Contributor: Brittany Hopkins
Why limit your daily miles to concrete or treadmills, when California has so many beautiful trails to offer. The best way to get started? Sign up for a short trail race.
All you have to do is show up with running shoes, a hat and sunscreen, and follow the pre-determined route. You’ll often be pleased to find that the registration fees for trail races are quite affordable and you’ll be running with a few hundred people -- not a few thousand like most urban races. Just be sure to read through the course details and map before signing up. You won't want any steep hills to catch you by surprise.
Now that you're ready to hit the dirt, here are five upcoming trail races ideal for any beginner:
Cinderella Trail Run
Soak up Oakland's natural beauty by running through Joaquin Miller Park to Redwood Regional Park. You'll score some gorgeous views of the Oakland Hills and the wider Bay Area along the way.
Photo: Nathan Jongewaard / flickr
Where: Oakland
When: Saturday, May 9
Time: 8 a.m. start time; 7 a.m. bib pick-up
Shortest Race: 5 mi
Course Details: http://www.coastaltrailruns.com/cin_spr_cinderella.html
Price: $40-$50
Perks: Fully-stocked aid station at mile 3 where you can expect to find water, electrolyte sports drink, fresh fruit, salty snacks and more. All pre-registered runners receive a free t-shirt and medal.
Hollywood Sign Run
Hosted by the Hollywood Wilshire YMCA, this race runs through the historic Griffith Park, which is home to the famous Hollywood sign. If you have 8 miles in you, you can run to it and back. There's also a 5k route and 1 mi family race.
Photo: CC BY-SA
Where: Griffith Park, Los Angeles
When: Saturday, June 13
Time: 9 a.m.
Shortest Race: 1 mi
Course Details: TBD
Price: $20-$65
Perks: Runners receive a goodie bag, shirt and medal. There's also family-oriented festival at the finish line with refreshments, live music, arts and crafts and more. Even better, proceeds fund a variety of youth and community development programs the YMCA offers the local community.
Run to the Beach
If you're planning to be in Tahoe for the 4th of July, why not run get your blood pumping before the festivities begin? This run takes you from North Tahoe Regional Park to Kings Beach in the Tahoe Vista Recreation Area. If the 5k looks too easy for you, then the 10k's "signature climb" should do the trick.
Where: Kings Beach, North Lake Tahoe
When: Saturday, July 4
Time: 9 a.m.
Shortest Race: 5k
Course Details: http://www.tahoetrailrunning.com/trail-runs/run-to-the-beach/
Price: $30-$60
Perks: Runners are entered into a raffle with prizes from great sponsors like Salomon and Kleen Kanteen. If you get to town early, you'll catch the annual fireworks show on July 3.
Santa Cruz Trail Run
Santa Cruz's fog-packed mornings and ocean breezes are perfect for perfect race days. With a couple of creeks and rivers to cross and a 950-foot elevation gain, this 10k race is more strenuous than others, but promises a scenic route twisting through towering redwoods.
Where: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
When: Sunday, August 2
Time: 9 a.m.
Shortest Race: 10K
Course Details: http://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=31382
Price:$45-$65 + $10 parking
Perks: The organizers promise to have post race food "fit for a trail running king or queen" waiting for you at the finish.
Diablo Trail Run
While the extreme racers run, hike and crawl to the peak, you'll run 2-miles out and 2-miles back on the shady Mitchell Canyon Trail. While you won't enjoy the same panoramic views of the Bay Area as those who reach the summit, you will challenge your previous record on this flat and fast trail. You'll also be spared from sun's pounding rays. The race's fiery logo is not a joke; it's generally around 100 degrees on Mount Diablo this time of year.
Photo: MiguelVieira / flickr
Where: Diablo State Park
When: Sunday, August 30
Time: 8 a.m.
Shortest Race: 4 mi
Course Details: http://www.coastaltrailruns.com/d_diablo.html
Price: $40 + $6 parking
Perks: 4-milers won't hit an aid station, but there will be plenty of water, fresh fruit and snacks once you cross the finish line. If your friends are attacking the summit, we recommend packing a champagne brunch. You'll be waiting at the finish line quite awhile.
Have a favorite California trail race fit for beginners? Let us know in the comments!