2016 Trail Racing Calendar for the San Francisco Bay Area

Not all races have been confirmed. As of this publishing the 2nd half of 2016 has some fairly spotty information. Some websites may not be available yet. Most races are likely based on past history. If your trail race is not listed contact Jonathan This calendar will be updated throughout the year. Monthly calendars that are more detailed will still be published every month. See you on the trails!!!

Fun Fact: The 2015 calendar received well over 10,000 visits...Thanks!!!!

November 2015 Trail Racing Calendar for the San Francisco Bay Area

See the complete 2015 calendar here

A few months ago I regarded November as a light month for races. I had about 10 on my list and that's half as many races as almost any other month. As November drew closer I searched for any trail runs I may have missed. I found 3 more races to add to the calendar giving us a total of 13 races to choose from in November. Theirs quite a bit of diversity to choose from including a few Thanksgiving themed trail runs like the brand new Gobble Wobble in El Sobrante.

October trail races in the Bay Area

see the full 2015 calendar here

The weather is turning fast and the heat wave of early September is fading fast. The trails are covered with a few extra leaves and we can finally go for a run without carrying 10 gallons of water with us! It's almost October and we have a really nice selection of races at every distance. I think a few of these are very close to selling out due to popular demand vs trail permit limits (Honeybadger!). Looks like PCTrails is re-branding their Stinson Beach event as the Eldrith Gosney Pure Ultra in honor of the 74 year old Bay Area trail running legend. REI (the retailer) is holding an event in Marin. The Sonoma Trail Marathon is an event I am unfamiliar with so if anyone runs this one I would love to here about it.

October

October 3rd- Pacifica Summit Run- 10k, Half Marathon, 30k, 50k- San Redro Valley State Park, Pacifica
October 4th- Montclaire 5k
October 3rd- Rocky Ridge- Ultra Half Series Championship, Half Marathon, 10k, 5k- Read my review from 2014
October 3rd- Sonoma Trail Marathon- Marathon, Half Marathon, 5k fun run
October 10th- Dick Collins Firetrails 50- 50mi
October 10th- Golden Hills Marathon- Berkeley
October 10th- Skyline to the Sea- Marathon & 50k-  Read my review from 2013
October 11th- Honey Badger- 5k, 10k, Half Marathon- China Camp State Park, San Rafael
October 17th- Los Vaqueros Tarantula Run- Half Marathon, 10k, 5k, Kids Scramble
October 17th- Oakland Hills Run- 35k, Half Marathon, 10k
October 17th- REI Run Series: Marin Headlands- 10k, 5k
October 18th- Coyote Ridge Trail Run- 50k, Marathon, 20mi, 10mi, 7mi
October 24th- Eldrith Gosney's Pure Ultra- 50k, 36k, Half Marathon, 11k

October 25th- Napa Wine Country Marathon, Half Marathon & 10k
October 31st- Zombie Runner Halloween Run- Marathon, Half Marathon, 5mi
October 31st- Stinson Beach Marathon, Half Marathon & 7 mi

September 2015 Trail Racing in the San Francisco Bay Area

See the full 2015 Calendar HERE

September

September 5th- Zoom Point Pinole- Half, 10k, 5k
September 5th- Palo Alto Weekly's Moonlight Run- 10k, 5k
September 5th- TRAIL HOG- HALF MARATHON/10K/5K- Read my review from 2014
September 6th- Annadel Loop- 7mi- Annadel State Park, Santa Rosa
September 12th- Night Sweats- Marathon, 15k
September 12th- Fall Showdown- Half Marathon, 5mi, 5k
September 13th- Golden Gate Park Open Cross Country (part of PAUSATF XC GP)- 4mi
September 12th/13th- Headlands Hundred 100mi, 75mi, 50mi, Marathon- Marin Headlands, GGNRA
September 13th- Diablo Trail Run- 50k, Marathon, Half Marathon, 10mi, 4mi- Mt Diablo
September 13th- Whistle Punk Half- Half Marathon- Purissma Creek Redwoods, San Mateo County
September 14th- Lagoon Valley- 30k,Half Marathon, 10k, 5k, kids 1/2 mile
September 19th- DRAG-N-FLY -Half Marathon, 10k, 5k- Read my review from 2014
September 19th- Race4Life- 5k- Pleasanton
September 20th- Coastal 50k- Marin Headlands, GGNRA
September 20th- Garin Trail Running Festival- Half Marathon, 10k, 5k- Hayward
September 25th- Marin Moonlight Run- 5k, 10k - Hamilton Marshes, Novato
September 26th- Dipsea Hike for Zero Breast Cancer- 6mi- Marin Headlands, GGNRA
September 26th- Berkeley Trail Adventure- 50k, 35k, Half Marathon, 10k Read my review from 2013- Tilden Park, Berkeley
September 26th- Garin Park Cross Country Challenge- 5k- Haywatd
September 27th- Big Sur Trail Marathon, Half Marathon & 5mi
September 27th- Lindley Meadow Cross Country- 5K- San Francisco

