Race Feedback - Mt Baldy run to the top

Lorenzo Rossi from Los Angeles, CA wrote on September 11, 2019 at 3:03 am

I have been competing in the Run2Top every year since 2009, including 2011, when it was canceled after the start. I enjoy the event and appreciate the efforts of the organizers.

I would like future editions to get more minimalist in terms of race perks. I would definitely not give away any finisher medal and instead print a nicer bib with participant's name, race's distance, elevation gain and logo. The bib would make for a cooler and lighter memory of the experience and would be also an incentive for an early registration.

I would also make the T-shirt optional. Maybe, have a cool T-shirt without year specification that can be purchased for an extra fee at registration across multiple editions.

Thank you,
Lorenzo

Nick Mastrodemos wrote on September 8, 2019 at 9:04 pm

Wonderful race and very nice volunteers. Will be running it for years to come.
Please consider including a technical shirt instead of cotton. I have seen many runners out there using proudly last year's RTTT shirts while training but a cotton shirt is hard to use for running.

Laura from Minneapolis wrote on September 7, 2019 at 10:49 pm

Thanks for putting on such a fun race! I'll definitely be back. As a number of others have also suggested, it would be great if you could use a more environmentally-friendly cup. Here in Minnesota and elsewhere, some trail races are moving not from styrofoam to paper cups, but from paper cups to a "bring your own cup or container and we'll refill it" model. It's something to consider. Thanks again for putting on such a great race!

Phyllis from Riverside wrote on September 4, 2019 at 3:41 pm

This race was tough yet so rewarding. Beautiful scenery, which I didn't have the luxury the enjoy while going up. Thankfully, I revisited it by running back down. I expected it to be a smaller race and didn't expect 500+ people to show up! However, the race retains the "small race feel" like an annual reunion of sort. I'll definitely be back!
Thank you wonderful volunteers, first responders, and race organizers/directors.

ERICA HAWKES from IRVINE wrote on September 3, 2019 at 3:09 pm

Great race! Well organized, super volunteers! It is worth every grueling mile!

Howard Kern from Westlake Village wrote on September 3, 2019 at 2:55 pm

Great time! Really appreciate the volunteer support.

Just a few items:

1. Can the race start a little bit earlier? Maybe 7 or 7:30 am? It’s a long run up and then back down and we got lucky with the cloud cover this time in my opinion.

2. The t-shirts weren’t running shirts. This is a ‘show off’ race and I wanted one to wear at other races. I’d be willing to pay more for a true running t-shirt.

3. The styrofoam cups at the water stations were a bit of an ecological disappointment. We’re running in an awesome environment and we should respect that by not having such an impactful cup. Paper would be so much better for the race and environment.

Thank you for ALL of the hard work! I plan on repeating this next year and hopefully beating my time from this one!

Rodrigo flores from Huntington Beach ca wrote on September 3, 2019 at 5:03 am

Super cool event great people nice vibes beautiful views coming back next year for sure

Jose Martinez from Santa Ana wrote on September 3, 2019 at 3:10 am

Today was my 8th consecutive year up the mountain. Great race as always. Noticed more Search and Rescue staff standing by and it was a welcome sight. Thank you for this great event.

Den Crispin from Thousand Oaks wrote on July 20, 2019 at 6:34 pm

Hi Tracy and Admin, Just a thought, as many participants are can-doers it might be good to ask each of the training runners who run the course as well as the participants this year to carefully remove, say, 5 of the half loaf of bread sized loose rocks from the trail on the way down. Gently set them to the side of the trail. If we all did this the trail would be almost clear. Thanks and have a good one this year. Den

Suzanne wrote on September 14, 2018 at 3:30 am

This was my first attempt at RTTT, and I loved it So much fun. The volunteers were amazing and fellow runners offered terrific support along the way. This was really well organized I'll be back for sure

Admin Reply by: Tracy

So glad that you had a good time, Suzanne.

Jeffrey Dinkin from PALM SPRINGS wrote on September 14, 2018 at 12:10 am

Great event, as all 7 (in a row) of my Run2Top races have been. Grueling, but fun. Interesting shirt design this year. I've had more than a few people tell me it resembled the Poop emoticon on social media. Hmmm. Haha!

One of my gripes in recent years has been paying $15 to purchase a lift ticket. Generally, those things are round trip, but those of us who race don't need the up portion, just the trip back down the the parking lot. I know some of the badasses like to run back down, but many of us are tired and beat up from the 7 miles up, and the 3 1/2 miles back down to the notch. The first few years I did the race, the ride down was included in the entry. I'd like to see that again, or at least make it an option to purchase with the race entry, but at a reduced (half price) fee.

Thanks again for hosting an awesome event!

Admin Reply by: Tracy

Hi Jeffrey,

Regarding the lift ticket; the Ski Lifts provides a 20% discount for buying online and they add a 5% discount with the race promo code. 25% is decent. That's the best that can be done.

