Raptor Ridge Half Marathon

Date: October 14, 2012

Race Start Time: 7 AM

Location:
San Dieguito River Park
3600 Sunset Drive
Escondido, CA 92025

Course Description: The Raptor Ridge half marathon is an out-n-back course that begins with 4.5 miles of flat and fast jeep road that winds east towards the San Diego Safari Park and Raptor Ridge.  The single track up Raptor Ridge is completely runnable for stronger runners.  Runners who are not as strong should expect to “do some hiking” up to the top.  At the top you are rewarded by views of the entire valley.  October is a gorgeous time of year and the view at the top of the ridge is impressive.  As you continue down the other side of Raptor Ridge you really make up time.  Lean into the hill and run fast down the opposite side as you make your way back into the flats and towards your turnaround point.

After the turnaround, running up the backside of the ridge is easier than running up the single track.  The hill is longer and on less of an incline.  Try to run all the way to the top as you feel your quads burning.  As you crest the top get back on the single track and “trail-surf” all the way to the bottom.  This is trail running at its best.  Running downhill, really fast with great views all around you.  Spectacular!

As you run along the rolling jeep road toward the 5th aid station with the mountains on your left make sure to ready your bottle for filling.  It is only 3 miles to go now and it is all flat.  Now you are on your way back.  Farms are on both sides of you and you can settle into a nice, comfortable pace as you near the end.  As you come closer you can hear the sounds of cowbells ringing and volunteers calling “Runner”!  It gives you a jolt of energy and will allow you to speed up as you cross the finish.

Course cut-off: The course cut-off time is 3 hours.  No finisher awards will be given for any racer not completing the course within 3 hours.

Registration: Online Registration is now open on Active.com!

Entry Fee:
Half Marathon
$52 until August 14
$62 until event sells out

5K Fun Run
$32 until August 14
$37 until event sells out

Aid Stations: There will be 5 aid stations on the course. Aid stations will be approximately located at miles 3, 4.5, 6.5, 8.5, and 10.

ALL RUNNERS MUST CARRY SOME FORM OF HYDRATION! It can be a simple 12 ounce bottle of water or a 64 ounce backpack but it is MANDATORY that all runners carry hydration.

Trail Map:

Directions to Start: Click Here for Directions (Google Maps)

Parking: There is ample parking near at the race start.

Post-Race Party and Awards Ceremony: Dirt Devil Racing has teamed with GreenFlash Brewing Co. to bring you an excellent post-race party and awards celebration! After the race, head to the Green Flash brewery for some incredible beer, an awards celebration and a chance to hang out and rehash the great race you just did! There will be a Gastrotruck on site with some delicious food to compliment the post-race drinks.

The brewery is a short 20 minute drive from the race site and will be on the way home for most people coming to the race from San Diego. For directions from the race site to Green Flash Brewing Co. please use this map: http://bit.ly/pkzBqF

Post-Race party starts at 11AM.

Packet Pickup:

• October 12 from 11AM – 6PM
• October 13 from 10AM – 4PM

San Diego Running Institute
4760-B Mission Gorge Place
San Diego, CA 92120

Packets must be picked up from the San Diego Running Institute. If, for any reason, you can not make it to packet pickup please contact Paul, paul@sdri.net, as soon as possible to make arrangements.

MANDATORY Race Day Check-in: All race participants MUST check in on race morning. Failure to check in prior to starting the race will result in automatic disqualification. Check in begins at 6AM.

Prizes: ALL runners will receive a commemorative BEER GLASS with race logo and date of event.  These collectors’ glasses are the final part of a set that Dirt Devil Race series participants can earn.  Those participants that have completed ALL 4 races that make up the Grand Slam series will also receive a commemorative BEER PITCHER with the series logo. All race finishers will also receive a finishers medal and duffel bag.

To be eligible for the Grand Slam points series and the cash/prizes that go with it, you must participate in the Raptor Ridge Half as well as the Coyote 5K, Sidewinder 10K and the Stairway to Heaven 15K.

For prizes provided to Overall and Age Group Winners please see the Race Prizes page.

Refund/Transfer Policy: Refunds, minus $10 cancellation fee, will be offered until 9/2/12. No refunds will be given after this date.

Traveling to San Diego for the Raptor Ridge Half Marathon?

San Diego has a long list of great attractions and activities for you and your family to enjoy. If you will be traveling to the race for the weekend here are a few hotels close to the start as well as some places the Dirt Devils love to check out after a run in the area.

Places to Stay:
Econo Lodge Escondido
Motel Meridian

Things to Do:
Kit Carson Park
San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park
Orfila Vineyards and Winery
Stone Brewing Company
Urge Gastropub

2011 Race Results