Special Mention:
SAN DIEGO AREA
September 19th- Carmel Valley Trail 10k & 5k

August 2015 Trail Racing Calendar for the San Francisco Bay Area





August Trail Races in 2015

See the full 2015 calendar here

• August 1st- Summer Breeze- Half Marathon, 10k, 5k- San Leandro Marina
• August 2nd- Santa Cruz- 30k, Half Marathon, 10k- Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Felton
• August 2nd- Tick Trailblaze- Half, 10k, 5k- Huddart Park, Woodside- Read my review from 2014- First 10 people to sign up here recieve $10 discount with code SFTRAILS
• August 2nd- Presidio Cross Country 5k- Julius Kahn Playground, San Francisco
• August 8th- Skyline 50- 50k- Lake Chabot, Castro Valley
• August 9th- Crystal Springs- 50k, Marathon, 22mi, Half Marathon, 10k- Huddart Park, Woodside Read my review from 2013
• 
  

  

  Save $$$ and support Lyme Disease Research!!!
  Use offer code SFTrails at checkout

  August 15th- Bear Creek- Half Marathon, 10k, 5k- Briones Regional Park, Martinez
• August 15th- Cinderella Trail Run- 50k, Marathon, 30k, Half Marathon, 10k- Joaquin Miller Park, Oakland
• August 22nd- Bill Flodberg Mount Madonna Challenge- 30k, 18k, 12k, 6k- Spring Lake Picnic Area, Gilroy
• August 23rd- Coastal Trail Challenge- 10k- Little Marina Green, San Francisco
• August 29th- Tamalpa Headlands 50k- Muir Beach- SOLD OUT- Waiting List Available
• August 29th- Toro- 5k, 10k, Half Marathon, 30k- Toro County Park, Salinas
• August 29th- Annual Almaden Hills Run- Half Marathon, 10k, 5kAugust 30th- Golden Gate Park Cross Country- 5k- Polo Field, San Francisco
• August 30th- Zoom Castle Rock- Half, 10k, 5k- Castle Rock Regional Park, Walnut Creek

The Tick Trailblaze is just a few weeks away!

raceroster.com/events/2015/4381/the-tick-trailblaze-5k10khalf-and-family-friendly-1k/?aff=ZM2GM
Click this link and use code SFTRAILS to get a discounted entry!!!

The Tick Trailblaze 5K/10K/Half (and Family Friendly 1K)

WHEN: SUNDAY, 8/2/15, Half Marathon starts at 9:15, 10K starts at 9:30, Family Friendly 1K & 5K starts @ 9:45
WHERE: 1100 KINGS  MOUNTAIN ROAD, HUDDART PARK, WOODSIDE, CA. 94062
COST: 5K-$35-$50, 10K-$45-$60, HALF-$75-$90

Participant Perks

All participants receive a pre-race warmup from Sweat Republic SF, epic views, awesome trails, adventure, a shot at winning the ARM sponsored ‘Silver Shoe Challenge‘, fuel from Powerbar at aid stations, post-run beverages from Hint Water, SOS Rehydrate, beers from a local microbrewery, Crunch Culture Yogurt, snacks from Mamma Chia, peanut butter pretzels, M&Ms, post-run massage from PSOAS Massage/Bodywork, and more!
We’ll even have a band playing music at the end of the race to round out this family friendly trail party!
Family Friendly 1K runners receive a Tick Trail Blaze woodallion and a Sasquatch Racing Buff.
5K/10K runners receive a Tick Trail Blaze woodallion and a Tick Trail Blaze technical shirt.
Half Marathon runners receive a Tick Trail Blaze medal (that doubles as a bottle opener) and a Tick Trail Blaze technical shirt.
Take a peek at the medals (Half marathoners) and woodallions (1K/5K/10K runners)….


