.Recreation Calendar 2012

Our annual guide to Northern California's summer recreation season.

May

Alcatraz Challenge Swim Swimmers flock from around the world to escape Alcatraz by fighting strong currents on open water. Swim distance totals 1.5 miles. Youth and adult divisions. Mon., May 28, at the East Beach of Crissy Field in the Presidio. 8 a.m., $60-$150. TriCalifornia.com

Cinderella Trail Run Head to Joaquin Miller Park, one of Oakland’s most beautiful spots, for a 10K, half-marathon, marathon, or 50K run. Sat., May 12 (repeats Sat., Aug. 18). 8 a.m., $30-$65. CoastalTrailRuns.com

Davis Double Century A 200-mile, one-day cycling event through scenic Northern California hills and valleys. Limited to 1,000 riders. Organized by the Davis Bike Club. Sat., May 19, at 203 W. 14th St., Davis. 5:45 a.m., $90. DavisBikeClub.org

Folsom’s Run with Nature Now in its 29th year, this scenic, family-friendly event features 10K and 5K chip-timed races, a non-competitive 5K walk, and a free half-mile youth run through the Folsom Zoo Sanctuary. Perhaps the biggest attraction of all is a two-mile obstacle course on multiple surfaces, over fences and under barricades, up flights of stairs and down hills, and across logs spanning a mud obstacle. Sat., May 12, at 401 Stafford St., Folsom. 8 a.m., $12-$43. FolsomRunwithNature.com

Golden Gate Headlands Running through the Marin Headlands and Mt. Tamalpais State Park, with views of the bay, the Pacific, and the Golden Gate Headlands, it’ll be hard to keep your eyes on the road. Marathon, half-marathon, and seven-mile courses available. Sat., May 19, at Rodeo Beach. 9 a.m., $45-$80.

Horseshoe Lake Trail Run Organized by Coastal Trail Runs, this race features five-mile, half-marathon, marathon, and 50K distances along the Bay Area Ridge Trail — though all but the longest are already sold out. Sat., May 19, at Skyline Ridge Open Space Reserve, Palo Alto. 8 a.m., $30-$65. CoastalTrailRuns.com

Morgan Hill Sprint Triathlon Offering all the variety, excitement, and exertion of a full-length triathlon in a reduced distance sprint format, this event features a quarter-mile swim, a sixteen-mile ride, and a five-mile run. Nine registration categories. Relays okay. Limited to 700 entrants. Sun., May 20, at Uvas Reservoir in Morgan Hill. 7 a.m., $100-$170. USAProductions.org

Ohlone 50K Wilderness Run One of the East Bay’s few ultramarathons, the Ohlone 50K is a 31-mile, point-to-point race on trails and fire roads. It traverses the entire Ohlone Wilderness Trail from Fremont to Livermore and passes through Mission Peak, Sunol, Ohlone, and Del Valle regional parks. And this year, it celebrates its 25th anniversary. Followed by a post-race barbecue. Sun., May 20, at Mission Peak Regional Preserve, Fremont. Bus to start at 6:30 a.m., race time 8 a.m., sold out. Ohlone50K.com

Prairie City Race Series California’s largest weekly mountain bike and cyclocross race event, Prairie City is a twelve-race series with around 450 riders each week. Races occur on Wednesday evenings from March through June; remaining dates include May 23 and 30 and June 6, 13, 20, and 27. At Prairie City State Vehicle Recreation Area outside Folsom. 6:05 p.m., $10-$30. RaceMTB.com

Tilden Tough Ten A challenging alternative to Bay to Breakers for runners who prefer trails, views, and smaller crowds. This is also the first race in the popular East Bay Trail Championships Triple Crown series. Limited to 300 runners. Organized by Lake Merritt Joggers and Striders. Sun., May 20, at Inspiration Point in Tilden Regional Park. 8 a.m., $35. LMJS.org

Wildcat Half-Marathon, 10K, and 5K Sitting on 2,400 acres north of Tilden Regional Park, Wildcat Canyon Regional Park offers 360-degree views of the Bay Area. For the first time, Brazen Racing is hosting a trail run at the park, with short, medium, and long distances available. Sat., May 19, at 3800 Clark Rd., El Sobrante. 8 a.m., $29-$60. BrazenRacing.com

