This company is run by unscrupulous greedy thieves. Don't give them your money. Looking back at old reviews here, it's clear that it's been this way for a long time and it is clear to me that nothing is changed and the 1 star reviewers were absolutely right. When they had to cancel the skyline to the sea marathon due to the fires closing big basin, they issuesd "refunds" that were in the form of credits to be used for future PCTR events on ultrasignup.com. Those credits expired at the end of 2022. The problem is that they began using alternative platforms to sign up for future races. Go to ultrasignup.com and you'll see no events scheduled for PCTR in 2023. Thus, no way to redeem your credit before it expired. Now, go to PCTR's website and you'll see that they actually have many events in 2023, you just can't sign up for them on ultrasignup.com ! They're all on runsignup.com instead. Where you can't use your credit. I can only presume that they have hundreds of others who received refund credits like me who got stranded with them. I assume PCTR strategically moved to another platform for 2023 race signups so people wouldn't be able to redeem their refund. I emailed the company several times asking to get a real refund or be allowed to sign up for another 2023 event with my credit. All of my emails were completely ignored. Don't let yourself be another victim of this shady company. There are plenty of races put on by good outfits that you can trust instead. read more

I volunteered to support one of their races and in exchange received a voucher for entry to a future race. I emailed PCTR to ask how to register for a run and apply this voucher and never received a reply. Having read the reviews here, I see their non response is not unusual. I am fortunate that I only lost a day in my life while others have lost hundreds of dollars to this unscrupulous individual. read more

I joined their Bay Area Ridge Trail series which consists of 5 races. I've done two so far and their courses have been very well marked. Each turn has 5 ribbons down the correct trail and a couple more down the line so you can be confident in the path you're taking. Aid stations are well stocked and staffed. There's a decent variety of healthy and junk food to eat away your pain during an ultra. They have a cup-free racing policy -- save the turtles! Races can be a bit pricier than the two other major trail run organization in the Bay, but your money is being put to good use. They use timing chips on your bibs so no bulky ankle bracelet chips or inaccurate stopwatch times here. Each race also comes with a somewhat healthy post-race meal which is nice, but I could do without it. Their finisher medals are wood carved from Elevation Culture. Race pictures are free! I think its usually taken by volunteer photographers to the quality and style can vary from race to race. --- Race Reviews --- Mt. Umunhum 22k: Great race with decent views of some old mining equipment. There's a lot of hills so be ready! Saratoga 50k: You have to be a little crazy to sign up for any ultra race. They know that. The aid stations were stocked and all had both water and electrolyte drinks. Full aid stations had sandwiches, coooooookies, chips, and more. The volunteers were super helpful and even helped me fill my bottles when my hands were frozen. This race goes across several parks so you do need to be wary on some road sections and mountain biking friendly trails. read more

I completed the Montana de Oro run in Morro Bay this August. It was my first trail run and I had a lot of questions. I sent an email to John, the owner of PCTR, and he responded really quickly with a lot of details and information. Plus a ton of encouragement! The pre-race communication was timely and informative. Race day everything was well organized, staffed with helpful volunteers and loads of friendly encouragement from everyone. It was a great experience from start to finish. John was there at the finish, remembered me from our correspondence. I appreciated his enthusiasm for the race, rebuilding PCTR, putting out fun, well run events and taking care of the runners. I can't wait for next year! read more

See all

AVOID. Really bad business, they canceled several races sometimes with out sending an email or call the runners! SF One Day in September was canceled the day before the race! It's the middle of December and still many people have not received refunds from that (go file a claim with your credit card or bank!) PCTR couldn't receive credit card payments because it was shut down from people's filing against them, and so they said they said people could pay them for races with checks or paypal because of the credit card dispute!! PCTR isn't responding to emails from customers. When a friend was pacing at one of their events the volunteer wouldn't let her have some of the soda at the aid station because it was only for the runners. Compared to everything else this is small stuff, but it's things like this that make a running company not support it's runners. Very bad buisness practices, very unprofessional, I'm avoiding their races! I'm taking my business to Costal Trail Runs and Brazen Racing both great trail race organizers in the bay area! read more

