Sasquatch Racing

Sasquatch Racing is all about trail runs! How fun! :) They try to keep it small and manageable which is much appreciated. Running with crowds of people is not always desired, so this was nice for a change!
I participated in the 5K and did not have any trouble following the road markers (though I did hear that several people who were running the Half got lost and ran extra miles). The 5K was basically halfway into the trail and back out, pretty easy to follow!
Really got the full experience as there was so much to look forward to post-​race! I had my eye on the massages and there were also several snacks and drinks. Of course, there was the post-​race 2 beers/​person. They also had HINT water and Nesquik Chocolate Milk, yum! Snack includes Perfect Bars, clementines/​bananas, nuts, pretzels, Mamma Chia drinks, and Crunch Culture Yogurt.
There were even a few raffle giveaways held after the race to raffle off Salomon swag. All in all, great experience! Love my wooden medallion for finishing the 5K (very unique!). The half marathoners got a metal medal with a screwdriver tip — also cool! We also got a short sleeved tech tee to take home when we checked in for our bibs (black shirt for women, blue shirt for men).

Course Description:
The Sasquatch Scramble half marathon course was a double-​lobed loop on trails in Redwood Regional Park above Oakland. The course has very long gradual hills, shorter steep hills, and lots of rutted trails with exposed tree roots. About ²⁄₃ of the course is shaded by gorgeous redwood and other trees.
Organization & Production:
Briefly, signing up, the website information, check-​in, start/​finish area, restrooms, and more than pops into my mind — all the myriad things that get runners to the starting line and take care of them as they finish — were all well done.
There was one aspect of the half marathon that did not go well. Many/​most half runners got lost. Park trail races usually use selected trails from a larger trail network. Sasquatch Racing informs its runners about their courses in four ways. The website links to a map. A detailed course description was available near check-​in. Both were correct.
Being more focused on the trail and running/​walking, runners tend to rely on course markings and course marshals. Sasquatch normally does both very well. At about Mile 8 in the Scramble, I missed a turn, went straight onto a wrong trail. Partly this was due to the course marshal who would have been there being a no-​show. The RD had sent some one to cover, but (s)he got lost.
The weird part is that for a mile or two on the wrong trail I saw and followed flags of the same color code that Sasquatch uses. After 2 or 3 miles along this wrong trail I finally realized that I was off-​course. Fortunately, at about that time I had cell reception, and used Google Maps to get to the finish area, covering about the same distance I would have had I stayed on-​course.
What happened? Whence the flags that fooled me? Redwood Regional Park is a popular venue for trail races, and evidently one such race a week or two or ?? previously had not thoroughly cleared their course of course marking flags. A post-​race email from Sasquatch mentioned that some course flag vandalism had also been occurred on another section of the course.
Sasquatch could not have anticipated another race’s flags being on a wrong trail, close to a turn in the Sasquatch course, nor where the vandalism might be done. The website map and course description would have kept me on-​course had I followed them, so I’ll take much of the blame for my misadventure.
When I arrived at the finish area the RD explained what had happened. This did not, in my opinion, mar an otherwise really well done race. The RD did what he could, and some days … .
Swag & Goodies:
Bib: The background of the bib has a forested look. The name of the race is at the top with the distances; the bib number is in the center; the sponsors’ logos are across the bottom. All around the bib are silhouettes of Sassy, scrambling.
T-​Shirt: The race T-​shirt is a nice bright medium blue tech T, with a mosaic (words and phrases related to the race) silhouette of Sassy in the center. Above are the race name, distances, and «2016». On the back are the sponsors’ logos.
Finisher’s Medal: The half marathon medallion features a scrambling Sassy, the name of the race, and the year. Along the right of the medal is «Scrambled 13.1», The medallion also has a bottle opener, plus Phillips and straight-​blade screwdriver tips. Very nice.
While Sasquatch Racing’s races are small in size, their finish area goodies are NOT skimpy. That I remember: Hint Water; beer from a local craft brewery; Crunch Culture Yogurt; oranges and bananas; Kettle Brand chips; Perfect Bars; miscellaneous candies. Aid stations had water, SOS Rehydrate sports drink, oranges, and bananas.
My Results & Opinion of the Race:
There may be some half marathoners who are upset at how things went, but I’m not one. It probably made an unfortunate impression on any half runners doing a Sasquatch race for the first time. As best I know, there were no glitches at all encountered by 10K or 5K runners.
My personal view is that had I followed the map and/​or course description I would not have gone off-​course, so I won’t dump all blame on the RD. As for the missing course marshal and false flags, RDs are not deities, and things happen beyond their ability to fix.
As things turned out, I covered about the same distance as the correct course. So all in all I’m very happy with my time. It was a really beautiful day, on a very beautiful set of trails.