Zazzle Bay to Breakers The 101st running of the San Francisco spectacle that requires no introduction. Its 12K course (just under 7.5 miles) runs from the Embarcadero to the western edge of Golden Gate Park, so make sure your costume is comfortable. Note that race organizers have clamped down on booze, floats, and unregistered runners. Sun., May 20. 7 a.m. ZazzleBaytoBreakers.com

June

The Best of the Bay Century The Cherry City Cyclists of San Leandro string together some of the finest cycling roads throughout the East Bay in this epic ride. Sections include Bear Creek Rd., Happy Valley, Wildcat Canyon, South Park, Grizzly Peak, and more. Course options allow participants to the make the ride as challenging as they wish, from moderate to extremely challenging. Sat., June 16, at Orinda Community Park. 6 a.m., $70-$80. CherryCityCyclists.org

Burlingame Criterium A 0.7-mile bike circuit through downtown Burlingame for cyclists of all levels, with tight turns and a sprint finish. Multiple competitive categories with forty- to sixty-minute durations and cash prizes, plus a free, hour-long kids’ race. Sun., June 24. 7 a.m., $33-$38. BurlingameCriterium.com

Canyon Meadow Trail Run This close-to-home race travels along the East Ridge and West Ridge trails in Oakland’s Redwood Regional Park. Five distances to choose from: five mile, half-marathon, 30K, marathon, and 50K. Sun., June 3, at 7867 Redwood Rd., Oakland. 8 a.m., $30-$65. CoastalTrailRuns.com

CitySolve Urban Race San Francisco Teams of two to four solve clues and face challenges while racing around San Francisco. Cash prizes to the top two teams. Sat., June 16; location TBA. Repeats on Sat., July 28. Noon, $40-$65 per person. CitySolveUrbanRace.com

Diablo Marathon & 60K Easy is a four-letter word at this grueling event in the East Bay’s own Mount Diablo State Park. Marathon and 60K courses begin at the Mitchell Canyon Trailhead in Clayton and traverse the slopes and ridgelines of this rugged mountain; both routes are considered highly technical. Sat., June 2. 7 a.m. or 8:30 a.m., $70-$120. PCTrailRuns.com

Dick Houston Memorial Woodminster Cross-Country Race The third and final race in the East Bay Trail Championships Triple Crown series. This scenic, nine-mile loop on trails in Oakland’s forested Joaquin Miller Park features plenty of hills and a killer climb known affectionately as “the Woodmonster.” Sun., June 17, in the Pinewood Picnic Area at 3600 Joaquin Miller Rd. 9 a.m., $28. LMJS.org

Dipsea Race Founded in 1905, the oldest trail race in America travels 7.4 gorgeous miles though Stinson Beach, Muir Woods, and Mt. Tamalpais State Park. The field of 1,500, managed with handicapped start times, is already full — so mark your calendar for next year. Sun., June 10, in downtown Mill Valley. Dipsea.org

Double Dipsea Handicap Race Run the Dipsea — twice. This highly challenging course has about 4,500 feet of elevation gain. Sat., June 23. 8 a.m., $40-$60. DoubleDipsea.com

The Dream Mile An annual outing in ten cities across the country organized to benefit Vibha, a nonprofit that aids underprivileged children in the United States and India. Half-marathon, 10K, and 5K courses are offered, complemented by a carnival with games and activities. Sun., June 10, at Hellyer County Park in San Jose. 7:30 a.m., $20-$60; free for children under 12. TheDreamMile.org

Folsom Lake Open Water Swim Designed as a training swim for multisport competitors and novices alike, this open-water race has 0.6-, 1.2-, and 2.4-mile distances. Wetsuits are allowed, but not needed; Folsom Lake’s water temperature should be in the mid- to upper-seventies. Sat., June 23, at Beals Point, Folsom Lake Recreation Area. 8 a.m., $35-$40. CapitolAdventureRacing.com

