An intense course, but not so terrible you want to quit. The first mile is all uphill, but aside from a couple of shorter steep climbs, that's the worst of … MORE
An intense course, but not so terrible you want to quit. The first mile is all uphill, but aside from a couple of shorter steep climbs, that’s the worst of it. Quickly goes to single track, so try to start around where you expect to finish. The course loops over on itself once or twice, and it can be kind of annoying having to pass a bunch of folks from later races running the same part of the loop, but everyone is friendly enough to scoot over.
Swag and organization were good. Everything ran about as smoothly as could be expected.
Views at the top of the hill are great. And thanks to all the rain CA got this year, it was a very green and sometimes very flowery course!
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Fun and challenging with great views
An intense course, but not so terrible you want to quit. The first mile is all uphill, but aside from a couple of shorter steep climbs, that's the worst of … MORE
An intense course, but not so terrible you want to quit. The first mile is all uphill, but aside from a couple of shorter steep climbs, that’s the worst of it. Quickly goes to single track, so try to start around where you expect to finish. The course loops over on itself once or twice, and it can be kind of annoying having to pass a bunch of folks from later races running the same part of the loop, but everyone is friendly enough to scoot over.
Swag and organization were good. Everything ran about as smoothly as could be expected.
Views at the top of the hill are great. And thanks to all the rain CA got this year, it was a very green and sometimes very flowery course!
Beautiful peaceful scenery
I live in the city and I’m trying to run local races. It’s my second trail race and by far the hardest. At the beginning of the race it was … MORE
I live in the city and I’m trying to run local races. It’s my second trail race and by far the hardest. At the beginning of the race it was hills to heaven 😂 made a mental note to train more on hills. Everyone was really nice and great energy from all the runners. Water station and snacks were well stocked . I will highly recommend this race 🙌 the scenery and the views of the valley. I’m definitely looking forward to next year trail race.
killer hills and awesome views
if you’re planning to tackle this race, prepare to witness some really cool views of the valley. running it this year was perfect. not so hot add to this is … MORE
if you’re planning to tackle this race, prepare to witness some really cool views of the valley. running it this year was perfect. not so hot
add to this is the amazing volunteers and their race support. will be back next year with the goal of improving time
Awesome views!
I am from Minnesota, so this was my first time running the race. I was visiting my sister in the area and just decided to hop in while I was … MORE
I am from Minnesota, so this was my first time running the race. I was visiting my sister in the area and just decided to hop in while I was there. Ended up winning first overall female for the half marathon! I had so much fun! Sign up was a breeze the day of race, not much waiting around. Snacks and samples at the end, and good energy. I had a blast and hope to run it next year!
Amazing people!
Amazing event! It’s all about the amazing people who were involve! I have been to a lot of race events! Nothing compares so far to Valencia Trail Race 50K! I … MORE
Amazing event! It’s all about the amazing people who were involve! I have been to a lot of race events! Nothing compares so far to Valencia Trail Race 50K! I have no affiliation with them of any kind. I will tell you why they are amazing people…from easy registering, answering my email inquiry, organizing the event before, during and after. All these amazing people went above and beyond! BTW, this is my first ultra and all these amazing people made my experience more than special! Event organization, volunteers, fellow runners, friends, family…THANK YOU ALL! Did I mention these people are AMAZING!!!!
Awesome course and scenery
This was my first trail running race, and it sure set the standard high. I was a little nervous not knowing what to expect, but the website has tons of … MORE
This was my first trail running race, and it sure set the standard high. I was a little nervous not knowing what to expect, but the website has tons of information and the race is very well organized. It’s a beautiful time of year to hold this race — green hills and flowers everywhere, at least this year. The infamous hills are worth it for the views. I enjoyed how the race started and ended with steep terrain for a good challenge and had fun, more runnable parts in the middle where you could open up and enjoy. One thing to be aware of is that there aren’t a ton of places to pass people. If you want to go for it, start towards the front. I made the mistake of starting in the middle of the pack and got stuck walking for quite a while. Not a huge deal, just wouldn’t do that next time.
Great vibe and fun!
This is my first trail race. I have been running 1-2 marathon a year so I wanted to try something new. I did the half marathon trail and it was … MORE
This is my first trail race. I have been running 1-2 marathon a year so I wanted to try something new. I did the half marathon trail and it was exciting to be running up and down on small slopes in between. It felt like I was a human roller coaster. There were mud I had to hop over and it made it fun. The shirt looks great! Everyone who participated were in high spirit and happy. I felt we ran as a team because the path were narrow and it didn’t make the day too long. For a half marathon trail I walked about 1 hr going up hill but I was surprised how well I did for my first. I had thoughts I would have pain and cramps but as a casual runner it was slightly sore the next day. Food refreshments at the end were a welcoming bonus!
Be Proud Of Meeting The Challenge
Beautiful Scenery, especially if the flowers are blooming. Rugged Trail. Lots of steep climbs and descents. You’ll deserve the free beer at the end. MORE
Beautiful Scenery, especially if the flowers are blooming. Rugged Trail. Lots of steep climbs and descents. You’ll deserve the free beer at the end.
Great atmosphere beautiful views
This was my second year running this course and I plan to come back next year too! Everyone, from the race director, to the volunteers and other runners are so … MORE
This was my second year running this course and I plan to come back next year too! Everyone, from the race director, to the volunteers and other runners are so incredibly supportive and energetic. It really embodies trail running culture. The trail itself is single track and fire road. The single track was pretty technical this year because of all the rain, which just added to the fun! Markings can be confusing at times so it’s best to double-check with the volunteers or look over/ have a gpx track of the course. Aid stations are fully stocked and the volunteers cheer on everyone who passes through. If you’re on the fence about running your first ultra, or even shorter distance trail race, you won’t be disappointed with the experience!
Tough course with truly killer hills
The views are worth the killer hills! Tough course, but so beautiful and the medals are equally stunning! Wanted to do it in 2023 but couldn't travel, so did the … MORE
The views are worth the killer hills! Tough course, but so beautiful and the medals are equally stunning! Wanted to do it in 2023 but couldn’t travel, so did the virtual option but I bought my 2024 again, so hoping to be back in person 🙂
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.