THE ROCKY RIDGE HALF MARATHON, 10K & 5K: THE TOUGHEST RACE OF BRAZEN RACING! This is the race your momma warned you about! The half marathon cannot be described as “flat and fast” or “good for beginners” or with any other nice phrase. In fact, the phrases most commonly used …
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THE ROCKY RIDGE HALF MARATHON, 10K & 5K: THE TOUGHEST RACE OF BRAZEN RACING!
This is the race your momma warned you about! The half marathon cannot be described as “flat and fast” or “good for beginners” or with any other nice phrase. In fact, the phrases most commonly used to describe it would be unprintable. But…once you finish the course, you will have experienced trails and seen views that few others ever will. And you will have a lifetime of bragging rights!
The Rocky Ridge Half Marathon is the finale for the year’s Ultra Half Marathon Series (series participation is not necessary to enter race).
The 10K and 5K are not quite as intense as the half marathon, but don’t worry, those runners will also be challenged with some hills and rewarded with some rarely-seen vistas.
If you are one of those brave souls ready to face either victory occasion and face this beast, come join us!
The course will include approximately 4,000 feet of ascent/descent and be a combination of fire trails (the largest portion), single track and a brief uphill section of paved trail (the smallest portion). It is generally considered the toughest course of the Brazen Racing events at this distance.
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Brutal (but amazing!)
This was my 8th year running this race. It is without a doubt one of the toughest half marathons around. It's just under 14 miles and has around 4,000' of … MORE
This was my 8th year running this race. It is without a doubt one of the toughest half marathons around. It’s just under 14 miles and has around 4,000′ of gain. It’s also the season ending run for the Ultra Half Series. A series of the toughest half marathons Brazen puts on. If you do 5 of the other tough UHS races, and Rocky Ridge, you get a super cool coaster, along with your finish medal. Since I would never be able to get an AG place in this race, I always opt for the early start (7am). I do this because it’s a little cooler (temp wise) and this means I get to see the award ceremony after the race. This is a prize race, so they give out $1,000, $500, and $250 (1st, 2nd, 3rd) for men, women (and Masters in both), for the ultra half series. And there is a cash prize for the winners of just this race as well. Lastly, if your elevation gain on UHS races tops 21,120′ (4 miles), you get a High Flyer patch, which is super cool!
Oh and this year it was also Brazen’s 300th race. So it was even more special and fun!!
As always, you’ll get the nicest people (from runners to volunteers), fully stocked aid stations, and enough stuff at the finish line to make you go home full. 🙂
The hills have thighs 🤗
Challenging for a 5k! Rewarding to know you conquered that hill! Fantastic shirts and medals with food for after. Usually pretty warm this time of year. Be prepared for different … MORE
Challenging for a 5k! Rewarding to know you conquered that hill! Fantastic shirts and medals with food for after. Usually pretty warm this time of year. Be prepared for different terrain within 3.1 miles. And be ready to climb! Aid stations are packed well and people are friendly to all levels.
The Beast of all Half Marathons
Brazen Racing always has amazing events, from the beautiful courses, awesome community, excellent trail support, race food (and post-race food), and swag. But they also have the most killer trails … MORE
Brazen Racing always has amazing events, from the beautiful courses, awesome community, excellent trail support, race food (and post-race food), and swag. But they also have the most killer trails you’ll find for 13.1 miles. This is the Beastiest of all their beastie half marathons and it is NO joke. The hills take a lot out of you, up and down. And the summer sun in San Ramon can be brutal. But every step is worth the views, the people you meet, and the accomplishment at the end. Will definitely continue to run this one.
Hard inclines, rewarding views
Really beautiful views of the San Ramon Valley on one end and out to the bay on the other. Hard inclines as you summit the east ridge of Las Trampas … MORE
Really beautiful views of the San Ramon Valley on one end and out to the bay on the other. Hard inclines as you summit the east ridge of Las Trampas twice and the western ridge once. Did it as my first trial race but fortunately run a lot of vert, not suggested for those that don’t practice hills.
Sam and Jasmine are cool cats.