Forest of Nisene Marks Marathon/Half-Marathon/5K A coastal setting naturally cooled by fog leaves runners to focus on the important details: hilly and steep terrain on a mix of roads and single-track trails that course through a beautiful redwood forest. Limited to 400 participants in all three races. Sat., June 2, at Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, Aptos. 8 a.m., $25-$65. NiseneMarksMarathon.com

Full Moon Paddle This romantic, UC Berkeley-sponsored excursion leads participants beyond the Golden Gate in tandem sit-on-top kayaks to watch the sunset and the full moon rise above the East Bay hills. Previous paddling experience recommended; swimming ability required. Mon., June 4, at the UC Aquatic Center at the Berkeley Marina, 122 University Ave. 7 p.m., $35-$45. (Other dates Tue., July 3; Thu., Aug. 2; and Fri., Aug. 31.) RecSports.Berkeley.edu

Kaiser Permanente Women’s Fitness Festival Billing itself as Sacramento’s largest all-women’s run/walk, this event features a 5K run and a 5K run/walk. Proceeds benefit WEAVE, which fights domestic violence and sexual assault. Preceded by a fitness festival and expo. Sun, June 3, at the State Capitol. 8 a.m., $36-$41. WomensFitnessFestival.com

Lake Chabot Trail Challenge Hosted by the Castro Valley Track Club, this is the second race in the East Bay Triple Crown Trail Championship. It’s a hilly, 13.1-mile run around and above Lake Chabot, offering great scenery and East Bay views. A 5K race is also featured. Sun., June 3, at the Lake Chabot Marina. 8 a.m., $25-$45. CVTrackClub.com

Nitro Trail Another half-marathon, 10K, and 5K trio presented by the East Bay’s Brazen Racing team. All three take place in Point Pinole Regional Shoreline Park, which offers panoramic views of the bay, wildflowers, more than one hundred species of birds, and eucalyptus woodlands. Sat., June 2, at 5551 Giant Highway, Pinole. 8:30 a.m., $29-$60. BrazenRacing.com

See Jane Run Alameda Women’s Half-Marathon and 5K A “celebration of women of all sizes, ages, and fitness levels,” this flat race takes place along Alameda’s Bay Trail and offers views of San Francisco and the Bay Bridge. Also includes a kids’ run open to both boys and girls. Sun., June 3, at Crown Memorial State Beach, Alameda. 8 a.m., $15-$105. SeeJaneRun.com

Silicon Valley Triathlon Series Featuring a sprint triathlon (Sat., June 23), a long-course triathlon (Sat., June 23), and an international triathlon (Sun., June 24), this series offers a challenge for everyone. Swims take place in Almaden Lake. Relay option available. At Almaden Lake Park, San Jose. 7 a.m., $100-$250. USAProductions.org

Skyline to the Sea Marathon and 50K courses follow the Skyline to the Sea Trail, which runs from the crest of the Santa Cruz Mountains through Big Basin Redwoods State Park to the Pacific Ocean at Waddell Beach. Sun., June 10, at Saratoga Gap on Skyline Blvd., Los Gatos. 9 a.m., $90-$120. PCTrailRuns.com

Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic Two days of hot-air ballooning, food, crafts, tethered balloon rides, and other fun — including plenty of kid-friendly entertainment. Organizers call it “a celebration of Wine Country’s most beautiful sites” and “a day to be remembered,” even if weather grounds balloons from flying any higher than 100 feet. Sat. and Sun., June 16-17, at Keiser Park, 700 Windsor Rd., Windsor. 6:30 a.m., $6-$10; free for children under 6. SCHABC.org

Statuto Race Now in its 92nd year, the Statuto Race offers a taste of Italy in San Francisco’s North Beach neighborhood. Hosted by the San Francisco Italian Club, the event features an 8K run and a two-mile walk. Sun., June 3, at 1630 Stockton St. 9 a.m., $25-$35. SFIAC.org

Tahoe Rim Trail 165-Mile Segment Hiking Program Complete the 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail in manageable segments over nine Saturdays between June 23 and August 18. You’ll be joined by like-minded outdoor enthusiasts and knowledgeable volunteers from the Tahoe Rim Trail Association. $350. TahoeRimTrail.org

