October 18: New Los Vaqueros Tarantula Run Courses Ready

The new courses for the Los Vaqueros Tarantula Run on Saturday, Oct. 18 are now available online.  All three courses are changed from the past, though all will still start and finish at the Kellogg Creek Picnic Area.

The courses will not be marked in advance of the race, so copy these maps and bring them with you if you plan to run them prior to the race. Remember to bring your own water!

The half-marathon will now be the correct 13.1 mile distance, an increase of about a mile. The 5K will basically be run “backwards” from the past, and the 10K will be completely different. All three courses start at Kellogg Creek from what was the finish line.

The steep climb to the top of the dam has been eliminated for both the 10K and half-marathon. But, since this is hilly Los Vaqueros, there are plenty of hills on the courses.

Registration

To register, visit www.brazenracing.com/tarantularunregistration.html

There are three prices: early bird (before 9/7), regular (until 10/5) and late/race day entry (after 10/5). We recommend saving money and entering early!

• 5K Entry Fee: $39 until 9/7, $44 until 10/5, $49 after 10/5.
• 10K Entry Fee: $44 until 9/7, $49 until 10/5, $54 after 10/5.
• Half Marathon Entry Fee: $60 until 9/7, $65 until 10/5, $70 after 10/5.

Please note: To be guaranteed a shirt (and your size), you must register by October 5th. We usually have plenty of extra shirts on race day, but it is always possible that we will run out!

Race start times are also slightly different:

Kids Spider Scramble: 7:35 am
Half Marathon: 8 am
10K: 8:15 am
5K: 8:30 am

Course Maps

Half Marathon Course Map and Elevation Chart

10K Course Map and Elevation Chart

5K Course Map and Elevation Chart

Course Marking

All participants will receive a copy of their appropriate course map on race day.

Each course will be marked with colored ribbons, signs and flour, so that runners know they are on the correct course.

Start Times

Start times will be: 7:35 am for the Kids Spider Scramble, 8:00 am for the Half Marathon, 8:15 am for the 10K and 8:30 am for the 5K.

Cut-Off Times

The half marathon has a 4.5 hour time limit to finish the course.

Aid Stations

Each aid station will be fully stocked with water, sports drink, gels, pretzels, candy, etc. Runners are advised, however, to carry their own water bottle — especially those doing the half marathon.

Bathrooms

Toilets will be available at the race start/finish area.

About:

The Tarantula Run was first held in 2006, organized to recognize the Contra Costa Water District’s 70th anniversary and encourage visitation to the Los Vaqueros watershed. It’s held in October, since that’s the time when male tarantulas are usually roaming the watershed looking for mates. The run has plenty of excitement including the chance of tarantula sightings along the course! Add in a free Kids Spider Scramble for children 10 and under of half marathon, 10K and 5K runners and there’s adventure for everyone!