Why is a Tick the event mascot?
We’re very fortunate to have The Bay Area Lyme Foundation as our race series sponsor. The Bay Area Lyme Foundation is committed to making Lyme disease easy to diagnose and simple to cure.
Lyme disease is the fastest growing vector-borne illness in the US.  It is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected backlegged tick. Most infections are caused by the nymphal form of the tick. These immature ticks are the size of a small poppy seed, allowing them to easily escape discovery.
Never done one of our races before? Check out the following video to get an idea of the awesome trails, epic views, and excellent people you will experience on race day!

TACKLE THE TRAILBLAZE!

Tune Up Run(s):

-The Tick Trailblaze Preview Run on 7/18 @ 10AM at Huddart Park in Woodside, CA.

Race Bib/Shirt Pickup Events:

TBD @ A Runner’s Mind (3575 Sacramento St.) in San Francisco, CA
TBD @ A Runner’s Mind(1111 Howard Ave.) in Burlingame, CA

Parking Procedures

There is a reasonable amount of parking at Huddart Park in Woodside. Bring cash to pay for parking. Please plan to arrive 30-45 minutes in advance to also guarantee a parking spot. Carpooling is recommended.

5k Run

5K COURSE MAP & ELEVATION CHART

10k Run

10K COURSE MAP & ELEVATION CHART

Half Marathon Run

HALF COURSE MAP & ELEVATION CHART

 

Trail Racing in the Bay Area for July 2015

July is the month of Lake Chabot & Big Basin. Both locations are having two races this month and I must say that if you've never run in Big Basin you just don't know what you're missing out on. Big miles are happening on the 11th and beautiful city views are on the 25th. Check it out!!!

• July 4th- Zoom Quarry Lakes- Half, 10k, 5k
• July 5th- Resevoir Dogs- 35k, Half Marathon, 10k, 5k
• July 11th- Dirty Dozen & Half Dozen-  -12 HOURS/6 HOURS
• July 11th- Golden Gate Trail Run- 50k, Marathon, 30k, Half Marathon, 5mi
• July 12th- Pacifica- 50k, 30k, 21k, 10k
• July 18th- Rancho Canada del Oro-  50k, 24 mi, 14 mi, 9 mi, 4.2 mi (Date not confirmed)
• July 18th- Table Rock- 27k, 10k
• July 19th SPASM Chabot Trail Run- 50k, Marathon, 30k, Half Marathon, 5mi
• July 25th- BAD BASS- Half Marathon, 10k, 5k- Lake Chabot- Read my review from 2014
• July 25th- Angel Island 12k & 25k- Tiburon Ferry Dock to Angel Island State Park
• July 25th- Berry Creek Falls- 25k, 15k,10k
• July 26th- Big Basin- 50k, Marathon, 

I'm making a come back and you're coming with me!

I've had a long lay off lately. That tends to happen from time to time when work and family get hectic for me. I thinkI have a handle on things now so I'm officially announcing my comeback and I'm looking for those of you who also want to get back on track. I got $10 bucks off for the first 10 people who want to race the Tick Trail Blaze with me in August. Doesn't matter if you want the 5k or the Half, the discount will apply. I'm feeling way out of shape so I'm going for the 10k and I'm aiming for sub 1 hour. At Huddart Park thats a pretty good goal! This race also includes a 'treasure hunt' that gives all runners a chance to win a ton of cool prizes (free race entries, Sasquatch Racing hoodies, a YEAR'S WORTH OF KETTLE CHIPS!!!, and more).Here's the details of the race and that discount code.