Trail Quake 2012 So named because it travels the San Andreas Trail, Trail Quake offers trail racers three distances to choose from: 5K, 10K, and half-marathon. The longer runs ascend peaks offering spectacular views of the South Bay, the Peninsula, and beyond, while all three make use of narrow single-track trails. Sat., June 16, at Sanborn County Park, 16055 Sanborn Rd., Saratoga. 8 a.m., $34-$68. BrazenRacing.com

Tri for Fun Part one of three non-competitive, short-distance triathlons taking place at Shadow Cliffs Regional Park in Pleasanton throughout the summer. Each features a 400-yard swim, an 11-mile bike ride, and a 3.1-mile run. The series is designed for novices, but can also offer great training and time-trial opportunities for experienced triathletes. Relay option available. Sat., June 16. 7 a.m., $65. (Other dates: Sat., July 21, and Sat., August 18.) OnYourMarkEvents.com

Wild Boar 10K and Half-Marathon Organizers say “it doesn’t get much better than this coastal ridge trail run.” Put their claim to the test while running along rolling single-track trails high up on Mt. Tamalpais. Sun., June 24, at Mt. Tamalpais State Park, 801 Panoramic Hwy., Mill Valley. 8 a.m., $40-$55. EnviroSports.com

ZombieRunner San Francisco From Crissy Field to the Golden Gate Bridge, Fort Point, and beyond, this half-marathon and 10K hit a lot of San Francisco highlights. Sat., June 16, at 1199 East Beach, Presidio of San Francisco. 8 a.m., $40-$50. CoastalTrailRuns.com

July

Alcatraz Challenge Aquathalon and Swim Yet another opportunity to make like a convict and escape from Alcatraz, plus a rare opportunity to race across the Golden Gate Bridge. Swim distance totals 1.5 miles, plus 7 miles on foot. Sun., July 22, at the East Beach of Crissy Field in the Presidio. Relay option and swim-only registration also available. Youth and adult divisions. 8 a.m., $55-$170. TriCalifornia.com

Alcatraz Sharkfest Swim Put this one on your calendar for 2013; once again, it sold out months ahead of race day. A challenging race for experienced open-water swimmers, the event is limited to 800 entrants. Or, swim the exact same 1.5-mile course via swim-only registration at the Escape from the Rock triathlon one month later. Sat., July 28. 8:50 a.m., $105-$150. SharkfestSwim.com

Bad Bass Half-Marathon/10K/5K Brazen Racing encourages you to “run like a bad bass at Lake Chabot” at this annual event. The 5K is mostly on paved trails and includes small hills; the 10K and half-marathon spend half their time on dirt and include one major hill. Sat., July 28, at the Lake Chabot Marina. 8 a.m., $29-$60. BrazenRacing.com

The Berkeley Kite Festival Presented by Highline Kites of Berkeley, the annual Berkeley Kite Festival is a one-of-a-kind full-day event for kite aficionados and the curious alike. Includes free kite-making, kite-flying lessons, a Rokkaku battle, and more. Sat. and Sun., July 28-29, at Cesar E. Chavez Park at the Berkeley Marina. 10 a.m., free. HighlineKites.com

Dirty Dozen and Half-Dozen Endurance Run Do you have what it takes to go for six or twelve hours straight? Test your mettle with this run at Point Pinole Regional Shoreline along a gentle, 3.1-mile loop consisting primarily of dirt fire trails. The race can be done solo or in teams of two or three runners. (Or, opt for the 5K or 10K course.) Sat., July 7. 7 a.m., $33-$95. BrazenRacing.com

Donner Lake Triathlon Offered in both sprint and Olympic distances, this triathlon allows participants to swim in the beautiful, clear water of Donner Lake, bike along Highway 40 for spectacular views of the alpine lake, and, finally, run another course around the lake. A kids’ triathlon is also offered. Sun., July 15, at West End Beach, Donner Lake, Truckee. 7 a.m., $30-$150. BigBlueAdventure.com

