Hidden Valley 15K

Description:

The second race in the Steep Rock Trail Series, the Hidden Valley 15K, starts near the entrance to the preserve where runners will begin with a gentle single track climb in the first mile before reaching an overlook point around the 1.25 mile mark. A few short steep ups and downs along with gentle rolling trails for the next few miles as the course winds towards the northeastern section of the preserve. A quick trip onto the pavement of Sabbaday Lane and it’s another quick climb to the highest point on the course just past 5 miles. A 300’ downhill drop in the next mile provides a welcome relief to the runners as they descend back down towards the river. The next few miles are generally flat along the river with a little side trip through an old quartz mine. Just before mile 8, it’s across the river on a several tiered wooden bridge with steps leading to the opposite side. A quick short ⅜ mile climb with a few switchbacks and it’s all downhill to the finish for the last mile on sweet buttery single track. A quick trip across the Thoreau Bridge and runners arrive at the finish line! This is an extremely beautiful course, but requires strong discipline to start slow and finish strong!