Tessa Silva-Mathews's Staging Area

This is always a favorite for me. I don’t think I’ve ever had a bad experience bringing in the New Year with this Brazen race. This year was exceptional. The weather was pretty darn perfect. Because there is work being done at the Lake Chabot Dam, there is a change of the “normal” course. I like this course though, so no complaints from me. I actually like that they changed it up this year and had the NYE and NYD races at two different locations. The distance is a little bit further than a half marathon, but this race counts towards the Ultra Series event.

The shirts and medals are always great and if you do the NYE and NYD races, you get a mega-medal. They ran out of the middle connector piece, but they always follow through and send you the medal in the mail.

Great course, great food, great race organization! Happy New Year!

This was a fun run. There are lots of costumes, families, and friends. I liked that this race started in the afternoon. It was really chilly, so dress warm. They have fun for the kids after the race, this would be a great race to take my grandchildren to. They had a costume competition that was fun to see at the finish. There were vendors at the end with cookies and milk too 🙂

This is a fun run, great for families or group run with friends. There are some fast, competitive runners out there too, but if you are looking for a fun run around the holidays this is a good one!

They have hot coffee in the morning, it is chilly out there. Vendor participation is good, post race.

There is great spectator participation for this race in San Ramon.

The swag is fun. They give you a medal that is really an ornament. Super cute (Grinch) and they also gave out a nice tech long-sleeve shirt.

First of all I love PCTR, they have been great race organizers. I’ve done a lot of races with them, and one of my favorite races is one of the races they put on. However, we all know that sometimes things just don’t go as smoothly as we all hope. I had missed this race in 2015, so as soon as registration opened, I made sure I signed up. The issues I had with this race was mostly confusion for the shuttle buses, and confusion about the cutoffs. We were told (on race day) that there would be 2 cutoffs, not one, as advertised. In my opinion the cutoffs were pretty strict. I had never before not finished a 50k under the time limit, so this was a first for me. I signed up for the 50k, and missed the first cutoff less than 5 minutes. The problem is, some people came in right after me and they were allowed to continue on, so there was no consistency at that particular AS. The second cutoff was just as bad from what I understand. Some people were not allowed to continue on and others were. It really should be consistent. As far as the Aid Stations themselves, they were really good. Actually, the were great. They had fresh watermelon at every station, as well as ice. It got pretty warm out there, so this was really nice. The volunteers were amazing. The scenery is so nice, and the course is technical, but beautiful. You really get to see a lot of different terrain during this race. There is a lot of volunteer support along the way too, which always helps give me a boost when I out there running. The shuttle back to our cars was really comfortable. (School buses are used to take you to the start in the morning).

I didn’t take all of the swag because I dropped down from the 50k to the marathon distance, but I really enjoyed the buff they gave out at the finish. They also give out really nice coasters, and they offer upgraded shirts and jackets. Definitely doing this race again. I will just work on trying to ensure that I am well ahead of the cutoffs.

I finished the Headlands 50 mile in 2015, and after careful consideration, I decided on the 75 mile distance this year because I did not think I was physically able to do the 100 mile distance. The downside to doing the 75 mile distance over the 100 mile, is that you are not allowed a pacer. However, they do have a night marathon and that allows you to be out on the trails with other runners at night. The course is a 25 mile loop, washing machine style. So, in my race, I did this loop 3 times. There is a lot of elevation, about 5,000 ft, per loop. The views are spectacular though, and when you get to Pirates Cove, the views of the ocean are breathtaking. You also get nice views when there isn’t fog of the Golden Gate Bridge, and Muir Beach. This is one of my favorite races. You actually run under the Golden Gate Bridge.