Eppie’s Great Race This “no-swim” triathlon, now in its 39th year, combines running (5.82 miles), biking (12.5 miles), and paddling (6.35 miles) along the scenic American River Parkway. It’s also the largest paddling event in the United States. Multiple age divisions and relay options. Sat., July 21, at Rod Beaudry Dr. and Folsom Blvd., Sacramento. 8 a.m., $15-$175. TheGreatRace.org

Fall River Century Ride through spectacular Northeastern California scenery in a valley situated between Mt. Lassen and Mt. Shasta. Four course options: 200K, 100 miles, 100K, and 25 miles. Preceded by a pancake breakfast and followed by a three-course meal. Sat., July 21, in Fall River Mills. 7 a.m., $25-$45. FallRiverCentury.com

Golden Gate Trail Run Beginning at Rodeo Beach, this race offers views from the Marin Headlands of Tiburon, San Francisco, and that famous bridge. Sat., July 14. 8 a.m., $30-$65. CoastalTrailRuns.com

Healdsburg Harvest Century Bicycle Tour An annual tour — not a race! — through the heart of Sonoma County wine country, a region named by magazine as one of “The Seven Greatest Rides on Earth.” Three distances available: 60, 37, or 23 miles. Includes two rest stops and a gourmet barbecue lunch. Proceeds benefit the Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau. Sat., July 21, at Simi Winery. 6:15 a.m., $70-$90. Healdsburg.com

Hernia Hill at Twisted Oak Visit the small town of Vallecito, located near historic Murphys along Highway 4, for this event featuring a half-marathon, 10K run, and 5K run/walk. Post-race barbecue. Sun., July 1, at 4280 Red Hill Rd., Vallecito. 8 a.m., $35-$45. OnYourMarkEvents.com

JailBreak Run So named because it begins with a lap around the Santa Rita County Jail in Dublin, this 5K/10K footrace hosts around 500 runners and walkers each year. The event is coordinated by the Alameda County Sherriff’s Office and benefits Special Olympics Northern California. Sun., July 22, at 6289 Broder Blvd., Dublin. 8 a.m., $10-$35. OnYourMarkEvents.com

Pacifica Trail Run Head south of San Francisco on Highway 1 and find yourself in the cozy town of Pacifica, where Pacific Trail Runs hosts 9K, 21K, 30K, and 50K races through coastal hills, past a waterfall, and up North Peak, which overlooks the Pacific. Sat., July 7, at Walnut Grove Picnic Area in San Pedro Valley Park. 8:30 a.m., $35-$75. PCTrailRuns.com

Pleasant Hill Firecracker 5K Run/Walk Looking for something different to do on Independence Day? This 5K run/walk leads through downtown Pleasant Hill along the same course as the Fourth of July parade, which begins immediately after the race. Runners make three laps around the course. Mon., July 4, at 45 Crescent Dr. 8 a.m., $20-$35; free for children under 7. PHJuly4.com

Run to the Lake This benefit for Eden Medical Center’s Trauma Center features a 5K run/walk, a 10K run, and a 50-yard kids’ dash. The course heads from Eden Medical Center to Lake Chabot Regional Park and back. Also features a free health expo from 7:30-10 a.m. Sun., July 8, at 20103 Lake Chabot Rd., Castro Valley. 8 a.m., $11-$30. EdenMedCenter.org

San Bruno Mountain 5K/12K Organized by the Dolphin South End Runners, San Francisco’s oldest running club. Run a series of trails on San Bruno Mountain, starting and finishing at the picnic area inside San Bruno Mountain Park. Sun., July 22. 9 a.m., $3-$5; free for children under 10. DSERunners.com

San Francisco Marathon The only race to run the roadbed of the Golden Gate Bridge (instead of the sidewalks), the San Francisco Marathon features a full marathon, two half-marathons (runners can choose which half), and a 5K. The full course starts and finishes on the Embarcadero near the Ferry Building and encircles the northern half of the city. And don’t forget the Munchkin Kids Run. Sun., July 29. 5:30 a.m., $25-$145. TheSFMarathon.com

Stinson Beach Trail Run Four hilly, scenic courses (12K, 25K, 37K, and 50K) travel up from the ocean at Stinson Beach via the famous Dipsea Trail, affording excellent views. Sat., July 15, Stinson Beach Park in Marin. 8:30 a.m., $40-$75. PCTrailRuns.com

