Pacific Coast Trail Runs – Inaugural Ridge Trail Race Series.
Find a trail race with a distance that suits you!
In August, inspired by the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council’s very own annual Ridge to Bridge trail event and fundraiser, Pacific Coast Trail Runs (PCTR) launched a four-race trail running series benefiting the Ridge Trail.
The final event—with 10k, 17k, 35k and 50k options wending through Huddart and Wunderlich Parks—was on November 18. With a portion of every participant’s entry fee donated directly to the Council, the series raised $4,000 (and a ton of awareness!) for the Ridge Trail.
PCTR was founded in 2000 and has been treating long distance runners to challenging courses with breathtaking scenery ever since. Whether tackling eight kilometers on Mt. Diablo or 100 miles through the Marin Headlands, runners could always count on PCTR for stunning views, solid organization, friendly vibes, and great post-race eats. (Their finish line BBQ is legendary among Bay Area trail runners!)
Still, when husband-and-wife team Greg Lanctot and Jennifer Lopez-Lanctot bought PCTR in November 2016, they had big ideas about making it an even better organization. Most significantly, they wanted to get PCTR involved in the Bay Area trail community in meaningful ways.
“Trails are our element and so the Bay Area Ridge Trail Council is one of our benefactors,” says Greg. “Our events put wear and tear on trails; we want to do our part to keep them in great condition. We also want to contribute to the completion of the Ridge Trail loop. More great trails mean more great course options.”
When Greg and Jennifer first approached the Ridge Trail Council to talk about collaborating, they were surprised to find out that no other trail race production company had partnered with the Council before. “It’s such a natural fit,” says Greg, “it’s a no-brainer. And we’re happy to be the first!”
The Ridge Trail series, which PCTR plans to produce annually moving forward, raises more than just money. Greg made sure, at each race, to talk to participants about the Ridge Trail and why PCTR was raising funds for it. “Runners who already knew about the Ridge Trail were the most excited,” he says. “They feel a deep connection to the trails they run and wanted to know how they could get involved. They loved the idea of doing trail work on trails they love.”
PCTR will announce details about the next Ridge Trail Series in 2018. But with about two dozen races per year, there’s always a beautiful course on the horizon.
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