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Pacific Coast Trail Runs Hosts “The Groves” 50k and Half Marathon ~ Memorial Park to Pescadero Creek to Sam McDonald Park
September 9th, 2023 @ 8:00am - 3:30pm
Pacific Coast Trail Runs is proud to present the 2nd Annual event in the Pescadero Creek Park Complex in San Mateo County. The inaugural event happened in 2019.
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Then CZU – Big Basin Fire of 2020 caused damage to this day has left trails unopened on Butano Ridge and Old Haul Road. The winter storms of 2023 have left more trail closures.
We finally got confirmation that there are clear trails through Pescadero Creek to allow passage to Sam McDonald Park and back to Memorial Park. Be rest assured that we have plenty of trail to redesign an amazing course.
The course will go through three parks including Pescadero Creek, Sam McDonald Park, and Memorial Park. This area is northwest of Big Basin Redwoods State Park and southwest of Woodside and Skyline Blvd.
You will all enjoy late summertime running or hiking under the canopy in some of the largest redwood groves in the world… this is THE GROVES.
Multiple distances will be offered including Trail Half Marathon and 50K. “Hikers Welcome!” to enjoy the half marathon with 8 hour time limit for 13.31 miles of pleasure.
Entrants Receive the Following:
- First Place – $125 in Race Credits
- Second Place – $100 in Race Credits
- Third Place – $75 in Race Credits
How to Get to the Start and Finish Line (PLEASE ENTER THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS in to your Map APP):
PARKING:
- There you will be greeted at the gate to pay $6 for parking.
- Please bring cash to expedite the line to enter the park.
- We kindly ask that you bring a $5 & $1 bill to make the line move even quicker :-)
Dogs: We love Dogs. Unfortunately, San Mateo County Parks have a “No Dog Policy”
50K Course Description:
The course is mostly single track and 90% under the canopy of amazing groves of Redwoods, Oaks, Pine, and Conifers. You will be running two identical 15.94 mile loops starting and finishing at Memorial Park in the Santa Cruz Mountains. You will enter the groves of trees in Pescadero Creek County Park and start your climb towards Sam McDonald Park. Once you reach the aid station at the Sam McDonald Park parking lot, you will then proceed to complete a stunning 3-mile eyelet loop in one of the most amazing parts of the course. The trees provide ample shade and cooling before you return to the same aid station. Then, the fun begins as you run mostly downhill (with a one mile climb) to the start/finish area to regenerate for the second loop and on your way to completing an ultramarathon.
- 5.9m – Sam McDonald Aid Station (A/S)
- 8.9m – Sam McDonald A/S
- 15.9m – Memorial Park A/S
- 20.8m – Sam McDonald A/S
- 23.8m – Sam McDonald A/S
- 31.8m – Finish
Half Marathon Course Description:
The course is also mostly single track and 90% under the canopy of amazing groves of Redwoods, Oaks, Pine, and Conifers. You will be running one 13.31 mile loop starting and finishing at Memorial Park in the Santa Cruz Mountains. You will enter the groves of trees in Pescadero Creek County Park and start your climb towards Sam McDonald Park. Once you reach the aid station, then you will head back towards the finish line. This is mostly down hill with a one-mile climb from 7.6m to 8.6m before descending towards the celebration under the glorious redwoods at Memorial Park.
Elevation Gain: 2,582 feet
Time Limit: 8.0 Hours
Cut-off: No Cut-off. We are hopeful you can hike at 36 min/mile pace :-)
Drop/Finish Line Bags: Yes. At start/finish line only.
Pacers: No Pacers Allowed
Safety Runners: Yes. $30 (includes a post race food/bev) Shall you need a safety runner, then please email RD: g r e g @ t h e t r a i l p o r t a l d o t c o m
Course Link: https://www.strava.com/routes/3119386642377411640
Aid Stations: Full Aid Stations featuring FLUID ELECTROLYTE (Blueberry-Pomegranate), Water, Ice, Coke, Ginger Ale, Bananas, Tangerines, Watermelon, Uncrustables (PB&J), and an assortment Sweet & Salty snack packs.
- 5.9m – Sam McDonald Aid Station (A/S)
- 13.31m – Finish
OTHER INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Race & Trail Etiquette: https://pacificcoasttrailruns.com/rules-and-trail-etiquette/
Volunteers Always Needed: https://pacificcoasttrailruns.com/volunteer/
Run For Lucas: https://pacificcoasttrailruns.com/run-for-lucas/
Rhodes Photo Scholar: https://pacificcoasttrailruns.com/robert-memorial/
What are Safety Runners:
- Safety Runners are not Pacers.
- At our races longer than 50 miles we allow Pacers.
- Safety Runners must be approved on case-by-case basis.
- The reason is for safety. We are the firm believer that not all entrants have the same ability or mindset when on course.
- Safety Runners must be behind the entrant.
- If you are in front of your runner, and they have an issue (fall, vision, or cardiac issues), then being in back is better than front.
- Safety Runners cannot “mule”: carry personal belongings or food of entrant.
- Safety Runner is required to sign waiver at start/finish line.
- Regardless of when the Safety Runner fee is paid, they must sign a waiver at the start/finish area.
- If you have two Safety Runners, then that is $60.
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
