Perfect community 5/10k run to support Mountain View fire department! All proceeds go to Mountain…read moreView fire departments random acts of kindness; Where firefighters give back to families, children, and other community members in need. All registered participants were given a shirt and tote bag! This is a very small race and extremely community oriented. It had a perfect route alongside shorelines baylands making the run serene. It is nice because it is not overly crowded. Since there are not very many participants they award first through third place for all ages groups by 10 years for both male and female categories for the 5 and 10k. They also had a raffle sponsored by Google! Last but not least they had a kids run! All of the kids received medals for participating :) At the end the giveaways were fruit, starbucks, kind bars and fitaid drinks. If you wanted you could also get an ice cream sponsored by Baskin Robins! Next year I will be back :)

I ran in this year's 3rd annual race to support Mountain View Firefighters Random Acts!…read more Plenty of free parking available. Picked up my bib early on the morning of the race, no issues. Nice and easy trail with visible mile markers and enthusiastic volunteers ensuring that we go the right way. Two water stations along the 10k trail. It's a small race so we shared the trail with other park goers, but wasn't a problem unless there was a larger group of runners passing by. The trail felt a little too small for all of us then, but that didn't happen too often. Lots of great post-race goodies. I looooved the Noosa Mates and the Bobo's Oat Bar. The fitter goody bags were awesome. They seem to be very similar to the lululemon reusable bags and they have encouraging and inspiring notes on them! I really like the technical shirt. Most shirts that I get from races nowadays feel cheap, but the material of this shirt is very nice. They ran out of small women's shirts at the race, but had xs which ran big so it fits perfectly! Results were available within 24 hrs, but I have yet to see photos. I'm planning on running this race in the future!

This is the second year of the Sharks Fitness Faceoff, which included a kids race, 5k, 10k, and…read morebike ride. There are plenty of options for everyone so bring the whole family. It was my first time running this race and I signed up for the 10k. Packet pick up took place at the SAP Center. I was initially worried about parking in this area as I was driving over but there were plenty of free parking spaces left and the packet pick up was a breeze. The race itself was nothing scenic since you pretty much run in a square shaped route and started and ended at the SAP Center. Over 2,600 registered but only the first 2,500 get their shirt and medal. Participants received a cool tech shirt which was a major improvement over last year's cotton shirt. The medal had no date printed so I'm guessing you could use the same design again in the future. The highlight of the race was of course seeing SJ Sharkie at the start and finish. Don't forget to get a picture with Sharkie after the race! :)

It's a work in progress, but this first year athletic event showed a lot of promise, and I can…read moredefinitely see the event grow into a very popular event within the very near future. The event, the newest annual fundraiser for the Sharks Foundation, the non profit program begun by the San Jose Sharks professional hockey team in 1994 with a mission statement of enhancing the lives of Santa Clara County youth and families in need through education, health, safety and character development, combines two non-competitive bicycling events with a competitive10K run, a 5K run and a series of children's races. Although not mandatory, registered participants are encouraged to collect monetary donations in exchange for a series of cool and unique San Jose Sharks-related prizes. I registered for the 5K several months in advance but developed a serious leg injury which ended up changing my plans for participation in this event. Instead of running I walked (hobbled) the 3.1 mile course instead, and I had just as much fun doing so while meeting some super friendly people along the way. Since I live and work in the San Francisco area I couldn't take advantage of the packet pick-up sessions offered in the three days leading up to the event day so I arrived in San Jose very early on the day of the event, and I took advantage of the early morning packet pick-up session, avoiding the crowds and enjoying the warm sunshine of Guadalupe River Park (aka Arena Green) located adjacent to HP Pavilion (soon SAP Center), home of the San Jose Sharks. Packet pick-up was a breeze aided by some very enthusiastic and helpful volunteers. As many of the sponsors were still setting up I brought along a camera to capture some images of the morning and observed other athletes as they prepared for their events. I'll post a handful of those pics in the photos section. Dan Rusanowsky, the television and radio voice of the San Jose Sharks, provided superb emcee duties. S.J. Sharkie eventually joined in on the fun, and former San Jose Sharks captain Owen Nolan, who participated in the 50 mile bike ride, provided photo ops and free autographs to fans just for the asking. It was also announced that current San Jose Sharks defenseman Brent Burns was among the crowd of bicyclists out for the 50 mile ride. All of the events seemed to take off without a problem as I watched the separate starts of the 50 mile bike ride, the 20 mile bike ride and the 10K run within the hour before our 5K start. Since I knew I was in for a very slow walk I started in the very back of the pack and once our event got started I just let my feet take over. The downtown course was very well marked, and San Jose police officers were stationed at every turn. Event signage was highly visible, but the course lacked mile markers which might have totally p___d me off had I been running since I use those to monitor my race pace. There was one aid station along the route which offered water and warm Gatorade ... blech! About 1/8th of a mile before the finish line we were joined by 10K run finishers and bike ride participants all coming in from different streets. Since the running races are chip timed the finish line was easy breezy. I surprised myself by limping through the course in sub-14 minute miles. After the race the distribution of the very cool finisher medals (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/san-jose-sharks-fitness-faceoff-san-jose?select=3idhLMHcVoi9aqtNL7YSRg#3idhLMHcVoi9aqtNL7YSRg) was conducted in a very orderly manner as was entry into the post race expo where participants could help themselves to fresh fruit, pastries and bagels, water, coconut water and Pop Chips. Aside from a few minor tweaks here and there this was an awesome inaugural event, and I look forward to returning next year when I can actually run in the race.