This is one of those challenging races
It’s the Grande finale of the Brazen races ultra series . You must run 5 other ultras with Brazen plus Rocky Ridge to get points , place in the series … MORE
It’s the Grande finale of the Brazen races ultra series . You must run 5 other ultras with Brazen plus Rocky Ridge to get points , place in the series and get your coaster.
This year I was tested over and over again it seems. Four days before this race I hurt my knee , enough to put me in a brace and limp along all week.
Knowing I would lose my place in the standings I decided to go but take the hiker start option.
By the way , the hiker start is still running. You just can’t place in your age. I just wanted to finish and get my coaster.
I did finish and quite enjoyed the course.
There’s lots of hills 3 main ones and the last one is steep and about 2 miles up.
When I finished the race I was glad it was over but thought there are harder races out there.
Now later that day and the following day I realized that I was way more beat up than I thought.
I was pretty much wasted and horizontal for 2 days.
Once you finish this race I’m sure next year I’ll be more mentally prepared.
The atmosphere was tremendous and it’s very well supported with volunteers and all the usual helpers .
Oscar does a great job marking the course, you shouldn’t get lost.
Sam and Jasmin also go all out to make this more like a family affair with honors , awards and recognition .
Bravo Brazen racing
Packs a punch to the tune of 4K of gain!
Rocky Ridge Half Marathon is the final (and arguably toughest) half marathon in the Brazen Racing Ultra Half Series. It's held in Las Trampas Regional Wilderness in San Ramon - … MORE
Rocky Ridge Half Marathon is the final (and arguably toughest) half marathon in the Brazen Racing Ultra Half Series. It’s held in Las Trampas Regional Wilderness in San Ramon – so just a hop and a skip from my house. But it packs a punch — to the tune of almost 4,000 feet of elevation gain. That’s roughly 1,000 feet of climbing per 5K!
This is my second time running this race. I remember last year being tough and really warm. This year, the weather stayed relatively cool (high 70s) and I felt pretty good throughout — even on the dreaded 1,000-foot climb on pavement at Mile 9.5. I didn’t push too hard. Rather, my goal was to keep a steady, easy pace on the climbs; and run the downhills without getting injured. It feels so good to run downhill when your knee is in a good mood. 😊
About a mile before the finish, I caught up to Amer and we ran in together. Then we saw Candice, and we invited her to run with us. We finished together. Yay! Saw a bunch of my buddies at the finish – always a highlight of running these races.
As always, Brazen Racing delivered an amazing race experience- from start to finish. Aid stations had everything we needed. Volunteers were incredibly supportive. Finisher’s medal and shirt were high quality – just what you’ve come to expect from a Brazen Race. Ultra Half Series finishers also got a coaster and option to purchase hoodie, etc. And free photos on course. Yay!!!
As a nice bonus, I managed to finish the race in 3:40:44, a course PR by 8:23. It was a good day!
A BEAST of a half....
From the Brazen website: This is the race your momma warned you about! The half marathon cannot be described as "flat and fast" or "good for beginners" or with any … MORE
From the Brazen website:
This is the race your momma warned you about! The half marathon cannot be described as “flat and fast” or “good for beginners” or with any other nice phrase. In fact, the phrases most commonly used to describe it would be unprintable. But…once you finish the course, you will have experienced trails and seen views that few others ever will. And you will have a lifetime of bragging rights!
That pretty much sums up the half marathon.
The Rocky Ridge Half Marathon is the finale for the 2016/2017 Ultra Half Marathon Series. The Ultra Half Series consists of Brazen Racing’s toughest hilly half marathons. The series starts with the Tarantula Run in October and ends with the Drag-N-Fly next September. You must complete five of the thirteen races plus Rocky Ridge. When you do, you score yourself a BAD A$$ coaster.
This year, the High Flyers Club was added. To join this exclusive club you will need to participate in the series and accumulate at least 4 miles (21,120 feet). Those who reach that goal will be noted with the High Flyer status and will be awarded the High Flyer patch upon series completion.
This year, I completed the Ultra Half Series to earn the coaster and I also traversed 23, 847 feet of elevation to earn the High Flyers patch. It was well earned.
