Ooohhhh it's so hard! I spend 4 months coming up on the race asking myself "Why did I sign up for this ?" and "Am I crazy? Have I really … MORE
Ooohhhh it’s so hard! I spend 4 months coming up on the race asking myself “Why did I sign up for this ?” and “Am I crazy? Have I really lost my mind?” But then the day of the race, after I finish – it is SUCH a fantastic feeling. Even though my time puts me in the lower half of the runners, I still feel such an AMAZING sense of accomplishment. The scenery is beautiful. The new course kept me off the worst ridges that gave me vertigo the first year I did this. I personally, prefer the new course.
What to know: There are plenty of ups and downs but no up lasts longer than 2k. So if you think you’re gonna die, or if you are tempted to stop jogging and walk, remind yourself it’s not going to last longer than 2k.
Second: The most steep hill is the first one. The race starts out up hill and after about a quarter of a kilometer the first 1k climb is so steep that everyone except the elite runners, walks up. This is important to know because if you want to run it you’re going to have to place yourself at the head of the pack when the starting gun goes off, or you’ll just have too many people to push past. Expect this to effect your time. When I run uphill like this on my own, for example, I can usually complete 10k in an hour and 45 minutes, but my time – – which I could not have done any better I swear – – was only 1 hour 59 minutes due to walking that first 1.25 k
Three: the support staff is THE BEST. Do yourself a favor, unless you’re like elite level, and STOP at all the stops for gatoraid, water, etc., it can get very hot out there. It’s not worth getting dehydrated or sun stroke etc. They have literally every kind of running snack at the stops: gummies, water, peanut pretzels, everything. My partner tumbled and they even had a bandage – helped him clean the dirt out of his wound. They are EXCELLENT!
Please login to reply to this review.
My most challenging Race
Ooohhhh it's so hard! I spend 4 months coming up on the race asking myself "Why did I sign up for this ?" and "Am I crazy? Have I really … MORE
Ooohhhh it’s so hard! I spend 4 months coming up on the race asking myself “Why did I sign up for this ?” and “Am I crazy? Have I really lost my mind?” But then the day of the race, after I finish – it is SUCH a fantastic feeling. Even though my time puts me in the lower half of the runners, I still feel such an AMAZING sense of accomplishment. The scenery is beautiful. The new course kept me off the worst ridges that gave me vertigo the first year I did this. I personally, prefer the new course.
What to know: There are plenty of ups and downs but no up lasts longer than 2k. So if you think you’re gonna die, or if you are tempted to stop jogging and walk, remind yourself it’s not going to last longer than 2k.
Second: The most steep hill is the first one. The race starts out up hill and after about a quarter of a kilometer the first 1k climb is so steep that everyone except the elite runners, walks up. This is important to know because if you want to run it you’re going to have to place yourself at the head of the pack when the starting gun goes off, or you’ll just have too many people to push past. Expect this to effect your time. When I run uphill like this on my own, for example, I can usually complete 10k in an hour and 45 minutes, but my time – – which I could not have done any better I swear – – was only 1 hour 59 minutes due to walking that first 1.25 k
Three: the support staff is THE BEST. Do yourself a favor, unless you’re like elite level, and STOP at all the stops for gatoraid, water, etc., it can get very hot out there. It’s not worth getting dehydrated or sun stroke etc. They have literally every kind of running snack at the stops: gummies, water, peanut pretzels, everything. My partner tumbled and they even had a bandage – helped him clean the dirt out of his wound. They are EXCELLENT!
Tough Race, Totally Worth It
The first time I ran the Valencia Trail Race, I said I would never do it again. It completely kicked my butt. It was great. I was thrilled to finally … MORE
The first time I ran the Valencia Trail Race, I said I would never do it again. It completely kicked my butt. It was great. I was thrilled to finally have the opportunity to run it again this year.
The Valencia Trail Race is a well organized event. The course is well marked. The volunteers and aid stations are fantastic. The medal and shirt are always good quality with a fun design.
If you are thinking about signing up for this run, do it. Just expect to hike some of the hills.
First timer- really enjoyed the course
Lived up to expectations- tough course and great scenery. I would like to give a big shout out to the several participants who assisted my wife Luann (bib 1511) when … MORE
Lived up to expectations- tough course and great scenery.
