The 2020 Running of the Elk (ROTE) originally had new routes planned centralized at Elk Grove's new…read moreDistrict56 Civic Center area. I had signed up in February for the 5K race initially scheduled for Sunday, April 5th to mark my 6-month return to Orangetheory and also my company wellness program would cover registration costs. Around mid-March, the race organizers had decided to reschedule the race to Sunday, June 21st (Father's Day) due to COVID-19 and avoiding large groups from coming together. On June 1st, the 2020 ROTE was converted to a Virtual Run. Proceeds still benefitted the Elk Grove Youth Sports Foundation and most expenses were prepaid (shirts, bibs, medals) so all that you had to do was sign up, run/walk your distance (Kids 1 Mile, 5K, 10K, or Half Marathon race) on or before Friday, July 31st. Run anytime and anywhere you choose. Proof of completion (virtual participation finish time) submitted through Google Form (no GPS, proof via Strava, etc. required, sort of an honor system) and encouraged to tag any photos on social media as #ROTEVirtual2020. On Saturday, August 8th, volunteers set up at Fleet Feet Elk Grove from 11am-3pm the Post Run Celebration to pick up the microfiber technical shirt (cotton for kids), really awesome finisher's medal, and swag bag. If you placed in your age division you got an additional medal, standings published for those entrants who submitted. This part went smoothly and was pretty convenient, not much different from packet pickup at a normal race, or a vendor/expo booth. I've done a few virtual races before (pre-pandemic) to support non-local organizations or if they had a cool race theme/swag. The hardest part was actually lacing up and running outdoors with a mask (pre-fires) after slacking on fitness routines during this weird time. My last actual race was the Elk Grove Gobble Wobble 5K on Thanksgiving Day -- the December Running of the Elves got rained out and I also did that virtually/remotely, so this may be the new norm for the rest of the year. #runningisnotcanceled

Running of the Elk is a small local race in Elk Grove. There's a 5k, 10k, half marathon and a kids…read morerun. The 10k and half marathon starts at the same time and the 5k starts afterwards. The 10k and half marathon run on the same route for a few miles and eventually splits up. I did the half marathon. It's a very family friendly event and I saw a lot of families doing 10ks and even half marathons together! Kids these days are so fit. I highly recommend to carry water with you during the race. For the first time during one of my half marathons, I ran out of water. There's not that many water stations. This route does not have much shade and it's in spring so it can get warm. The water station only has water and Gatorade, no food. The Gatorade was kind of diluted but it was better than nothing. The course starts at Long Leaf Drive, through the Automall, neighborhoods, streets, and trails. This is my first time running in Elk Grove. The course had so much variety that enabled me to explore Elk Grove on foot. It's a beautiful city. I would definitely do this half marathon again! The First Aid station is mobile-- There are bikers who ride back and forth through the course carrying a first aid kit. The finisher area made up for the lack of fuel stations and limited water stations during the course. They serve pancakes here! There's plenty of refreshments from fruit, Gatorade, granola bars, to bagels. The kids area has a bounce house, popcorn, and cotton candy. Kaiser also has complimentary massages. The wait is long so put your name down as soon as you finish.

The inaugural DC Wonder Woman Run Series came to Sacramento in September, with future stops in…read moreOakland, San Jose, LA, and San Diego. This year they had 5K and 10K distances (1 vs. 2 loops) but next year they might add the half marathon. Registration was pretty pricey even with a 15% off discount provided through their Facebook/Instagram pages. Included with registration kit were either a WW technical unisex tee or women's tank top, the wrist "cuff" sweatbands, a reusable bag, and later a plastic reusable cup and of course the race bling, coast-sized spinner medal, red and gold. E-mail communications leading up to race day were not frequent, or did not contain much useful information until the Thursday before the Saturday evening race. Packet pickup was held at the same location as the race rather than at a sporting goods or running store, which meant having to use metered parking or what since it was downtown at Capitol Mall. Same parking issue for the race day. Unfortunately it was 90 degrees F that evening, but all the ladies still showed up! I'd done similar runs before with themed costumes such as the Sacramento Santa Run, but it's always fun to see everyone around you en masse dressed alike. To complete the look (only the top and wristbands were provided), I supplemented with some blue running shorts with stars, and Wonder Woman socks and a metal tiara from...wait for it...Amazon, of course. Others' costumes were all-out with capes, lassos, old-school and modern Wonder Women, some other DC characters represented like Superman, Batman, and Flash. 5K and 10K runners started together rather than staggering. Corral at the start was not divided by race pace so a lot of walkers crowded the first 0.5 mile. The race course/route itself was nothing too new for me, from Capital Mall into Old Sacramento then following the river to Miller Park, past Front Street and finding the way back to Capital Mall. The mile markers were the vertical "flag" style rather than A-frames so they could be easily missed. The split between 5K and 10K before the finish line was pretty clear. Sacramento PD were trafficking the route. One pet peeve of mine was when one cop decided to stop the group of runners to let cars/truck through the intersection. Granted, this was only a 5K "fun" run but still timed and it was hot so that was literally a roadblock. Whatif I were going for a personal record? At the end of the race, the awesome medal and a plastic red cup were given to all runners to fill up on water (no single-use plastic bottles, nice!). There were also patriotic cake donuts, bananas, SweetTarts sour strawberry "ropes" candy and many many photo opportunities/backdrops. Step and repeats with logos, Wonder Woman comic book covers, and two live Wonder Woman cosplayers. Race photographers were scarce on course but there was video at one checkpoint and some hanging out in the expo area; free race photo downloads and a certificate afterward available. Some nice sunset shots of the Capitol and Tower Bridge too since it was in the evening. Race results were posted very quickly the next day, and race photo indexing was quick too. Overall, a "super" fun Sacramento 5K to end the summer. Shoutout to Gisele!

