About Us

Who Are We?

Our main goal is to invite all runners to spectacular venues along Coastal California and give them quality trail running events.

We are known for our well-marked courses, accurately measured distances, immediate race results, quality shirt designs, and friendly atmosphere. About 25% of the participants are running their very first trail run. Many are progressing to the marathon or ultramarathon distances. Almost all bring friends and family.

For courses that are designed to be easier, flatter, and faster, check out one of our Zoom or ZombieRunner events.

We love trail running and we promise you a rewarding experience.

STAFF

Wendell (Founder) started running trail ultramarathons in the early 90s. Since then, he’s completed over 100 ultras, including Western States, Hardrock, HURT, Plain 100, and Badwater.

In addition, he enjoys other adventures, like the Winter Western States, Barkley, John Muir Trail, and traversing the 165-mile Tahoe Rim Trail.

As the original founder of PCTR, he has organized over 400 trail running and ultramarathon events during the past 16 years.

Leng completed her first ultramathon in 2008 at the Knee Knacker 50K in Vancouver, BC. Since then, she’s completed the 250 kilometer Gobi March in China and other ultras, including the Miwok 100 Km and Headlands Hundred Endurance Run.

After several seasons as a high school sprinter, Kim started long(er) distance running with a half marathon in 2005, literally because she had just moved to the Bay Area and didn't have anything else to do. From there, it became an addiction - if she could run a half, why not a marathon? Why not a triathlon? And eventually, why not a trail race? After countless halves and marathons, she made the transition to ultra distances in 2014. Since that time, she has completed multiple ultras, including Lake Sonoma 50, Way Too Cool, Tamalpa Headlands 50k, and our own Coyote Ridge 50k and New Year's One Day events. You can find her helping out either at an aid station or at the finish line of Coastal's events.

Brian began running with high school track and cross country, and began his long distance career in 2009 with the Lake Tahoe half. Since then, he has completed multiple ultra marathons and Ironman triathlons, including the North Face 50 Mile (twice!), Ironman Lake Placid (3 times!) and Ironman Vineman, along with pacing the Hardrock 100. He has also completed our own Bizz Johnson (with age group awards!) and Diablo 50k's on multiple occasions.

Together, he and Kim are always looking for their next adventure - whether it's another hike to the Mt. Everest Base Camp or sweeping a course for a Coastal Trail Runs event.

Liz and Van have been life long athletes, from soccer to swimming to hiking and running. They ran their first marathon together at Big Sur, dabbled in triathlons including Wildflower, then found ultras and did the Northface 50k together in 2015. When they aren't at aid stations pouring your water and making PB&J, you'll likely find Liz out on the trails or Van swimming in the Bay, both training for their next ultra run or endurance swim. Van's daughter Jasmine frequently joins them too with her big smile and superb orange cutting skills.

Kathy moved to the Bay Area from England with her family in early 2014. She started taking part in Coastal Trail Runs later that year and, after running mainly road half and full marathons, she discovered her passion for trail running. Kathy is a wife, mum of 3 elementary school kids and works a part time job. She loves the beauty, peace and thrill of trail running, which gives her busy life balance. In 2016 she won the overall Blazer Award for long distance, has run a couple of 50k events and just completed her first 50 miler. You will often see her volunteering at runner check-in or at an aid station!

Marissa has been running for over 30 years, entering her first 10 Km race at age 8. She began competing in road marathons 10 years ago, and her endurance running endeavors include 15 marathons – qualifying for and running in the Boston marathon twice – and 5 200-mile relays.

She made the transition to ultra distances in 2006, and in the short time since has completed over 20 ultras, including the Javelina Jundred and Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run.

Lynnard loves to run and has been a lifelong runner. He currently holds various records in the American Masters 75-79 Outdoor Track & Field Records for Men 75-79. You can find him helping us either at an aid station or course marking.

Ian ran his first ultramarathon with Coastal Trail Runs in February 2018 and he has never looked back since. He has gone on to complete numerous 100-milers including the very challenging H.U.R.T. 100. You can find him helping us either at an aid station or course marking.