Event & Course Description: I've reviewed this race before, so I'll keep the course description brief. All distances – half marathon, 10K, and 5K – start and finish at a … MORE
Event & Course Description: I’ve reviewed this race before, so I’ll keep the course description brief. All distances – half marathon, 10K, and 5K – start and finish at a picnic area in Quarry Lakes Park. All runners do a partial circle around some of the lakes and go out onto the Alameda Creek Trail. Each distance has its own turn-around along the trail, and runners return to the park and complete the lakes loop.
Organization & Production: It’s a Brazen race. That means it’s register-and-run. All necessary info is on the website, courses are well marked, etc., etc., etc.. Runners’ challenges are getting there, running/walking their distance, and getting home. Runners familiar with road events may be surprised, perhaps, by Brazen’s well stocked aid stations. As always, Brazen’s volunteers are friendly and encouraging. More on that below.
Bib: Brazen doesn’t do plain race bibs. The stripe in the center with the bib number is distance color-coded (red = half marathon; blue = 10K; yellow = 5K). Above that stripe are the race name, the runner’s distance, the year, and the race T-shirt artwork. Below the stripe are the runner’s name (as chosen by the runner in registering) and Brazen Racing’s logo.
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). I did the half marathon distance, so my race Tee is tech type, bright blue, and short-sleeved. The front has the race name in yellow block letters, a turkey running out the Brazen arch chasing two running slices of pumpkin pie. The year is below the running figures. The Brazen Racing logo is on the left sleeve and the back is plain. My description doesn’t do the cuteness and humor of the shirt artwork justice!
Finisher’s Medal: Quarry Turkey is the second in a two-race series. Those who run and finish both receive the two races’ medals, plus a bonus connector. The Quarry Turkey medallion has a turkey wearing a race Tee with the letter “Q”, looking to his/her right. Along the left side of and below the turkey are the race name, year, and distances. The Nitro Turkey medallion is a mirror image, with an “N”, and the connector is a pumpkin pie with “You want a piece of me?” above and “Double Finisher” below.
Finish & Recovery Area: Brazen races always have extensive recovery snacks; the turkey races include pumpkin pie. I was waaaaaaayyyy too tired to survey what was available when I finished, though I did partake a little. The covered group picnic tables were very welcome!
My Results & Opinion of the Race: This was my first completed half marathon in 3 years and 11 months! Nearly 4 years! So I was VERY happy to have completed it … vertical … under my own power. My finish time was unspectacular (albeit my best in nearly 4 1/2 years), about what I expected. My big goal was to finish the half, so I’m very happy.
I’ve done Brazen’s Turkey races multiple times, so obviously I’m likely to do Quarry Turkey in 2022. The timing and closeness to my home are ideal, and it’s a Brazen race.
Because I was the very last finisher of the half, I got a glimpse of the degree to which Brazen keeps tabs on it runners. There were 4 aid stations, reasonably spaced along the course, numbers 1-4 in outbound sequence. When I reached Aid 3 on my return leg, it was clear they were expecting me, personally, and that became the more obvious as I progressed through Aid 2 and then Aid 1. It was clear that the volunteers were checking out my degree of awareness (as aid station volunteers should) and were encouraging me, personally. After finishing, in speaking with one of the RDs, I learned that my progress had been tracked among the RDs and the aid stations. While the RDs and many of the volunteers know me, I think a possibly struggling first-timer would have received similar attention and encouragement. As it was, Brazen and its community unknowingly made my “I’m back!” day extra special.
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I'm Back!
Event & Course Description: I've reviewed this race before, so I'll keep the course description brief. All distances – half marathon, 10K, and 5K – start and finish at a … MORE
Event & Course Description: I’ve reviewed this race before, so I’ll keep the course description brief. All distances – half marathon, 10K, and 5K – start and finish at a picnic area in Quarry Lakes Park. All runners do a partial circle around some of the lakes and go out onto the Alameda Creek Trail. Each distance has its own turn-around along the trail, and runners return to the park and complete the lakes loop.