This year the weather was overcast, we did not have to worry about the weather being too warm. However, the fog bank that rolled in pretty much stayed all day, and unfortunately for the Night Sweats Marathon folks, into the night. My goal was to get back to the 50 mile mark around the time the marathon started. Well, I had issues with my sciatica (or) hamstring in the first loop, and the fog meant that I used my headlamp a lot earlier than I had expected. This slowed me down, and my pace was slower than I had expected. (I’m really glad I had the foresight to grab at least one headlamp before it even got close to dark because the fog created a situation where I used it a lot earlier than I did last year). By the time I got back to mile 46, I realized that the people I was hoping to run with during the Night Sweats, their marathon was cancelled because of the fog, and hazard conditions. Here is where I really lucked out. They allowed the people I was hoping to meet up with at night, to head out with me on my 3rd loop since there is safety in numbers. I felt really great at night, not issues at all. Other than I was done, really done, with the fog. Running in fog all day is one thing. Running all night in fog is…special. (insert sarcasm here)

Another really nice thing about this race is the washing machine loops. This creates a situation where you get to see runners over and over out there. You feel such a camaraderie of sorts, seeing the same people out there suffering, I mean enjoying, the trails with you.

The aid stations are well placed, and I had everything I needed between my drop bags, crew and aid stations. The marking of the course was just as good, if not better, as last year. They really do a great job for marking this course considering the fog was so thick you couldn’t see more than a few feet in front of you.

I was hoping for a faster time, but I’m happy with my finish. I received a nice coaster – 3rd place female in the 75 mile distance. They have nice options for upgrading shirts and they also gave us a nice beer glass at the finish. I’ll definitely do this race again.

This was my first time running the Skyline 50k. Friends had talked about it and ran it last year, and I needed a 50k for my training schedule, it worked out perfectly on my calendar. I had only participated in one other Scena Performance race, the Calistoga Scramble in 2015 (had a great time too) so I was looking forward to this race. Bryan Wyatt is such a nice man, very easy going, and I think SP races take on that vibe. If you are looking for a lot of fanfare, this race does not come with a lot of hoopla. You don’t get a medal at the finish, but you do get a tech shirt, and they give you a nice cloth bag (handy for carrying stuff in after the race). Best of all, you get to enjoy a nice BBQ at the end of the race! I rated the swag in the middle, but in reality some people could care less about the swag, and would rather share a nice hot meal after a race. I find it very enjoyable hanging out with friends, eating BBQ, drinking, and sharing race stories.

The course was changed because of the park construction, and I REALLY enjoyed the changes. I do a lot of Brazen races out in that area, so the change was nice, especially at the end of a 50k. I very much enjoyed the Columbine trail section and seeing the lake from a different view was so nice. I really liked the course changes and I hope they keep it for next year. You get to see some beautiful redwood trees on the French Trail, and again, the lake views are very pretty. I saw some wildlife out there as well. I will say that the course was a bit more difficult than I had expected. My watch showed over 5,000 ft of elevation and there are some very technical sections. I think the course change might have added a bit more elevation. Regardless, you should know ahead of time that there are technical sections rocks/roots. It can also get very warm in the later sections of the race if you are a back of the pack runner like myself.

Aid Stations – Phenomenal. Every aid station, course monitors, and volunteers along the way were great. I was out on the course a lot by myself and I didn’t have any issues with the markings. There were 2 areas I had to really stop and pay attention to look for footsteps, but overall, really great course markings. I also liked that they had watermelon at the aid stations and unlike a lot of other races, they never ran out! That is one of my favorite go to options at a race, and they had it available all day long. It’s the little things…that make me happy 🙂 First rate aid stations.

I had an overall great race. I ran the first 25 miles for pace training, and finished the last section of the race with a friend. I’m hoping to do this one again next year!

I really look forward to this race every year. What I like most about this race is that you can do anywhere from a 5k to ??? For folks just getting into trail running, this course is on the easier side, and you get some nice views mixed in there too. There are morning and afternoon 5k/10k races, relays and individual races in the mix. I run the 6 hour relay, and then spend the next 6 hours cheering, crewing and harassing my friends 🙂 I bring a canopy, chairs, ice chest and make it a fun day. This year the BBQ was really good, and the Aid Stations are always top notch. The end of the 12 hour race is very exciting to watch too.

