What is the layout. I have seen the maps but what is the terrain like? Hilly, flat, grass, gravel?
What is the layout. I have seen the maps but what is the terrain like? Hilly, flat, grass, gravel?
Lots of different terrain. The meadow (Upper Speedway, now called Hellman Hollow, where the race starts, is fairly rugged (by American standards) grass. The portions on the Polo Field horse track are firm (especially after years of drought) dirt, with a few sandy parts.
The path along JFK is a tad rocky, but it's a long gradual, straight downhill, where you can roll.
The short section at the bottom (western) part of the course through Chain of Lakes is fairly narrow and winding, with some sandier sections. The toughest part of the course comes as you run up the meadow (Lower Speedway?) back toward the Polo Field. It's a gradual uphill, but the grass is pretty rugged, especially if it's been raining.
No huge or really steep hills, but a few ups and downs. Overall a fairly tough course by American standards. Lots of variety, and quite fun. If there are some big storms just before the race, it can get sloppy, of course. But it's quite dry at the moment.
Would you suggest spikes?
I ran it in flats in 2006 after heavy rains. I would have been better off in spikes. If it is dry flats will be fine.
Igy
Lkj wrote:
Would you suggest spikes?
As mentioned by poster above, it depends on how much it rains beforehand. Also depends on your comfort level of running in spikes on a slightly rocky dirt path (JFK, for about 700m x 2). I'd try that part out with spikes beforehand, if you can tour the course on Friday.
When in doubt, if you're used to racing in spikes, I'd do so. If you're like most Californians, and rarely, if ever, race XC in spikes, I'd wear flats, unless muddy.
Wear spikes so you run over those dirty liberals infesting golden gate park with their messages of peace and tolerance.
That would be unseemly. Your ISP has been noted and provided to the Code Pink! and Occupy offices for further investigation.
Dianne Pelosi Park wrote:
Wear spikes so you run over those dirty liberals infesting golden gate park with their messages of peace and tolerance.
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