Tiburon Triathlon The 22nd running of the Tiburon Triathlon, presented by the Tiburon fire department and benefitting the Tiburon Volunteer Firefighters Association, takes place around Belvedere Community Park and features a half-mile swim, a nine-mile bike ride, and a two-mile run. Relay option available. Sun., July 29. 7:30 a.m., $75. TiburonFire.org

Vineman Full Triathlon Established in 1990, Vineman is the oldest independent Ironman-distance triathlon in the continental United States. It’s also no joke, with a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run. Sat., July 28, at Johnson’s Beach, Guerneville. 6:30 a.m., $425-$450. Vineman.com

Vineman Ironman 70.3 Triathlon Consider this the Half-Vineman; it includes a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile ride, and 13.1-mile run through Sonoma County wine country. Limited to 2,300 entrants. No relay option. Sun., July 15, at Johnson’s Beach, Guerneville. 6:30 a.m., $305. Vineman.com

August

Alcatraz “Escape from the Rock” Triathlon This 32-year-old San Francisco tradition begins with a 1.5-mile swim through sixty-degree water from Alcatraz Island to the shore, transitions via a four-mile “warm-up” run to a thirteen-mile ride, and concludes with a 5K run. Limited to 400 participants. Relay option and swim-only registration also available. Sat., Aug. 25. 7:40 a.m., $125-$220. EnviroSports.com

Aloha Celebrity Races and Polynesian Festival Designed for novice paddlers, these races, now in their 20th year, offer a chance to discover the excitement of outrigger canoe racing. After the races, visit the Polynesian Festival for a taste of the tropics. Sun., Aug. 26, at the Santa Cruz Wharf. 9 a.m., free. CityofSantaCruz.com

Angel Island 12K and 25K Circumnavigate Angel Island once — or twice, for the longer run — and enjoy panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, Marin County, and the East Bay. Sat., Aug. 18, at the Tiburon Ferry Dock, 21 Main St., Tiburon. 8:30 a.m., $55-$60 (includes ferry fee). EnviroSports.com

Bear Creek Half-Marathon/10K/5K A scenic, hilly race on fire roads and single-track trails throughout Briones Regional Park. All three courses are loops. Organized by East Bay running club Brazen Racing. Sat., Aug. 18, at Bear Creek Staging Area, Bear Creek and Briones rds., Martinez. 8 a.m., $29-$60. BrazenRacing.com

California Kids Triathlon One of the United States’ largest kids’ triathlons, this event is intended for children ages four through seventeen, regardless of athletic ability or prior triathlon experience. The six different courses and distances are designed to be achievable for all athletes and are presented in a non-competitive format. Sun., Aug. 5, at Arroyo Park, 2000 Shasta Dr., Davis. 8 a.m., $40-$50. ChangeofPace.com

Dammit Run 2010 This annual race, now in its 39th year, starts on the Los Gatos High School track and along a creek, progresses over a series of wooded hills, and finishes with a downhill descent and another flat. Proceeds benefit Los Gatos High School. Sat., Aug. 11, at 20 High School Ct., Los Gatos. 8:30 a.m., $15-$40. LosGatosDammitRun.com

Folsom Olympic Triathlon This Olympic-distance triathlon (1.5K swim, 40K bike, 10K run) is the only one of its kind in the Sacramento area. Relay option available. Sun., Aug. 19, at Nimbus Flat State Park. 7 a.m., $135-$145. USAProductions.org

The Giant Race For runners, joggers, and fans of the San Francisco Giants. Tackle a half-marathon, 10K, or 5K course, and finish on the field at AT&T Park. Proceeds benefit Project Open Hand. Sun., Sep, 16. 8 a.m., $35-$90. Race-SFGiants.com

Golden Gate Park Cross-Country 5K Another race sponsored by San Francisco’s Dolphin South End Running Club, this one starts on the Polo Field’s dirt track and ends on the paved track. Sun., Aug. 26, at the Polo Field in Golden Gate Park. 9 a.m., $3-$5; under 10 free. DSERunners.com

