Diablo Trails Challenge

I love the concept of going through at least five parks—from Round Valley to I believe Los Vaqueros Watershed to Morgan Territory into Mount Diablo State Park and veering into Shell Ridge Open Space before finishing back up at Castle Rock Park. I especially appreciate all who put the event to together and made it happen such as Mike Palmer and the Save Mount Diablo committee. And a special thanks to those who marked the course—they did a great job! I usually go off the course in almost every 50K I’ve done—this one I remained on the course the whole way.

The absolute best run I’ve ever participated in was my recent Save Mount Diablo 10K Trail Run last weekend. There were luxury bus shuttles to Castle Rock Park from Northgate High School and they ran frequently. A wonderful baggage check area was well organized, and they had lots of tents set up to assist people who hadn’t picked up their packets early. The course was beautiful with lots of hills and creek crossings. The drink/aid stations were the best part. They had all sorts of snacks, drinks, candy, treats, and even ice cold water to sponge you off if you wanted! It was amazing!

At the finish, after receiving beautiful medals, delicious It’s-It ice cream was being passed out. I picked pumpkin flavor and enjoyed the sweet treat before waiting in line for some chips, popcorn, fruit, cookies, and candy. There was also a plate of BBQ available for $10, but I probably would pass this up next year—the event food was better than the plate I received. Everything about this race was perfect. It was absolutely my favorite event thanks to the great organizers and volunteers. Brazen Racing is the best!

You and the Save Mount Diablo volunteers did a super great job putting on the race and introduced many people, including me, to beautiful trails that we never knew existed. The aid people were plentiful and enthusiastic.

Thank you to everyone involved in Sunday’s run. Although I was cursing a little toward the end, a day later I am reflecting back with a very happy and positive feeling. The aid stations were great, the volunteers were even better. All the volunteers had infectious energy all the way through to the end! The hills and views were the best I’ve seen on any course and I had a feeling of pride, running (and completing) the first official Diablo 50K. The course was beautifully challenging (and the wind didn’t make it any easier).

I look forward to running the event next year. I will now be able to give more info to my customers about this wonderful event! You all did a great job from start to finish. I am so happy an organization is in place so that we all can have this wonderful mountain to play on.

What makes this a unique trail event are the Search and Rescue volunteers, on-course radio communications, and timing chips. Also, it benefits Save Mount Diablo, enabling people to safely explore new, unfamiliar terrain (including new trails, and new off-road courses for people who’ve only run roads in the past). It’s much more of an adventure than any road run you’ll do!

I came for inspiration and self-revelation through a mixed feeling of suffer and grand breathtaking scenery. I felt touched at every step and every bit of service from the volunteers. Thanks to all who helped make our day!!