"WILL RUN FOR ICE CREAM"…read more From the organizers of the Donut Dash (usually held in March) is the summertime Scoop Scoot! For only $5 (additional donations welcome, or optional t-shirt purchase available for $20) the original idea was to start in Land Park, walk or run 1.5 miles to Vic's Ice Cream parlor and get a scoop of ice cream in one of three flavors that you choose ahead of time when registering on RaceRoster...then you do the 1.5 miles back to the finish line and enjoy the beer garden (21+ with I.D.). Total 3 miles, just shy of a 5K distance. The earlier year's ice creams were just chocolate, strawberry or vanilla, then they changed it up in 2019 to chocolate chip cookie dough, mint chocolate chip or strawberry. You also get either chocolate or caramel sauce provided by Ginger Elizabeth. 2021 flavors were vanilla, orange sherbet, or mint chocolate chip. This event is sponsored by Mikuni and California Family Fitness and is family-friendly, dog-friendly, Friday evening fun! Commemorative plastic cup rather than a participation medal. I participated in the inaugural 2017 event solo, 2018 and 2019 with Gisele X. 2020 was canceled but it came back albeit modified in-person for 2021! To avoid masses of people at the start, bib pickup was at Fleet Feet Sports on J Street the day before, or race day at Land Park, and you stuck to the 1-mile loop inside the park as many or few loops as you wanted (i.e. no road closures), anytime between 6pm-8pm at your leisure/convenience. Very organized in terms of FAQs and race information via email leading up to the date regarding course map, parking, etc. Emcee/deejay with music, a few other booths/tables setup for other upcoming races, etc. Bib pickup at start/finish area clearly marked, different colored canopies according to ice cream flavor (orange for sherbet, green for mint chip, yellow for vanilla). Each runner got a commemorative cup and 16oz bottle of water, and the courtesy beer garden had Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, Golden Road Mango Cart, and several Budweiser Seltzers to choose from. 2019's race was 97 degrees out, but today's was much more forgiving at 84 degrees around 6pm. Beneficiaries are three great local charities: Saint John's Program for Real Change, Sutter Children's Center - Child Life Program, and, UC Davis Children's Hospital - Child Life Program. This year's event has passed, but if interested do check out the 2022 Donut Dash or Scoop Scoot!

Easy sign up and option to pick up your packet on the day at $5 charge…read more $10 parking on the day. Bring cash!! This was taken over by Wipeout and was ROC Race. Bring on the Big Balls!! *Tip* You WILL get wet. Bring a change of clothes, towel and bag to put dirty / wet stuff in and don't forget to Go Pro it! **Update** Well that was one big let down. - Bib pick up on the day the lady I saw had no idea wehat she was doing. Where everybody else was picking their bib up in less than a minute mine took over 15. The lady had to call for help twice and said she didn't even know if she managed to assign my bib number to my name so I don't even know if when it comes to the pictures becoming public I will be able to find mine. Please train people and make sure they know what they are doing before the day. - Less obstacles since they took over from ROC Race. - Course was all over the place, we ran through the Parking lot, through closed Food stalls and Picnic area then the Water park. It felt like we were taking a tour of the parking lot for the most part. - Only 2 water stations. Simply not enough in the September heat with no clouds or shade. - Poor organisation at The Sweeper. We got to the obstacle and only 3 of the 4 entrances were open. We waited in line 20 minutes and with just 4 people ahead of us after all the waiting someone unfortunately got injured and they closed the entrance. Instead of opening the other closed one up we were told to join the BACK on of the other 2 lines where we waited another 20-25 minutes, only just as we were called to go through the obstacle they opened that other entrance. Seriously??! - Foam of Fury had no foam, just water. This was one of my favorite obstacles at last years ROC race but this just sucked. If you advertise something then make sure you actually have it. - Finish Line was kind of lame and I had to make sure it was actually the end of the course as aside from 2 small flags at the bottom of the last obstacle there was nothing going on... nothing! It would have been nice to have a photographer (like at last years) or a Water station.. something... anything. But no, we simply just made our way to the gate. I was a ''VIP'' registrant for this event which cost $65.71 after fees. This was with the ''VIP'' pre sale price and a discount code. Considering the price and that you also pay $10 for parking I feel like they could at least try and make the event a little better. After doing this 2 years running I doubt I will do it again.