The total distance for Rocky Ridge half is 13.7 miles and 3989 ft of elevation. It is one tough race. The first 9.3 mile loop contains the infamous Del Amigo Trail. It is so steep in sections that you can reach out in front of you and touch the trail. The dirt is also very loose which makes for a lot of slipping. Once that loop is complete, you start the 4.4 mile second loop that contains Asphalt Hill and the Rocky Ridge Trail. It is about 1.5 miles of hill before you reach the ridge and then you run along the ridge to the 4th aid station. You then descend about two miles to the finish. There are four aid stations on course that all well stock with food and drink.
At the finish, you receive your finisher’s medal. There is ample post race snacks and It’s It ice cream sandwiches.
If you want a race that will challenge you, all three distances (5k, 10k, half) will sure do it. It’s a beautiful area, give it shot.
One tough cookie
I consider this race the most difficult Half Marathon that exists. This race, in my view is even tougher than Double Dipsea even though Double Dipsea is slightly longer and … MORE
I consider this race the most difficult Half Marathon that exists. This race, in my view is even tougher than Double Dipsea even though Double Dipsea is slightly longer and more elevation. That said, i did better this year than last year but two years in a row of injuries i think i will take a pass next year.
If you want a tough tough Half Marathon Trail race, this is your poison… But its dang nice tasting, at the end.. Or maybe thats the food after… ha..
One tough race!!!!!
The race is the Championship for the Ultra Half Series. You must complete five of Brazen Racing's 16 ultra half marathons, plus Rocky Ridge. These Ultra Halfs consist of races … MORE
The race is the Championship for the Ultra Half Series. You must complete five of Brazen Racing’s 16 ultra half marathons, plus Rocky Ridge. These Ultra Halfs consist of races over the usual 13.1 miles and elevations of at least 2,000 ft. When you do complete the series, you get an awesome metal coaster. There is also $10,500 in cash prizes for the Top 3 male and female winners of the Rocky Ridge race and Top 3 in Masters(40+) and Top 3 in the open division. I had no chance of winning any money. I was there for the awesome coaster.
This was my first time running (if you can call it that) this race. The race is 13.7 miles and about 4,000 ft of elevation gain. It is held at Las Trampas Wilderness in San Ramon in Contra Costa County. This park has beautiful views of the surrounding San Francisco Bay area. The weather was perfect. The area can still get into the 90’s during this time of year, but we were spared of that torture. Speaking of torture. this course consists of two loops. The first is about 9.5 miles. This section contains the infamous Del Amigo Trail. It is about .75 miles, but is very steep. The park service also recently graded the hill which made for a lot of loose dirt and tough climbing. This loop also has some technical areas of single track, rocks, and roots, and leaves. You definitely need to pay attention. Some sections are exposed to the sun, but other parts are under the trees. It was very pretty and peaceful. There are two aid station in this loop that are well stocked with water, sports drink, soda, sweet and salty snacks, fruit, and Gu. Once this loop is complete, you come to the 9.5 mile aid station and the start of the 4+ mile loop. This starts the climb up the asphalt hill (Rocky Ridge Trail). I really have only of few words for this. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT!!!!! It climbs for about a mile to where the Rocky Ridge Trail actually gets to the ridge. There are some rolling hills until the next aid station which is stocked with the same goodies. From there, you have about 2.5 miles left and it’s downhill, but not completely. There are a few more little hills to annoy the tired legs. There were a lot of loose rocks and dirt. On your way down, you can hear Sam, the race director calling out the names of people finishing. I kept thinking, “Sam, where are you?” I felt good, but I was emotionally spent. When I finally crossed the finish line, I burst into tears because it was so difficult for me. I still had some gas in the tank, though. This was my most difficult race. I’m already planning on completing the Series again next season because I need at least one set of coasters.
All runners completing the race received a finishers medal. This medal was awesome like all the other Brazen medals. Participant received a cotton tee for 5k/10k race and a tech tee for the half marathon racers. We also had the opportunity to preorder a Rocky Ridge Championship tech tee and/or a zip up sweatshirt. I ordered both and I’m glad i did. Both are very nice.
The post race food never tasted so good, including that Super Sundae on a stick. There were It’s Its also to enjoy with snacks, like bagels, cream cheese, pastries, fruit, sweet and salty treats, and other goodies.