Craig Kinard from Pasadena wrote on September 9, 2017 at 4:32 am

I had a blast! Although most of the blast was about 15 minutes after I got to the top . . . and a "real" blast from the wind--that was epic!!! I finished second in 65-69, and loved the challenge--I was under 2 hours, and fought for that. Congratulations on a great race, great medal (don't let ANYONE tell you to do pre-engraving), great shirt, great food and beer at the notch, and great people everywhere up there. I might even ski at Baldy this season! LOL

Craig Kinard from Pasadena wrote on September 9, 2017 at 4:27 am

Dear Tracy,

You and all your volunteers conducted a GREAT race! I've run it three times (one canned because of thunderstorms), and I've loved every one . . . even if the "love" came a couple hours after climbing the slopes just above the Notch! LOL

Your age group medals are great (I have two now, both in over 60 category); I have absolutely NO problem engraving the back for the actual year of race and my time. Don't let anyone force you to spend money to do any engraving!!!!!! If you can't afford to engrave your own medal, you should stay home!

But, back to congratulations! You did a great job. I hope to be back next year, by which time I will have forgotten all the pain. I hope I can stay under 2 hours . . .

Craig Kinard

Francis Farmer from Banning wrote on September 9, 2017 at 1:00 am

A big thank you to organizers and volunteers for a great experience running Mt Baldy. See you again next year!

Marcus from San Diego wrote on September 8, 2017 at 1:33 pm

The Run to the Top is awesome. I think all trail runners in Southern California should run this as a rite of passage. Very unique event and excellent work year after year by the Forest service, Mountain rescue, and the volunteers. The one thing that bugs me is the cost of the lift - $15 to ride down is crazy! Sure, I can run down no problem but - it's more for the spectators that have hiked to the top. I'm sure some of the $72 registration can go towards a discount on the lift? Bringing a lot of business to the mountain that day. Just a thought.

Admin Reply by: Tracy

I'm sorry that I overlooked your post last year. Thank you for your kind words. Regarding the lift ride down; the Ski Lifts provides a 20% discount for buying online and they add a 5% discount with the race promo code. 25% is decent. That's the best that can be done.

Mac McIntosh from Los Angeles wrote on September 5, 2017 at 8:46 pm

Thanks a million for putting on this race year after year. I had a blast, as always and it's always the most fun race on my calendar.

I agree that having biodegradable cups or making the race cup-less would be best. Thanks for considering that!

Per someone else's suggestion, I love the idea of having finishers shirts available at the notch, so that we could stay and enjoy the awards ceremony and stay warm (or protect our bare shoulders from sunburn!),

Thanks to Tracy and all of the volunteers that make this race what it is!

Admin Reply by: Tracy

Glad you had a good time, Lucia. We will consider cupless in the future.

Also, we're planning to give everyone a shirt next year. If it works out, there will be no registration deadline for shirts.

Note: the timing company had you listed as male so that was fixed today. That moved you to first place in your age division--the gold medal.

Theo from Crestline wrote on September 5, 2017 at 3:57 pm

Kudos to a very well supported race! I had a great time and all your volunteers were very helpful and friendly. Why use styrofoam cups though?

Admin Reply by: Tracy

We will consider paper cups for 2018. (Did you notice that I had paper cups on the summit?)

Sergio Medina from 1069 1/4 Las Tunas Dr. San Gabriel ca, 91776 wrote on September 5, 2017 at 2:33 pm

Had a great time at Mt. Baildy what a beautiful race!

Ali Rashidi from san diego wrote on September 5, 2017 at 12:02 am

Had a blast, thanks so much for putting on a phenomenal event! Any idea when results might be posted?

Admin Reply by: Tracy

The results are up on this Website on the Results page, and on the Ultra Website.

glenn jones from indio CA wrote on May 15, 2017 at 4:11 pm

do you have a 5 K race? I seem to recall that you had one in the past.

Admin Reply by: Tracy

We had the 5K for the 50th annual celebration, and didn't continue. Someday, we may continue it, but not on Labor Day.

Ramon from Los Angeles wrote on September 11, 2016 at 6:14 am

Thank you so much for a great event. Very well done and professional.Tracy the race director, so easy going and accomodating. I had left without my medal award and was able to come back the next weekend to pick it up. So great!

r racer from san diego wrote on September 9, 2016 at 3:11 pm

great race. how about having a coffee food truck at the start of the race to warm us up? much thanks to the volunteers, well set up aide stations. perhaps giving the finisher shirts at the top so its not a freezing walk down?

Admin Reply by: Tracy

I provide huge yard bags for early arrivals. I guess it was forgotten.

What a great idea about a food truck, but difficult, in that it would need to be sponsored.

Brian Peterson from Yorba Linda wrote on September 7, 2016 at 9:14 pm

Thank you to all the race organizers, sponsors, Fire/Recue personnel, volunteer and racers! It was an epic day and memorable event! Question, were the on course photographers partnering with the event? Much appreciated!

Robert from South Pasadena wrote on September 7, 2016 at 3:25 am

Thanks to all for their time and effort. You have a great group of volunteers that make the race such an enjoyable event. The views from the summit make the run (walk?) rewarding!

Admin Reply by: Tracy

I'll pass this along to the volunteers. Glad that you enjoyed the race.

