Race Report: Peter's Canyon Summer Trail Series #1 (June)
Now here's a race that gives you a small town feel to it! I've raced the Peter's Canyon Summer Trail Series in the past, and each time I'm reminded how glad I am to be a part of the Running Community.
There are three parts to Renegade Racing's Summer Series. They occur the first Thursday of each month, June-August. Cost is $27 if you register early, or $30 on the day. I signed up for all three for only $70 (saving about $20!).
Not only is the price reasonable for a 5 mile trail run, but they also provide you with a choice of T-Shirt or BBQ Meal Ticket. The BBQ Meal Ticket is my favorite!!! I mean, we all can go out and run/race a course... but where's the fun in that if you can't relax afterwards with friends and eat some grub while trading "battle stories" from the run??
Each time I do this race, admittedly I'm running late. Registration opens at 5:15pm for the late comers. Race starts at 6:15 (ish). So, once I clock out at my job, change my clothes and drive to Tustin, I'm rushed to find parking and pick up my bid. In my mind, I'd get there at 5:15 - set out a picnic blanket and lawn chairs, then chat with friends pre-race. This way, afterwards I can eat my grub, relax comfortably and enjoy.
Unfortunately, "ideal" wasn't "reality" this past Thursday... as always, I scrambled to get there. Drove around 15 minutes to find parking. Realized the first parking lot I passed was the only option and would require a 3 block jog to start.... picnic blanket and chairs would have to wait for another day!
Heading over to the start I ran into some friends. We exchanged some hellos and chatted with Anneka from Renegade. And I gotta give her crew a huge applause! The race turn out seemed pretty good (to me, they seemed to have about 150 people - like I said small town feel!) and they had a few more Pop-Up Tents from the various local clubs (Tri la Vie, OC Trail Tales, to name a few).
Enough socializing, it was time to line up at the start. National anthem played on a loud speaker and then we heard the blow horn! Go!
Some of you have run Peter's Canyon before... perhaps that's what keeps you from signing up for this race (can't tell you how many times I've heard: I jog that trail all the time for free, why pay to race it?). But, I think you are missing out! "Small Town" races (or ones that feel like Small Town Races), provide a fellowship, builds relationships with other OC Runners, and are just more relaxed overall. I mean, we didn't have timing chips. You get stuck behind a slower runner during the single track portions. And unless you have a support crew, you finish the race without a ton of fan fare. But why do you need that every time you race? Go out there, relax. Chat it up with someone who's walking the hill with you. And cheer on the youngster who is finishing strong with their "kick" at the end with more intensity than their little legs can handle!
Afterwards, hit the food line! Grab a beverage (sadly, not an adult beverage). And hang out while they announce the top three for each division and do a raffle.
Slow down. Support local races. And you'll realize they are more charming!
Perks of the race:
I'd love if you'd join! http://www.renegaderaceseries.com/index.php?view=details&id=15%3Apeters-canyon-summer-trail-run-series-1&option=com_eventlist&Itemid=146
I give this race a 9 out of 10!
There are three parts to Renegade Racing's Summer Series. They occur the first Thursday of each month, June-August. Cost is $27 if you register early, or $30 on the day. I signed up for all three for only $70 (saving about $20!).
Not only is the price reasonable for a 5 mile trail run, but they also provide you with a choice of T-Shirt or BBQ Meal Ticket. The BBQ Meal Ticket is my favorite!!! I mean, we all can go out and run/race a course... but where's the fun in that if you can't relax afterwards with friends and eat some grub while trading "battle stories" from the run??
Each time I do this race, admittedly I'm running late. Registration opens at 5:15pm for the late comers. Race starts at 6:15 (ish). So, once I clock out at my job, change my clothes and drive to Tustin, I'm rushed to find parking and pick up my bid. In my mind, I'd get there at 5:15 - set out a picnic blanket and lawn chairs, then chat with friends pre-race. This way, afterwards I can eat my grub, relax comfortably and enjoy.
Unfortunately, "ideal" wasn't "reality" this past Thursday... as always, I scrambled to get there. Drove around 15 minutes to find parking. Realized the first parking lot I passed was the only option and would require a 3 block jog to start.... picnic blanket and chairs would have to wait for another day!
Heading over to the start I ran into some friends. We exchanged some hellos and chatted with Anneka from Renegade. And I gotta give her crew a huge applause! The race turn out seemed pretty good (to me, they seemed to have about 150 people - like I said small town feel!) and they had a few more Pop-Up Tents from the various local clubs (Tri la Vie, OC Trail Tales, to name a few).
Enough socializing, it was time to line up at the start. National anthem played on a loud speaker and then we heard the blow horn! Go!
Some of you have run Peter's Canyon before... perhaps that's what keeps you from signing up for this race (can't tell you how many times I've heard: I jog that trail all the time for free, why pay to race it?). But, I think you are missing out! "Small Town" races (or ones that feel like Small Town Races), provide a fellowship, builds relationships with other OC Runners, and are just more relaxed overall. I mean, we didn't have timing chips. You get stuck behind a slower runner during the single track portions. And unless you have a support crew, you finish the race without a ton of fan fare. But why do you need that every time you race? Go out there, relax. Chat it up with someone who's walking the hill with you. And cheer on the youngster who is finishing strong with their "kick" at the end with more intensity than their little legs can handle!
Afterwards, hit the food line! Grab a beverage (sadly, not an adult beverage). And hang out while they announce the top three for each division and do a raffle.
Slow down. Support local races. And you'll realize they are more charming!
Perks of the race:
- Has anyone noticed, I love smaller races? The charm, the fellowship. The "I'm not just a bid number" type of race.
- Registration is very reasonable
- 5 miles of trail running. Series raced clockwise on Thursday and will switch directions in July.
- Easy packet pickup.
- T-Shirts were pretty cool (army green), but I opted for the BBQ Meal Ticket. For $5 extra you can have both.
- BBQ Meal Ticket = choice of Veggie Patty, BBQ Chicken, Regular Chicken, Hot dog, or Hamburger. Plus, cookies, chips and a beverage (sports drinks or water).
- VERY friendly race crew! Chat it up with the Race Director. Or with a Volunteer. Either way, you feel welcomed!
- Raffle tickets for every participant with options to win anything from Salt Tablets to Socks.
- Local race that showcases local training groups and clubs... if you're new, you can rub elbows with the groups to build your Running Network.
- For a small race, I'm always impressed they have photographers on the course - so, just be careful not to be "caught" walking!
- There's a kids obstacle course! I love that!
- Post Race activities hosted in the park. Plenty of space to relax!
- Parking- try to get there early. It's not horrible, but does require preplanning and extra time.
- No Beer Garden - by now, you should know it's always something I look for!
- Because I like the smaller races, not having a race chip isn't a big deal for me, however for the Hard Core Athletes you might disagree...but then again that's what your watch is for!
- Oh boy, it was cold! So, I'm looking forward to July and hopefully a warm summer evening!
I'd love if you'd join! http://www.renegaderaceseries.com/index.php?view=details&id=15%3Apeters-canyon-summer-trail-run-series-1&option=com_eventlist&Itemid=146
I give this race a 9 out of 10!
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