All-in-all this is one tough race. It needs to have some extra shoes added to the difficulty. I’m very happy with my time of 3:47:02. Next year, I plan on shaving some time off, now that I know what to expect.
Tough
This is the mother of all races: 4000 feet elevation change in 14 miles and the completion of the Brazen ultra half series. It was so hard that I almost … MORE
This is the mother of all races: 4000 feet elevation change in 14 miles and the completion of the Brazen ultra half series. It was so hard that I almost gave up at mile 9.5, ahead of the third and toughest of three hills. Brad Gaiser told me you can walk from here as you already made the cut-off time. I got two salt tablets to treat my cramps and started walking uphill for an entire mile. I had cramps in places I didn’t even know I had muscles. When finished people applauded, I got a coaster, a finisher medal and a hoodie, and Sallie Arellano brought a bottle of champagne and I got a small glass of champagne. Pretty cool, but I am quite exhausted. Mike Beckwith gave me a hug at the finish line. Next year, I will run the 5k and want to see how everybody comes in after the half marathon.
Steep, Awesome, & Steep
Event & Course Description: Rocky Ridge, in any of the distances (5K, 10K, half marathon), is very challenging. Very. Challenging. Rocky Ridge is run in the Las Trampas Wilderness just … MORE
Event & Course Description:
Rocky Ridge, in any of the distances (5K, 10K, half marathon), is very challenging. Very. Challenging. Rocky Ridge is run in the Las Trampas Wilderness just west of Danville. The start/finish area is a picnic area of the Ranch At Little Hills event center.
The 5K and 10K use parts of the half marathon course. The half marathon is a figure-8, with the “top” (= first) loop being the longer. The 10K and 5K follow part of the outbound of this loop – uphill – cross a creek, and then double back down the hill. After 10K and 5K runners go through the point where the two loops cross, they come to their first aid station, and start climbing a beast … I mean a very steep hill. About half way up the hill 5K runners turn around and head back toward their finish. 10K runners keep on climbing, a total of .85 mile (so I’ve been told) of very steep uphill. About 2/3 of this climb is paved. After that ~2/3 point, runners turn onto a single-track trail and continue their climb to the wider ridge trail. This climb, the rolling ups and downs along the ridge, and the ~1.8mile, killer-steep, downhill to the finish area comprise the second loop of the half marathon course. The mile and a half along the ridge have some amazing panoramic views, to the east and to the west, and the view from the hill just after the second aid station (the fourth for half marathoners, located in a saddle between two hills) is almost 360-degree. This loop is the second loop for half marathoners.
The course is about 90% dirt trail, and about 90% exposed. Some of the trail is moderately technical, uneven cracked earth and exposed rocks (turned ankle hazard), some exposed roots, and some very rutted areas in the steep downhill. 2016 was very cool, as to weather, but there have been warm-hot years as well. Sunscreen, filled water bottle, and liberal use of fluids and snacks at aid stations are all musts, whatever the weather!
Organization & Production:
It almost suffices to say that this is a Brazen Race, which means very thorough, very tight organization, from registering through leaving the parking lot after the race. On top of that, Rocky Ridge is the culminating, mandatory, race in their Ultra-Half Series, so the atmosphere is appropriately special.
I’ll try to hit a FEW highlights. The website information is very complete, as is the pre-race email. On-site parking is very limited, and there is a shuttle to and from another parking area nearby (I didn’t need to use it, so I didn’t see how that was set up).
The course was well marked with color-coded flags and flour. The aid stations were well stocked with water, sports drink, and a wide variety of snacks – and with friendly and encouraging volunteers.
Swag & Goodies:
Bib: The Bib has a black background, the Firecat (running fiery wild cat) race logo in the upper left, the race name, location, and date in the upper right, the color-coded distance and bib number across the center, the runner’s name below that, and Brazen’s logo and race-specific hashtags across the bottom. Brazen has some of the nicest race bibs around.
T-Shirt:
As always, Brazen includes tech T-shirts for half marathoners and poly-cotton for 10K and 5K runners in the registration cost, with an option for the latter to upgrade to tech for an additional $7. The front of the grayish brown poly-cotton shirt features the Firecat running across the race name in craggy-looking letters. The back has the Firecat running across the location and date, with the elevation charts for the half marathon, 10K, and 5K below it, and the sponsors’ logos at the bottom.