If you are contemplating running your first ultra distance race, I would highly suggest this race for your first.

Baz has finished his last year as Race Director of SOTG. I wasn’t really sure if I should do this race, coming off of a surgery, but I didn’t want to miss Baz and his shenanigans, and last hurrah!

SOTG starts at Fish Camp, 5,000 ft of elevation. It is close to Yosemite and the scenery is gorgeous. This year I decided to get the full experience and stay at the dorms instead of a hotel. The dorm was $20 a night, and very comfortable. The roommates in my dorm had some issues. Anger issues to be exact. It was kind of crazy, but we all ended up starting and finishing the race. I don’t think this is the norm, but if figures my dorm would have the issue. I would probably stay in the dorms again, but there is something to be said for having your own privacy at a hotel. There were a few people who camped out or car camped. So, that is an option too. The ladies bathroom and showers are not close to the dorms, so it is important to bring a headlamp or flashlight with you. Mosquitoes were really bad this year, so be prepared for that too! Friday night dinner is always nice. I think it is worth the money, and not having to worry about where to eat the night before the race, is a plus. I like getting up there the night before, but I did have a friend show up the morning of! Pre-race instructions are given the night before. Baz is a riot, and you never know what is going to come out of his mouth next. I have no idea what the new RD will be like, but Nathan was there, and Baz has high hopes for his taking over the race next year.

Okay, about the race. It is VERY low-key. If you are expecting a lot of fanfare and extravagance, this is not going to be the race for you. You do get a shirt and bib (I was lucky to get mine autographed by Baz) no medals. The post race awards, they give out glasses and prizes. They also have a 20k “fun run”, no bibs were given, as they were not timed. I opted for the early start because I really wasn’t sure what to expect with my time this year. There were quite a few of us this year, starting early at 6am. Last year it was a lot warmer out. This year was perfect weather. The only downside to the cooler weather is that the mosquitoes were bad. Really bad. I am so glad I thought to bring repellent with me this year. The race course is a variation of fire road, gravel, pavement, lovely single-track, river crossing, and technical/rocky terrain. You also get amazing views and the course runs through the Shadow of the Giants. 3,000 year old, gorgeous Sequoias! Baz is known for changing up the course a bit every year, but you always go through SOTG.

The Aid Stations are spread out nicely, there is one area that is a bit of a stretch, but Baz warns you about that in the pre-race information so you are prepared for that. We did have a surprise this year. There was an “unofficial” AS located about mile 20. They had everything out there for us, I mean everything. :0) I didn’t partake in some of the more popular drinks, but the music and energy from that AS was fantastic. It was fun.

One thing I really like about this course is the last couple of miles are single-track with really nice, soft trails. You can hear the people at the finish, and it just has such a nice gradual descent to the finish area, that it makes it an easy finish (for me). There is always one or two trees you have to climb over before the finish and that makes for some funny photos if you can catch someone trying to get over the trees on tired legs.

I like using this race as training run, it is the perfect elevation to help kick start my ultra season. If you have not done this race, you should at least try it once. I don’t think there is another race out there like it, or at least that I am aware of. I am planning on going next year, mainly to see what the changes will be with the regime change. I sure hope Baz is there, he really is a legend.

I ended up finish about 20 minutes slower than last year. I was happy with a finish, and will maybe try for a PR next year!

One of the few road races I do, and look forward to every year. This year was no exception. I usually end up going to this race by myself, but there is so much going on, and groups to meet up with, it isn’t a problem traveling alone. The weather was amazing this year!

The 10k course is great, it runs mostly through the parks. The HM course does take you outside of the parks, but it is still so much fun because the Red Hat Society Ladies had over 700 women out there lined up on the streets of Anaheim this year. There are also a lot of people out there cheering because it is Mother’s Day Weekend. The AS were awesome this year, the kids do a great job at volunteering. High School Bands, are out there as well. There are not as many props or photo opps I take advantage of at this race, as compared to the Star Wars races.

