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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the history of the Bulldog 50K?

A: The Bulldog 50K Ultra Run was established in 1992 by RD. Ingrid Shattuck. In 1999, a 30K race was added to the venue. Nancy Shura and her UltraLadies were behind the scenes supporters of the races for many years, so when Ingrid retired as R.D. in 2003, she passed the race on to Nancy and her co-RD, Larry Dervin. The original Bulldog 50K course -- established in 1992 -- crossed over a number of private properties. Over the next six years there were a some issues with some of the owners regarding access to their land on race day that led to the race course being re-designed in 1998 so that almost 100% of the course ran on park and public lands. The race has historically had problems with course tampering that affected the 50K runners again in 2004. Because of the these problems, the courses were again re-designed to a 50K/25K, to minimize the risk of course tampering while still preserving the beauty and challenge of the race's history. The race now takes place completely inside Malibu Creek State Park.

Q: Is pacing allowed?

A: Runners may be legally paced by another runner, who is entered in the race, who is wearing a race bib, who does not enter the course at any point other than the start line, who does not leave the course at any point to re-enter the course at another point. All other pacing constitutes illegal pacing and will result in disqualification of the runner being paced. Pacing of runners via bicycle is forbidden. Pacing rules will be strictly enforced.

Q: What is the elevation gain and loss?

A: It is not known exactly, however, it has been estimated to be 4,000 ft. of gain and 4,000 feet of loss for the 25K Trail Run and 8,000 feet of gain and 8,000 feet of loss for the 50K Ultra Run.

Q: Can I pre-run the course using the website map?

A: We don't recommend it. The course map is an approximate representation only. There are so many intersecting trails involved, you're bound to lose your way. The actual course will be clearly marked by race day.

Q: How is the course marked?

A: The course will be marked on race day only! The markings will be chalk arrows on the ground and/or surveyors ribbon. There has been a history of tampering with course markings on race day; always keep your eyes alert to your surroundings.

Q: Do I need to carry a water bottle?

A: All runners in both races must carry a minimum of one (1) bottle or equivalent in a hydration pack. The race is held on remote fire roads/trails where access to the course is limited. Both races will be subject to distances of up to 5.6 hilly miles without access to water/aid. Temperatures in the canyons may exceed 100 degrees, therefore most middle-to-back-pack runners will need two (2) bottles!

Q: Are there any water crossings which will cause my running shoes to get wet?

A: The 50K has one stream crossing in Tapia Park that you cross twice, just before aid stations #3 & #7. The 25K race has one stream crossing in Tapia Park before aid station #3. Most of the time you can jump from rock to rock; other times you have to wade through the water. It varies from year by year. The 25K crosses the stream once, the 50K crosses twice.

Q: Is there a problem with rattlesnakes?

A: There are rattlesnakes in the Santa Monica Mountains along with other assorted creatures. However, there has never been a reported problem in the run's history. Use caution and always look where you are going. There is some Poison Oak on the trail -- so be careful.

Q: Why is the race limited to a certain number of entries?

A: Over the years our number one goal is to provide our participants with a highly personal, low key, fun event. Parts of the course are challenging and narrow over a good portion of the course. We don't want our runners to feel boxed in by crowds. Additionally, parking is extremely limited within the park.

Q: Why can't I sign up on race day?

A: Registration for BULLDOG RUN fills up fast. By race day, the race is closed and the aid supplies are bought and packed up based on the number of entries. We are also not allowed to exceed the number of runners provided for in our park service permit. This is why we will not accept entries on race morning; no exceptions!

Q: Can I give (or sell) my entry to another person to use in my place?

A: No. Registration entries ARE NOT REFUNDABLE or TRANSFERABLE to another person or DEFERRABLE to another year.

Q: Can I switch from the 50K race to the 25K race (or vice versa)?

A: Yes, but only up to midnight, August 15th! ABSOLUTELY NO RACE SWITCHING BEFORE OR DURING THE EVENT!!!

Q: What are the rules about dogs?

A: State Park Rules - NO dogs on trails, and no dogs will be permitted in camp on race day.

Q: Can I leave drop bags?

A: 50K runners may have a drop bag at the MCSP/Craggs Road aid station (approx. mile 15.3). Your drop bag must be securely tied and labeled in black permanent marker with your race number. Marker pens will be available on race morning at the drop bag table. Bags will be returned to the finish line at approximately 11:00AM. We will NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR VALUABLES or any items not picked up after the race. There will be no drop bags for the 25K race.

Q: What are the award categories?

A: The 25K gives awards for overall male & female plus 1st, 2nd, 3rd male & female in each of 10-year age divisions. The 50K being a RRCA Regional Championship Race gives awards for overall male & female plus 1st, 2nd, 3rd male & female in each of 10-year age divisions plus Masters male & female (40+) plus Grand Masters male & female (50+) and Senior Masters (60+).

Q: Where do we park on race day?

A:

FACEBOOK: Please use the Bulldog Trail Runs Facebook to work out carpool arrangements. http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?gid=130532148392&v=wall&ref=ts

PARKING INSIDE THE PARK: Parking inside the park is $12.00 per vehicle at the gate. If you possess a state parks season pass, it is good for this event. National Parks passes are not good at State Parks. Please display all parking placards visibly on your dashboard at all times while parked inside the park.