I had to transfer my registration and miss last year's Ridiculous Obstacle Course (ROC) Race with…read moremy team from work due to bridesmaid duties out of town...so this year I was convinced to sign up for the WIPEOUTRUN reincarnation. Our team this year was much smaller, but still fun times. Packet pickup was easy, at the gates to Cal Expo where you got your race bib, shirt (cotton or tech), wristband, bag for sweat check, etc. They also had branded accessories/merch to complete your race-day outfit if you so desired, including a package that had a shirt, headband, and medal saying "I Conquered Wipeout Run!" (medal not available alone). Picked the earliest start time, 8:30am to tackle the course. The event was organized okay, I wish there were more official race photographers around the starting area with the Giant Red Ball backdrop. I would rate the obstacles overall as good. Not altogether lame, great, or awesome though. You do have to run a bit from the start until you reach any of the obstacles. First obstacle was "Sky's the Limit" which reminded me a little bit of Sky High Sports, super bouncy, tumbling and flips ensued. The next was the "Smash Wall" which provided two walls of varying heights to climb over. "The Drop" was climbing up steps then going down a big inflatable slide. The "Sweeper" was a challenge, where you run straight across to the other side while the big sweeping arm tries to knock you down, then there's a small slide. I did conquer that one! What did me in though, not-so-ironically, was the "Big Balls" obstacle (enclosed). Not sure if I chose the wrong foot to take off from the platform to jump, if I miscalculated how far away it was, or if the balls were fully inflated or what, but I stepped on the first ball then missed the second one. Putting my arms in front of me as I fell, I did a sort of "Superman" pose but landed right in between the two balls in a V, face-down. No bueno for my back. Halfway through the course too! I sat down for a few minutes but didn't feel the need for medic assistance, and was determined to continue. It hurt more to walk than to jog (also pulled something in my left thigh muscle) but I made it. The next obstacle was "Foam of Fury" which was a grown-up Slip 'N Slide essentially, with foamy bubbles and a big pool at the end. I didn't get a good enough running start so didn't actually slide all the way down to the pool. Lemme tell you, standing up on a wet inflatable surface is hard, I sorta had to crawl to the pool. The next obstacle was the cousin of the "Big Balls," the infamous "Wrecking Balls." This one required a life vest as the wrecking balls would knock you off the platform into a big pool -- at that point, I opted out of participating in this obstacle, instead stretching out while my team attempted it. The next obstacle was the "Tumble Tubes," where you ride an inner tube down a big slide (how many big slides so far?!). The final obstacle was the "Happy Endings" finish, another humongous slide to climb up to the top and slide down. There was plenty of room for spectators by each obstacle, would've liked more obstacle variety. Not too much backups at the obstacles. I was wary of Cal Expo as a venue since Electric Run last year felt very "spread out." Post-run I didn't notice any particular party with food provided, just the stands/vendors typically selling fair food near the sweat check. Music was plenty, competing DJs or something depending where you sat could hear up to 3 different songs blasting. My favorite part of the event was the feeling of conquering the Sweeper, but once the Big Balls defeated me that feeling didn't last long. I've done other themed/fun/obstacle runs (Warrior Dash, Color Run, Electric Run) and I consider those much better than WIPEOUT. Granted, I know I signed up knowing this course was inspired by the WIPEOUT TV show, and that the course is meant to attack you, but this was the first time I've almost injured myself at a race. This was supposed to be fun compared to my regular 5Ks, 10K, and half marathons! I did make it through with a smile on my face by the end, but man, I was so sore and in pain the following week. Required two deep tissue massages and I wasn't sure I was up for the 5K I had signed up for the weekend right after WIPEOUT (I did complete that though, and with a pretty fast time!). I'm not likely to sign up again for another WIPEOUT. If a friend asked me if I would recommend it, I would say that's up to personal preference. Mud and stable wooden obstacles, ropes, etc. are more my thing, otherwise solid ground under my feet. That unstable feeling of inflatable bounce-house type environs really threw me off (literally), and the slides and stuff felt too out of control for my liking.