Great swag, the shirts and medals are always awesome.

Only negative I can think of is that they changed this race to Mother’s Day Weekend, and it isn’t the best weekend for a race! My kids are grown, but if I had small children, it might be difficult. Some people complain about the course being crowded, but fortunately I am in the earlier corrals, so I don’t notice it as much?

I like this race because of the views! When I’m in shape, this race can be one of my better performances (because this is one of the easier half marathons Brazen puts on). The shirt and medal were awesome this year! I’d recommend this race for anyone who wants to get introduced into trail running, or to get a PR. I had a lot of fun running with a friend, enjoying the views. I’m definitely doing this race year after year, for as long as I can 🙂

Chabot is one of the easier Brazen half marathons for me, and it has always been a fun race for me. This was my first time doing the early start, as I was trying to get back into the swing of things after a period off of running. Course markings were perfect for the early hiker start. Aid Stations are setup perfectly for this race, and the medals (mega-medal) is always a nice surprise. I also love being there to see the Brazen Streakers get their special numbers, and recognition. It is usually very cold getting there early to see the presentations, but worth braving the weather to participate in the festivities. This is one race I’ve also had family join me because the 5k is an easy one and the 10k not to bad either.

This is still a great race, with beautiful trails, and views. The Kid’s race is fantastic to watch, and the medal this year…OMG! It was actually fuzzy like an actual tarantula. They have real tarantula’s you can touch and hold at one of the tables. Let me know how that works out for you 🙂 The props, and costumes, thanks to the awesome volunteers, are so much fun and if you have kids that you want to introduce to participating in a race, this is one you should definitely put on your calendar for next year! The end of the course was just as tough for me this year, but I’m coming back for more!

I still think this race is one of the toughest Brazen Racing has on their calendar. Since Double Dipsea was added, maybe top 3 or 4 toughest? I have gotten slower over the past few years, but my love for these trails hasn’t diminished. This race covers a wide variety of landscape, terrain, and wildlife. If you ever want to get some quality hiking in, these trails will not disappoint. The heat and tough climbs is what makes this race a doozy. The AS are setup in really great locations, and the course is well marked! There are a lot of turns on this course, but they do a great job of keeping us all on track. The medal this year was so beautiful! It is one of my all time favorites. The views you see on the HM course…well, you just need to come out for the 2016 race and see for yourself. Oh, and It’s It Ice Cream tastes like heaven at the end of this one!

…and Mt. Rainier was a no show! I tend to pick more difficult trail races for my first attempts! I had family in WA, and the photos I had seen of the race from previous years, had me convinced this was going to be one beautiful race. The race of my life, I thought. I chose the WR50 mile race, because this was the year I was turning the big Five-Oh. 50 miler for 50 years sounded so logical at the time. My Aunt was an ultra runner, so she and my Uncle were my Crew, and they were AWESOME. I had friends that were there as well! The day before the race we went to the pre-race dinner, and the weather was looking pretty bad. Rain was predicted. I could not believe my luck, but Mt. Rainier decided to hide behind rain clouds. All we could do was hope that we would at least get a glimpse at some point. Uh, not so much. The day was rainy, and it pretty much rained non-stop for the first 6 hours, and then off and on until the finish. We never saw the mountain! The AS at mile 27 is where I lost sight of my friend that I had started the race with. I was fighting cutoffs from mile 27, once I realized my friend had continued on, until I got to the finish. The AS were really great, and my Crew was the best of the best, but I was sad that I was not able to stay with the friend I started the race with. Needless to say, I ran the last 2 legs of the race on my own. There is so much to say about this race that was positive for me personally, but it really was a tough race. I’m not going to sugarcoat this one. I’ve never fought for a finish like I did the WR50. The race organization was really great, with the exception, there were people who were being told they could continue on at Sun Top, and people who were supposedly told they could not. I even saw a few people taking a shortcut, which was a bummer because some people were held back and couldn’t continue on. I’m not sure if it was the volunteers fault, but there was some confusion at one of the final AS. I was given good information, I’m just going by what I was told. I was lucky enough to get to the final cutoff with about 5 minutes to spare. The last 6 miles of this race are really tough, tougher than it looks on a map or elevation chart. They tell you this ahead of time, how technical it is, but you really need to experience it for yourself 🙂 Even with the tough conditions, I am so glad that I did this race. I’d like to go back one day and get a better time, but a finish is a finish. I was pretty out of it by the time 14 hours had passed, so I don’t remember a lot about the finish area, but the volunteers were really good to me, and I was able to spend time with family I had not seen in a long time. Honestly, anytime I can have family and friends with me at a race, it is all good! I don’t know that I would recommend this race as a first try for a 50 miler, but most of us are a bit nuts, and you will probably ignore this bit of advice anyway! Maybe the next time I give a review for WR50, it will be with photos of a mountain, that I am pretty sure is really out there somewhere!