This review is based on the Sasquach Scramble on 4÷17÷16. The course was not marked well, with many flags torn down. A staff member who was supposed to direct runners on the course did not show up, causing me to make a wrong turn that got me lost for over an hour and a half on a hot day. Several other runners made a similar mistake, leaving us roaming around without support. By the time I got to the last aid station, there were almost no supplies left. I did not feel safe at this event. I run races frequently, and this was the worst experience I’ve had.

Like the Sasquatch, this company is unique. They keep races small, which makes it possible to offer races in unique locations.
I just completed the scramble half.
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Oh my, hills. A total ascent of over 1,000 feet. It kicked my assquatch. At about mile 6, I questioned my sanity for signing myself up for it.
At the finish line, I felt like I earned that medal more than any other I have ever received and that made all the toe blisters worth it.
I had an hour drive and was worried about parking at Redwood Park, so I arrived before 8:00 and secured a spot near the registration area. No lines and friendly people. They had lists to confer with and I had my awesome black t-​shirt, pint glass, and bib in seconds.
They warmed us up over the loud speaker, I grabbed a picture with the Sasquatch, & away we went. I was intimidated by the pace the group set as a whole, and moved to the back. That move caused me to chat with a fellow, who I quickly realized was one of my TnT coaches from 2007. So fun to run into a friend. I also made a new friend (Hi Marcy!) along the trail. She was not sure which way to go at a split and I pulled out the written cheat sheet. I highly recommend having one on hand, I used it 3 times.
I was also glad I brought my own water source. There were 3 water stations: at mile 3, 7 & 10. That stretch between mile 3 and 7 was really long. I was all by myself a lot of the time, I have never had that experience on a race before.
All in all, a really fun and unique race. Thank you Sassy!

I really love this race organization. The races are really fun, the people are super nice and encouraging, plus they always have great beer and snacks afterwards! I have done several races with Sasquatch and plan to do more next year. The races are well run and in beautiful places, plus they are totally reasonably priced. Keep up the good work!

This year I ran the Sasquatch Racing 20K 2015 Tour Package: Scramber, Rambler, Tick & Badger. Woodallions… who’s ever heard of woodallions? I have and I luv them and I totally luv’d the series finishers medal/​bottle opener. Well organized, race day bib pick up, races start on time, pre-​race race distance warm ups, sasquatch mascot adding fun to the mix, beautiful shaded trail courses, great sponsor with great freebies… Mamma Chia, Hint Water, Lyme Disease. A really nice racing company.

I have run six half marathons this year, but this was my very first trail half marathon. These folks are a small outfit, not like the giant organizations doing the SF Marathon, etc. I found everything to be well done and without problems; very friendly too boot. (I thought the guy in the Sasquatch suit was creepy, though very impressive he ran the race in that outfit. And I guess he’s their mascot, so unavoidable.)
There were more aid stations than I thought there would be.
There were maybe two points where I thought I was lost, but that was just my own anxiety.
The only problem that arose was not their fault: my wife didn’t quite understand the pick up point, which she also thought wasn’t her fault — I thought the Sasquatch team was clear, and I in turn was too.
But all in all, real fun to run. I would definitely repeat with this group.
PS The specific race I did, in China Camp, called the «Honey Badger» had one big hill at the beginning and one long ascent almost at the end; it was a challenge, a good challenge.

