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The Relay
3 reviews
Neighborhood: SOMA
Category: Active Life
EnviroSports
Rating Details »
- Good for Kids:
- No
9 reviews for EnviroSports
This is a great organization that runs small, local athletic events. Dave Horning is an inspirational, charismatic, and entertaining person. He captivated the 300 runners in today's Woodside run. Admittedly, I was first nettled about the no headphones rule. But it made complete sense given the dangerous nature. You need to be aware of your surroundings, both because you don't want to run into others on the small trail, and also because you really should appreciate the wonderful surroundings you're in in the hills of Woodside.
Envirosports has events that vary in length and difficulty, from the Death Valley Marathon and the Escape from the Rock Tri to the Mt. Tam Wild Boar Run. I enjoy the large events like Bay 2 Breakers, Livestrong Challenge, and Tour de Cure, but the spirit, organization, and charm of these small events was addicting. I'm definitely signing up for more.
People thought this was:
- Useful (6)
- Funny (5)
- Cool (7)
Easing race participants before the start with a few laughts, Dave Horning is quite a character. Though you'd never guess from his couch potato looks, he founded EnviroSports over 20 years ago, and continues to be an active organizer of multisport and trail run events taking place across the state throughout the year.
While events like the Death Valley Marathon and the Escape from the Rock Tri are only for the toughest of the lot, there are others for the less hardcore, such as the Mt. Tam Wild Boar Run, which I thought to be a great beginner trail race.
There are no big name sponsors; trail route markings are minimal, as is the staffing. The limit in the amount of participants ensures a cheap entry fee and a small field--so small in fact, that Dave can easily bake enough loaves of his famous delicious and moist banana bread to accommodate everyone post-race. These are obvious advantages, but the bare bones organization also has its downfalls, as I later realized when a slight distraction caused them to forget to record my finish time. Nevertheless, after explaining the situation by email, one of the coordinators graciously apologized and quickly resolved the issue, eventually getting my time on the books based on my own estimation from my watch and recollection of the finisher ahead of me.
Even with the timing mishap, I was already looking forward to entering one of their future events. The scenery on these runs and the overall race experience just can't be beat.
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Funny (2)
- Cool (3)
A well organized race today - Muir Woods Marathon & 25k. It was so much fun.....tough but fair. I loved the rocky single track trails and the spectacular views of the Pacific and through Muir Woods.....I think everyone had a great race......keep it up guys!
Athletes of all shapes and sizes and speeds participate in their fun events. You'll appreciate the less than mainstream venues, and all together nice folk who compete in these races. With a hefty price tag for most entry fees, you'll probably view these as season goals rather than "just" exercise. My only beef is that these races can feel understaffed. I mean where's all the money going?
Check their website for a complete and up-to-date listing.
Popular events that I may have reviewed more completely:
NAPA VALLEY TRAIL MARATHON, HALF MARATHON & 10K
Beautiful, just so pretty if your heaving lungs are ready for all the pollen
NAPA VALLEY SPRINT TRIATHLON
Fun, fun multi-sport sweat and then you get to drink wine
ALCATRAZ SHARKFEST SWIM
1.5-mile swim from Alcatraz Island to Aquatic Park
Not for the faint of heart, but fantastic for smack talking.
Awed Friend: "Aren't you scared of sharks?"
ME (Chest puffed out): "Nah, although there was a sea lion attacking swimmers at Aquatic Park and they had to close the beach for a while. It's OK now"
ESCAPE FROM THE ROCK Triathlon
1.5-mile SW, 2.5-mile RN, 13-mile BK, 10K RN
If you can't get into the #1 Triathlon race (in the USA) because you can't hack the course, you don't rate it or you're just plain unlucky- this is a good consolation. It's not as cool for smack talking among those in the know, but for uninformed friends this is smack worthy too.
Awed Friend: "So do you think those inmates escaped?"
ME (Chest puffed out): "Oh Yeah. I've done the Escape (leaving out 'from the Rock') and it wasn't that bad. Plus if you escaped from jail it's not like you want people to know you survived. But I want you to know I'm a masochistic jock.
BIG SUR TRAIL MARATHON, HALF MARATHON & 5 MILE
Grueling but beautiful and you get to camp out in one of the best areas in California during prime weather.
TRI, GIRL, TRI!
Late in the season- for girls only. This can be fun if the weather is good. But some who start their season in early February have complained that participating in this makes for a long grind to the finish. Good for those who start training in June. Consider yourself warned.
Disclaimer: I exercised many years ago in a former life. My memories may have been altered due to endorphins.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
If you're even nominally athletically-inclined, you need to check out these multi-sport events. EnviroSports organizes challenging, entertaining trail runs around the Bay Area that will help you discover fantastic places to hike, single-track, or just picnic, (picnic, that is, if you're just too lazy to get your fat-arse in running shorts -- not that there's anything wrong with that; okay, that's it for my most politically -- incorrect review).
Oh, and remember NOT to follow the guy in front of you on the trail because he may not know where the hell he's going either. (This I know from experience) Website: http://www.envirosport.../
I ran the golden gate headlands marathon and had such a great time! Envirosports is casual and full of runners that are coming out to run a rugged course and have a good time. There was no chip running and only a few hundred runners which made for a completely different experience. The actual course of the golden gate headlands marathon is prety challenging and even starts with one big, muddy hill. Lots and lots of mud and hills! The people that work the course were really great and had bananas and oranges along the way. I ran the half marathon as a training run for a marathon that was coming up and it was a perfect way to bust my butt and get a great training! I dont usual trail run so it is a great workout and a beautiful course as well. The trail course is quiet and gives really beautiful views of the bay and golden gate. I will definitely do another race through envirosports.
Romancing the Island race - UNBELIEVEABLE. I have never finished a race and said "I want to do that every year!!!" until now. The 15 mile (there is a 7 mile option) trail run over the hills and through the woods on Angel Island was absolutely amazing. From single track through the woods, to frolicking on the hillsides in wildflowers, to views of the city and Tiburon this run is absolutely not to be missed if you are a runner, wanna be runner, or fast walker, do it.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (6)
I just did my first EnviroSports event this past weekend--the Napa Half Marathon. It was an all-around wonderful event. There was a laid-back, fun-loving attitude to the whole experience, which was a refreshing change from other events I've done. This guy, Dave, has been organizing these events for 25 years. He is hilarious and had us all laughing as he got the event started. It was well-organized, the trail was gorgeous and well-marked. Everyone was incredibly friendly and we were impressed by the great snacks available at the end--note that Dave also bakes homemade banana bread for the events, so this was one of the many goodies for us. We all left smiling and grabbed a brochure for more of the events they have coming up over the next year. Looking forward to my next one.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (2)
I loved the Angel Island Race! it was so fun!! The combo of a race and the beauty of Angel Island was phenomenal. The race event was laid back- the winner gets a rubber chicken. I highly recommend Envirosports races....they are great!
People thought this was:
- Cool (2)