I did this marathon about 25 years ago, my 1st marathon. To say the least, it has changed. Back then, we had water and oranges at the AS, no medal, shirt only (that I still own)! Now, not only did we receive a nice shirt, but all marathoners received a bag, bandana, and medal – score! My DIL was looking for a race for her 1st marathon, and I mentioned this one to her, and we decided to do it together. IMHO, this is a bucket list race, because of the Giant Redwoods. Well, I should say we started together, she is much faster than this old gal. The scenery is just as gorgeous as it was years ago, but the course is ever better. They have added half marathon distance, they used to only have the marathon. That allows more people out on the course, but the way they have mapped the course, is very nice. The marathoners spend part of the race, the first 13.1 miles, going out and back on mostly paved road. The course arrangement; you are only with the other marathoners until you loop back around to finish the next 13.1 miles. They split the half and full participants up, but then, you are able to still see friends and family that are running the half marathon, or finishing up their full (depending on their pace) as you make your way along the 2nd part of the course. The old redwoods are so pretty; majestic. I think they do the best they can to bring all distances through the prettiest part of the course. The AS are well stocked. Especially in comparison to the oranges and water eons ago-LOL! Unless I missed something, Gu was only given out at the 13.1 mark, they actually have volunteers standing there handing out one gel packet, per marathoner. The AS had plenty of food, but if you eat gels, just be aware of this. The volunteers at the 20 mile mark…amazing! I stopped to take video of them, with their instruments. I wish I could find that video it was so much fun. I pulled my calf muscle when I stopped abruptly at mile 20 to take said fun video, but it could have also been because I had just finished the Diablo 50k the week before. Regardless, even though I ended up having to walk part of the last 6 miles, I still really enjoyed the race. How can you not, when you have the beauty of the redwoods distracting you, right? I think the only negative feedback, is that by the time some of us slower folks got to the finish area, the food was pretty pathetic looking. They did have food available when I got there at 5 hours. I think it was tortilla wraps with PB&J, and bananas, but it had been sitting out for a long time, and did not look very appetizing. Another thing that happened (It didn’t bother me personally), but I know friends were disappointed that they took down the finish arch early. So, they were a bit confused coming through the finish area because the arch was already taken down. For folks coming in later, (around the 6 hour range), they didn’t have food available. The course is gently rolling hills, mostly paved, and although there is tree coverage, it can get very warm out there. The mornings typically start out cool, maybe even foggy, but the fog burns off and it can get downright hot. I think I get so spoiled with Brazen Racing that I sometimes forget that not all race organizations spoil their race participants. That is the only reason I think my rating isn’t as high as some of my other reviews. Scenery makes it totally worth it. Considering the price of some of the races these days, this is a deal, and I am signed up again for 2016!

Photos: My 1st AOTG finish (with my sons in the 80’s), 2015 finish with my beautiful and speedy DIL, photo of some of the redwoods coming into the final stretch, and the swag.