Here's an eye-opening read into PCTR's troubles (as of Dec 2011): http://www.atrailrunnersblog.com/2011/12/delicate-fate-of-pacific-coast-trail.html?m=1 It seems as though they're still putting on races, but it's saddening to hear of what has transpired over the past year or two. My last race with PCTR was in Oct 2010, when I made a half-hearted attempt to complete an ultramarathon during the 12-hr SF One Day--redemption for dropping out early at their Angel Island 50K that summer. I stopped after 33 one mile laps at Crissy Field. I knew they were backed up, but I never did receive a custom finisher's coaster for my efforts that day. Little did I know that churning out coasters was probably the least of their problems. Last year, they were a complete no-show to their Santa Cruz event, and have canceled races at the last minute (or altogether). I feel most sorry for those who've traveled a long distance, including flying in from out of state, only to be met with a non-existent race. Needless to say, PCTR is in the process of owing back lots of money to those who've registered for races that have not or will not take place. I, like most others, don't know what's really going on behind the scenes; I can't even begin to imagine the hell Sarah, the race director, must be going through. But it sounds as though the frustration boils down to a lack of communication. We all have personal issues to tend to, but to be a no-show and leave runners stranded without some sort of contingency plan will undoubtedly leave you with strains within the trail running community. I hesitate to sign up for any of their races again until they're out of the hole that they've unfortunately dug themselves into. read more

I just completed the Pacifica run this past Saturday and there is nothing better than watching a guy who's at least twenty years older than you kick your ass running up a hill. I'll catch you next time you Jack LaLanne looking bastard! read more

I enjoyed 30k Rodeo Beach Trail run organized by PCTR. Well marked with friendly volunteers, great scenery and overall very enjoyable vibe despite horizontal rain, wind and cold. A special thank you to all volunteers and organizers. I will be running with PCTR again for sure (as long as I stay healthy). Cheers! read more

First, I should state that this is the first time I have felt sufficiently compelled to write a review on Yelp, which is probably a bad sign for PCTR. I signed up for the 1/22/12 30km run in Pacifica - this was my first PCTR race. Oddly, though, the race disappeared from the website calendar a couple of weeks ago without any explanation for several days. I emailed the company to ask what had happened to the race - whether it would still be held as planned - and indicated that, if it was canceled, I wanted a refund. I got no response. Eventually, the website stated that registrants for races that were recently canceled would be getting an email with their options. When it came several days later, the email stated that I could transfer my registration to another available PCTR race. I was given no option for a full refund and apparently there is none available, despite the fact that the race was canceled by PCTR through no fault of my own. Last week, I emailed PCTR requesting a refund of my registration money, and I have yet to receive a response. I am shocked and disappointed both by PCTR's failure to respond to my inquiries and refusal to afford registrants the opportunity to receive a refund when PCTR cancels an event. What if a registrant for a canceled race can't attend any other PCTR events or only wanted to participate in the one that was canceled? This flies in the face of basic customer service principles. The folks who run this business are either inept or simply greedy, or both. Whatever the case may be, I won't be giving them any more of my money. read more

I ran 36k yesterday for the Eldrith race. The whole event from top to bottom, start to finish was amazing. First, Eldrith is a real living legend. 77 years old and running ultras. Today's butt kicking and insanely gorgeous course is what she runs for her regular workouts. Second, the RD, Greg Lanctot is such a hoot! Those who know him can attest to this. And Greg really loves his runners. Last, PCTR provides hot cooked food at the end of all their races and makes sure even vegans have something to enjoy. What's not to love? read more

Like many others, I signed up for the Santa Cruz run. I drove from Sacramento to do this with a friend and they no-showed. I sent an email which was never responded to. They posted on their site that they would return the fees, I haven't seen anything. Do they have a phone number to call? read more