Organization & Production: It’s a Brazen race. That means it’s register-and-run. All necessary info is on the website, courses are well marked, etc., etc., etc.. Runners’ challenges are getting there, running/walking their distance, and getting home. Runners familiar with road events may be surprised, perhaps, by Brazen’s well stocked aid stations. As always, Brazen’s volunteers are friendly and encouraging. More on that below.
Bib: Brazen doesn’t do plain race bibs. The stripe in the center with the bib number is distance color-coded (red = half marathon; blue = 10K; yellow = 5K). Above that stripe are the race name, the runner’s distance, the year, and the race T-shirt artwork. Below the stripe are the runner’s name (as chosen by the runner in registering) and Brazen Racing’s logo.
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). I did the half marathon distance, so my race Tee is tech type, bright blue, and short-sleeved. The front has the race name in yellow block letters, a turkey running out the Brazen arch chasing two running slices of pumpkin pie. The year is below the running figures. The Brazen Racing logo is on the left sleeve and the back is plain. My description doesn’t do the cuteness and humor of the shirt artwork justice!
Finisher’s Medal: Quarry Turkey is the second in a two-race series. Those who run and finish both receive the two races’ medals, plus a bonus connector. The Quarry Turkey medallion has a turkey wearing a race Tee with the letter “Q”, looking to his/her right. Along the left side of and below the turkey are the race name, year, and distances. The Nitro Turkey medallion is a mirror image, with an “N”, and the connector is a pumpkin pie with “You want a piece of me?” above and “Double Finisher” below.
Finish & Recovery Area: Brazen races always have extensive recovery snacks; the turkey races include pumpkin pie. I was waaaaaaayyyy too tired to survey what was available when I finished, though I did partake a little. The covered group picnic tables were very welcome!
My Results & Opinion of the Race: This was my first completed half marathon in 3 years and 11 months! Nearly 4 years! So I was VERY happy to have completed it … vertical … under my own power. My finish time was unspectacular (albeit my best in nearly 4 1/2 years), about what I expected. My big goal was to finish the half, so I’m very happy.
I’ve done Brazen’s Turkey races multiple times, so obviously I’m likely to do Quarry Turkey in 2022. The timing and closeness to my home are ideal, and it’s a Brazen race.
Because I was the very last finisher of the half, I got a glimpse of the degree to which Brazen keeps tabs on it runners. There were 4 aid stations, reasonably spaced along the course, numbers 1-4 in outbound sequence. When I reached Aid 3 on my return leg, it was clear they were expecting me, personally, and that became the more obvious as I progressed through Aid 2 and then Aid 1. It was clear that the volunteers were checking out my degree of awareness (as aid station volunteers should) and were encouraging me, personally. After finishing, in speaking with one of the RDs, I learned that my progress had been tracked among the RDs and the aid stations. While the RDs and many of the volunteers know me, I think a possibly struggling first-timer would have received similar attention and encouragement. As it was, Brazen and its community unknowingly made my “I’m back!” day extra special.
Post Thanksgiving Slowness
First, for other runners considering the race, the basics. I have run out at Quarry Lakes probably a half dozen times; I cannot recall if I have run this specific … MORE
First, for other runners considering the race, the basics. I have run out at Quarry Lakes probably a half dozen times; I cannot recall if I have run this specific race, but the route is similar. It’s flat for the Bay Area. The plus is this is a laid back, family friendly event put together by Brazen, who are my favorite outfit. I recommend it without hesitation. The minus is weather isn’t the best (this year a storm threatened but did not materialize; there were a few drops of rain) and the path is boring compared to other options (it’s next to a suburban development and along a river or canal or water feature that I’m guessing is artificial). So this is for locals; it’s not a destination. Lots of aid stations (I believe seven), with electrolytes, water, and snacks. Really, I have only praise for Brazen. They know how to do this. Enthusiastic volunteers. I love their races, especially for the crowd.
