The Great Race of Agoura Hills Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Alison S.
Tyngsboro, MA

  (04-01-2010)

"The Cheseboro half marathon was such an amazing experience. It was well organized from the minute I entered Agoura Hills from crossing the finish line. It was a great atmosphere and everyone was so happy to be there. I really liked that the event had more than one race option, because I was able to convince some friends to run their first 10k while another friend of mine and I ran the half. I could not believe how beautiful the course was. Maybe I'm partial towards terrain of this type because I love XC but this truly was something special. I was expecting tougher hills in the middle of the race but they didn't really kick in til you basically climbed a mountain at mile 8/9 ish. It was tough but was followed by a wonderful downhill. I just thouroughly enjoyed this half marathon. I know my time would have been faster had the course been less challenging but I'd still do it again in a heartbeat. I LOVED the post race give aways and basically its a runner's fair, that you can't help but enjoy. Not to mention the day was flawless weather wise. All around "Great Race" ....quite literally!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Dave A.
Las Vegas, NV

  (03-29-2010)

"Cheseboro Half Marathon review: Five stars but VERY challenging Half.

The course was well marked and the volunteers were all friendly. You'll probably want to bring a hydration belt as there aren't many water stations. I think they were at 1 1/2, 3, 6 and 10 miles. The goodie bags contained some stuff you want. (Cliff bars and some discounts.) The Tech shirt is nice but they’re mens sizes so women take that into consideration when requesting a shirt size. The finish area was set up with a lot of booths and free sports drinks from several vendors including Myoplex to recharge after the race. Dole the major sponsor gave out bananas oranges and fruit cups.

Great race but MAN ...this was a VERY CHALLANGING HALF. It should be advertised more as a half marathon length trail run or adventure run for it's very challenging hills, not nearly enough of a heads up was given to that. Be prepared for a slow finish time, go run on steep hiking trails to prepare. You'll be glad you did. Training on roads won't be of much use, they just won't be steep enough. I know I will train on trails before running this race again... but I will run it again. I figure the challenging nature of the course cost me about five minutes or more. As a gauge I run about a 9 minute pace typically, so five minutes is a lot.

I train over 25 miles a week including more often than not a 13 mile run on the weekend. I had to fast walk up much of the course. Saying miles 6-8 are hilly would be an unbelievable understatement. They were mountainous...Hills were unbelievably tall.

1,200 runners started and after the first half mile things spread out and you weren't too crowded. The first three miles on city streets were just fine. Tight turns made for some bunching up. Trails started wide for first mile, good shape and easy to pass. Quickly turned rutted and rock strewn (big ankle snapping river rocks and numerous big roots to navigate over with a few one to two foot drop offs in the trail where dry river beds crossed, you really had to keep your head down and place every footfall to avoid injury. That being said I saw no one turn an ankle and only one or two close calls. (someone would step wrong and their ankle would turn a little but they didn't go down or come up lame because of it.)

The trail narrows to single lane very tight no passing areas still rutted and rock strewn. This will further impact your time because if you’re behind someone who slows down passing involves waiting for a slight widening of the trail then shooting past elbow to elbow.

Personal gripe: Many runners had earphones in and were listening to music so they couldn’t tell if there was someone right behind them trying to pass. Because the trail is rutted and narrow, the tendency is to run right down the middle. They should really ban the headphones on this one. If you’re running with headphones, be a sport and take one out for this part of the run. When you hear someone on your heels give them room when possible.

After the downhill start (first ¼ mile) the first three miles are relatively flat to slightly uphill. Miles 4 through five are uphill to steeply uphill on a wide trail, challenging but not crazy. Miles 6 to 8 were a goat trail going up the side of a very steep hill, and most people, myself included, walked a good portion of this part. Mile 8 to 10 were steep downhill then downhill then flat. The steep parts you had to lean back and "brake" to keep from running out of control, pretty jarring. Once you got to the flat you ran through some patches of sandy dirt and then there was one last "steep" hill at around mile 10 before going back onto the pavement. The last three miles are back on the streets for a mostly downhill finish where you’ll be trying to make up for lost time. One small uphill just before the finish line but it feels a little steeper since it’s at around mile 13. Look for the inflatable red finish line when you’re finishing mile 13 for a mild pump and to gauge your kick to try and pick off a couple runners at the finish.

Again I loved the race but it was WAY hard and you’ll want to add trail running on steep terrain to your training if you want to be prepared for this one.
"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Clayton B.
Stevenson Ranch, CA

  (03-27-2010)

"The Chesebro Half Marathon is mixture of road and trail with a moderate amount of elevation gain. It is the perfect introduction to trail racing. Not much crowd support but you are always around other runners."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2010

Michelle .
Corona, CA

  (03-27-2010)

"The course is tougher than I thought it would be, but very scenic- just be sure to include hills in your training. Most of the volunteers weren't too enthusiastic, and there were very few spectators, but that wasn't a big deal. Packet pick-up was simple and quick. The post-race expo was great- lots of vendors and samples. I'd do this one again in a heartbeat. "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010