2011 Painted Rocks Trail Half Marathon Race Recap
The Inaugural Painted Rocks Half Marathon in San Diego at beautiful Lake Hodges was spectacular. It was a perfect day, not a cloud in the sky, with temperatures reaching 80 degrees. The inaugural trail half marathon consisted of lakeside single track trail, a suspension bridge to cross the lake and single track ridge running with stunning lake views.
The course is an out-n-back with mild elevation gain and well groomed trails. Painted Rocks was supported by 5 aid stations at mile 2, 5.8 and the turnaround. Due to the heat the 3.8 miles between aid stations 1 and 2 then 4 and 5 would prove to be difficult without carrying your own hydration. To the credit of the Race Director, the race website and the crew at packet pick up; we were forewarned that it was “mandatory” for us to carry at least a water bottle (many did not heed the warning).
Painted Rocks Half Marathon was extremely well marked with flour arrows on the ground, orange tape in trees and bushes, directions signs on ground stakes and well placed volunteers at intersections. 250 runners lined up at the start many sporting the complimentary yellow and black technical race hat. The race went off 10 minutes late due to some course marking issues (bandits had removed some of the trail markers). The only negative was the lead female runner from the Twin Cities missed a turn and shorted the course resulting in a disqualification (DQ). We were all sad for her because she was the female front runner at the time and most likely, barring an accident, she would have taken women’s first place. However, rules are rules and she had to receive a disappointing DQ.
To our knowledge no other runners were lost but one runner did mention to me that “that was the best 14.9 miles I have ever run”! The course was advertised as 13.4 miles and most runners with GPS watches reported between 13.4 and 13.6 miles. I still can not figure where that runner went but at least he made it to the end!
The start and finish of the race was Rancho Community Park right off I-15 and West Bernardo Drive approximately 20 minutes from downtown San Diego. The park was a great place for a start and finish with plenty of parking, clean bathrooms and a nice big, shady gazebo to cool off after the run. The cut-off time was 3 hours but the Dirt Devil crew decided to wait and award medals to all finishers. Watching the runners struggle over the finish after 3 hours is truly inspiring.
The post race award ceremony and party was held at HESS Brewing Company in off Miramar Road. There was food and beer for all that attended between 12-2pm. Runners sampled the micro beer and shared race stories with all having a great time.
I want to personally thank every runner for coming out to run the Inaugural Painted Rocks Half Marathon. For all of you non-trail runners I hope you have now been exposed to the natural beauty of San Diego and Lake Hodges. This is one of my favorite trail runs in San Diego and I wished to share it with you. I also want to thank the many volunteers and Dirt Devils that came out to help us with this race. It is not possible without you and I appreciate you helping us put on a great race. THANK YOU! A big thank you to Senior Ranger David Hekel, Lake Hodges and Rancho Bernardo Community Park. Lastly a big thank you to the employees of San Diego Running Institute and Dirt Devil Racing for making this an awesome event. You guys and girls are awesome. You help me put into reality whatever my brain dreams up.
The upcoming Dirt Devil Summer Trail Series will start June 12. All finishers of each race will be awarded a Pint Glass with the race logo and race technical shirt. Post race award ceremonies and party will be held at local breweries following the race.
June 12: Coyote 5K and 10K
This trail rocks. 10 minutes from Downtown San Diego and 1 minute off I-5 at Sea World Drive. I run this course every Thursday morning. It consists of double and single track and has a couple of hills.
July 10: Sidewinder 5K and 10K
I love San Clemente Canyon/Marion Bear Park. I run this course every Tuesday and never tire of it. The trail is predominately single track and pretty flat and fast. 10 minutes from downtown San Diego right off the I-5 and 52 at Clairmont Mesa Blvd.
August 14: Stairway to Heaven 5K and 15K
Mission Trails Park is a hidden gem in San Diego. Due to its location about 20-25 minutes east of San Diego many have never run this treasure. The 5K is flat and fast, the 15K is not. It consists of hills and a literal stairway made of railroad ties embedded into the side of South Fortuna Mountain. Runners will have to run the staircase to be rewarded with stunning views of the entire park. It is quite breathtaking.
October 9: Raptor Ridge Half Marathon
The series culminates with the Raptor Ridge Half. Mostly flat runners to have to go up and over Raptor Ridge (360 feet) twice since the race is an out-n-back. The start is conveniently located 25 minutes from Downtown San Diego from the I-15 and Via Rancho Parkway. The course follows the old mule hill trail east and winds through farms and orange groves.
For more information go to www.Dirtdevilracing.com