Second, a non complaint. Just a warning or observation. It actually is good for me. I also appreciate why this has to be: if you want the race to be a real 13.1, sometimes this is necessary. My mild, semi-facetious annoyance is a moral failing on my part. Here’s the thing. At the very end, when you approach the finish, there is an extra little tiny bit, about .25 miles, so you have this loop, to make the distance. I always am crushed to see that. I anticipated it. It wasn’t bad. It’s just funny: you know the feeling? You’re coming along; you see the end in sight; you hear the announcer, and, man, there is about 2 minutes more while you are practically there but not there.
Anyway, recommended. If I see a Brazen race and another that conflicts, I always pick Brazen. (No, I don’t have any conflict of interest. That’s a genuine endorsement.)
Third, if you’re wondering, I’m basically a back of the pack runner. I was 11 from the bottom, the bottom 7 percent. When I got there, the finish was still up, but they were breaking down the shelters. (It will be, however, 15 or 16 half marathons this year, plus 7 or 8 races of lesser distance, for more than 20 post chemotherapy!)
Another Brazen Favorite
I think this is the fourth time I've done this 5k. Three of them with the kids, this has become something we do with the whole family along with Stars … MORE
I think this is the fourth time I’ve done this 5k. Three of them with the kids, this has become something we do with the whole family along with Stars and Stripes. The 5k is all in a pretty lake area, mild hills but my 7 year old wasn’t upset with them so don’t freak out, I just mention them because I think sometimes the real trail runners lose some context that might be helpful to a new runner (walker, stroller, whatever).
As is usual with Brazen there’s always tons of food at the end, great shirts and medals.
Relaxed "Family" Time
My previous years' Raves describe this race pretty well. The bib, T-shirt, and medal features Quarry Turkey dancing, holding a large spoon. It's sort of mirror image to the Nitro … MORE
My previous years’ Raves describe this race pretty well. The bib, T-shirt, and medal features Quarry Turkey dancing, holding a large spoon. It’s sort of mirror image to the Nitro Turkey medal, where Nitro has a similarly sized fork. For those who do both races there is a connector medal which has a grinning ear of corn high-fiving Nitro and Quarry.
Quarry Turkey is a second great family time, with another Little Turkeys race (yes, they do get medals!), lots of kids running with their parents, and quite a few in strollers as well. Being less pressed for time and including a half marathon along with the 10K and 5K, each distance has its own start time.
Because Quarry Turkey is the Saturday after Thanksgiving families don’t have to rush home for their Thanksgiving dinner. This makes Quarry Turkey a little more relaxed in pace, with more hanging-out and talk pre-race and during recovery time. Turkey Trots with 20,000 runners have their place and unique vibe, but for me “smaller” races like Nitro and Quarry Turkey (~1000 and ~1200, respectively) are much more enjoyable. 2017 was my fourth Quarry Turkey. It probably won’t be my last.
Great post Turkey Day calorie burner
This is the sister race to the Nitro Turkey that was run on Thanksgiving Day. I ran the 5k. This race takes place at Quarry Lakes Recreation Area in Fremont. … MORE
This is the sister race to the Nitro Turkey that was run on Thanksgiving Day. I ran the 5k. This race takes place at Quarry Lakes Recreation Area in Fremont. This course is flat with only about 50 ft of elevation. It is run on packed dirt and gravel. Some say that this course is boring, but my family and I enjoy it. The area is very pretty, especially, the day of the race because of all the leaves on the trees were full of vibrant Fall colors. Before and at the start of the race, it was pouring rain. I came prepared with my rain jacket. The 5k has one aid station that was stocked with the usually water, sports drink, sweet and salty snacks, and GU. Volunteers were on hand to help the runners.
All runners received a cotton shirt for the 5k/10k and half marathoners receive a tech tee. All finishers received an awesome medal. Brazen medals are top notch, If you ran the Nitro Turkey on Thanksgiving Day, you received a “joiner” medal that creates a Mega Medal with the two turkey races. Like I said, Brazen Medals are top notch and this Mega did not disappoint.
At the finish area, there was plenty of tasty treats including pumpkin pie and ice cream sandwiches. Great race and great race production.