Jumping on my " Silver Stallion " The "Stallion" being my bike. I am off to distances far or near…read morewere no man has been before . My journeys today has taken me to a 4.3 Acre park in the City of Elk Grove California. The name of this park is called (Bob Fite Park )and is one of many parks of the Cosumnes Parks & Recreation District. The park is named after Bob Fite whom has devoted his whole life working with children and the betterment of the Elk Grove Community! Volunteering endless hours to (Loaves & Fishes, Salvation Army, and especially to the (Jessie Baker School for the developmentally challenged.) This beautiful park has a Soccer Field, One/Half Basketball Court, Two Tennis Courts, Play Structures for Kids, Picnic Area with Tables and BBQ, Walking Path, Horse Shoe Equipment and a Volley Ball Area and Gazebo. Gotta run ! Need to grab my tennis racket and take advantage of this lovely park and everything it has to offer.

Another great charity event at Project Ride. Annual Spaghetti Feed 2025 was awesome. Excellent…read morespaghetti, salad and garlic bread. This fun, kid friendly supports a great cause for special needs kids and young adults. Good price for tickets, raffle tickets with great prizes and the UCD Equestrian Team was there to help, big help. Thanks to the Sacramento Sheriff's Office cadets, local high school young people. So much fun!

The volunteer opportunities seem great but I was denied entry to one just because I didn't have a…read moreliability form and although I completely understand safety concerns and what not, I wasted time to drive out then have to go back home right after. I am very disappointed because my dad was there and he would have signed another liability form but the check in lady said no, "you have to be on my list, your teacher should have sent the forms out already" and this was for the Spaghetti feed today. After that she told me "well there is another opportunity in January you can do" but I will definitely never volunteer for this place again.

My second running of the Donut Dash, this time Donut Dash X. Compared to my first time…read moreparticipating (6 donut holes), I am SO glad that I chose the 3 donut option before it sold out! You get glazed donuts from Marie's. Another option is to eat nothing at all and just run. For those with GF needs, the race site has it all answered in the FAQs section. A 4-miler timed race that starts in Land Park and goes 2 miles to Marie's Donuts and 2 miles back. Packet pickup at Fleet Feet Sac was convenient and allowed friends to pickup race packets for them (T-shirt and bib number, stickers/temporary tattoos) too. E-mail updates from the race organizer were frequent and informative, especially regarding the weather (the rain stopped that morning!). There was also an Orangetheory Fitness challenge which was to run the competitive division race of 4 miles, 4 donuts in less than 44 minutes for a special medal. Props to Orangetheory Fitness Natomas coach Avery W. for placing in the top 3 males for this challenge! Family-friendly (strollers, kids, dogs but no scooters allowed) and for runners/walkers alike. You can eat your donuts at the halfway point or take them with you back to the finish. Finishers get a squishy donut medal on a Mikuni lanyard. Race photos taken by volunteers are free on the event's Facebook page but not indexed. All race proceeds go toward Sacramento area children's hospitals. Lots of post-race booths. Look out for the return of the summer's Mikuni Scoop Scoot run to Vic's Ice Cream, also organized by Donut Dash folks!

I did my first Donut Dash two years ago when I first heard about it via advertisement…read more It is fun fun!! What would not be fun about it.......Donuts from one of the best donut shops in Sacramento, Maries.....Donut Medal when you finish.....Donuts for your dogs....Chocolate Milk......T-shirt.....Fun event to do by yourself or with all your family and friends.....Best of all the money goes to a great cause....Sutter Children's Program! All my family and friends want me to remind them when registration comes up.....

This preserve is easily accessible and provides easy to navigate walking trails on level flat…read moreground. There are lots of birds year around. There is a small children's playground and state park style bathrooms.

This is the most peaceful and adorable trail I have ever been on. It is not treacherous at all, and…read moreis basically just taking a walk in a scenic location. I loved hearing all the birds rustling around and seeing them take flight and dive. There is an amphitheatre, a natural playground, and lots of signs explaining the location and natural habitats. It's a great place to bring children. It is a pretty small trail. I think a person can finish it in under 15 minutes if they wanted to. We were here for at least 30 minutes enjoying the view and taking everything in. I love how the sidewalks have these footprints leading off into the brushes. These little details really add to this trail. Finding this place is very easy. It is just off the highway and there is plenty of free parking. There is also a restroom as well.