Mostly fast and flat for its first few miles, the half marathon route for El Sobrante’s Fall Showdown Trail races turns steep and challenging as runners near the mid-way point of the race, though the scenery is definitely the reward once runners reach the highest point of the course near the Briones Reservoir. Gorgeous throughout, the race features long stretches along the San Pablo Reservoir, just a short drive from nearby Berkeley, Oakland and San Francisco.
(MORE: Fall Showdown Half Marathon event details)