I've been racing in the Bay Area for about three years and Brazen lives up to it's reputation for well-run events on high-quality courses. I usually try to run races in places I haven't been or seen before, so Victory actually wasn't high on my list because I have run at the Richmond Marina several times previously. But it lined up perfectly with my training schedule as a training race for Big Sur and I had a good experience with Brazen in a past race, so I sprung for it.

I didn't have any particular expectations for the race, but the course is so flat that I thought I might be able to get a PR if I paced myself well. Luckily for me, they had a 1:35 pace group! I've never seen a 1:35 pacer at a race before, so I was quite impressed. The organizers announced that there was a minor detour due to construction at the Albany Bulb that'd add 0.1 miles to the race, so I really wasn't expecting a PR. But I got it! 1:34:04

If you haven't run at the Richmond Marina down to Point Isabel before, you should do it. It offers beautiful views of SF, the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges, and coastal Marin. If you like shorebirds like I do, there are plenty of those too.

The post-race spread was great as it always is with Brazen. I ate two Its-its! A nice bonus was a pass to get my wife and I into the Columbia employee store, where all of the gear is sold at wholesale prices or less. Color me impressed. Registration fees tend to be a bit higher with Brazen, but I've felt that the extra amenities and peace of mind that come with a pro organizer are worth it. Check this one out!