Runner Michael shares his experience in the Rodeo Valley Trail Run 50k, including the surprise sunburns and tips for following the trail markers.
Race: Rodeo Valley Trail Run (50k)
Runner: Michael Linscott
Race Date: 8/07/2021
Location: Marin Headlands, Sausalito, CA
Results: https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/116329
Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/5755463679/overview
3 Bests – What aspects of the Rodeo Valley Trail Run 50k did you like the most?
- The beauty of the Marin Headlands
- An August trail 50K that isn’t blazing hot
- Well organized from start to finish
Not so much – What aspects of the Rodeo Valley Trail Run 50k didn’t work for you?
I can’t think of one negative thing. It’s such a great trail system that it is pretty busy with other hikers, runners and mountain bikers.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
It’s along the headlands so parts of it are rocky, dry and warm. But then the trail dips down into little patches of rainforest where it is humid, foggy and muddy.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
- It is hard to complain when running along the Marin Headlands, it is very motivational.
- Despite getting behind on calories and getting overheated I took some time to figure it all out and bounced back to finish strong.
- Took a lot of photos, just had to stop and enjoy the moment quite a few times.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the Rodeo Valley Trail Run to help the next runner
- Although there is “only” 5,600+ feet of climbing on this course, it feels like much more.
- It felt like the course was either going UP or down.
- Those little 500 foot climbs in 1/2 a mile are brutal.
- But, on the other hand, be ready to run those downhill sections!
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
- Although it is foggy and misty, it was much warmer than I realized.
- Sweat had totally soaked my shirt and shorts by mile 3 and although I never saw much sunshine, I got sunburned.
- You need to stay ahead on hydration sooner than you think.
- Although the course has some rocky sections, there is also some downhill on asphalt so I’d wear shoes with more cushion.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the Rodeo Valley Trail Run
- Be ready for those punchy uphills, they caught me off guard.
- The course markings are interesting, they mark the course with pink/orange but they also mark where you aren’t supposed to turn with blue. Many intersections were marked with a bunch of blue ribbons, on the trails NOT to take, but no pink/orange ribbons were used.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
It’s gorgeous! It starts just up from a beautiful cove at Rodeo Beach. The course runs along miles of beautiful Marin Headlands single-track with views of the Pacific ocean, San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
The Rodeo Valley Trail Run 50k isn’t an easy course, but those steep pitches and the heat and humidity of an August run make it challenging.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Super well run race. Good communication, great parking, start/finish had everything, well marked, friendly volunteers, etc…
Competition – Is there a strong field?
There were a half-dozen “professional runners” out there and quite a few fast folks. But there were also quite a few 50k runners that didn’t make the cut-off and dropped to the 30k. So it had a bit of every type of runner.
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
Besides the fact that the race organizer “Inside Trail” wasn’t well known to me, it was easy to get in. I knew I wanted a race close to San Francisco, found it on UltraSignup’s search function and signed up about a month out.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
- They didn’t have a lot of items, but just enough. Not a lot of “real food”, more like goldfish and cookies.
- Also, they are totally cupless. Some races say they are but still have some cups.
- If you want a sip of Ginger Ale or other pop, have your cup with you.
Weather and typical race conditions
Summer in San Francisco can be pretty foggy, as was the case this day. 70 degrees and misty. But then for a few hours the fog burns off (mostly) and it warms up, but is still pretty humid.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
- Bring a personal cup.
- Put on sunscreen even if it’s foggy.
- Lube up well, all that sweat can cause problems.
- Wear shoes with good cushion for those asphalt downhills.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
I don’t think it would be very easy to drive to other spots to see the runners. But, the race starts and finishes at a beautiful beach (and the 50k passes by at mile 18). So it would be a great spot to watch the start and then explore the beach and trails.
How’s the Swag?
50k racers got a Rodeo Valley beer glass, a high quality cotton t-shirt and a medal. And the finish line was stocked with food and drinks. Post-race burritos, pop, chips, and beer! It’s not swag, but sure was nice!
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give the Rodeo Valley Trail Run 50k and do you recommend that others run it?
5/5. I flew down to San Francisco from Seattle, mostly to run this race and it was worth it.