Tyler from Riverside wrote on September 2, 2016 at 5:56 am

Can I register the day of the race?

KevinFinn from Costa Mesa wrote on October 5, 2015 at 6:18 pm

Thank you Tracy and to all the volunteers for a truly AMAZING RACE!!! Wow, I have run many trail races over the years, like Mt. Wilson Trail Race in Sierra Madre and the Dipsea Race in Mill Valley, but this was a race like no other. I made it to the top, but did have my doubts. Thank you to the Rangers for their encouragement! The time spent after the race was really enjoyable...hanging out at the lodge was perfect. A great day, and look forward to next year...with a little extra training for sure. Thanks again!!!

Michael Stanislawczyk from Placentia wrote on September 24, 2015 at 8:27 am

Thank you, Tracy and all volunteers- and volunteer organizations for my memorable first RTTT! Having heard about this event from "my friends at the bar atop Mt. Baldy," I didn't realize the level of competition and conditioning needed to make it. Even though I made it home safe, My cousin and I still have a score to settle with the mountain (600' elevation to go). Many thanks to the rangers who helped us push ourselves- and also tap at our limits.

Since you asked on FB, I'd like to suggest promoting this run earlier in the year (like "now") to allow time to train: train "competitors;" train "finishers;" train "old guys/gals that rule and just want to finish." Perhaps tie either category to a charity or bonus, such as a scholar youth athletes (since they seem to come out in force) or a cause our seasoned folk can back. These may turn your 650 into 6500 if you are looking for numbers. Promo shirts, postcards, and other swag earlier in the year can also help raise awareness...

See you next year!

Joanna McGowan from Cardiff wrote on September 20, 2015 at 4:52 pm

I'm a six-time finisher and love the race. Please consider non-styrofoam cups next year. They are uncommon to have at races and there are options available that are better for the environment. Please also consider mixing the Gatorade at the top of the mountain. The volunteers were just pouring the powder directly into runner cups; and that winds up to be too much concentrate to ingest post-race. Loved the oranges again. Thank you for all your efforts!

Admin Reply by: Tracy

The summit captain agrees with you on the cups, so I'll work on that next year. It appears that he's also thinking about ways to work out the Gatorade in a sanitary manner.

Janine from Santa Ana wrote on September 17, 2015 at 6:11 pm

I just wanted to thank you for allowing me to volunteer for the first time at this year's race. I had a great time and I was able to cheer on some of my friends that were competing. You all did a great job and it was a very well-run and special event.

Michelle from Trabuco Canyon wrote on September 17, 2015 at 6:15 am

Your team put together such a well organized event. I am looking forward to doing the race again in 2016!

Chris from Claremont wrote on September 16, 2015 at 5:44 pm

Thank you for another great race.
Just a suggestion: please offer the race shirts in a tank top.

Diane from Pasadena wrote on September 14, 2015 at 10:59 pm

Only one gripe.

Please offer affordable photos again like you did in the previous years. First time in a couple years I will not be getting any photos of my boys.

Admin Reply by: Tracy

Diane, did you see the $7.99 option on the Digital tab? I'm hoping to get this wonderful photographer back again next year. He brought up two other photographers beside himself. He was enthusiastic and extremely reliable. (I tried to reach last year's photographer but was unsuccessful.) We may do something a little different next year for the summit shots.

Ingrid Cassady from Simi Valley wrote on September 12, 2015 at 10:13 pm

Fantastic race! Great volunteers all around! I'll be back in 2016!

Martine from Los Angeles wrote on September 12, 2015 at 6:08 pm

This was a wonderful event. You do a fantastic job. I have one piece of input. Three times I found myself forced to a walk behind runners who had their ears plugged by blaring earphones, and didn't hear my requests to pass.

I run a lot of trail races and none allow earphones, both for safety and for courtesy.

In every other way,
This event was perfect. I hope to return for a podium finish in 2017. (Next year is my Angeles Crest 100 attempt!)

Dirk Theile from Monrovia wrote on September 12, 2015 at 4:41 am

Thank you so much for this great and challenging race. Too sad I can't participate next year since my scholarship comes to an end and I will return to Germany in Juli 2016. Suggestion for coming years: Maybe you can provide after-race-clothing bags. Make the people drop off clothing 1 hour prior to race start and carry it up to the Notch by trucks.
THANKS and all the best, Dirk

matt wrote on September 9, 2015 at 5:28 pm

As usual a great race. The only thing to make it better would be an hour earlier start time and there is never enough port a potties.

Lynessa from Rancho Cucamonga wrote on September 9, 2015 at 5:17 am

I had such an amazing time volunteering. I met an amazing group of people and the runners were inspiring. I can't wait to do it again!

Alfonso Nunez from Upland wrote on September 8, 2015 at 10:38 pm

awesome course, good preparation, great post-race snacks, awards and gifts, lots of volunteers, and great Mtn Rescue presence; Good synergy with Restaurant and Lift Operators; glad to see it sell out!

Jesse Glick from Torrance, CA wrote on September 8, 2015 at 9:18 pm

Great Race! Well organized, well put together event.
Will run again! Great volunteers!!!!!!!