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.

Visit PCTR’s website to check out their calendar

Increasing diversity, community, and friendship on the trail

The sun was barely up when Nicholas Collins and 30 other trail runners and hikers met at the Tilden Park Steam Trains on a recent Saturday morning. From there, they carpooled over to Redwood Gate to meet fellow members of the 510 Hikers. Nicholas founded this Oakland-based hiking group in 2013.

The combined group of more than 40 set out on the Ridge Trail together around 8:45. There was a sweet 4.25 mile loop through Redwood Park for those who wanted a relatively short option. But the early risers blasted all the way back to the steam trains. This nine-and-a-half mile stretch of  Ridge Trail traverses Redwood Regional Park, Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve, Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve and the hills east of Grizzly Peak before getting back to Tilden. 510 Hikers caters to hikers of all speeds and abilities–but the core group always inspires people to challenge themselves. The lead group finished this hilly 9.5 miles in just two hours.

It was Stage 3 of a four-part 510 Hikers series that Nicholas designed to raise awareness about the Ridge Trail. The series, which takes place over four consecutive Saturdays in December, treats participants to about 36 continuous Ridge Trail miles, from Lake Chabot to Wildcat Canyon.

“I’ve hiked over 100 Bay Area trails in the past few years, so I end up seeing Ridge Trail signs all over the place,” says Nicholas. “But it was only recently that I decided to do the research and find out what it’s all about. Now I see the RT as an unbelievable gift to the Bay Area, and I want to spread the word.”

510 Hikers is a large and growing group that welcomes all comers. “All types, speeds, colors and everything else,” says Nicholas, who is African American. Bothered by the general lack of diversity on trails, he made a conscious effort when he first founded the group to entice people of color to join. But, he explains, the way he promotes the group has shifted organically over time. He now emphasizes inclusivity, regular attendance, and to leave all attitude, prejudice and pretension at home. He encourages participants to push themselves physically and–just as importantly–to take part in the community service projects the group does.

“We focus mainly on homelessness right here in our neighborhoods,” he says. “Serving hot meals and putting together shoe and coat drives are a few of the many things 510 Hikers have proudly come together to do. Our group’s philosophy is that, yeah, hiking increases fitness and physical strength, but it can also heal the soul. The trails are great, but it’s just as much about connecting with people face-to-face. The trails are almost secondary to the friendships built over time between so many of our hikers.”

To find out about the next 510 Hikers adventure–on or off the Ridge Trail–visit the group’s Facebook page.