Down by the Bay 5k and Tot Trot is a unique running event for the whole family! The 5k allows…read morerunners, walkers, and strollers! As a regular 5k fun run runner, it is a nice low key operation that is truly enjoyable. The kid's run (Tot Trot) is a great intro race for new and developing little runners. It is not timed and is all about earning that pride as they cross the finish line. Down by the Bay 5k is put on by parent volunteers and benefits MVPNS (Mountain View Parent Nursery School). MVPNS is a wonderful non-profit organization that offers a co-op, play-based preschool program. This fundraiser allows the spirit and dedication of the fantastic teachers and parents of MVPNS to continue to nurture the curiosity within their children. To learn more, check out the website at downbythebay5k.org!

I am writing this review as a volunteer, and not as a runner. This race was adorable! I loved…read morewatching people run in their Halloween costumes. The best was the dad who pushed a stroller while he ran in an inflatable Sumo wrestler costume. In 2014, the inaugural run was held at Shoreline Park in Mountain View. This year, it'll be held at Baylands Park in Sunnyvale on Sunday, November 1st. It is really great for active families, but I also met serious runners. At least one was training for a marathon. The proceeds benefit Mountain View Parent Nursery School (MVPNS), which relocated over the summer of 2015. My son and I attend this wonderful preschool, as do many of the families who participated last year. But this event also attracts families and runners who do not attend MVPNS. It was so inspirational to watch toddlers and preschoolers run in the tot trot. They did so well, and were so proud of themselves. They also received cute Down by the Bay 5K necklaces at the finish line. There was water and plenty of free food for everyone. Race packet pick-up's were held at the Sunnyvale Sports Basement. Packets included coupons, race bibs, and adult t-shirts. Kids' t-shirts, reusable bags, and raffle were sold at the race packet pick-up and the 5K run. This year, there will also be vendor booths giving out free samples, providing free demonstrations, and selling food and non-food items. There will also be a family activity area with face painting and other activities. Needless to say, we anticipate a much bigger turn out this year!

I've done a lot of races in my lifetime. This little 5k has great heart. The amount of community…read moresupport is incredible. So many people were out there cheering us on but in addition to that, there were tables of water bottles, goodies to eat, sprinklers to run through, a bubble machine and musical performances! The event is timed (chip on your bib). If you sign up early, registration is pretty inexpensive and it includes a shirt. No medals but it's for a good cause (education). There is also a little festival at the end with lots of vendors and there is also the weekly farmers market next door. I would definitely do this race again next year. So much fun!

Raises money for schools…read more Quick easy ~3.1 mile run through Willow Glen neighborhood. Great vendors and fresh cut fruit and fresh made pancakes. Wonderful people, food, and purpose.. Online registration is super fast and easy. When you're done, hit Cafe San Jose or Bill's and get a mimosa! Enough said-

I used to run a 13 minute mile in high school... Adventure Run got me somehow running 3 miles in…read moreone hour! (According to a friend's FitBit). I sure wanted those raffle tickets ;) I then proceeded to win $160 value voucher for a pair of shoes from Road Runner Sports and a massage (from Body Rest Massage Wellness Center)! Most of the prizes were legit! I came to this by chance through a MeetUp event. I feel so lucky! I also feel like this is the best kept secret, and I didn't want to share... (not going to lie, I do not want my tickets to compete against even more tickets) but not sharing would not be nice. Totally fun and surprisingly family friendly! Even some fun activities and free treats at certain check ins. Set your own pace and decide which check points to visit and in what order. Will do again :) I will say they could improve on the beer garden (it was a little far from the raffle action so I did not take part), and sitting on the blacktop/parking was a little uncomfortable/weird. I also think there could be more directions/guidance for newbies. I was lucky I was joining a meet up group who had been there before.

