new trail runner

[t95687]

Can anyone tell me if the Diablo run is too difficult for a guy who does about three or four half marathons a year? I finish under two hous but expect that this is totally different.
Thanks in advance for your time.
Tim

[Jon]

I always use 1.5 * marathon time to "roughly" estimate equivalent time on trail. Assuming the added mileage is manageable, I would think 3 times your half pace is reasonable.

I have not run the PCTR Diablo course, but consider the trails some of the toughest in the bay area.

[leinfellner]

Hi,
my guess is more a factor 1.3 to a marathon. Apart from the uphill segments there are also downhill miles that speed you up (there is a nice article in Running Times this month about how to estimate the factor). My only problem with a run on Diablo is always: "When being at the end of my strength - why are there so many miles left?"
Norbert

[Pacific Coast Trail Runs]

The Diablo Marathon is very beautiful, but has some technical trail sections and is, overall, extremely challenging. Some people have completed it as their first marathon/longest run, but those people have run/hiked at least 20 miles on hilly terrain in preparation, I would think - 'hilly terrain' being an important part of that phrase. Remember, even the marathon has almost 8,000 feet of climbing.

And don't forget one runner's comment to the Ultra List recently - he was commenting about the Diablo 50, but the courses are the same for the last 8 miles:

"The last 8+ miles are some of the longest you will ever experience (even though they are mostly downhill)."

As you can imagine, a finish at Diablo is a most rewarding experience. Hope you decide to train for it and come out in April!

Sarah (PCTR)

[t95687]

Thanks for all of the info everyone, I think I'm getting a feel for what these are about. Any and all info is appreciated. I'm assuming a good pair of trail running shoes is essential?
Tim

[Pacific Coast Trail Runs]

We do have some friends who run nearly everything in road shoes and, for some of the PCTR courses, we tell people to wear whichever they prefer, road or trail shoes.

For the Diablo Marathon, though, with sections like the rocky Eagle Peak Trail, loose-footing North Peak Trail, and short but steep Zippe Trail, we would recommend that runners wear trail shoes.

Hope you decide to give it a try in April, Tim! There are very few things around here more beautiful than being up near Eagle Peak first thing in the morning.

Sarah (PCTR)

[ultragirl]

Diablo is a great but challanging run.I love it.I will be at the June 2 run trying to beat my last 25k time.Im just there to run it and not get beat down by it this time around.