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Brazen Racing Ultra Half Series - Updated for 2022/2023

Those who have raced some of the Brazen Ultra Half Series races may be wondering which are the most difficult, which are the easiest, and what is the best strategy to optimize your series times. Below is our own (highly subjective) ranking of the series races in order of difficulty. As always, your mileage may vary!

To frame the question, below is the 2022/2023 series in chronological order with the basic stats for each event.  

The half marathons from most difficult to "easiest"...

1. Rocky Ridge (Sept).  Close to 4000 ft of elevation gain, potential for high heat in the tri-valley (Las Trampas near Dublin), a completely exposed second loop with amazing views, and almost zero flat running.  This makes for a great end of season measuring stick for how far your fitness has grown through the year. 

2.  Bear Creek (Aug).  Almost completely exposed course in Briones park, mid-August warmth, and calf burning climbs make for a rewarding day.

3.  Trailquake (June).  Sanborn park (near Saratoga) can get steamy hot with unusually high humidity in June.  Long uphill start can turn good legs to mush before you reach the first aid station.  Technical descent with 10K traffic adds to the fun.  Not ranked higher because of shade and potential for early June fog layer...makes for a cooler bout of suffering than #2. 

4.  Summit Rock (Dec).  Testament to the difficulty of this course (also held in Sanborn park), this December version on a slightly modified course still presents plenty of early-race climbing and technical, potentially congested descending. 

5.  Diablo (Apr).  Lengthy, unending mid-race climb can leave your legs empty for the long downhill finish.  Early April on Mt Diablo presents its own set of challenges, but the views are worth it. 

6.  Diablo (Nov).  Same course, but with much less heat (hopefully). 

7.  Auburn (Oct).  Potential for a hot day, and plenty of short steep climbs on a truly historic course. 

8.  Wildcat (May).  Four noteworthy climbs primarily on fire roads.  Great views of the Bay from Wildcat/Tilden Parks in the east bay hills, and good odds on not getting a scorcher. 

9.   Badger Cove (Mar).  Slightly less weather vulnerability than others, with short, but verysteep climbs/descents.  Begins and ends with fairly flat 1.5 miles on groomed fire road.  Bring your trail shoes if it's been raining.

10. Bad Bass (July).  Looping around Lake Chabot (near Castro Valley) is always a treat.  The July version can be warm, but most often has a fog layer until mid-morning.  First and last 1.5 miles are on paved bike path, but there are plenty of hills to slow you down on the far side of the lake.  Be sure to save something for Jackson Grade...don't spend it all going up Live Oak at mile 4. 

11.  New Year's Eve (Dec).  December version of Bad Bass.  Much cooler weather, and a great way to bring in the new year! 

Best of luck in picking your own optimal combination!