Events

Bay Ridge Endurance Runs (100k, 50mile, Marathon)

Built on the legacy of Dick Collins' Firetrails 50, Bay Ridge is a new edition of a classic ultramarathon race.

Lake Chabot Marina, Castro Valley, CA

October 7, 2017

Overview

Bay Ridge Endurance Runs stand on the shoulders of giants. This race inherits the grand legacy of the Dick Collins Firetrails 50, following the classic 50 mile course and adding to it a signature 100k race and a new out-and-back marathon. Bay Ridge is a new event on the traditional date and we still run in Dick’s memory and respect both the traditions and records of the Dick Collins Firetrails 50.

BRER is made of three races: Bay Ridge 100k, Dick Collins 50 mile, and L’Petite Dick Collins Marathon.

The Courses

For those not familiar with Dick Collins Firetrails 50, the course is an out-and-back course; mostly along the legendary East Bay Skyline National Trail; fireroads and single-track with gorgeous views of San Francisco and Mt. Diablo. An altitude profile of 7,800ft makes this race challenging but very runnable. Three miles of pavement. Be prepared for any condition. Can be hot, perfect, or cold and raining. As was said of the race in years past, “previous years race week has included the following: fire, earthquake, flood, and stock market crash.”

The Bay Ridge 100k uses the Dick Collins Firetrails course and adds to it an out-and-back along the Nimitz trail where you will have views into the San Pablo Bay. The course travels down the Conlon Trail to Alvarado staging area. The altitude profile for the 100k is just under 10,000 ft, meaning we should have a FAST race!

The new ‘L’Petit Dick Collins’ Marathon is an out-and-back from Lake Chabot to a turn around below Skyline Gate, following a course popular to local runners and often run during our Epiphany Run fat ass each January.

Starting Time and Time Limits

The 100k starts at 5 am. The 50 mile starts at 6. The Marathon starts at 8. Time limits are:

100k = 17 hours
50 mile = 14 hours
Marathon = 10 hours

Cutoffs for the different races are firm because of our permits and the general curfew in the East Bay Regional Parks. Early starts are available for the 50 mile and Marathon. If you believe you need more time, please contact us. Time constraints for the 100k are firm as the race starts at and concludes in the time that the parks are legally open.

Schwag and Awards

100k runners have the chance to earn the Bay Ridge Rhino buckle along with shirt and our signature finisher wood-allions. 50 milers and marathoner receive shirts, wine glasses, and wood-allions. Age Group awards are 3-deep for the 100k and 50miler and first place by group for the Marathon.

Aid Stations, Crew Access, Pacers…and Bathrooms

Complete detail on the location and spacing of the Aid Stations is to come ASAP but for information purposes, know that they are 3-4.5 miles apart. Crew has access to many of these stations. For the 50 mile and 100k pacers will be allowed from Steam Trains and Skyline Gate.

For some reason, we’ve already gotten a lot of questions about bathrooms on course. Way to be prepared people. There are bathrooms irregularly through the course, at about miles 12, 15, 18, 21, etc. They’re out there, so no need to pack your Depends Ultra’s.

Why We Run

In memory of Dick Collins, your registration fee contains a donation of $5.00 to the Regional Parks Foundation.

Sponsors

 

  • Bay Ridge 100k

    The new Bay Ridge 100k course follows the classic Dick Collins Firetrails course and add and out-and-back along the Nimitz Trail, then down Conlon Trail to Alvarado staging area. This will be a fast race that will challenge you with solid climbs, along with long stretches where you can really run.

    The altitude profile for the Bay Ridge 100k is just under 10,000 ft.

  • Dick Collins 50 mile

    Dick Collins 50 mile course follows the same one that served as the Dick Collins Firetrails 50 for many, many years. You will start at the Cove Picnic Area at Lake Chabot and proceed out along the East Shore Trail and out along the ridges of the East Bay hills to the turn around at Lone Oak in Tilden Park.

    The altitude profile for the 50 mile race is 7,800 ft.

  • Marathon

    The L'Petite Dick Collins Marathon is an out-and-back race that heads out on West Shore Trail, through Bort Meadow and onto the turn around inside of Redwood Regional Park. The race follows the same path back. This course has been popular in past Januaries (is that a word?) during the Epiphany Run. As has been true in past runnings of the Dick Collins Firetrails 50, marathon runners can expect to be passed by the front of the pack from the 50 mile and, maybe, 100k races. Root them on!

    The altitude profile for the Marathon is just under 4,000 ft.

Times, Getting here, Where to stay

START TIME

5:00 AM

GETTING HERE

The race will be held at Lake Chabot Marina, starting at 17936 Lake Chabot Rd Castro Valley, CA 94546. This location is a short 20 minute drive from downtown Oakland and approximately 40 minutes from downtown San Francisco.

WHERE TO STAY

If you're coming from outside of the Bay Area, there are a number of places to stay near Lake Chabot. Please use this link to see the closest hotels to the starting point.

PARKING

There is both on- and off-street parking at Lake Chabot. For the 100k runners, expect to park on-street outside the park (since parking opens at 5am). For others, you have your choice. Bring $5 if you want to park inside Lake Chabot. Parking isn't included in registration.

Awards, Drop bags, Pacers, Time limit

AWARDS

Everyone receives and award for finishing. The 100k runners receive the covete Bay Ridge 100k belt buckle. Dick Collins 50 and Marathon runners receive medals and other treats. Competitive Awards will be given to the top overall male and female, as well as the fastest male and female finishers in each 10-year age group.

DROP BAGS

We support drop bags at the Skyline Gate Aid Station and Lone Oak. Bring your bags to the start on the morning of the race and we'll transport it to the aid station in time for your arrival. Bags will be returned to the finish after the aid station closes. Please be sure to clearly identify your name and number on your bag.

PACERS

Pacers are allowed for the 100k and 50 mile, starting at the Steam Trains Aid Station. Pacers are not allowed in the Marathon.

TIME LIMIT

The time limit are:

100k = 17 hours

50 mile = 14 hours

Marathon = 10 hours

Though we try to guarantee everyone a finish, park regulations require us to be out of the start/finish area before 8pm. This means finishers that come in after 7pm will be routed to a finisher area outside of the park.

Also, because the East Bay Regional Park curfew is 10pm all our cutoffs are firm. Runners will be removed from the course if they are not on pace to finish within the curfew.

Contact us for early start options if you think you may need more time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a pre-race packet pickup?

Yes! We will have packet pickup from 12-4 at Transports on College Avenue in Oakland.

Are there places where my friends and family can crew or watch?

Most of the aid stations are vehicle accessible.

Do you need volunteers?

Our races depend on the generous spirit of the running community to ensure every participant is well supported. Volunteers will receive a free entry to a future Scena Performance event. Please fill out the volunteer form to indicate your interest and we'll get back to you with more information.

Bay Ridge Endurance Runs (100k, 50mile, Marathon)