THE COURSE
The
Ave has been called by no less of an authority than RUNNERS WORLD MAGAZINE
one of the most beautiful courses in the country. The photo on the left gives
a small glimpse of why this is so. The Marathon is a double out and back,
as the course profile indicates; while the Half Marathon is a single out and
back. Both start just beyond the Dyerville Bridge on Bull Creek Road and proceed
6.5 miles to the first turn around. The first mile is relatively flat, and
within half a mile of the start, you will be running under a canopy of beautiful
Redwoods. After the first mile, there are some sharp curves and fairly short
hills. There is an open space and a sweeping curve at about the 4/9 mile mark.
Then for the next mile or so, you enter arguably the most beautiful part of
the course. The giant Redwoods close to the road look as though they were
painted on a large canvass, the way they are perfectly arranged. At about
five and a half miles, just beyond the Albee Creek Campground, you will enter
an opening that continues to the first turn around. Don't worry about heat,
however, for the temperature is usually still cool and part of the road is
still shaded. The last mile plus is a gradual uphill with few curves. Turn
around here, and retrace your steps. There are aid stations at 2, 4+ and 6+
miles: and of course they will be there on your return trip. Half marathoners
will proceed to the finish line; while Marathoners will turn right onto The
Avenue of the Giants. The second out and and back is mostly shaded, and has
only one significant hill, as you travel through Weott at just beyond the
15 mile mark going out or the 23 mile mark coming back. There is what appears
to be a steep hill near the 14/25 mile mark, but it is mostly an opticle illusion.
It's actually a bridge over the freeway. There are three and sometimes four
aid stations, depending on the weather, along this out abd back, so there
will be plenty of refreshment for all. The area near Weott is oprn for about
half a mile and the road is heavily cambered, so be careful how you attack
this section of the course. The 10K starts on the Avenue of the Giants, about
ten minutes after the Marathon and Half; goes down the Avenue for 3.1 miles
and then returns; thus giving 10K folks the fun of the real hill, and the
scary bridge. Some time before or after the race, be sure to check out The
Founders Tree and the Dyerville Giant, on a short trail circling Founders
Grove, about 100 yards down the Avenue from the Dyerville Bridge. Run wisely,
enjoy the natural beauty of the area, and here's hoping you have a great time
as a runner, spectator, or race volunteer.