We're currently in the midst of prime running season (although it's hailing in Auburn and snowing in the Sierras at the moment). Way Too Cool 50k, American River 50, and the Miwok 100k have come and gone and our attention is now poised on the Western States 100 on June 25th. Many runners are still training high mileage weeks (75-120), and mixing in a few 50k or long training runs before their mid June taper. Whereas a lot of attention is focused on the aforementioned Ultras, there are many others that provide there own challenges/training opportunities to runners. The Northern California/Nevada region is loaded with great races from the 5k to the 100 mile distance. But where can we find these diamonds in the rough? Continue reading and you'll find out.
Let's start out where most runners begin, the shorter distances. As much as I love being out on the trails for 2-5 hours, there is something to be said about a shorter distance race (5k, 5m,10k,10m). First and foremost, these distances are where most new runners begin their running endeavors and typically get hooked. Secondly, there are always a plethora of 5k/10k races locally and I'm a huge advocate of supporting local business/groups. And lastly you can get a great run in, have the rest of your day free, all the while doing something healthy. In my opinion, one of the best places to find such races is at www.zinsli.com. This website has a great list of races within the greater Sacramento/Foothill area. Many races listed have links to the RD's website or registration page making it easy to sign up and begin training for your newly acquired goals. Zinsli also has many great links to other race pages and event coordinators. Many people look at 5ks and 10ks as short, but they may be the most important distance in our sport. They truly are the gateway distances to long distance running.
Running lends itself to so many walks of life in that it's races are structured to promote healthy growth (from 5k-10k-10m-13m-25k/3ok-marathon-50k-50m-100k-100m). How fast one should go from one to another is debatable, but it's structured to do so. I categorize the half-marathon-30k race as a mid-distance race. Many runners feel as though these distances are the most enjoyable. Not too short, not too long; perfect! There are a couple of great websites that offer a wide range of distances that I use most. The first is www.pctrailruns.com. The Pacific Coast Trail Runs group puts on 2-3 races a month with multiple distances per race in the greater Bay Area. They have races as far south as Santa Monica, Ca and as far north as Portland Or. The second website is www.ultrarunner.net. This site provides races with a wide variety of distances but in a more local realm. Again, races like these are fun because runners of different levels can both participate in the same race and have a great time. Many of these races provide not only goal achievement, but training opportunities for those who run the longer distance ultra races.
Typically, once a runner is caught up in the ultra-scene, they're pretty well educated in how to/where to find races. That being said, the following websites can pretty much cover everything: www.ultrasignup.com, www.run100s.com and my local favorite, www.norcalultras.com. You can find many of the same races on each of these sites, but each webpage offers something unique. The latter website is one of our personal favorites because Julie Fingar(RD), does a wonderful job coordinating some of the biggest races in the country. Check all of these sites out and I assure you, you'll be impressed.
Running has evolved into it's own over the years. Whether you run a 5k or a 100 mile race, you ARE a runner. Some are just crazier than others. What's important to us is that you enjoy it, and maintain good health. We hope that this article of resources can aide you in your future running adventures and remember, running is like walking...just a little faster. Cheers!
Sincerely - The ARC Crew
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