Thousands of paper cups littered on sidewalk... check No food at aid stations... check Lack of spectacular scenery... check Road races are fine and good, but if the idea of running another 10km/half-marathon/marathon is getting a little boring, maybe it's time for you to start trail running. PC Trail Runs motto is "Runs that aren't races in beautiful places". The scenery is usually incredible (but it also comes with its evil twin, the uphill climb). The courses are well marked. Aid stations are fully stocked with food (salted potatos, pretzels, candy, pop tarts, fruit, water, sports drink). And there's even a soup and chili picnic at the end of every race. They usually offer 4 distances for each race 10km, 20km, 30km, and 50km (give or take a few kilometers). Give it a try, you'll love it. read more

Imagine this: I woke up early at around 6am to get ready and travel to the Santa Cruz Mountains eagerly anticipating running a 10k race. When I get there by 8am the registration tents aren't set up (mind you registration is supposed to close by 8:15am). There is a Sportiva Vendor there so we know we're in the right place. So people are waiting around just talking and stretching getting ready to run. 8:30 rolls around when the first people are supposed to go off and running.. no registration tables.. no PCTR crew in site.. 8:45.. 8:50.. when i'm supposed to start the 10k. NOTHING. By 9:00 most people decide that since they're there they might as well go for a run. When we return from our run, spectators tells us that the PCTR people never showed up. I know they had to cancel events last week in SF because of an emergency situation so I hope that everything is okay. I sent them an email to check up (because email is the contact information we have) and another one this morning. And I would've hoped that they would've at least posted something on their website. But they haven't. I really hope that everything is okay and that nothing critical has happened. But if they don't send out a message to everyone or post something on their website soon.. I'll feel like I've been scammed. And I would feel bad for those that paid for the longer runs because they paid more money. read more

If you want to run a race that is full of very serious runners who also happen to be very cool and laid back people, then you need to run a PCTR race. I've run two this year (Mt. Diablo Marathon and Pacifica) and was amazed at the collegial spirit of these races. Don't even get me started on the beauty (and brutality) of the courses. Time to get off the roads and onto the trails. read more

PCTR offers beautiful, tough trail runs. They have a full calendar and excellent range of distances, from 10km to ultra marathons. However, this is not a running club with weekly group runs where members share advice and build a strong local community. It's a business. Which is fine by me - we need these types of companies in the running community to organize great events. However, If you have run with running clubs, you may surprised / disappointed with certain aspects of the PCTR. The events are usually well marked, but not always. My wife has had fairly good experiences with the staff, but I have not. They often seem disorganized and are not always in sync. For example, many aid station volunteers often seem unfamiliar with the course details. I ran a 50km with them and they didn't have any water/aid for the last 10km on a hot day. Not a big deal if you are carrying your own provisions, but seemed a little irresponsible to me. They typically do not have much food after the events, so if you're running a marathon or ultra, you will need to plan accordingly. I have never seen a post-run beer celebration; these folks are all business. Overall, my perception is that some of the staff members are a bit distant, defensive and somewhat arrogant. But their runs are well chosen and cover breathtaking landscapes. Most of the ultra races in the bay area are sold out so one typically doesn't have many options and the PCTR is a great back-up, last minute choice. I can't given them a ringing endorsement, but do recommend you check out their events if you need a long training run or want to see some of the beautiful landscapes in the area. read more

Just did the Skyline Ridge 23K and loved it. It was well-organized but laid-back; the trails were really well-marked; the course was beautiful; and the runners were super friendly, offering encouragement even as they were leaving my ass behind on the numerous hills. And there were lots of hills, even on this "easy" course. I didn't love the angry yellow-jackets, although getting stung twice (once on my head, damn it) added a little excitement mid-race. Looking forward to the next one(s)! read more

I love Huddart Park in Woodside. What better way to start off the year in the most beautiful settings surrounded by fellow running lunatics in a race put on by Pacific Coast Trail Runs. The race starts in an open grassy field, but quickly turns into downhill single track. If you're going for a personal best, stay at the front out-the-gate, as there's a bottleneck almost immediately. After a quick descent on single track, it flattens out and you gradually start climbing on a fire road. At around the 1 mile mark, you hit the steepest part. Pace yourself through it. Afterwards, the climb continues till around the 4 mile mark. After that it's all downhill to the finish line. Production was just fine, nothing fancy, but exactly what you'd expect. Choice between Sport Tek or soft tee for all registrants and everyone received a finisher medallion. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each age group received an additional bottle opener medallion. (I won one for 2nd place and had no problem opening that finisher beer!) Probably the best part is the post-finish bbq sliders and beer. read more

