Join us on September 24, 2022 as we continue the tradition of Dick Collins Firetrails. This race has been run in one form or another for decades, going way back to when Dick Collins himself was the race director. Firetrails for many years was directed by the great Ann Trason, who had a special connection to Dick and considered him a mentor. Dick Collins is remembered on a bench near the turnaround for the 50-mile race, in the camp below Skyline Gate.
Dick Collins Firetrails is now made of 3 events: Bay Ridge 100k, Firetrails 50, and The Golden Hills Marathon.
UTMB points. We are proud to say that Dick Collins Firetrails offers them. The Bay Ridge 100k offers 4 points and Firetrails 50 offers 3 points. Golden Hills Marathon offers 2 points.
P-USATF Grand Prix The Firetrails 50 mile race is part of the Pacific USATF Grand Prix.
NOTE to Runners: If you plan to check out the course on your own from Cull Canyon, beware that you’ll pass through EBMUD land which requires you to have a day-use permit. They’re cheap and worth having! You can find them here. You do NOT need a permit to run the race or to take part in our training camps.
The Courses
Again in 2022 will start and finish at Cull Canyon Regional Park, just minutes from Lake Chabot. Select ‘Course’ at the top of the page for information on Aid Stations, Elevation Profile, and Maps. Information and instruction for crew and drop bags will be found under Aid Stations.
Both Bay Ridge 100k and Firetrails 50 are out-and-back courses along the Bay Area Ridge Trail. Firetrails 50 turns around at Skyline Gate and has a total elevation of 8,700ft. Bay Ridge 100k continues to the Steam Trains and has an elevation profile of 11,400 ft.
The Golden Hills Marathon is a point-to-point race. Runners meet at Cull Canyon Regional Park and check-in there. You’ll board a bus to the Chabot Space and Science Center on Skyline Blvd in Oakland at 7 AM for the race, which starts at 8 AM. Runners may also be dropped at Chabot Space and Science but there is limited check-in. You are strongly encouraged to pick up your bib on Friday afternoon at Golden Squirrel. The total vertical for the marathon is 4,000 ft.
Starting Time, Time Limits, Changing Distances
The 100k starts at 5 am in front of Cull Canyon. You will park on the street in front of the park and we will check you in and start you at the park gate. Bring your drop bags to check-in, as well as your post-race bags and we will have them for you when you return.
The Firetrails 50 mile starts at 6 am at Cull Canyon, where you’ll park. You will be able to enter to park at 5am. Please park inside of the Cull Canyon parking lot to leave room for the 100k runners on street.
The Marathon starts at 8 am. Runners park at Cull Canyon and are bussed to the start. Busses leave at 7:00 sharp.
Time limits are:
>> 100k (5am start) = 16.5 hours
>> 50 mile (6am start) = 15.5 hours
>> Marathon = 13.5 hours (you really shouldn’t need it!)
Contact us for more info. Cutoffs are firm because of our permits and the general curfew in the East Bay Regional Parks. All cutoffs are firm and you will be removed from the course if you miss them.
Changing distances will not be allowed during the race. If you start in the 100k, you will not be allowed to ‘drop down’ to a shorter distance during the race and receive an official finish. If you wish to change distances, you must do so before the start.
Because of the generous time limit, there are no early starts in this event.
Schwag and Awards
All finishers receive shirts, medals, and wine glasses. Additionally, Bay Ridge100k runners have the chance to earn the Bay Ridge Rhino buckle. 100k and 50-mile runners receive a custom hoodie or jacket which marathon runners can purchase separately. Age Group awards are for winners in each 10-year age group.
Aid Stations, Crew Access, Pacers…and Bathrooms
Click on the Course link at the top of the page for maps, narrative, aid stations, and driving directions. Crew has access to many of these stations unless we have specified otherwise. For the 50 mile and 100k pacers will be allowed from Lake Chabot Marina on the return route only. No pacers are allowed for the marathon.
Sponsors
