Big Basin Redwoods Trail Run

[katsu]

I registered Big Basin Redwoods Trail Run 25km,and my boyfriend registered 50km.We'll join the race from Japan.
I have a question,I saw the photos at website and noticed runners rarely use hydration backpack.Why? We don't need hydration?

And we have enough time from arriving San Fransisco till the race.
If you know a best trail around San Fransisco,could you tell us it?



katsutrailrunning.blogspot.com/

[leinfellner]

Hi Katsu,
you made a good choice in running Big Basin - that is a wonderful course and you will be rewarded with amazing nature - redwood trees, creeks and a (mostly) shady trail!

At most of the PCTR events you only need a small or basic hydration pack since the aid stations are conveniently located and spaced from each other. The recommendation is to run with at least one water bottle. I usually run with a waist pack carrying two bottles. Some runners use a camel pak (holding gallons of fluid) because that's what they use in longer races (50 miles, 100 milers) and they simply run with them to train under similar conditions.

I'll be working at an aid station that day and I will see you out there (with or without camel pak!).

Have fun and a good trip!
Norbert

[willgotthardt]

Katsu-

Awesome to read you are coming all the way from Japan to run in perhaps one of the most beautiful parks in California (easily my favorite). The redwoods there will awe and inspire.

I agree with Norbert, run with whatever hydration system you are accustomed to, the PCTR aid stations are well stocked with both food/fluids, so regardless if you choose to use a single bottle, or a large capacity pack, you'll be able to refill or just top it off at your convenience. I would recommend studying the 'course description' a bit to take note of the distances between aid stations.

As for recommending other trails in the SF area, you will be just south of one of the meccas of trail running...the Marin Headlands. Although there are unlimited options, I will suggest you research the famed Dipsea Trail and perhaps plan an out/back from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach (22K/14m total).

Enjoy your trip, see you there (Big Basin 50K).

Will G.

[katsu]

Norbert,Will G.,Thank you!!
I understand what you told.I think to run with one bottle,but I'm not sure what my boyfriend has at the race as he runs 50km.
And I glad to hear that Norbert will work at an aid station,we're looking forward to see you!
How can we recognize you at an aid station?

I appreciate Will G tell me another trail.Before we registered Big Basin,we thought about dipsea trail race.We stopped register as the day was bad for us and the distance is too short.
So we're going to dipsea trail .Thank you!

[pctrailruns]

Mar 26, 2008 8:02:05 GMT -5 katsu said:

Norbert,Will G.,Thank you!!
I understand what you told.I think to run with one bottle,but I'm not sure what my boyfriend has at the race as he runs 50km.
And I glad to hear that Norbert will work at an aid station,we're looking forward to see you!
How can we recognize you at an aid station?

I appreciate Will G tell me another trail.Before we registered Big Basin,we thought about dipsea trail race.We stopped register as the day was bad for us and the distance is too short.
So we're going to dipsea trail .Thank you!

Please note that the 17 Km loop doesn't have an aid station. Typically, we have an aid station ~ every 10 Km. This loop is the longest distance without aid at any PCTR event. (We used to have aid on the loop until a few years ago when we were unexpectedly locked out by a gate that was outside of the park.)

One 20 oz bottle might not be enough - even if you're a small person or don't sweat much. I'd carry 1 - 1.5 liters (30-40 oz.).

Even though Norbert will be working the aid station near the start/finish, I'm sure he will be wearing his special "0000" bib number that we issued at Pirates Cove. He loves it more than a loaf of wonder bread.

Wendell (PCTR)