The Great Urban Race A combination of athletic and problem-solving challenges will test participants’ familiarity with San Francisco, as teams of two to four people compete to solve twelve clues throughout the city. Winners move on to the national championships. Sat., Aug. 18; location TBA. Noon, $50-$70 per person. GreatUrbanRace.com

Marin Century and Mt. Tam Double Ride the Marin Century, the Mt. Tam Century, or go for broke with the Mt. Tam Double (yep, that’s two hundred miles). None of the events are considered races, and there will be no winners named. Sponsored by the Marin Cyclists bike club. Sat., Aug. 4, at 50 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael. 8 a.m., $45-$100. MarinCyclists.com

Mt. Shasta Summit Century Bike Ride Organizers promise challenging climbs, breathtaking views, lightly travelled rural roads, and a cloverleaf route. Distances include thirty miles, sixty miles, one hundred miles, and a “super century” at 139 miles and 16,500 feet of elevation gain. Sun., Aug. 5, at Mt. Shasta City Park, 1315 Nixon Rd. 5:30 a.m., $40-$80. ShastaSummitCentury.com

Presidio Cross-Country 5K Organized by the Dolphin South End Runners, San Francisco’s oldest running club. Sun., Aug. 5, at Julius Kahn Playground, West Pacific Ave. at Maple St. 9 a.m., $3-$5; under 10 free. DSERunners.com

Race Thru the Redwoods 10K No surprises here: Run 6.2 miles through the redwoods of Henry Cowell State Park in Felton. There’s also a one-mile kids’ fun run, preceded by a pancake breakfast. Limited to 700 entrants. Sun., Aug. 19. 8:10 a.m., $15-$30. RaceThrutheRedwoods.com

Skyline 50K Endurance Run This scenic and moderately hilly loop course travels through East Bay regional parks from Lake Chabot Marina to Skyline Gate in the Oakland hills and returns along the Skyline National Recreation Trail — with plenty of single-track trails and ridgeline running. Sun., Aug. 12, at the Lake Chabot Marina. 7 a.m., $75-$85. Skyline50K.us

Summer Breeze Take your pick: half-marathon, 10K, or 5K — all of which are flat, fast, and scenic, and travel along the bay shoreline in San Leandro and Hayward. Sat., Aug. 4, at San Leandro Marina Park. 8 a.m., $29-$60. BrazenRacing.com

September

Annadel Loop Run a seven-mile loop along hilly trails in Annadel State Park. Handicap head start based on age and gender. Organized by the Empire Runners Club. Sun. Sep. 2, at Annadel State Park’s Cobblestone Trailhead, Santa Rosa. 8 a.m., $10-$15. EmpireRunners.org

Bear Valley Triathlon Spend your Sunday tackling this hilly, scenic course at Bear Lake near Bear Lake Village in the Sierras. Swim is 600 yards, ride is 10.5 miles, and run is 3.4 miles. Wet suits allowed, but not necessary; water and air temperatures should be around seventy degrees. Relay option available. Sun., Sep. 2. 10 a.m., $65-$75. OnYourMarkEvents.com

Golden Gate Duathlon If you’ve always wanted to do a triathlon, but don’t like to swim, this event is for you: a run/bike/run. Race sanctioned by USA Triathlon. Relay option available. Sat., Sep. 1, at San Pablo Reservoir in Orinda. 8 a.m., $60-$72. WolfPackEvents.com

Marina Green 5K A flat, out-and-back course along Marina Green Dr. and Golden Gate Promenade in San Francisco. Free, half-mile kids run for ages ten and under also offered. Sun., Sep. 2, at Crissy Field’s East Beach. 9 a.m., $3-$5. DSERunners.com

ZombieRunner Vasona Lake Run Popular Los Gatos running store ZombieRunner hosts this race along the Los Gatos Creek Trail to the Lexington Reservoir and the Los Gatos Creek County Park. Two distances two choose from: 5K and half-marathon. Hikers welcome, too. Mon., Sep. 3, at Vasona Lake County Park, 333 Blossom Hill Rd., Los Gatos. 8 a.m., $40-$50. CoastalTrailRuns.com

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