Home of gunpowder and dynamite manufacturers for almost 100 years, Point Pinole became part of the East Bay Regional Park District in the 1970s. With panoramic views of the bay, wildflowers, over 100 species of bird and eucalyptus woodlands (originally planted to buffer potential explosions!), Point Pinole Regional Shoreline Park is truly the hidden gem of the East Bay. It really is a great place to run.
This years was Brazen’s 9th annual Nitro Trail. It is my second time running this race. I chose the 5k. The course is mostly on gravel and dirt trails with a tiny section of pavement. There is one aid station for the 5k that is well stocked with sweet and sally snacks, Gu, water, Ultima sports drink, and fruit. Aid station volunteers are great and very helpful.
5k/10k runners receive a cotton shirt and half marathoners receive a tech shirt. All finishers receive an awesome medal. This years, the medal was two-sided and as big as a drink coaster. Brazen medals do not disappoint.
Finish line food is an expanded version of the aid stations with bagels, pastries, popcorn, more fruit, and It’s It ice cream sandwiches. YUM!
Brazen also gives out age group medals in five year increment for male and female. I was lucky this year and won first in my age group.
You can’t go wrong with running a Brazen race. This would be a great first race if you want to try trail running. The elevation is about 200 feet.
Beautiful Shoreline Trail Run!!!
The start/finish area was very welcoming and had a good vibe with a lot of volunteers, spectators and vendors. We ran through Point Pinole Regional Shoreline. The view of shoreline … MORE
The start/finish area was very welcoming and had a good vibe with a lot of volunteers, spectators and vendors. We ran through Point Pinole Regional Shoreline. The view of shoreline and the trails through eucalyptus trees was amazing. You would forget that you were running the race and seize the beauty of the nature. The trails were not too technical and trail running beginner friendly. Two water stations were along the way and volunteers were very supportive and the stations were full of goodies. I highly recommend this race to everyone!