Only a turkey would miss this
This is a great Thanksgiving weekend tradition. After Thursday's 5k at Point Pinole, Brazen does a follow up race two days later, at Quarry Lakes. I did the half marathon … MORE
This is a great Thanksgiving weekend tradition. After Thursday’s 5k at Point Pinole, Brazen does a follow up race two days later, at Quarry Lakes. I did the half marathon on Saturday. The weather was cold and rainy for most of the morning, but by the time I got to mile 7 the rain stopped. There are two big covered areas where everyone was under during the morning. 🙂 And the Brazen volunteers showed up as always, in great numbers. Rain can not keep these awesome volunteers away. There are plenty of Aid Stations on the course with lots of good stuff to eat and drink. And tons of food after the race (including lots of pumpkin pie with whip cream). This is a good flat half with no climbs at all (just a couple small underpasses). I did well at this race coming in at 2:02 and some change. Big bonus is if you do this plus the Thursday race, you get an awesome combo medal that combines both medals. So worth it! Brazen is the best!!
Rave on.
The Race Must Go On!
Event & Course Description: I've reviewed Quarry Turkey a couple of times before, but once over quickly. The race starts and finishes in Quarry Lakes Park in Fremont, CA. The … MORE
Event & Course Description:
I’ve reviewed Quarry Turkey a couple of times before, but once over quickly. The race starts and finishes in Quarry Lakes Park in Fremont, CA. The 5K course does a loop around the largest of the lakes in the park. The 10K and half marathon follow the same course part way around that lake, then turns to run along the side of another lake, out of the park and onto the Alameda Creek Trail. 10K runners follow that trail for a short distance and turn around; half marathon runners go farther along that trail to a turn around. 10K and half marathon runners both re-enter the park, finish their loop around the second lake, rejoin the 5K course to finish the loop around the first lake, and then to the finish. The views along the Alameda Creek Trail are pleasant, and in the park around the lake, quite beautiful.
The trails inside the park are mostly dirt and packed fine gravel. Part of the Alameda Creek Trail is similar, and some is asphalt paved (the part used by half marathon runners only is paved). There are gentle rises and falls, but the course is pretty flat. The steepest “hills” are street under-crossings. In good weather the courses would be good for PRs. For about half an hour of the half marathon (a full hour for those who did the early “Hikers Start”) it rained. The 10K started as the rain was tapering off, and 5K runners caught a few minutes of the very tail end of the storm.
Organization & Production:
It’s a Brazen race, which means excellent from registration through heading home afterward. The rain forced check-in to be under the shelter over a picnic table cluster, but this is what Brazen normally does in this park, rain or shine. Probably the worst consequence of the rain was that Quarry Turkey, wasn’t able to do as many pictures with runners as usual.
The rain brought out the best in Brazen’s volunteers, those working aid stations especially. Every function was done smoothly, and aid stations had their full complements of volunteers. While Brazen does provide pavilions for aid stations, even if set up (in the rain!) stations are fairly exposed, and unlike runners who have their activity to warm them some, aid station workers are tied to their station. It is not unheard of for volunteers to no-show on rainy days, or for those who did come to leave during the race. Brazenteers were there, handing out water or sports drink, and cheering on the runners as if it were a brisk sunny day. Kudos Brazenteers!
Swag & Goodies:
Bib: Brazen does two turkey trot races every year, with coordinated themes. The Quarry Turkey bib features Super Quarry flying to the rescue. The letters of the race name, bib number, distance, and runner’s name are color coded: yellow = 5K; blue = 10K; orange = half marathon. When the two bibs are placed next to each other, chronologically left to right, Super Quarry and Super Nitro are flying toward each other.
T-Shirt: The men’s tech type race T-shirt is tan. On the front is Quarry Turkey in super hero flight, as on the bib. On the back is Quarry Turkey running to the rescue.
Finisher’s Medal: The finisher’s medal features the running Quarry Turkey, as on the T-shirt, with orange cape billowing out behind. The medal also gives the race name and information. The ribbon is blue and festooned with the running Quarry Turkey and the name of the race.
As mentioned above, Nitro Turkey and Quarry Turkey are run as a themed pair. Those who run both races receive a third medal that interlocks with the two finisher’s medals to form a mega-medal. The center medallion has a gravy boat at the top pouring out a stream of gravy, with the words, “It’s all gravy.” The ribbon is half blue, half orange (the colors of the ribbons for the two finisher’s medals) and indicates that both races had been run.