This race can be a bit cold, so dress accordingly. Brazen puts on a great race, and if you are new to trail running, or racing, this is a good one to start with. It isn’t too technical, but you know you are on a trail 🙂 Some climbs, and it can be slippery in areas, but most of the hills are runnable.

My first Summit Rock experience was interesting. I took a face plant at mile 8, and needed help at the next AS. The runners were so helpful and the AS volunteers took great care of me. This is a tough course, but so beautiful. You have to watch out for roots and rocks, but the trail is soft (when your face isn’t hitting it). This was my first AG medal with Brazen, so this will always be a special race for me. Cannot wait to do this one again!

My second time running this race, and it was just as enjoyable the second time. I love the views on this course, but you do have to do a bit of climbing 🙂 River crossing may or may not have water, but the trails are technical enough to make this a challenge (as the name suggests) and the fact that there is a portion that goes to saving Mt. Diablo makes this race a winner! The AS and volunteers are amazing, as usual. Brazen Racing is top notch when it comes to making sure their races have everything you could need, and 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!

Yes, there really are wild pigs sighted! This race was tough for me because I suffered from blisters, and it was kind of dusty too. Other than that, I really did enjoy this race. It is not the toughest race I’ve done with Brazen, but it was a nice challenge for me. Great volunteers (as usual), great food, great swag and although the weather is hot that time of year, there are some shady areas out on the course. This is a must do, at least once!!!

Plenty of AS along the way (5), and if you are looking for an easy trail race, this is it. It runs along the shoreline, and the weather was nice. I prefer trails with more variation and climbs, but I did enjoy having a faster HM pace in comparison to the other Brazen races. I like that this course is out and back too, so you can see your friends and give them a high-five along the way 🙂

Chabot is a very popular place to have trail races. It is not too difficult, and you get to see some really pretty views. This is a good time of year for this race, as it usually isn’t as hot as some of the other races going on in the month of July. Eucalyptus trees are one of my favorite, and there is plenty to enjoy during this race. AS are located perfectly for this course, and if you go to Brazen Racing’s website, you will see how awesome the swag is!

It is hard for me to review this race because all I can really remember is being miserable because of blisters, and my DIL running me into the finish. I think she might have been a bit worried about this old gal finishing 🙂 This is not an easy race, but it shares trails with another race I really love that Brazen does later in the year. The trails are pretty, but there are some steep climbs and the heat can be kind of tough in the more exposed areas. Loved the bling for this one!

This is another favorite, and I had a blast with my daughter out on this course. There are some tough climbs, but there are enough rolling hills that it felt “easier” than I thought it was going to be. The weather was perfect, and I truly enjoyed the beautiful views. I LOVED the shirt/medal. This is just an overall great race.

This was the first time running this course with Brazen, second time overall. I think this is one of the easier races Brazen puts on. I really enjoyed running over the bridge, and it has some nice views. If I remember correctly, it can get a bit congested on a small part of the trail when all of the runners are out there. I would say this is an overall nice race.

I’m so glad Brazen took this race over, I loved this race! The Kid’s scramble was so cute, and the swag for this race was so much fun. This race is closer to home, so I’m kind of biased, but the Los Vaqueros views along with Mt. Diablo view, makes this a favorite. I gave this course a 4/5, not because of the elevation or it being technical, but because at one point you come so close to the finish of the race, only to find out that you still have a ways to go! I’d rather go further out on the course, than hear Sam calling out finishers when I’m still slugging along 🙂 Other than that, this is really one race I will look forward to every year from now on.

My DIL talked me into doing this race since it was so close to home. My first official trail race, and first race with Brazen Racing. I’m totally spoiled now. I had friends and family join me and we all had a blast. This is a tough course, it kicked my butt, but I’m totally hooked! There are beautiful views of Mt. Diablo, historical Black Diamond Mines, Contra Loma, Rose Cemetery, and more! Lark is no joke, but at least that climb is in the beginning of the race. I was pleasantly surprised at how well the AS were stocked and when we got to the finish, they even had It’s-It ice cream waiting for us. Brazen Racing is the best of the best.