Golden Bearathlon Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

matt l.
Moraga, CA

  (04-07-2010)

"I love this course and hence the reason for the 5 star review. My 5 star headline should have an asterisk by it however.

You see, there were shortcomings.

There were no splits for transitions so it is a little hard to gauge how you did in each individual event.

There also was also less \"TLC\" from the race management - you were more on your own with this one than traditionally I see in these Olympic Triathlons (e.g. you had to be sure your T1 area was completely cleaned up and packed away before heading off on your bike).

The run was also shorter than I remember it previously. I\'m not sure why and it really does not matter.

But the race is under new management this year and I can forgive these shortcomings. I suspect next year will be better.

This race should be done because it is one of the most beautiful and challenging Olympic distance triathlons available. The bike and run are all about conquering the hills.

It is also fun because its a college triathlon event and there is a lot of that energy pervading the performance and the cheers along the course.

There was bad luck because there has been some late rain and a freak cold spell coincident with the race date but this race will be one of the first I sign up for again next year."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2010

matt l.
Moraga, CA

  (06-28-2009)

"Awesome race. Great course. Incredibly enthusiastic crowds and participants. A great way to start the triathlon season"

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

Kevin H.
Berkeley, CA

  (06-15-2009)

"A pretty unique race with a lot of challenges, risks and rewards. The 2 lap swim made for some pretty cool action shots as you ran baywatch style along the beach. The bike was technical at first and hilly later on but the road was super smooth and wide so it made for more excitement. The race definitely has that feel like its taking place in the middle of a nature preserve. The run was hilly but had a nice view of the entire valley.

The weather was unseasonably chilly which made for a slow T1 getting jackets going but everything warmed up 5 miles into the bike. The split transition thing seems complicated but somehow everything worked out fine and the great volunteers had my bag ready for me as I pulled into T2.

What really made this race special was the energy given by the collegiate athletes from Cal, Davis, Cal Poly, UCSB, etc. 150+ of them were competing for team awards and a warm-up for conference champs later that spring.

The Cal triathlon team does a great job managing the volunteering and cheerleading. I'll be back next year."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

Brett M.
San Francisco, CA

  (05-13-2009)

"My review may be better if the freak cold front hadn't blown in the day before this race. It wasn't raining as forecast, but the water (55 degrees) was warmer than open air (45 degrees) a the start!

The race starts at Lake Anza in Tilden Park. This is a nice, clean, but small lake, and the two laps go by quickly. I don't think it was the .9 miles listed.

One drawback to this race is the multiple transition areas, since you have to pack up your stuff before leaving on your bike. It just makes setting up transition more important. Leaving Tilden Park, you head down a big hill (Make sure you either ride or drive the bike course before the race, this one is hairy) and around the San Pablo and Briones Reservoirs. This ride is very scenic and includes the 3 Bears climbs. Some people noted that some road renovations made the ride that much better.

The run is an out (nearly all uphill) and back (nearly all downhill), fire trail. Due to rain, it was very sloppy, so plan the shoes accordingly. Some trail shoes that shed mud better, may have been appropriate. Under dry conditions, this run would have been amazing."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009