Trinidad to Clam Beach Run facts for kids
The Trinidad to Clam Beach Run is a super fun and challenging race held every year in Humboldt County, CA. It's a popular event where people run along the beautiful coast of Northern California.
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The Trinidad to Clam Beach Run
This exciting race started a long time ago, back in the 1960s. It began as a way for college athletes to train during the winter. These athletes went to Humboldt State University (now called Cal Poly Humboldt). The original race was about 8.75 miles long and helped them stay in shape for track and field sports.
How the Race Grew
Over the years, the Trinidad to Clam Beach Run became very famous. It grew from a small college training run into a nationally known event! More races were added so more people could join. You could choose from a 3-mile run or a 5.75-mile run. In 2002, a half marathon (which is about 13.1 miles) was also added. It stopped for a few years but came back in 2017, giving runners an even longer challenge!
The Race Course
The run starts about three miles north of the small town of Trinidad, California. Runners begin on a road called Patrick's Point Drive. The course then takes them through the charming town of Trinidad.
What's the Route Like?
After leaving Trinidad, runners head down Scenic Drive. This road leads them to Moonstone Beach. From Moonstone Beach, the race continues all the way to Clam Beach. The very last part of the race is run right on the sand at Clam Beach.
A Special Challenge: The River Crossing
One of the most exciting parts of the course is crossing the mouth of the Little River at Moonstone Beach. Depending on the tide, runners might have to splash through some water! The height of the tide is so important that it helps decide when the race will happen. The run is always on either the last Saturday of January or the first Saturday of February. The tide also helps determine the exact start time for the race.
Who Organizes the Run?
The Trinidad to Clam Beach Run is sponsored by the Greater Trinidad Chamber of Commerce. This group helps organize the event. The money raised from the race helps support the Chamber's scholarship fund. This means the run helps students get money for college!