We have a systematic plan to expedite parking. Please have your $12.00 parking fee ready before you approach the park. Please bring exact change. As you turn into the park entrance, you will be met by a race monitor who will collect the parking fee. You will move forward a short distance where another race monitor will give you a parking placard. Please remember to display your parking placard visibly on your dashboard. From there you will be instructed to follow the directions of the parking monitors who will guide you to the proper parking section. Please do not choose your own parking space; park only where they tell you to. This is the only way to insure that every space will be used and that you don't receive a parking violation for parking out of a space. 25K runners, please be aware that we will briefly stop traffic at 6:30AM, to allow the start of the 50K.

FREE PARKING is available OUTSIDE THE PARK as follows:

Site#1: You may park on three corners of Las Virgenes Road and Mulholland Highway, on the dirt. Parking on these corners is "head-in-parking". Please note, there are some “no parking” signs posted in some sections. Some parallel street parking is also available on Mulholland Highway to the east of Las Virgenes Road (that’s on the side toward the 101 freeway). Please use the crosswalks at the traffic signal to cross to the other side of the street.

SITE #2: There is plenty of parallel street parking on both sides of Mulholland Highway to the north of Las Virgenes Road. Just follow Las Virgenes Road to the north, cross over the bridge, and park on either side of the road.

SITE #3: There is a large Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area sign on the north side of Las Virgenes Road just east of Mulholland Highway (at the flashing light). There is a fairly good amount of space for parking here and at last inspection, there were no signs prohibiting parking. Please park in rows starting in the back of the lot, working toward the front of the lot; should accommodate about 50 cars with this method. From these corners, it is less than a 5-minute walk toward the west to enter Malibu Creek State Park.

SITE #4: There is quite a large shopping center at Albertson's Market down on Agoura Road, just west of Las Virgenes Road. You might consider CARPOOLING from this location.

Q: What is the weather typically like on race day?

A: In the past it has been clear, dry, and very hot. The temperature usually remains cool until around 8:30 to 9:00 AM then begins heating up. Afternoon race temperatures have ranged from 85°F to 108°F (29°C - 42°C). One important aspect of training for this race is to be properly heat acclimated.

Q: Why do I need to carpool to the race?

A: Parking inside Malibu Creek State Park is extremely limited; there aren't enough parking spaces to accommodate all the runners. In addition to carpooling, please read the FAQs re: parking outside the park.

Q: Can I listen to my music during the race?

A: A: EARPHONES /BUDS are strongly discouraged at RRCA sanctioned events. Their use presents a serious hazard to runners participating in street races where emergency vehicles enter the course and may not be heard by runners who are listening to music. Although VCHM is a trail run, it is remotely possible that runners may encounter emergency vehicles on the course. Likewise, runners may encounter other trail users in the form of hikers, mountain bikers, horses and riders, park rangers on ATVs, as well as wildlife, including rattlesnakes. The wearing of earphones/buds would make it difficult to impossible for you to hear an emergency vehicle approaching from behind… the shout of a biker… or a verbal warning of a snake ahead. It would be difficult to impossible to enforce a ban on earphones/ear buds at the Valley Crest Half Marathon however their use Is discouraged for the aforementioned reasons. If you choose to wear earphones/buds, you should be aware that this aforementioned reasons. If you choose to wear earphones/buds you should be aware that it will increase the burden of your liability should you be involved in an accident/altercation during the course of the race. If you do wear earphones/ear buds, we request that you consider only plugging in "one ear" so you may be more likely to hear what’s going on around you and that you please remove the earphones/buds entirely at the start line so you may hear the instructions given and remove them entirely as you approach the finish line so you may hear the instructions given.

Q: Is the course open to public use on race day?

A: A: Although the race is permitted to use the trail, the course is not closed to public use on race day. Runners should be aware that they may encounter other trail users including mountain bikers, hikers and other runners.

Q: Will there be any training runs on the course?

A: A: There will be three or four group training runs scheduled on the race course. These runs will be unsupported; all runners must carry their own provisions. Information will be posted on the "Latest Info" page to announce the dates.

Q: Where can my family and friends watch the race?

A: Two locations are available for spectating the race. Tapia Park Aid Station at mile 13 and mile 28 can be accessed for crewing or spectating. Please link to "Aid Stations & Cutoffs" on the menu bar for driving directions. The second spot is Station #4 inside Malibu Creek Park. This is mile 15.3 for the 50K runners and is just a short walk from base camp.

Q: When is the awards ceremony?

A: A: Awards for the 25K will be given at approximately 10:30AM; the 50K awards will start at approximately 11:30AM.

Q: Are crews allowed for the 50K?

A: As of 2011, crews will only be permitted at the Tapia Park Aid Station at mile 13 and mile 28. Please link to "Aid Stations & Cutoffs" on the menu bar for driving directions. Please note that CORRAL CANYON AID STATION (miles 7.5/22.5) is now CLOSED TO CREWS AND SPECTATORS per our new permit requirements.

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