The bib, the race T-shirt, the medals … all in all we’re talking serious cool!
The aid station snacks were simpler than usual for Brazen – maybe due to the weather, maybe due to the holiday season – but still very good. Both stations I passed had water, sports drink, GU packets, bananas, and oranges. At least one also had Jelly Belly jelly beans. The finish area goodies were pretty typical for Brazen, candies, cookies, snack cakes, trail mix, and, of course, It’s It ice cream sandwiches. And in honor of Thanksgiving, pumpkin pie.
My Results & Opinion of the Race:
Having already Raved about Quarry Turkey twice before, I probably would not have done so again but for two things. First, the rain, which forced adjustments (which were few but done well) and tries the hardihood of volunteers, those at aid stations especially. Brazenteers excelled! Second, more personal, my daughter joined me in doing the race. With rain and all, it was a special time.
Quarry Turkey 2016 10K
Oh my goodness....... the scenery was absolutely beautiful with all the fall colors painting a canvas of Quarry Regional Park beauty before my awe struck brown eyes. Flat gavel/pavement course. … MORE
Oh my goodness……. the scenery was absolutely beautiful with all the fall colors painting a canvas of Quarry Regional Park beauty before my awe struck brown eyes. Flat gavel/pavement course. It was pouring rain for this race but we were out there in droves anyway. Well stocked aide stations, and course monitors were awesome to be out there in the rain with us knowing how important it is to keep running on course. This race was the second in a series of Brazen Thanksgiving week races. If you ran Nitro Turkey two days before and then finished Quarry Turkey you earned a third connector that transformed both race medals in to a MEGA medal…..such awesomeness. Plenty of porta potties, well stocked aide stations, nice finishers table food spread, fabulous medal, eye poppin’ race shirt, well packed swag bag, incredible race directors.
Flat and pretty, fun double turkey event
This is one of several Bay Area courses where I can realistically shoot for a 5K or 10K PR. It's mostly groomed trails/fire roads, around the lakes of the park. … MORE
This is one of several Bay Area courses where I can realistically shoot for a 5K or 10K PR. It’s mostly groomed trails/fire roads, around the lakes of the park. Brazen races have great medals and shirts, and they’re really well-organized, with a fantastic post-race spread. If you do both the Nitro Turkey race on Thanksgiving Day and this race two days later, you earn a cool joiner medal that turns your two race medals into a mega-medal.
Flat, fast and well organized
Fairly flat course on hard-packed dirt. Trail is wide for easy passing. Though it looks and feels pretty flat, you will climb and descend over 300 ft. A good race … MORE
Fairly flat course on hard-packed dirt. Trail is wide for easy passing. Though it looks and feels pretty flat, you will climb and descend over 300 ft. A good race if you’re looking for an easy course or trying for a personal best.
Pretty flat course, easy run
This race can be pretty cold as there isn't much tree coverage. Hardly any elevation at all. Not as crowded as the Turkey trot a few days prior but, less … MORE
This race can be pretty cold as there isn’t much tree coverage. Hardly any elevation at all. Not as crowded as the Turkey trot a few days prior but, less congestion and more serious runners.
Thanksgiving Calorie Burner
This is a great flat, fast race two days after Thanksgiving. Chilly weather made me run faster at the beginning, which meant I was toast by mile 10. It's a … MORE
This is a great flat, fast race two days after Thanksgiving. Chilly weather made me run faster at the beginning, which meant I was toast by mile 10. It’s a pretty flat course, but the gravel does slow you a tiny bit. As always, Brazen puts on the best races around, so the camaraderie and energy is the best there is. This race is a great way to justify all the Thanksgiving leftovers:-)
Another great Brazen Race!
This race was very well organized by the people at Brazen. The race started on time and the course was fast and easy. If you ever get a chance to … MORE
This race was very well organized by the people at Brazen. The race started on time and the course was fast and easy. If you ever get a chance to do a Brazen event, DO IT! All the races I have done through them have been very well organized, the people are so nice and the food at the end is amazing! Can’t beat an It’s It after a run!
