Runners get the chance to trek the trails of San Rafael’s China Camp State Park at the Honey Badger Half Marathon, which features a double-loop course with plentiful elevation changes and stunning views of San Pablo Bay and San Francisco Bay off in the distance.
The race begins on the park’s Shoreline Trail where runners will encounter gentle hills within the first mile as they head west. Racers must prepare to conquer the first big hill as they head into the second mile. They will veer off onto the Back Ranch Fire Trail and climb nearly 400 feet by the time runners reach the third mile marker.
Once on the Bay View Trail, there are a series of hills going into the next mile and a half. Nearing the 3.5 mile mark, racers will find themselves on the Oak Ridge Trail and begin a bit of a descent for approximately a mile. The trail begins to even out slightly as runners make their way along the Shoreline Trail. There are still gentle ups and downs, but no large climbs again until mile 9.
Runners will cross mile 5 and 6 along the Shoreline Trail and they will approach the start/finish area near the halfway mark. They will follow the same course from the start for approximately 1.5 miles and then make new footprints as they stay along Shoreline Trail past the 8th mile marker.
A series of switchbacks heading north will take the course to the intersection of the Bay View Trail. Runners will next to find an extra gear as they head into the next section.
