Angel Island 12K and 25K Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Alisa B.
Pleasanton, CA

  (08-29-2010)

"First of all, I have to say that I had a blast. The venue is beautiful, the weather was great and the ferry ride was just beautiful.

What bothered me post-race was the realization that many people took the shortcut along the fire trail, rather than running the complete 12k. I met several people before the race, and I started ahead of them in the pack. They never passed me on the course, yet half a dozen were waiting at the finish line. None of us knew how that was possible until we checked the map and realized that they never did the Northridge and Sunset trails to the peak.

I'd never done a trail race before and wasn't running for time (I stopped along the way to take pictures, so speed wasn't my primary concern), but when the results came out today I was suddenly bothered by my below average performance, and wondering what the real average time was for runners who did the full course without the shortcut. "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Brett M.
San Francisco, CA

  (03-13-2010)

"Envirosports puts this race on three or four times a year, and for good reason, its a great race. Not only is the race oraganized and run well, but it is one of the most beautiful locations for a race anyone can think of. You start the day checking in and jumping on a ferry to Angel Island so you can't be late. Angel Island is in the San Francisco Bay with Marin on one side, and San Francisco on the other. One switchback at the top of the first hill you come to a clearing where the trees upen up, and you almost want to stop and admire the incredible view, but alas, there is a race to run.

The trails are well maintained, and drain very well with the exception of a few spots. A rain storm blew threw the day before, and the only remnants from it were a few mud-spots, and a down tree limb. Half the course is on single-track trails, so be aware of who is ahead and behind and listen for instructions from other runners wanting to pass.
"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Liz M.
Oakland, CA

  (10-20-2009)

"It was tough because the run was after the fire on Angel Island, so it wasn't the typical course. Overall, though, a good event."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2008

Cynthia L.
Sacramento, CA

  (08-29-2009)

"You may have heard of Alcatraz Island in the San Francisco Bay. But if in the area, it\'s worth a trip to beautiful but perhaps lesser-known Angel Island, the largest island in the Bay.

My husband and I ran the Enviro-Sports 12K on the Island. Included in the cost of the event is a ferry ride to and from Angel Island out of Tiburon. We arrived early and caught the first of two ferries specifically for the runners and their families. Then, we had an hour wait for the race. Note to future runners: Bring a sweatshirt.

We ran on either singletrack or fireroads. Climbs on the run were steady, not too steep, and the views of the Bay were worth it. Ribbons kept on us course. We had to carry our own water, as there were no aid stations (nor were there mile markers). The 25K runners did two loops of the same course, so we had to watch out for runners heading up the singletrack as we were coming down the last mile or so.

This was my first trail race and I would definitely recommend it! "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009