June 2015 trail racing calendar for the San Francisco Bay Area

See the full 2015 calendar here

• June 6th- Trail Quake- Half Marathon, 10k, 5k- Read my review from 2014
• June 6th- Lynch Canyon Trail Run- Half Marathon, 10k, 5k, Free Hike Read my review from 2014
• June 7th- The Dipsea- 7.2 mi
• June 7th- Lake Chabot Trail Challenge- Half, 5k
• June 10th- Dusk Buster- 5k
• June 13th- Calero Run- 2.8mi, 9mi, 16mi, 25k, 50k, 50mi 
• June 13th- Rodeo Valley- 50k, 30k, Half Marathon, 10k
• June 13th- San Lorenzo River- 50k, Marathon, 30k, Half Marathon, 10k
• June 20th- Double Dipsea- 14.2 mile
• June 20th- Canyon Meadow Trail Run- 50k, Marathon, 30k, Half Marathon, 5mi
• June 20th- San Francisco Summer Solstice 6, 12 & 24hr
• June 21st- Woodminster Cross Country Race- 9mi

May 2015 Trail Racing Calendar for the San Francisco Bay Area

View the full 2015 calendar here

The warm weather is definitely here to stay. Don't get me wrong, it never gets really cold here in the Bay Area but sometimes it can be in the early hours of the morning. A cold wind blowing fog up into the mountains creating a drizzly, damp chill can drain the life out of a run quickly. But that seems to be behind us now with temps in the low 50's at its coldest and usually in the upper 60's before lunch. This is perfect running and racing weather. If you are looking for an EASY course give the Western Pacific a try. If your looking for something NEW give the San Bruno Mtn Run a try. The new kids on the block, Urban Coyote Racing are responsible for that one. I'm seriously thinking about giving these guys a try. If I do I will be sure to let you know what I think of Urban Coyote Racing. If you want to see the top talent in trail running be sure to stop by the MiWok 100k in the headlands. Top tier athletes from all over come out for that one.

April trail racing in the San Francisco Bay Area

The weather certainly has been nice lately and as the weeks tick by we get offered more and more chances to get out on the trails. April has 12 trail races to choose from ranging from 5 to 50 miles. I'm going for the beer and massage offering over at the Sasquatch Scramble. Perhaps I'll see you out there. FYI, if you haven't signed up yet for the Sasquatch Scramble you may want to. It sold out last year! Speaking of sell outs, Grizzly Peak is already sold out and Lake Sonoma was sold out long ago. People are looking for races that aren't sold out and the consequence is that other races that may not normally sell out are doing just that. The trail scene is heating up for sure.

Sasquatch is growing in the Bay Area!

Sun, 4/26 @ Redwood Regional Park in Oakland

 Every year or two a new racing company sprouts up in the Bay Area and rarely do they stick around for more than a year or two (RIP NorCal Racing). Sasquatch has broke that trend by offering great routes on the classic trails of the area and creating a commnuity vibe amongst racers that is similar to what you feel at a Brazen Race. Sasquatch Racing has grown their loyal following race by race to where they now can invest some money back into the events they host starting with the Sasquatch Scramble in late April.

Big Change #1

Chip Timing!

 I recently ran a race with a long standing race company and among the MANY things they did not offer, timing was one of them. I don't mind if all you provide is a big clock at the finish but when you can't even do that I have to question if you realize the very nature of the sport you are working in. It's me versus the clock and you didn't bring the clock???? Sasquatch started out with a big clock and now they are moving into chip timing. THIS IS AWESOME. Sasquatch just moved up the list of my favorite companies to race with.

Big Change #2

Finishers Medals!

The 5k & 10k finishers at this years Sasquatch Scramble will receive the Woodallion and the Half Marathon finishers will receive the metal bottle opener medal.

I love my finishers medals but I have  A LOT!!! and that makes it difficult to display them all so I have started to only display the very cool and the unique medals (think Lynch Canyon's artistic style medals!!)  Matt Forsman (co-founder of Sasquatch) & company has really out-done themselves with these medals. I love the metal bottle opener and will run the upcoming Scramble just to get one. Afterwards I will be in the parking lot offering cash to any 5k or 10k finisher that doesn't want their Woodallion because I need a rear view mirror ornament for my new mini van. These new medals are keepers for sure. I have the 100th year Bay to Breakers, the Ultra Half Series finishers coaster, 2 handmade medals from Lynch Canyon, a few spinners and 1 click together medal for running the spring and winter US Half back to back (which can never be done again!).

