Real runner feedback on course feel, crowd support, aid stations, and logistics (parking, hotels, restaurants).
The course itself is so beautiful with a few gentle ups and downs as you wind through the majestic redwoods. The parking site is on a rocky and sandy gravel bar along the Eel River. Many vehicles did not have the clearance to drive over the rocks and bushes. Arrive 2 hours early or you will be stuck waiting in line for a far away spot in the mud and sticks.
1. Arrive 2 hours early - parking is time consuming
2. Carpool - parking is limited
3. Drive a high clearance vehicle so you don't scrape the bottom of your car on a rock
Beautiful course amongst the giant redwoods!
The double out and back course makes it easy to know what to expect on your way back.
Merging with the half marathoners & 10Kers in the second half can be a bit crowded. Bless the aid station volunteers but at numerous aid stations they either weren't ready or the kids didn't actually hand me the cups!
Race director said to me post race "a shame you got into running too late." For context I won the marathon, in 2:34! Only my second marathon ever! Hopefully she resigns from her role. Why would you say such a negative comment to the person who just won the race that you put on?! Also no tape at the finish line or even a photo of me winning the race. Quite a bummer.
Anyways, I came, I saw, I conquered.
As the course map shows, it's gradually up hill for that first 10K. Second half is a bit more flat. The only noticeable "hills" is coming up over the final overpass at mile 23, but it's not daunting or long.
Weather was in low to mid 40s and the rain had stopped just before the race started, prime conditions in my opinion.
As another review mentions, the parking situation is a bit interesting. Everyone makes a left turn down a rocky/muddy single lane road out onto a rocky/muddy, dried up riverbed. Get there early and you'll be fine. At worst you're like me and tying up your shoes as they are counting down from 10 about to start the race! I did see some people hoping out & running from further back in the traffic towards the start line.
It's amazing to run among the redwoods. The weather was perfect, about 50-60 degrees for most of the race.
The volunteers were helpful and supportive, cheering for the runners. But aid stations were not well stocked at all times. I'd like to see more than just bananas, oranges, and Gatorade but even the fruit wasn't always available near the end of the race. The last aid station had closed down completely by the time I got there and I was well under the 7 hour cut-off time. Port-a-potties were not very plentiful considering the number of runners. About 2/3 of the aid stations had one (and only one) whereas the rest didn't have any.
On the whole, a very positive experience but some room for improvement.
The course profile is spot on. The first 6.5 miles are gradual uphill, then 6.5 gradual uphill. The last half marathon is slight rolling hills and a good amount of flat stretches. The course is almost all shaded which provided a great run experience.
Parking can be tricky. Allow enough time and expect to walk 5 minutes or more to the start line.
Spectacular views, flat route. Well supported. Second half had fewer aid stations, though.
Beautiful, peaceful run among the giant trees. This race is definitely a nature run. If you want bands, crowds and lots of spectators this is not the race for you.
The course has a good bit of elevation change but nothing too steep.