Raptor Ridge Half Marathon

(4^th race of the Animal Series)
Date: October 13, 2013

Registration: Online registration is now open on Active.com

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Entry Fee: 
Half Marathon
$55 – Early Bird
$65 – 7/1/13 at midnight
$75 – 8/1/13 at midnight

Registration closes 9/1/13 or previously when race sells out … and it will!

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

Race Capacity: 400

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 DiegoSafari Park and Raptor Ridge.  The single track up Raptor Ridge is completely doable 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.

Aid Stations: There will be 5 aid stations on the course.

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 the race start. If using the lot, you MUST follow Parking Staff direction.  Street parking is limited.

Race Check in: 6 am – 6:45 am

Race Start Time: 7 am

Prizes: ALL runners will receive a commemorative BEER GLASS with race logo and date of event.  These collector’s glasses are the final in the 2013 set that Grand Slam Progressive Series participants can earn.  Those participants that have completed ALL 4 races in the Grand Slam Progressive Series will also receive a commemorative BEER PITCHER or Growler with the 2013 series logos.

All race finishers will also receive an awesome finisher’s medal.

(Photo above from 2012 series.  Race shirts, glasses and prizes will vary.)

To be eligible for the Grand Slam (progressive) point 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.

The Raptor Ridge Half Marathon is also the last Half Marathon in the Animal Series.  Runners that have completed all 4 Half Marathons (including this Raptor Ridge race) will receive the final interlocking medal to make up their special MEGA SUPER MEDAL.

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

Pat and his Professional Team of Photographers will have your pictures from the race on display at the After Party for you and your loved one’s to see … and they will be awesome!!  You can have Pat take post-race pictures of you, your family, your group, or your team to capture your special day. All race-day photo purchases will be discounted!!!  See Pat for details.

Unable to make the after-party, go to …. Photos By Pat ….. to purchase all your race photos … even previous season if you’ve run with us before.

Race Results: Race results will not be available at the finish line. Please do not interrupt the professional timing team. Just as you want an accurate time, so do the racers that have yet to finish behind you. We will have the Overall & Age Group Winner times available at the Post-Race Party & Awards Ceremony. All race times and distance placing will be available on the DirtDevilRacing.com website no later than the Wednesday after the race.

Post-Race Party and Awards Ceremony: Dirt Devil Racing has teamed up with GreenFlash Brewing Company to bring you an excellent post-race party and awards celebration!  After the race, head to the Green Flash for the end of the season Awards Celebration. Of course there will be plenty of incredible beer, pizza to munch on, awards, photos, and a chance to hang out and rehash the great race you just completed!

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 fromSan Diego. For directions from the race site to Green Flash Brewing Company please use this map:

http://bit.ly/pkzBqF

Post-Race Party starts at 10:30am … Awards at noon! So head home and shower first if you’d like … but you may miss out on all the free pizza!! Yum.

Packet Pick-up Location: Packet Pick-up will take place at the San Diego Running Institute (SDRI) on the Friday and Saturday before the race:

• Friday, October 11th … hours to follow
• Saturday, October 12th … hours to follow

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.  Please read ALL the “MANDATORY READ” race day rules prior to race day to ensure you have the best experience possible.

Traveling to San Diego for the Raptor Ridge Half Marathon?

San Diegohas 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:
Rancho Bernardo Inn
La Quinta Inn
Springhill Suites
Residence Inn
Econo Lodge Escondido
Motel Meridian

Things to Do:
San Diego Safari Park
Orfila Vineyards and Winery
Stone Brewing Company
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Sea World San Diego
San Diego Zoo
Kit Carson Park
Greenflash Brewing Company
Urge Gastropub

Thank you to our sponsors: