This is a great, well run and local run that kicks off EVER year on Thanksgiving morning! It's a…read moreUSAT&F certified 5k that winds thru the scenic streets of Piedmont. The course is closed to all cars for the first 45 minutes of the race which makes it a speedy course for those who finish in 16 minutes or simply a fun and safe course for people and their families or are walking it. The motto is, "MOVE your feet before you eat! "Your registration gets you a chipped time race bib, a stylish tech shirt and a party at the finish line featuring a band, prizes and morning coffee. http://piedmontturkeytrot.com

I participated in the 2016 race. I've done a couple other 5ks as well as a 10k so this wasn't my…read morefirst race. Prices were reasonable. Packet pickup was quick and easy (at the veterans center). However, the hours weren't practical at all (3:00pm-5:30pm, most race pickups are about 9-5). The free bag and water bottle was cool but I would have rather had a medal. The shirts were nice but a tighter material so you couldn't roll up the arms. Lots of snacks before and after the race (samples, bananas, hot cocoa/coffee). Race day parking was easy and free. You can pick up your packet morning of but they wont guarantee your shirt (huh?). There was no line for packet pickup but a huge one for morning of registration. Time tracking for the race was a plus. My biggest complaint is the course. While the neighborhood offers nice scenery, it's a lot of uphill for a fun run. Probably more than half the course is uphill. Very little of the course is flat, it's mostly variations of up and down hill. Also, the road you're running on isn't leveled out, it's dome shaped. This meant if you didn't run down the dead center of the road you were running at an odd angle and disproportionally stressing the joints. Also there were no water stations on this run. Why? This is the only 5k I've ever done that didn't provide water stations; seems like a liability. All in all it's a nice community of people to run with but I'd be hesitant to run that course again in the future.

I'm unable to run in the 2026 race due to an injury. I started the process to defer my entry to…read more2027 before the deadline. The website wouldn't allow the change so I emailed, again this is BEFORE the deadline. I received a response that I could not defer as the deadline had passed. After I described the technical difficulty (again), received the same response.

Livermore Half Marathon is art of the ''Golden State Series'' where if you complete all 3 events…read more(Town's Half Marathon in Oakland and US Half Marathon in San Francisco also) you get an additional medal. It's for that reason that I signed up for this event, you also get Wine sampling after the event but I'm all about the bling. Sign up was easy and if you purchase the 3 event entries together you save a few bucks. as I was a Pacer for the US Half I didn't do this but still make sure you sign up early to get the best rates! This event also sells out so don't wait too long if you want to Run it. The weeks before the event I didn't get any information about the day or packet pick up but it is all located on the website. Packet Pick up: Located at the Performing Arts Bankhead Theater Plaza the day before it was easy to get to but is only from 2-8pm so if you work late or far away you need to plan accordingly. Everything is done by number so you just provide that and they look up your Bibs. As Wine tasting is part of the post race fun you get given a wrist band to prove you're of age to drink but they make you put it on right then so you ''can't give it to someone else''. Kinda silly as I had to walk around with it on for almost a day before the event. T-Shirt is cool but the sizes run large. Course: Lot's of scenery to take in as you go through various parks and Wineries, there are some mild hills but nothing too taxing. Volunteers: Fantastic! The group at mile 11 were so full of energy. Post Run: Chaotic. There were a few bites of food (Banana's, Chips, KIND bars) with drinks of Water, Coconut Water and of course 13 Wineries for those over 21. The medal is kinda cool (doubles up as a coaster but cannot be removed from the lanyard) but not very pleasant to look at, last years way much nicer. A Nice event to do for locals and if you like to collect bling.

One of the smaller running events that I've been to, and I think it's by design because…read morenon-participants are also on the Lake Chabot Regional Park trails that coincide with some sections of the running courses. Really wished that the event started much earlier (closer to sunrise) because it was a bit warm and it was pretty distracting having to weave through non-participants especially bicyclists and those walking their dogs (got more busy later in the day). Besides that, the 5K course itself (there were other courses at the event as well) was great! Majority of it was shaded and throughout the course I got several peeks of Lake Chabot. There were gentle hills, but they were few and far between. Also shoutout to the very thorough e-mail newsletter presenting all of the info needed for the event (it's the little things lol but way better than clicking through several tabs on a running event website to gather the same kind of info). Goodies include an amazingly designed wood medallion, shirt, beer sampler stein (with actual beer sampling on-site), yogurt, and packaged snacks. Sasquatch mascot was there cheering runners (was pretty funny seeing general park visitors being confused, but also being happy, seeing a dude in a Sasquatch costume ahaha). *Highly* recommend arriving early for parking especially if you're planning to do free street parking. When I arrived at around 8 am, westbound Lake Chabot Rd. street parking was filled within maybe 0.7 mi from the entrance. Had to circle back and park eastbound grabbing a spot that's maybe 0.2 mi from the entrance. In terms of the parking lot ($5 fee), it was a little more than halfway filled.

Distance: Half Marathon…read more + Easy sign up. + On the day packet pick up. + Low registration fees. + Medals for all finishers. + Beautiful course. + Multiple distances available. - Not enough signage for the course. - No 1st, 2nd and 3rd in age group awards. (Not that I was Running for that but would have been nice). - Post Race refreshments kind of ''eh''. Dry Bagels, Apples and Oranges slices with Granola bars. NO BANANA!! :( I signed up for this last minute to pace with a friend that was Running for JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) and really glad I did as the course was beautiful and a nice one to round off the season. I wasn't Running for time but to prove to myself I can show restraint and not have to PR or place in my age group every time I run. Funny that even restraining myself from Running flat out ''balls to the wall'' I still placed first in my age group and 3rd overall. Yahoo! This old shortie still has it. A great run that is fairly small in size, all of the volunteers were really nice and encouraging, especially the Ladies at around the 12 mile mark. A race I would consider doing again next year. If you want to donate to this Charity and my friends fundraiser (greatly appreciated if you do) you can do so here: http://www2.jdrf.org/site/TR?fr_id=3882&pg=personal&px=8476668