Big Change #3

New Registration Platform and a chance to earn $MONEY$

 Sasquatch has teamed up with race roster for all of your registration needs. It's similar to Active.com or UltraSignUp.com in it's ease of getting you registered but it also pays you to spread the word. When you share the race to Facebook (or wherever) you get paid for people signing up off of your post. Lets put this to the test, Sign up for the Sasquatch Scramble by clicking this link raceroster.com/events/2015/4363/the-sasquatch-scramble-5k10khalf/?aff=ZM2GM and I will tell you how much money this brings in when the event is over ;-).

All of these new changes are in addition to the free Pyramid Beer, free massage from Psoas Bodywork and great Tech Tees. I hate to beat a dead horse but the well known race organizer that I spoke of earlier gave out cotton shirts (chaffing machines) and they couldn't be bothered with a start/ finish line, post race food, finishers medals or anything for that matter. It was a very expensive and yet bare bones event that left me feeling totally ripped off. Sasquatch on the other hand is cheaper and offers more than almost any other event organizer out there. The major players in the trail racing business are changing or more accurately evolving while others seem to be devolving. If you haven't tried a Sasquatch race I highly recommend you show up and experience it for yourself.

March 2015 Trail Racing Calendar for the San Francisco Bay Area

See the entire 2015 calendar here

March 2015

March 7th- Romancing the Island 12K & 25K- Angel Island via Tiburon ferry
March 7th- Sanborn Park Trail Challenge- Half Marathon, 9 mi, 4.2 mi- Sanborn Park, Saratoga

March 8th- Ilsanjo Classic 10-miler & Neo-Classic 4-miler- Howarth Park, Santa Rosa

March 14th- Badger Cove- Half Marathon, 10k, 5k- DelValle Park, Livermore- Read my review from 2014
March 14th- Zombie Runner San Francisco- 5k, 10k, Half Marathon- Golden Gate National Recreation Area, San Francisco

March 14th- Marin Ultra Challenge- 50mi, 50k, 35k, Half- Fort Baker,GGNRA, Sausalito
March 21st- Napa Valley Trail Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K SOLD OUT
March 22nd- Canyon Meadow Trail Run- 50k, Marathon, 30k, Half Marathon, 5mi- Redwood Regional Park, Oakland
March 22nd- Calero Resevoir- Marathon, Half Marathon, 9k- Calero Park, Santa Clara
March 22nd- Whiskey Hill Redwood Run- Half Marathon, 10k- Huddart Park, Woodside
March 28th- Brazen Goonies- Half Marathon, 10k, 5k- Lagoon Valley Park, Vacaville
March 30th- Golden Gate Headlands Marathon, Half Marathon & 7 Mile- GGNRA, Marin

Special Events in March

Run Rugged Trail Camp

March 27-29 2015

 Camp Monte Toyon is a beautiful camp adjacent to The Forest of Nisene Marks Redwood State Park in Aptos, California Educational clinics will include: Ultra running, Hydration, Nutrition, injury prevention, and more!! Meet and run with athletes from The North Face, GU, and Nathan. Vendors will be on hand all weekend with demonstrations and gear to try. Raffles and prizes throughout the event! Cost $349 prior to 12/31/2014 $399 after 12/31/2014 Cost includes all meals and lodging! Tentative Schedule of events: Friday 4pm til 6:30pm Welcome Reception and Camper check in at Fleet Feet Sports 7:00pm Dinner at Camp Monte Toyon 8:30 Nathan Light Up Your Night Hike to Overlook 10:00pm Lights out.....Long day ahead! Saturday 7:30am Breakfast 8:30 Seminar (TBA) 10:00am Trail Run!!! (Multiple distances and paces) 12:00 Lunch 1:30- 3:30 Seminars and group activity 4:00 Trail Run!! 7:00pm Dinner 8:30pm Campfire program Sunday 7:00 am light breakfast 7:30 am Trail run! (Multiple distances) 12:00 Lunch and departures.