Great Way to Earn Leftovers!
The Quarry Turkey Half Marathon is a scenic, flat, out and back course that rewards your restraint from Thanksgiving with a heaping helping of endorphins! Stay for the Its-It ice … MORE
The Quarry Turkey Half Marathon is a scenic, flat, out and back course that rewards your restraint from Thanksgiving with a heaping helping of endorphins! Stay for the Its-It ice cream at the finish! This is now my holiday tradition!
Decent Race
Good race for the beginners, nice course with very little elevation. Most of the course is on dirt trail, good views. Lots of food in the finish area! MORE
Good race for the beginners, nice course with very little elevation. Most of the course is on dirt trail, good views. Lots of food in the finish area!
Fun post Turkey Day race.
Fun way to burn off the calories from Thanksgiving. They have a Little Turkey race where Quarry Turkey runs with the little kids. The usual awesome Brazen medal, shirt, aid … MORE
Fun way to burn off the calories from Thanksgiving. They have a Little Turkey race where Quarry Turkey runs with the little kids. The usual awesome Brazen medal, shirt, aid stations, and post race goodies. If you run the Nitro Turkey from Thanksgiving Day, you get a joiners medal to make a mega medal. It’s very cool!
A really fun (tough!) first 10k
After training mostly on a track, I really wasn't ready for some of the up and downs on the course. Also, I could see the finish line, but you had … MORE
After training mostly on a track, I really wasn’t ready for some of the up and downs on the course. Also, I could see the finish line, but you had to run past it and then loop back through it which was confusing and caused me to kick it into high gear too soon.
That said, it was an enjoyable course and I had a great time and really enjoyed myself! It was an excellent first 10k!
Gobble some more...
This is the Saturday race after Thanksgiving. It has the customary 5k, 10k, and half marathon. If you do this race, and the Thanksgiving Day race, you get a bonus … MORE
This is the Saturday race after Thanksgiving. It has the customary 5k, 10k, and half marathon. If you do this race, and the Thanksgiving Day race, you get a bonus medal that combines your two race medals in to one big one! This is a must have medal.
This race starts and stops at the Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area in Fremont. It is completely flat (minus a very small number of overpass bridges you go under. And is an easy course to get a PR.
It has all the same things as the Thanksgiving Day race, including a big turkey you can take pictures with, and tons of Thanksgiving themed props. There is also a food drive at this race every year. This race supports the Alameda County Community Food Bank. You can get one raffle ticket for every food item you bring, and they give away some cool prizes.
This race is a good way to run off some of the turkey you ate this week. 🙂
There is also a kids race that is free, and they get medals as well!
Fast, Fun, Guilt-Alleviating
Course Description: I described the course some in my review of Quarry Turkey 2014. It was written some 7 or 8 weeks after the fact, so with it fresh in … MORE
Course Description:
I described the course some in my review of Quarry Turkey 2014. It was written some 7 or 8 weeks after the fact, so with it fresh in my mind …
All distances do the 5K course; the 10K and half marathon add an out-and-back “tail”. 5K runners do a squarish loop around Quarry Lakes Park. 10K and half marathon runners branch off for their out-and-back leg midway around the loop. 10K runners do about 3 miles on the Alameda Creek Trail, while half marathon runners do an extra 7 miles in addition.
The 5K and 10K surface is mostly packed dirt, with some paved trail and a section along the paved parking lot. Much of the trail beyond the 10K turn-around is paved. The start/finish area is one of the large group picnic areas in the park.
The loop around the several lakes in the park is, to me, the most beautiful part of the 10K and half marathon courses. The two-sided Alameda Creek Trail follows the creek, and has housing developments on both sides; the half goes under several street overpasses. It’s much nicer, I think, than a course through a city business district, but it’s a bit too much of a stretch to me to call it beautiful (maybe I’m spoiled). This gives the race a dual personality, as only the half marathon course is mostly on the creek trail. 5K runners only see the park, and 10K runners aren’t on the creek trail long enough for it to get monotonous; almost a different experience. I did the 10K this year, and enjoyed the course more than when I’ve done halfs on it.