I would like to give a big shout out to the several participants who assisted my wife Luann (bib 1511) when she fell around mile 3.8- of which I was unaware until we met up at the finish line. Your assistance was much appreciated. Of particular commendation is Dave H. (bib 5336) who curtailed his racing & accompanied her as she gamely finished the course-despite her many bumps & bruises. Dave you are owed more than a handshake. Thank you again. She vows to be back next year.
Killer hills and amazing views
I love doing trail runs, and this was one of the best. The landscape was beautiful. The aid stations were well spaced, well stocked, and everyone involved was so kind … MORE
I love doing trail runs, and this was one of the best. The landscape was beautiful. The aid stations were well spaced, well stocked, and everyone involved was so kind and supportive. The sign-in and starting setup was easy to understand, as were the course markings.
I should have pre-trained twice as much, but it was definitely doable. But yeah, the first set of hills was brutal. It was also mostly single lane, so it was hard to pass or let others pass, but such a minor gripe compared to the epicness of the whole experience. I also wonder since this year was a delayed race from the pandemic, if there were more participants than would usually be in one year, and that affected the amount of people on the course (so maybe it’s not always so crowded?)
And the medal is the best thing in the world. So cool. I would do this race again for sure!
Great views, great intro to ultras
The hills left me very sore due to lack of training for them. However run was definitely doable as my first 50k (only having ran the LA marathon once prior). … MORE
The hills left me very sore due to lack of training for them. However run was definitely doable as my first 50k (only having ran the LA marathon once prior). I barely trained on hills, but this was a perfect level of challenge to encourage rather than discourage me from ever doing an ultra again. Very well set up, super sweet support crew, easy to follow trails. Beautiful location. 10/10 would recommend. I was sore for 4 days following. Would recommend doing lunges/hill training for your quads.
They aren't joking with that slogan!
Awesome trails? Check. Killer hills? Double check. I really picked a doozy for my very first trail half, but I'm not mad at it (even if my calves are today). … MORE
Awesome trails? Check. Killer hills? Double check. I really picked a doozy for my very first trail half, but I’m not mad at it (even if my calves are today). The scenery was outstanding, with a mixture of leafy canyons and wide-open ridge lines dotted with wildflowers, and the balance of single track to fire road was pretty excellent (that is – heavy on the single track). The route marking was easy to follow, the volunteers were friendly, and the aid stations were generally well-stocked (I’ll never forget the joy of running…ummm, I mean, jog-walking…up my second hill with an entire row of yellow Peeps clutched in my hand). There were definitely moments when I wondered, “What have I gotten myself into?” (most of these were when I was trudging uphill in full sun), but all of those were pushed aside by the moments I thought, “Wow, I can’t believe I am here, right now, doing this!” I’m really grateful for the opportunity to challenge myself in such a beautiful place – I might just have to come do this again next year!
Valencia trail race
I so happy for every year am run Valencia Trails Race super great race nice rolling hills on single track trails great presentation great view thank you for making wonderful … MORE
I so happy for every year am run Valencia Trails Race super great race nice rolling hills on single track trails great presentation great view thank you for making wonderful day.
Feeling Proud at the Finish
When you cross the finish line line, you have a feeling of accomplishment and one of the coolest medals to prove it. This race isn’t kidding when it says it … MORE
When you cross the finish line line, you have a feeling of accomplishment and one of the coolest medals to prove it. This race isn’t kidding when it says it has killer hills, But it also has wonderful views and beautiful wildflowers. The course is well marked and the volunteers are enthusiastic and friendly. If you are a serious competitor you might feel frustrated because most the race is a single trail that is difficult to pass on, The participants in general get over as soon as it’s possible.
Favorite Trail Race
It’s a difficult race due to the hills but the scenery makes up for it. Definitely come trained, and by that I mean hill training. Great Race. MORE
It’s a difficult race due to the hills but the scenery makes up for it. Definitely come trained, and by that I mean hill training. Great Race.
Great run
I changed from 10 k to 1/2 and I’m glad I did. I used this as a training day for Spartan Race in Big Bear. I felt challenged and was … MORE
I changed from 10 k to 1/2 and I’m glad I did. I used this as a training day for Spartan Race in Big Bear. I felt challenged and was surprised at how beautiful the course was. The shirt ran small so that was a bummer but one of the coolest medal I have earned.
Beautiful, Well-organized Trail Race!!!