Finisher’s Medal: The finisher’s medal is copper-colored metal with a red background color, the top of the medal being the half marathon elevation profile, and the Firecat running across the white-lettered race name. The ribbon is bright red, gives the race name, distances, location, and dates, and is double-sided. Words don’t do it justice.
My Results & Opinion of the Race:
The Rocky Ridge half marathon is a beast, more than I think I’m up to trying at this point. The 10K is the beast’s younger brother, and the 5K a piece of the beast. The .85 mile climb is a steep killer, and the ~1.8 mile downhill to the finish will all but paralyze your quads. In other words, if you like challenges, put Rocky Ridge on your must-do list. The mile and a half along the ridge is a great scenic pay-off, and the finish area has It’s It ice cream sandwiches and a wide array of other post-race goodies.
My finish time was a little longer than what I wished for, but I finished without being finished. It’s a starting point, something on which I might improve, and maybe I might even give the full beast a try.
"Difficulty" ranking needs sixth shoe
What to say about Rocky Ridge?! This is the half to end all halfs. It is the last race in Brazen Racing's Ultra Half Series. When you do at least … MORE
What to say about Rocky Ridge?! This is the half to end all halfs. It is the last race in Brazen Racing’s Ultra Half Series. When you do at least 5 other Ultra Halfs (longer than 13.1, and wicked tough elevation) plus Rocky Ridge, you get an awesome Coaster along with your medal. This course is beautiful and the views are great. But don’t let that fool you. The course is almost 14 miles, and has just a hair under 4,000 feet of elevation gain. Even if some of the views are of you looking down at the ground as you make your way up steep inclines. 🙂 It’s held out at Las Trampas Regional Park, in the East Bay. Once you get to the top, you can clearly see Mount Diablo, which is just across the highway, and you can see lots of the rest of the East Bay. From Rocky Ridge trail, you can also see Lake Chabot (I believe). There are a couple really tough climbs on this course. One is up the infamous Del Amigo. It’s not that long, but it is super tough. The other one is at around mile 9.5. This is a paved trail up to the entrance of Rocky Ridge Trail. It goes over a mile, and feels like you are going up forever! Once up there, there are only about 3 more miles of nice rolling hills and a sweet downhill to end the race. This race brings out the speedsters because there are cash prizes for the Top 10 Men and Women in the Ultra Half Series, plus cash prizes for top three in the Half Marathon Championship (just this race). I always take the early start (7:00 am, one hour earlier than normal start) at this race. For two reasons. One, so I can beat some of the heat. And 2, so I can see the leaders all pass me. 🙂 The Roches won the half marathon. Husband and wife speedsters. Their times were 1:35 and 1:50 I believe! My time on this course was 3:32:42, and let me just tell you… this is awesome!! 🙂 This beat my best time on this course by 20 minutes!! This was all due to the weather. Last two years this course was so hot!! It’s almost unbearable in the heat. This year, the RDs dialed in amazing weather!! That made all the difference in the world.
Overall, this is one of the most challenging halfs around, and it’s one of my favorites. The atmosphere at the event is electric. So many people set out to do the series, and it all comes down to this race. It’s like Christmas morning, seeing everyone with their Coasters that they worked so hard for all year!
Hope to see you at next year’s Rocky Ridge. Oh yeah, the 2017 Ultra Half Series starts in two weeks. 🙂 (10/15/16)
More challenge = more reward!
Brazen always puts on an amazingly well organized event. The energy from the other runners is addictive. This is my personal fav Brazen race as it's basically my backyard. Amazingly … MORE
Brazen always puts on an amazingly well organized event. The energy from the other runners is addictive. This is my personal fav Brazen race as it’s basically my backyard. Amazingly challenging courses, but beautiful scenery, and the efforts makes the reward feel all that much better. And the food after never disappoints!