The course for the Race to the Flagpole half marathon is about 45% an out-and-back, which only…read morerunners of the half did, and about 45% the 10K course. The start and finish areas are in Livermore's Independence Park; all runners do the same first and last 3/4 mile or so. On leaving Independence Park runners follow a trail that takes them to Sycamore Grove Park. 10K runners enter it for their run, while half marathon runners pass it by, taking trails paralleling roads through hundreds of acres of vineyards, up into the hills east of Livermore. The trail is twofold - paved trail paralleled by packed dirt trail (watch for equine "landmines"). "Up into hills" means climbing. None are super steep, but it's 2-3 miles of mostly uphill, with some short flat or downhill stretches between individual hills. And then back down again, turning into Sycamore Grove Park to do the 10K course. The 10K course is an elongated figure-8 using trails in the park. These run past vineyards, through oak, eucalyptus, and (surprise!) sycamore groves, past an olive orchard, alongside and over a creek. To me, this, the 10K course, was the more beautiful part of a generally beautiful course. Most of the trail was dirt access road, with perhaps 3/4 of a mile of paved trail (with a packed dirt shoulder). The terrain is mostly gently rolling, with one short hill well worth calling a hill. * Overall, race organization and production were very well done. There were aspects that could be improved, and aspects that were nicer than I expected from a small, local, charity race (two Livermore area high schools' athletic programs). * Easy registration with no service fee tacked onto the registration price, nice for the budget. * Speaking of budget, the $45 registration fee is really low! * This was the first race I've been in (more than 30) that did not send a race instructions email. Much of what is typically in such emails - parking, check-in - was on the mail-in registration form, but I registered online. I found it the day before the race. Race instructions can be an email or a webpage, but if the latter, it should be easy to find. * The course maps are a bit klutzy, a map of the out-and-back section of half marathon, and a map for the 10K, with text showing where half runners go onto the 10K course. Not very user-friendly. There were no elevation profile charts. * Parking was free. The lot got pretty full half or a full hour before start time. * Packet pick-up was race day only, and getting bibs and T-shirts were separate steps. Both were quick for me, and I didn't see a line for either. * There was a color guard from the local VFW post and a singer who led the "Star Spangled Banner". * Both start and finish were chip-timed. * Course marking was OK. There were quite a few stationary course monitors, and quite a few, very helpful, monitors on bicycle. Going astray required being inattentive (which I was at one point; I was corrected within 20 yards by a nearby monitor). A few chalk markings or traffic cones to indicate, "Don't go this way," would improve this. * Aid stations were water only, and there were quite a few. I probably passed water stations 8 times (some twice). I think I heard sloshing sounds as I walked somewhere around mile 10 or 11. * I was the last to finish the half, and when I did there were no food tables or food. On the other hand, well-laden food tables had been in the area before the start, and I had availed myself of some. Having food available to the very end would have been nice, but only 54 did the half marathon. So I have no problem with the lack of food tables at the very end. * By the time I finished they had also run out of finisher's medals. The person in charge apologized profusely, explained, and got my bib number. I was told to expect a medal in the mail in 2-3 weeks. They had received MANY more late and race day registrations than anticipated. I have no problem AT ALL with this consequence of a community supporting a charity race beyond the expectations of the race planners! T-shirt: Light gray cotton T with the race logo (runners approaching a sycamore tree with an American flag in the background, very attractive), race name, year, and distances on the front, and sponsors' logos on the back. Finisher's medal: I looked at the finisher's medal, briefly, before race start. It's an off-the-shelf medallion with laurel leaves circling a center with a printed insert. Goodies: Before race start I saw coffee, bottled water, cut up bagels with cream cheese, muffins, fruit strips, cereal bars, cut up oranges, and uncut Fuji apples. Because there were no elevation profiles I did not prepare for this race as I might have, knowing it was fairly hilly. Just past mile 1 I saw far enough ahead to throttle back a little and finish with a time that had me appropriately satisfied and tired. The 2015 Race to the Flagpole was mostly well-organized, with a beautiful course. I would consider doing this race again.

Wow! It seriously amazes me what both my mind and body can achieve. I entered this run simply with…read morethe intent to complete just because it was different to the usual flat Half Marathon's. With an injured knee I didn't expect to even place but ended up walking away with another 1st place medal under my belt. Happy Days! This event was 3 different races: Half Marathon - Very Challenging 10 Km - Challenging 5 Km - Easy Registration: I registered online which was pretty easy, however due to the time on their website being set forward by a few hours I was charged more than I should have been. It's no big deal though as it wasn't a huge amount, just something to keep in mind for future events. Packet pickup was available the day before or on the day, I opted for on the day and upon arrival discovered it was a fraction under 1 mile from the parking so before I had even started the event I had done almost 3 miles. The Course: The Half Marathon course was indeed a challenge. Not so much the incline's and decline's but the course. With the exception of about 2% of it which was tarmac road it was all dirt, rocks, sand and mud so being very agile was a must. One wrong step and you could seriously injure yourself and on some parts of the trail end up falling down the side of the Mountain into a ditch (There is no real definition of a Mountain but given the height many will class Castle Rock as one as it reaches almost 3,000 feet). This run confirmed something to me and that was I seem to excel at uphill running, downhill however is not my friend. With the uneven surface and loose rocks downhill is a real challenge not to loose your footing. Teamed with a knee injury the impact was incredibly painful in some parts. My advice - don't play the bad ass if you have an injury. Around mile 6 was when it hit me, the track became very narrow and went from uphill to very steep downhill and took you off into woodland where you were going over rocks, tree stumps and vine. I honestly thought I might have to pull out at the next aid station and had to limp for around 2 miles until the Aspirin kicked in letting a couple of people overtake me. The views were however worth it. From the top of Castle Rock you could see for miles, it really was breathtaking in more ways than one. Aid Stations: There were just 2 for the entire course and were located at 2.6 and 7.1 miles stocked with water, sports drink, snacks (Cookies, Chips, Trail Mix ect) and energy gels. Post Race: Post race awards were given for various age groups along with drinks and snacks for everybody to refuel. Drinks included Soda (no Diet or Zero. Boo!), Sports drink and chilled water with snacks of Cinnamon Rolls, Brownies, Chips, Trail Mix, Candy, Cookies and Orange slices. Nothing really took my fancy and it would have been nice to have some Banana's for everybody as they're both my pre and post run snack of choice. I could have probably fought somebody' for a Banana and chilled glass of Milk or Bowl of Greek Yogurt, instead I had to wait until I got home. T-Shirts: These are quite nice, I did like the Red color but would have loved a Pink one like last years. II'm just not sure of the quality as once I finished the run I noticed that mixed with sweat (I know.. sexy, right?) the color had ran and turned the white straps of my Camelbak pink to match the rest of it. Would I do this race again? Hell yeah! It was a good event, well organised and clearly marked out.