The Bobcat Blitz race was a blast! It was the best marked trail that I have ever seen. No confusion ever! The post race goodies were awesome too!
Chilled Red Hook Beer, Zico Coconut Water, Powerbar Recovery Drink, Awesome Bars, peanut butter filled pretzels, peanut M&M’s, and some additional snacks. Great race!

these guys do an awesome job organizing fun and scenic races. They are very well organized, offer a plethora of information about what to expect and always deliver. I’ve run several of their races and have enjoyed every one of them. They add a fun spin to trail racing that i think differentiates them from all the other racing companies in the bay area. I run with many but will say that Sasquatch Racing tries the hardest to create routes based on what the runners are interested in (vs creating a route based on what is easier for the person thinking about the course. I won’t rat any companies out!). Whether you are a new to trail racing or a veteran, you should give one of these races a try!

Just finished the Bobcat Blitz in beautiful Huddart Park on Sunday. Perfectly marked course, cheerful and supportive crew, tasty post-​race Red Hook brew and snacks. Free massages by PSOAS practitioners. I can’t imagine a better way to spend a sunny Sunday. Thanks Matt and everyone! You’re the best.

I’ve run a few and volunteered at one. Well run, in great locations, with an awesome community! If you’re interested in doing a fun trail run, check out a Sasquatch Racing event.

Amazing group of runners that consistently organize incredible events for folks of every level. Aid stations are always well-​staffed and available, trails are always marked and the courses are gorgeous. Awesome work!

I recently moved to the Bay Area, and was alerted to a fun trail race put on by Sasquatch Racing. I ran the Sasquatch Scramble 10k, and also participated in their preview run of the course 2 weeks before the race.
I have to say, Sasquatch Racing puts on a great race! Communication was excellent, the course was well-​marked, they were generous with the post-​race refreshments, quality race shirts, and my interactions with the owners were spectacular. Overall A+

I ran the Rattlesnake Ramble earlier this year, and even though Matt had to change the course due to rain at the last minute, it was still a fun and perfectly organized event. Enthusiastic volunteers, well-​marked course, yummy food/​beer and a t-​shirt that made my running friends sweat with envy.
Would definitely run another Sasquatch event again.

On Saturday morning, my friend and I made the nearly 2 hour drive from our city to China Camp State Park for the Honey Badger Half, and were not disappointed that we did! Beautiful and well-​marked trails, fabulous volunteers with as much enthusiasm (and knowledge) at the finish as at the start, and a delicious oatmeal cookie after crossing the finish line. And the bling … tech shirt and a medal that doubles as a bottle opener. THANK YOU to Matt, Chuck and all the volunteers for your dedication to making the Honey Badger a truly bada$$ run! Looking forward to the Rattlesnake in 2014.

Since I restarted running on a regular basis, I have run a number of half marathons to the point that it is mostly routine.
This was my first trail half marathon. Comparing a trail half marathon to a standard road race is like comparing a honey badger to Asha the cat.
A much smaller race compared to the mega-​races.
Will definitely do it in the future.

I’ve run with Marathon Matt’s group for several years, so when I found out he was putting on his own races I knew I had to be there. The main thing I love about Matt’s group is his commitment to making sure people have not just a good time but an EPIC time, all while working on their fitness.
I’d never done a trail race before and I was somewhat daunted by the hills (still am!). The Sasquatch Racing crew knew there would be some newbies & had the smarts to put on a trail clinic ahead of the race to give everyone a crash course in trail running — very helpful.
The 10K course, though challenging (& hot) was beautiful. The aid station was well manned & well stocked, and seeing Sassy rocking out to music on the trail along the way was a great motivator. The finish line & post-​race festivities were well organized & staffed, the shirt was epic, and the 10K finisher’s cookie was delicious. I only wish there had been a few more bottle of the Sasquatch Stout to go around.
Can’t wait for the Honey Badger Half!

I ran the Sasquatch Half Marathon. I was completely impressed with every single aspect of this race. The trails and the views were incredible. The race management was first class. Last, but not least, there is nothing as tasty as a cold beer at the finish of a tough race!