Griffith Park Trail Half Marathon Review

Foothill Flyers Race Reviews
Last update November 18, 2012
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Griffith Park Trail Half Marathon

3rd Saturday in November, Griffith Park, 8:30 AM Start on Commonwealth near the tennis courts east of the Greek Theater.

App and info: call Keira Henninger 949-322-2048, or click on Griffith Park Trail Half Marathon above. 400 runner limit.

Maria Vangilder sez of the 2012 event:
This has to be the hardest half marathon in USA! The hills were never ending. Just when we thought we were finished with the hills, we would be sent down another one and at this race what goes down must climb back up. I don't think there was one bit of flat to this whole race. Having said all this it is also my favorite half marathon ever. The views of LA, the observatory & Hollywood sign were amazing. I actually liked all the out and backs. It's a real treat for those of us at the back of the pack see our fellow "Flyers" several times during the race. I really looked forward to seeing a familiar face and cheering each other on. This race is well organized, well marked and the aid stations and volunteers are fantastic. . Runners were treated to free breakfast foods at the start and sandwiches at the finish. Then to our surprise all finishers received a medal and the shirts are legendary. Yes this race is a bit more expensive but believe me you get your moneys worth. The Griffith Park trail half is a race that is lovingly put on by runners for runners. Can't wait till next year.
See Maria and Robert's 2012 photos.

After the rain stopped, the Flyers gather at the starting line.		Great shirt and finishers medal. And while you are picking up your packet, they have pastries, coffee and juice for the runners. At the finish, they have sandwiches.
On up the Aberdeen trail 1.5 miles to the Green House.		After the Green House you turn up the steep Hogback Trail but this year we were in the clouds and could not see more than 100 ft ahead. At the top is Dante's View and a drinking fountain.
3.8 miles into the reace, at the bottom end of the Mulholland Hwy at Mt. Lee Dr. is an unmanned turn. This is the least steep of the out and backs from the top and zig zags in and out of the canyons below Mt. Lee.		The aid station is in front of the Bronson Cave, famous as the Bat Cave from the old TV program and other series and movies. You are supposed to make your turn around through it and there is a 2 hr cut off at this aid station, but no one seemed to be really checking or enforcing either. This is at mile 6.8.
You never know what kind of volunteers you will get to be course marshalls at races in the Hollyweird area. But it is a welcome distraction knowing you have 900 ft of climb ahead of you returning up the Brush Canyon Trail.		Great views once back on top on Vista Del Valle and the Hollywood Trail junction looking East toward Glendale.
The final downhill turn around above the north end of the Griffith Observatory parking lot has an aid station like the others that is well stocked with water, Cliff Shot Electrolyte drink, gels, fruit, candy and best of all, chocolate covered expresso beans to get you back up the Hollywood Trail. This is about mile 10.		On the way back up to Dante's View for the last time, you get a glimpse of the Hollywood Sign. From Dante's it is all back down hill on the Hogsback and Aberdeen Trails to the finish.