What a perfect day for the Mermaid Run, especially when its the day before Mother's day and my mini…read moreme wants to join me in her first run. You know what they say right? like mother like daughter, just getting her started early!! Since it was my daughters first run, I decided to register both of us for the 5k. Mermaid Run offers an 18m, half marathon, 10k, 5k, and a mini run for the kiddos 1.5miles. Located at Quarry Lakes park in Fremont. The Park surrounds a barrier of water just like Lake Merced & Lake Merritt. The 5k started at 900a and the heat risen to 80degree, (FUEGO) the trail goes around the lake on gravel. Lots of moms ran with their children and plenty of women supported the run. At the end we were rewarded a charm and post race food ie.bagels, bananas, strawberries, grapes, candy? water and orange juice. I seen plenty of booths that included Zico coconut water, Luna bars, massage tables, photo booths and apparel shopping. My only complaints were to let the little kids run first, I almost trampled over them a couple of times. Other than that, we had a great first run together.

Half Marathon Time: 1:37:21 1st in Age group (by 12…read moreminutes!) 3rd overall (Men and Women) Thank you Yelp for the free entry!! This event was kinda big for me after Surgery 2 weeks before and what an event to be my first real workout after somewhat recovering. I found the event well organized and bib pick up on the morning of the event a huge bonus. There were a few vendors still setting up and offering free samples - Luna Bars, Sanbazon Acai drinks and little samples of Acai Bowls. The run itself started on time with each distance starting 30 minutes apart. The 18 miler started first followed by the Half Marathon then the 10k then 5k. This meant that everyone was coming across the finish line at roughly the same time. The course itself was nice - some gravel and some pavement and for the first few miles well marked out but after about mile 6 is saw very few signs for the Half Marathon and was questioning whether or not I was still on the right course and not Running the 18 miler. It probably didn't help that I was front of the pack of runners and when I got to mile 6 saw volunteers still setting up signs..this is mind I think more signage for future years is s must. I was so glad to see the volunteers at 8.5mi and ask ''Is this the turnaround for the Half''.Thank goodness they knew where I was supposed to be going! Post Race was a little chaotic with medals and necklaces being given out and a huge line for the fenced off food area. Food was basic - Bagels, Banana's, Orange and Juice. Awards were given for overall 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each distance as well as age group awards which took place around 10:15am which was quite some wait after many of the winners finished. For 3rd overall Half I was awarded a plaque and a box of Luna bars with age group win being a hat. Nice awards but kind of wish there were extra medals because it's all about the bling. Every finishers also got a medal which was the same for every distance. Doing this event there is one thing I must stress to other Runners - Please be more courteous to other Runners. There was a part of the course with a turn around and runners to be coming along both directions of the course.. after the turnaround I was keeping as far left as possible but oncoming runners either thought the ''keep left'' rules didn't apply to them or were completely oblivious and were running head on into me. Then some Runners getting made at ME when I shouted to ''please keep left''. Also when someone calls ''On your Left'' it means they are coming up behind you and would like to pass (ever seen Captain America?) so please move over. Basic Runner etiquette. Overall pretty good event and I'll probably do it again next year.

