Bear Creek Trail Half Marathon/10K/5K - Winter Edition Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Kathy D.
San Francisco, CA

  (03-29-2010)

"I LOVE Brazen Racing! Bear Creek was my 4th race with them, and I have done more Brazen races since then.

Of the several Brazen races I have run, I chose to review this one because it was the most challenging races I have ever done. It was already a challenge with the steep hills, but that's just on a nice day. It rained heavily the night before and the forecast called for more rain during the race. Fortunately, it did not rain on race day. Unfortunately, the rain the night before created a lot of mud on the course. If the course wasn't slippery like ice, it was soft and deep like quick sand. I got my shoes stuck in the mud several times. Runners were falling in the mud and having fun. My goal was to finish the race without falling down, no matter how long it took me. Though I almost slipped many times, I succeeded in finishing mud-free many hours later. Tip: If you want to finish quicker, then let yourself fall in the mud. Once you get muddy, you don't care if you fall again. Being cautious like me is time-consuming.

Pros (true of all Brazen races):
(1) Gender-specific tech shirts - I wear all of my Brazen shirts. They actually fit me and have nice designs and colors.
(2) Medals for everybody, regardless of whether you do the 5K, 10K, or Half Marathon - I run for the hardware, and I now have a healthy collection of Brazen medals that continues to grow.
(3) Gobs of food - You will not leave this race hungry. I've seen Krispy Kreme donuts, pies, muffins, bagels, fruit, candy, granola bars, pretzels, gummy bears, and anything else you can think of at the food table.
(4) Organized race - The website tells you everything you need to know before the race. The course maps are available online. Website gives you specific directions to the entrance to where the race starts, so you're not driving around wondering which park entrance to go through. You can pick up your packet early at Fleet Feet or pick up the morning of. Day of pick up is very quick. You get in a line to get your bib, then you get in another line to get your timing chip, and finally, you get in a final line to get your race shirt and goody bag. Also, Sam, the race organizer, listens to your feedback and implements your suggestions in his next race.
(5) Beautiful trails - Course is easy (not technical) for first time trail runners, and it's iPod friendly. The hillier the course, the more beautiful it is because you can see for miles when you're running on higher ground. Very peaceful and calming. If you're not a runner, then that's okay because many hikers participate, too. The course is also easier on your legs than road races. They are well-marked with different color ribbons for the 5K/10K/Half so it's difficult to get lost. Tip: The mile markers are not exact and at times, not even approximate. Go by your Garmin instead. They do warn you before the race about the mile marker placements, but don't be surprised if you see mile 13, but don't reach the finish line for another mile.
(6) Volunteers are super fantastic - Brazen and their volunteers make you feel like part of the family. You see the same faces at registration, at the aid stations, or on the patrol bikes. The volunteer photographers take tons of pictures, stalking you like the papparazzi. I was amazed by the volunteers at the aid station at the top of the first muddy hill. They had to climb that same dreaded hill we did to set-up the aid station, but they carried tables, water, gatorade, and snacks up the hill with them. When I got to that aid station, the volunteers had mud up to their knees. They shouted "Great Job, Runners" as if what we did was more impressive than what they did.
(7) More medals - Yes, I mentioned medals earlier, but because not too many people run the Half Marathon distance, it's easier to place in your age group. They give medals 3 deep in each age group so your chances of placing is pretty good. Even a slow runner like me has gotten an age group medal.

Cons:
I really can't think of any. Even with the mud, it was a lot of fun. Sure, it felt more like a survival course than a trail run, but at least we got some war stories out of it."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Holly .
Concord, CA

  (03-23-2010)

"I ran the 10k during the summer of the previous year in 90+ degree temps. The winter edition was much more fun with plenty of mud for those looking to get down & dirty. I was in the front of the pack and a group of us missed the turn off point running an extra 3/4 mile through deep cow patty laden mud. If you're afraid of a little manure, I suggest you find another race! All in all, a great race on a beautiful course with tasty treats at the finish. You really can't beat Brazen's medals; they're some of the best out there. "

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2010