This week-end I did my first run that was organized by Pacific Coast Trail Runs, and it will definitely not be my last. They label themselves “Serious Fun”, which is pretty much accurate. The runs are less focused on racing, and more on enjoying the run itself. However the distances of their runs are “serious”. Some events have as the minimum distance marathon or 50k, and some entrants run pretty crazy distances.
I ran the Santa Cruz Mountain run and it was a blast. The 21k course involved wading through the 3 foot deep San Lorenzo River, climbing over fallen logs, waiting at the tracks of the Santa Cruz Railway for it to pass and 2,300 feet elevation gain. I also love their aid stations. Water melon, pumkin pie and Chili at the finish line. If you like running medium and long distances, you should definitely try them out.
Wow, 126mi is a “pretty crazy distance.” Of course, there are probably more than a few who would agree to the same statement about 21k :). Sounds like it was an amazing run!