Trail race calendar for the Bay Area in February

See the complete 2015 calendar here

February

February 1st- Super Guadalupe River Run- 5k, 10k- Guadalupe Gardens, San Jose (NOTE: This race says it is on "trails" which I believe are paved paths)
February 7th- China Camp Challenge- 5k, 10k, Half Marathon- China Camp State Park, San Rafael
February 8th- Golden Gate Trail Run- 50k, Marathon, 30k, Half Marathon, 5mi
February 8th- Rattle Snake Ramble- 5k, 10k, Half Marathon- Lake Chabot, Castro Valley 
February 8th- Golden Gate Bridge Vista 10k- USSSF Monument, San Francisco (NOTE: Not entirely on trails but close enough)
February 14th- Bay Breeze Half Marathon, 10k, 5k
February 21st- Chabot Trail Run- 50k, 30k, Half Marathon, 10k- Lake Chabot, Castro Valley
February 21st- Montara Mountain- 50k, Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k- Pacifica
February 28th- Hellyer- Half Marathon, 10k, 5k- Hellyer County Park, San Jose
February 28th- Woodside King's Mountain-  Half Marathon & 5 Mile- Huddart Park, Woodside- Read my review from 2014

Who's going to win the 2014 TNF 50 in San Francisco this weekend?

The Bay Area is loaded full of running talent and there is no bigger race that displays it quite as thoroughly as the North Face Endurance Challenge Championship 50 mile race. My predictions for the men's and women's podium is loaded with locals and then there are 7 other runners from the Bay Area that could easily take a podium. Take a look at the lists below and let me know who you think is going to take top honors this year. If I missed mentioning a local, please feel free to give them a shout out in the comments.

Christmas themed runs in the Bay Area 2013

Christmas time is another unique time for the sport of running. Just like Thanksgiving, runners come out of the wood work to run and volunteer at the many, many runs offered all over the Bay Area. Our sport is cool that way. We raise a ton of money for charity and we dress up in whacky costumes. We have 15 runs available to us this year including costume runs an ugly sweater run (lol) and even an underwear run! Join in the fun and support our local charities by running or volunteering at one of the following holiday themed races.

2014 calendar here

2014 Christmas themed races around the Bay Area

CHRISTMAS 2014

Sunday November 30th

• Run Wild San(ta) Francisco - 5k Run/Walk- Crissy Field- San Francisco

Saturday December 6th

• Holiday Hustle- 10k, Half, Marathon- Harvey Bear Ranch County Park, Morgan Hill
• DAM Jingle Bell Dash- 5k, 10k, Kids Dash- San Pablo Dam, Orinda
• Naughty or Nice- 5k, Kids Run- Hellyer County Park, San Jose
• Santa Skivvies Run- 1.6 mi- UN Plaza, San Francisco
• Strawberry Point School Jingle Jog - 4mi, 1mi- Strawberry Shopping Center, Mill Valley
•  Reindeer Run- 5k/ 10k- Wetlands Edge View Area Trail Head, American Canyon
• Six Flags Holiday in the Park- 5k- Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Vallejo
• Ugly Sweater Dash- 5k- Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton

Sunday December 7th

• Jingle Bell Rock- 5k- San Lorenzo Park, Santa Cruz
• Jingle Bell Run/ Walk for Arthritis- 1k, 5k- Downtown, San Rafael

Saturday December 13th

• Hark the Hearald Angels Run- 12k, 25k- Angel Island State Park, Tiburon
• The Holiday Run and Walk for Health- 10k, 3mi, 1mi, Kids Dash- Contra Loma Regional Park, Antioch

Sunday December 14th

• TiVo Santa Run Silicon Valley- 5k Run/ Walk- Santa Clara Street, between Almaden Boulevard and San Pedro Street, San Jose
• Jingle Run- 5k Run/Walk- Los Altos
• Winter RUNderland- 5k, 1 mi- Chrissy Field, San Francisco

Saturday December 20th

• Holiday Hustle- 5k, 10k- Trinity Lutheran Church, 1323 Central Ave, Alameda
• Santa's Christmas Gold Rush- 5 Mile Run, Stroll, Walk- Courtyard Marriott, Richmond

Sunday December 21st

• UjENA Christmas 5k run/walk- Hart Middle School- Pleasanton