Organization & Production:
I must sound like a Brazen Racing groupie, but this was a typical Brazen race, which means excellent! The whole race experience, from registering online to leaving the park after finishing was very smooth. Pre-race instructions were clear, parking was ample and free, the course was well marked and monitored, the aid stations were well-stocked (including lots of snacks!), volunteers encouraging and helpful, all in a family picnic atmosphere. The finish area food was plentiful and in great variety. I was told that Quarry Turkey is Brazen’s second most popular race; everything was very obviously scaled to serve that.
Brazen makes their “Turkey” races extra family friendly. Both have 100-yard (approximately) “Little Turkeys” races for the younger children, run shortly before the main races. The costumed mascot always “runs” with the kids, and always finishes last. Kids running the Little Turkeys race receive a “Little Turkeys” T-shirt, bib, and a finisher’s medal.
As with Nitro Turkey, the county foodbank had a food collection station. While I haven’t heard how much was collected, what I saw had me wondering how they would carry it all out to their vehicle – a nice problem to have!
Swag & Goodies:
T-shirt – the T-shirt is gray, with Quarry Turkey (orange T-shirt with “QT” on the front) mid-stride running across the front, the race name, and the year. The back has Quarry Turkey seated on a rock pile, looking satisfied and holding up two feathers on his left wing, to signify that the Quarry Turkey race was the second in a series. Below the rock pile is an orange sign with the name of the race, distances, date, and location. And below that are the logos of the race sponsors.
Bib – the bib is personalized, color-coded for the distance, and gives the distance. At the top are Quarry Turkey holding a large rock (last year’s T-shirt image), the race name, the location, and the date.
Finisher’s medal – the image on the finisher’s medal is similar to that on the back of the race T-shirt, Quarry Turkey seated on a rock pile, holding up two feathers. It has the race name, distances, and date. The ribbon is gray, shows the Quarry Turkey image from the back of the T-shirt from the waist up, with the race name, distances, date, and location. But there’s more …
For runners who do both Nitro Turkey and Quarry Turkey there is a third medal that interlocks with the Nitro Turkey and Quarry Turkey medals to form a “mega-medal”. This medal shows two Little Turkeys (in orange and blue T-shirts, with “LT” on the fronts) high-fiving (or something like that) each other. Across the bottom and also along the blue ribbon are the words “DOUBLE TROUBLE!” These were distributed next to the tables for medal engraving and age group awards.
Goodies – In a word, “Wow!” The aid station fluids and snacks were typical for Brazen races – water and sports drink, several varieties of candies, cut up Rice Krispies Treats and Payday bars, chips and pretzels, cut up bananas and oranges. “Typical” might seem an understatement, compared to many other races, but this really is typical for Brazen. It was the finish area that put the “!” in “Wow!” Brazen always has a wide variety of fruit, cookies, baked items, candies, and chips, along with its signature It’s It ice cream sandwiches in multiple flavors (I like strawberry and mint). The variety of these seemed greater than usual, and there was also pumpkin pie (pieces in a paper cup, not whole slices). Brazen used the circular configuration of the picnic tables to spread the goodies around to minimize lines and waiting (I finished at a fairly busy time and didn’t have to wait for anything).
My Results & Opinion of the Race:
I’ll try to be uncharacteristically brief. I’ve done 2 other organizers’ Turkey Trots in the South SF Bay Area. They’re all very well done. Brazen’s Turkey races are THE BEST in the area!
Family friendly fun run.
This is the second part of the Brazen Turkey series that is help at a local park that was once a quarry. The courses are fast and pretty much flat. … MORE
This is the second part of the Brazen Turkey series that is help at a local park that was once a quarry. The courses are fast and pretty much flat. This is a perfect race for a first timer or anyone who wants to have fun racing. If you chose to, they are also perfect to shoot for a PB. IF YOU LIVE IN THE Bay Area and want to experience a fun, low key, perfectly staged race, you should give Brazen a try.