Great race to volunteer
Volunteered at Aid Station at mile 9.2. We saw all the runners and were quite busy the whole time. Such fun helping the runners. Very difficult course, so a this … MORE
Volunteered at Aid Station at mile 9.2. We saw all the runners and were quite busy the whole time. Such fun helping the runners. Very difficult course, so a this is a great race to help out if you’re not ready to run.
All this for a coaster?
This is such a tough race, but when you cross that finish line, you feel like the beast that is on the medal! This race is part of a series … MORE
This is such a tough race, but when you cross that finish line, you feel like the beast that is on the medal! This race is part of a series that Brazen puts on every year (it can also be run without participating in the series), but you should look at the Ultra Series information on their website. It is a challenge, but if you finish the series, you get a coaster. This year the coaster was over the top! Very well done this year, and I loved all of the swag. Again, this is one rugged race, but the volunteers take great care of you at the AS. Be prepared for some tough climbs, technical trails, and HOT weather. There must be something special going on with this race, because some of us keep going back for more torture, I mean fun!
Hard course, but beautiful scenery
This was my first Brazen run, and I've been told one of the hardest of their courses. I must say this is also one only the second trail run I'd … MORE
This was my first Brazen run, and I’ve been told one of the hardest of their courses. I must say this is also one only the second trail run I’d even done and it showed. I wouldn’t suggest this as anyone’s first half marathon, but once you get into it, it’s a great run with lots of scenery that will make you enjoy it, until the next vertical at least 🙂
HARD
This was one of the hardest races I ever ran, but so worth it. The top of the ridge is breath taking. I plan to run it again this year … MORE
This was one of the hardest races I ever ran, but so worth it. The top of the ridge is breath taking. I plan to run it again this year as part of the Ultra Half Marathon Series.
I love Las Trampas
This is my favorite run...even though it takes me so long to finish, it is a steep challenging course with fantastic views of mt. diablo and surrounding areas. I love … MORE
This is my favorite run…even though it takes me so long to finish, it is a steep challenging course with fantastic views of mt. diablo and surrounding areas. I love the hiker start since I knew I would take longer, and it was great to see the elite runners pass me. This was such a fantastic run, and loved the ultra 1/2 series, that I’m going to do it next year! Loved the coaster at the end after completing 7/13 ultra half series runs with Brazen.
The Granddaddy of All Halfs
If you're looking for a quick half, one you can PR, then keep on moving. This ain't your daddy's half marathon. :) This is the Brazen Half Marathon championship and … MORE
If you’re looking for a quick half, one you can PR, then keep on moving. This ain’t your daddy’s half marathon. 🙂 This is the Brazen Half Marathon championship and finale for the Ultra Half Series. And. It. Is. Tough! Just the way I like it.
The course is about 13.7 miles with about 4,000 feet of elevation gain. It boasts some of the best views in the East Bay. I love being able to see the entire West side of Mount Diablo. So beautiful. There are some really tough climbs. Del Amigo will have you cursing, and the trek up after the 3rd aid station will have you wondering why you ever signed up for this. Take the big climb up to Rocky Ridge Trail and you’ll know exactly why you did it. Some sweet downhills after that. Man what a race. I can’t wait to do it again.
If you complete 5 other Ultra Half Series races + Rocky Ridge, you get a sweet Coaster afterwards. This race also brings in some seriously fast people, competing for $$$$. This year I took the early hiker start and started at 7 am (an hour before the regular start). The leaders caught me at mile 7, just 42 minutes after they started!! You do the math. Or I will for you. That’s 6-minute miles for those guys! OMG!!
Anyway, if you are looking for an amazing event that will challenge you to no end, look no further. Rocky Ridge will give you that!
Did I really just do that?
I volunteered last year, and by the time I got to mile 9, I was wondering why I didn't volunteer this year! This is one tough race. The heat is … MORE
I volunteered last year, and by the time I got to mile 9, I was wondering why I didn’t volunteer this year! This is one tough race. The heat is very intense out there, although the AS did have ice that helped! The AS volunteers are saints to be out there in that heat for us! I did this race as part of the Ultra Series, and when you finish, you get a really cool coaster. There is information on their website regarding the Ultra Series. Tough climbs, nice views, and if you finish this race, you deserve to wear the Beast on shirt/medal! If you want a challenge, this is your race!