THIEVES!!!! 3 Months later, no refund ($210) for the 24-hour San Francisco race that was cancelled 2 days before the event Not a single response, not a care in the world for their customers. Horrible business practices, AVOID AT ALL COSTS!!!! read more

Second time running the Rodeo Beach 30k this year and despite clouds & rains, the organizers, volunteers, aid stations & course markings were fantastic!! Loved the positive attitudes of everybody involved and thank you for your support & encouragement along the way! Delicious post-race food & drinks at the end. See you next year! read more

I signed up for a race with PCTR. Less than two weeks before the race was set, I get an email stating that because of "health reasons" they had canceled the race and would send further information regarding refunds. I was saddened, but extremely understanding because of the "health" comment and even sent an email wishing everything was okay. As the weeks passed, I got nervous and decided to look to their Facebook page. There on the page is a promotion for new races! Like nothing ever happened?! Apparently this is not the first (and wasn't the last) time they canceled a race. I finally received an email with instructions on how to get my refund; that was three months ago. I have sent five separate emails asking what the deal is. I have posted to their Facebook wall along with others asking what we need to do to get our money back; I still haven't heard back. No one will respond! Taking money for a service that you don't provide and then not giving back the money is fraudulent and unprofessional (to say the least). I will never sign up for a race with this "company" and neither should you. read more

I'm a trail runner, and I love PCTR. The races are gorgeous (though consistently brutal), and the attitude is right. Friendly, welcoming, and some of the nicest people you'll ever want to meet. A lot of the racing communities in various sports are uber competitive and self-focused. PCTR encourages an attitude of friendly inclusion, and that even back of the packers and walkers are celebrated and welcomed. read more

I love PCTR! They organize an incredible number of (mostly trail) races in the Bay area, from 8K runs suitable for first-time trail runners to 24-hour and 100-mile events. I have participated in (I'm too slow to say "run") trail races from 10K to 100M in many parts of the US, and PCTR's races are among the best marked and most well-supported. The owners/organizers are awesome, and have helped make me a better runner! PCTR is not a running club, but it doesn't claim to be, so I am not sure why a previous poster mentioned that. I do love a post-run beer (sometimes I really miss WI--the Badgerland Striders have a keg after every race, whether it's 80 or -80), but many CA parks where PCTR holds their races do not allow alcohol, so unfortunately the post-run celebration must be limited to soup, chili, fruit, soda, candy, and (when in season) pumpkin pie. Also, unlike road races, trail races often have 10K or more between some aid stations for logistical reasons (this is NOT unique to PCTR--I did a race in Montana where I spent 3+ hours between aid stations in 80+ degree weather). So you should always (as PCTR's website says) carry your own water for pretty much any trail race unless it is very short and cool. The locations of the aid stations are posted well before the race on the website so you can plan accordingly. Likewise, the course directions are posted on the website beforehand and marked with ribbons. Any questions? You can post a message on the PCTR forum/message board. Yay PCTR! read more

STOP GIVING YOUR MONEY TO PCTR! The once glory days of this company are far in the past. In the past year they have cancelled events at the last minute, not shown up for events that were supposed to be held, and failed to provide refunds, awards, shirts, etc. that they owe runners. PCTR is currently collecting money for events they CANNOT put on in 2012 and history shows they will not refund your money. STOP REGISTERING FOR PCTR EVENTS!!! read more

Ran the 8k Rodeo Beach Trail run which was a very beautiful course. The event was well organized and the course was well marked . The volunteers were awesome especially for caming out on the very wet, cold and windy day.. Of course the post race food was stellar :-D read more

Have run the last 3 trail races in 2016. Courses were beautiful, trails were well marked, atmosphere was fun and the volunteers were amazing. Will be doing more of these! read more