Yay. My first ''race'' since I completely jacked my Knee up 4 months ago! Ok, so it wasn't my usual…read moreHalf Marathon but still fun nonetheless and a great event to celebrate my Birthday. The event organizers did a really good job and setting this event up and getting the word out with lot's of residents of Mountain House getting involved with delivering flyers, myself included. Packet pick up the Friday before was a breeze and with entry we also got ourselves a nice Tech shirt. Sadly the shirts come up huge. I went for the smallest Woman's size possible (a Small) and It's so big I could fit two of me in it. I usually go for XXS or XS so it would be nice to have those sizes as option for future years. Race day was well organized if a little behind schedule. The turnout was pretty impressive with around 250 people taking part with people coming from all over the East Bay to take part, lot's of which were ''serious'' Runners like myself. The course was a great choice of location - on my beloved Mountain House Creek Trail and was marked out with arrows. However, at the end of the trail around mile 1.80 was a little confusing as there were two sets of arrows and I went following the wrong ones, going off course and having to double back on myself (Boo. Lost some time there). One Aid station was placed along the course along with 2 groups of singers at various points to encourage people and singing Christmas Carols. Post race had lot's going on - Refreshments supplied by some of the local businesses (Hot Chocolate, Coffee, Fruit and Bagels), someone dressed as Santa on hand for photo ops and a couple of the sponsors. Home Team Pest Defense were giving out Water Bottles for finishers and lollipop rings and Prime Nutrition giving out goodies in return for Burpees / Push Up Combos - 15 got you a water bottle and 25 got you a T-Shirt. Naturally I carried on my workout and did 25 for the T-Shirt. All finishers also got a medal and additional ones given to age group winners, which most of the age groups were a whopping 10years! * Personal experience * After jacking up my Knee 4 months ago and being in Therapy and resting since then I wasn't all that confident in Running but with a Taped and Braced Knee I went for it as an early Birthday present to myself. The race went really quickly and I placed 1st in my age group and 2nd out of all the Women. Woohoo! I missed out on 1st Woman by like 5 seconds but kudos to the lady that beat me, she put up a good race. This injured oldie just isn't as fast anymore. This was the first ever Jingle All The Way Run for Mountain House and really was a great start to what I hope will be a yearly tradition. It was great to get out and meet the community as well as a few of the people from the Mountain House Running Club I recently became part of. Happy Holidays!

This run is a nonprofit event that benefits local schools. Approximately 180 people ran in 2015,…read moremaking it a great race to focus on running instead of the logistical headaches that larger events bring. The course starts at Central Park with a northerly departure down Central Parkway. The course makes an abrupt U-turn into a sidewalk bottleneck that prevents passing. The course then opens up as it follows the creek and its surrounding open area uphill to the southwest. The grade is slight but after a quick start, holding pace through the third kilometer is a challenge. The race finishes with a descent down the grade on the opposite side of the creek for an easy finish. Information on the race (e.g., map, start location) was difficult to find in advance, doubly so as someone else registered me. The event website wouldn't take my safety waiver and I was unable to generate a barcode for my daughter. This created some concern that was alleviated the next day, as the race is small enough that one can simply pick everything up in the morning. I'll be running this again next year. BELOW is a URL to 2015 times: http://app.lap.io/event/2015-jingle-all-the-way/results

+ Easy sign up + Part of ''Run the Bay'' where you get an…read moreextra medal for completing all 3 events + Medals and T-Shirts for finishers + Bib mailing option available Neutral - Nice enough course, terrain was not the greatest but views were nice. - Bib was only received the day before the event. Despite $10 fee still have to collect shirts before the race. - Post Run food: Lara Bars, Banana's, Oranges, Chips and a very long wait for It's It Ice Cream. No Bagels, Donuts, Cake.. or Carbs of any kind like you migt expect. Running a 10k the day after Ragnar (200 mile relay) I sometimes question my sanity... #WillRunForBling EDIT: Jan 2018: Use code ''REPRESENTEB'' for discount.