This was an incredible experience for my first ultramarathon! Not only was the lead up to the race well organized, but come race day everything from parking to aid stations … MORE
This was an incredible experience for my first ultramarathon! Not only was the lead up to the race well organized, but come race day everything from parking to aid stations to the finish line festivities, all were amazing. This was a challenging course with serious elevation and some KILLER HILLS! Every step of the course was beautiful with incredible views, well-marked single tracks and plenty of aid stations. I’ll definitely be back for years to come!
Gorgeous and SO fun!
This was my very first trail race (my first trail RUN) and I could not have had a better time. This course was way harder than I anticipated (1600 feet … MORE
This was my very first trail race (my first trail RUN) and I could not have had a better time. This course was way harder than I anticipated (1600 feet elevation gains), way more beautiful, and WAY more fun! I had a smile on my face for almost the whole course and couldn’t help laughing going down those insane drops.
I will definitely return next year!
Amazing views!
Great race with amazing scenery. I found some of the steep downhills harder than the steep uphill sections. I hiked the course with trekking poles and took my time, taking … MORE
Great race with amazing scenery. I found some of the steep downhills harder than the steep uphill sections. I hiked the course with trekking poles and took my time, taking lots of pictures along the way. Once you climb the hills, you have 360 degree views of valleys and of Santa Clarita. The swag was awesome with a great Viking theme. Best shirt I have gotten with a race. Wish they had the option of women’s specific shirts, though.
Perfect first ultramarathon
This was a great course. There were enough hills to make it a challenge but not so many that you felt utterly defeated. The course support was wonderful. The aid … MORE
This was a great course. There were enough hills to make it a challenge but not so many that you felt utterly defeated. The course support was wonderful. The aid stations had a variety of snacks and everyone was very supportive, willing to help fill your hydration pack or offer a word of encouragement. It was especially encouraging on the way back to the finish line, as the runners get spread out and you don’t see anyone else for a while, to have the volunteers watching for returning runners and offering motivation to keep going.
Awesome trails killer hills
It’s fun, it’s challenging, and it’s beautiful! It’s fun because it well run, small enough to be intimate but big enough to be a party. Best supported trail race I’ve … MORE
It’s fun, it’s challenging, and it’s beautiful! It’s fun because it well run, small enough to be intimate but big enough to be a party. Best supported trail race I’ve ever participated in (last year and this) will friendly helpful volunteers and good supply at the aid stations.
Beautiful Scenery, Great Course
-Very well organized race -beautiful scenery and nice weather -lots of aid stations -Lots of big climbs and descent but in general mostly all runnable. MORE
-Very well organized race
-beautiful scenery and nice weather
-lots of aid stations
-Lots of big climbs and descent but in general mostly all runnable.
Beautiful scenery and awesome hills
My first 10k race ever and would do it again in a heartbeat! The production was better than expected and the aid stations had so many goodies. They really took … MORE
My first 10k race ever and would do it again in a heartbeat! The production was better than expected and the aid stations had so many goodies. They really took care of you and you get to keep all the pictures they took at the end! So pretty would definitely recommend
Lots of steep hills
The first 5k are a series of killer hills, very steep up and so steep on the way down for some of the time I had to slide. About 1k … MORE
The first 5k are a series of killer hills, very steep up and so steep on the way down for some of the time I had to slide. About 1k of this race is single track on the top of the ridge. I get vertigo real bad so I was terrified. Gosh in the ads all I saw were the happy people running through meadows, oops! I had to remind myself that even though I was scared out of my wits, going a single kilometer couldn’t take more than a couple minutes, right? Worst 20 minutes of my life hahaha. After the first 5k the course mellows out considerably. Still this was the most challenging race I’ve ever done. I look forward to doing better next year! Support staff was fantastic, encouraging, caring, helpful and kind
Killer hills with killer views
Beautiful experience in every way! Very difficult course with lots of hills , but worth every moment. Gorgeous green sights all around you. Incredible support and aid stations. I couldn't … MORE
Beautiful experience in every way! Very difficult course with lots of hills , but worth every moment. Gorgeous green sights all around you. Incredible support and aid stations. I couldn’t stop smiling I was so happy to be out there!
Awesome Trails & Killer Hills, so true!
Tons of well stocked aid stations & awesome volunteers! Beautiful views on a gnarly hilly course. Ridges, ravines, riverbeds, hills, and more hills this race had it all. MORE
Tons of well stocked aid stations & awesome volunteers! Beautiful views on a gnarly hilly course. Ridges, ravines, riverbeds, hills, and more hills this race had it all.