About This Race
The half marathon strikes an ideal balance between challenge and accessibility, offering a thorough sampling of the park's signature redwood groves and rolling terrain. This distance works well for runners transitioning from road racing to trails, providing enough challenge to feel accomplished without overwhelming newcomers to trail running. The course showcases the park's natural beauty while remaining manageable for those building trail experience.
The courses utilize the extensive trail network within Redwood Regional Park and the adjacent EBMUD Southern Watershed. Runners navigate a mix of technical singletrack and wider fire roads, with the terrain varying from peaceful redwood groves to open chaparral and grassland sections. The hills are notably steep and challenging, with hiking poles permitted for those who choose to use them.
Course marking follows Inside Trail Racing's comprehensive system using colored surveyor ribbons every 200 meters, with heavy marking at turns and laminated signs at critical sections. Blue ribbons specifically indicate wrong-way trails, serving as important navigation aids on this complex trail network. The varied terrain and elevation profiles make this a technically demanding course that rewards careful pacing and navigation skills.
Elevation Profile
The course gains 5,249 ft over 13 miles, with the steepest section between mile 3–mile 3.
Course Map
Route based on official course data. Download GPX file
Practical Info
Late October in the Oakland Hills typically brings mild temperatures with possible morning fog, ideal for trail running.
OAK - Oakland International Airport
Oakland and Berkeley offer numerous lodging options within 30 minutes of the race start.
- Water bottle or reusable cup
Best For
Notable Features
The race's standout feature is its setting in a second-growth coast redwood forest that rises majestically just miles from a major metropolitan area. The combination of towering redwoods, diverse ecosystems within a single park, and the opportunity to spot rare wildlife like golden eagles creates a uniquely Californian trail running experience. Inside Trail Racing's cupless event policy and comprehensive aid station offerings reflect modern sustainability practices while maintaining high runner support standards.