Woodside(Dec.) Questions

[markg72]

Hello. I am wondering about trail conditions, terrain, footing, etc. at Woodside? The photos don't look very rocky or technical, but photos can be deceiving.

I am most likely coming out from Pennsylvania to do the run, and I'd like to hear more about the course.

Thanks,
Mark

[Pacific Coast Trail Runs]

I'm sure that you'll hear back from others, too, but Woodside is one of our most runnable courses in terms of both terrain and elevation gain, in my opinion. There is very little technical trail and most of the singeltrack trail is very soft and forgiving to run on.

Hope you can make it!

Sarah

[markg72]

Sarah,

Those are the impressions I got from the description, photos, and elevation. I love rocks, but honestly, 22mi in the California mountains is going to be great no matter what.

We're most likely going to make reservations, buy tickets, etc. this weekend. Do you need my wife's help at the race while I run?

Being excited, I would like to hear others' experiences and read any race reports as well.

[Pacific Coast Trail Runs]

We won't be organizing the helpers for Woodside for awhile, but if your wife is interested, one of you could fill out a helper form and we'll be in touch.

www.pctrailruns.com/Helper_Form.htm

Let me do a search and see if I come up with any other Woodside info on the board. If I do, I'll bump it up to the top for you to read.

Looking forward to meeting you!

Sarah

[Pacific Coast Trail Runs]

Nope, no Woodside race reports or anything on here - but I imagine that some of the people who've run it in the past will contribute to this thread.

See you in December!

Sarah

[willgotthardt]

[Awesome pic credit to J.V. Littell, more at Bay Area Hiker website]

Hey Mark-

Huddart (Woodside) is easily my favorite park to run in, soft switchback trails all under the lush canopy of Redwoods & ferns, mesquite chapparal, deer everywhere, classic California. You can hammer the climbs, and bomb (full out) the descents as the entire park is mildly graded throughout.

100% guarantee will be worth your trip/effort.

Ultrablogger Scott Dunlap had a race report from 06...

runtrails.blogspot.com/2006/12/homebound-at-woodside-50k.html

Hope to see you there.

Will G.

[leinfellner]

Yes, very runnable trails and lots of runners achieve PRs in that race. Since it is so fast, some of us also had their most spectacular falls (both in length and style). The trail is covered by foliage and it's hard to see roots and rocks.
Since it is mostly under the tree canopy it also gets a little chilly at that time of the year so one wants to prepare well.
Have fun!
Norbert

[markg72]

Thanks for the link to the RR, and other information. It all makes me want to run 50k, rather than 35k!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The descents are going to be great fun, considering those trail conditions. It's always more fun falling on soft trails, rather than rocks.

Now, my OCD side has to start coming up with a predicted finishing time.

[grandpak1939]

Will's photo says it. And it is well run.
Have fun.
LeRoy

[addygrl]

I ran my first trail ever at woodside (the 17k) and it made me fall in love with trail running You'll have an amazing time!

[lindberg]

I did my 1st 50k at woodside. i had planed to do the 35k but hooked up with a ccouple nice people who were doing the 50k so at my turn around at mile 10 i said i'm going for it !! And in a short 7hr and 45 minutes i was eaten chli.

Vaya Con Dias

Mike L.

[sdunlap]

One more race report for you from '05:
runtrails.blogspot.com/2005/12/last-race-of-season-woodside-50k.html

The course has changed a bit since '05, but the fun is always present. I ran 12 miles in Huddart yesterday, and the trails are clear and soft. It can be a bit windy on the top, so take Norbert's advice and bring an extra layer just in case. They will know at the beginning of the race if its needed.

SD

[willgotthardt]

lindberg said:

And in a short 7hr and 45 minutes I was eaten chili.

[That could serve as the new PCTR slogan].

Will G.

[trailmomma]

Huddart (the park where most of Woodside is run) is my home trail, and I just love it. Beautiful scenery, gentle rolling hills, and very few rocks. I run the whole park easily in road shoes. As a side note, most of the first half is uphill, which means coming back is mostly smooth and easy downhill--which is most favorite for me

[markg72]

Well, unfortunatley we won't be able to make it out. Our house is probably selling, and it looks like we'll be in the middle of packing and preparing to move (locally).

I'm extremely disappointed.

Thanks for all of the info, reports, and advice.