PCTR puts on great events that are well-organized and encourages all people of experience, shapes and sizes to participate. I really enjoyed the Santa Cruz half-marathon yesterday and the course was fantastic. PCTR, you guys are fantastic! read more

Did the Redwood 10K last Sat. Got my butt kicked hard and loved it. Very tough (with no water/aid stations for the 10K) but the weather was perfect, the scenery stunning and the course well marked. I really love the challenging trails these guys put you on. read more

I've had great experiences with PCTR in the past, I've ran both sequoia and angel island and they were some of the best running events I've done.. however, that was quite a long time ago this morning, PCTR was a complete no show to the 9/25 Santa Cruz race there was no timing, no course markings, no bibs/numbers I hope this was not due to someone from pctr having some sort of personal emergency. I would have appreciated an email to let me know the race was canceled, as outside of some emergency, I would think the folks at pctr knew this race wasn't going to happen and didn't let their customer's know. read more

Great races run by some of the best people! I've run about a half dozen of PCTR's races and I'm always impressed by their organization, aid stations and the post run atmosphere and food! If you are reading old reviews (prior to 2013) they don't apply. PCTR is now owned by different people ... read more

I love these events ! Beautiful trails and awesome staff! Thank you for all the hard work you!

I ran the Crissy Field 6 hour Endurance run this weekend. Pacific Coast Trail Runs put on an AWESOME run! What a perfect way to test my own personal best! Perfect for all ages and running abilities. WELL DONE PCTR! read more

I'm wavering between 2 and 3 stars. They're an OK group, but seem a little disorganized. I've done 3 runs with them now and they've gotten progressively less organized. They wait till the last minute to send race day instructions and are not at all responsive to emails. The last run I did (Woodside 12/3/11) they were really late starting, but I'm not sure if this was their fault or the park's. The post-race food was decent the first two times, but was quite lousy this last time. The trail was quite poorly marked too. There were long stretches of the 10K that weren't marked. I've done trail runs with another group that's a lot more organized, responsive, and puts on a more fun event. read more

Skyline to the Sea canceled 5 days before the race. 300 or so entrants at 100 bucks a pop. Do the math. Avoid these races altogether. No responses from the race directors at all when asked about a refund. This is so unprofessional especially after a great deal of training and looking forward to a great run through the trails. read more

Did the Diablo 25K. Great race, great course markings, excellent aid stations, good folks. Impressed with the new management!

The Rodeo Beach 20k was my first trail run. I loved it. Despite pouring rain and gusting winds, the trail was perfectly marked and the volunteers smiled and cheered through it all. And the post-race food was amazing, much tastier (and warmer!) than the stuff I usually get after triathlons. I'll definitely run with with PC Trail Runs again. read more

Great volunteers and post race food. Will be doing more runs by PCTR.

Thank you for a fantastic race! I have run hundreds, and this one was one of the best organized. Great course, cool people, AND I left with a nice runner's high and a cool t-shirt. Thanks again -- will come back for more! read more

I know I can depend on Pacific Coast Trail Runs to put on a well organized event. So when i woke up on 10/12/2016 for the Rodeo Beach Trail Run and it was windy, rainy and foggy I was confident that they would do their part and have the course well marked and aid stations as planned. I was new to 95% of the trails on the course, and so running 30K in the low visibility conditions on trails i didn't know was part of the adventure for me. I really enjoyed the experience and it took me back to remote hikes i did in the wilderness. Such a great experience to have so close to home. read more

Participated in the rodeo 30k pctr run Saturday 12/10/16. Even though the weather was inhospitable and the trails were muddy, the course markings, support on the course, the volunteers and Welcoming in the food tent at the finish will be hard to emulate at future events. Finishers were huddled in the food tent, eating delicious barbecue brisket, sausage, chicken, sides, plus beer in hand. Even though I think most of us were cold most of us were smiling and feeling good about ourselves for having run. Commenting that without the great volunteers cheering and caring for us at the rest stops we'd have dnf'd. One last thing, the unique wooden completion medals are a keeper for sure. Congratulations on another great event. read more

Great event. Thanks to all who put on the 6 hour Crissy Field event. I will continue to look for events put on by PCTR