The Adventure Run in Campbell is the South Bay's best kept running secret…read more Led by the charismatic MC Brian, Adventure Runners spend up to one hour before the event mingling with fellow runners and trying out new running products in anticipation of the Adventure Run map unveiling. The Adventure Map contains a list of all the businesses which are participating in the Adventure Run that evening. Once the map is revealed, runners have but one hour to visit as many checkpoints as possible. Runners go from business to business, gathering raffle tickets. Each business may offer raffle tickets differently: -some checkpoints require you to complete a physical challenge -others require a mailing list sign-up -many businesses simply hand out raffle tickets with no requirements at all. At the conclusion of one hour running, everyone reunites at Road Runner headquarters for a raffle for $3,000.00 in prizes and a complimentary beer garden for adults. They frequently also have root beer floats for the kids. Given the random nature of the raffle drawing, everyone has a chance to win some of the excellent prizes, including shoes valued at over $150! Not an avid runner? No problem! Adults and children of all ages and capabilities walk, jog and/or run this event. Strollers and dogs are welcome too! During most Adventure Runs, runners get the opportunity to run in brand new running shoes... for free! At the conclusion of the raffle drawing, most Adventure Runners head over to the after-party at the local Mountain Mike's Pizza. Didn't win a prize at the Adventure Run raffle? You're in luck, there is another raffle at the after-party! The Adventure Run is a great opportunity to network and make new friends. I have ran a number of races with people I originally met at the Campbell Adventure Run. Most Adventure Runs have a theme. Previous themes have included Pirates, 80s, Clue, Casino, Halloween & more. Tip: Sign up on EventBrite by noon the day of the event to automatically receive a digital version of the Adventure Map at unveiling, giving you an edge over the competition! Tip: Buy an Adventure Run shirt at the beginning of the season to get double raffle tickets all season long! Tip: Get the Buffet Special on Wednesday nights at Mountain Mike's Pizza for less than $10 for all you can eat Pizza, Salad Bar & Soda. This will get you raffle tickets for the after-party raffle! Tip: Check-in on Yelp at Mountain Mike's Pizza for BOGO Pizza to use during the Adventure Run after-party!

***3.5 stars*** this…read moreis an annual race that takes place on or around halloween (depending on which day of the week it falls upon). this year, it happened to be the day after halloween, so costumes were still fresh for race day! for this event, participants had 3 distances to choose from: full marathon (26.2 miles) half marathon (13.1 miles) 5M i chose the 5 mile distance since this course had the fewest number of inclines and hills. the pros: +TINY event, with just over 200 participants between the 3 distances +FAIR REGISTRATION PRICES only $40 for the 5M, $45 for the half, and $60 for the full when registering in advance. $5 less if you skip the race shirt. +FREE PARKING just outside vasona lake county park. most of the side streets were empty on saturday morning, so it was easy to find parking. +BIB AND TSHIRT pickup the morning of the race, with only a few minutes wait +CHALLENGING COURSE in my opinion, since all distances had rolling hills and inclines, the half and full climbing all the way up to the lexington reservoir/st. joe's hill! +LOTS of AID STATIONS throughout the course, all stocked with water, electrolyte drink, and salty snacks +VARIETY OF POST-RACE REFRESHMENTS, which included fresh fruit, clif bars, salted tortilla chips, graham crackers, trail mix, peanut butter filled pretzels, muffins, and candy. since it's that time of year, they also had pumpkin pie! yum! +CUPS for the water and electrolyte drink jugs at the finish. props to the organizers for not giving out bottled water and using recyclable paper cups! +LOTS OF FRIENDLY VOLUNTEERS assisting with bib pickup and registration pre-race, manning the aid stations on the course, handing out medals at the finish line, and preparing/re-stocking the food at the finisher's area. +COSTUME CONTEST post-race, which featured many very creative costumes worn by children and adults. +CUSTOMISED FINISHERS' MEDAL for all runners who cross the finish line. i liked the purple and green logo, very fitting for the day after halloween! +AGE GROUP FINISHERS' MEDALS for the top 3 men and women per age group, per distance. i finished 2nd female, and 2nd in my age group, so i walked away with an extra medal. the cons: -paying $6 for parking inside vasona lake county park, if you could not find parking outside the park gates -confusion on the course. i expect a 5M race to be exactly 5 miles, but the official results posted the course at 4.8 miles, and yet, i got 4.93 on my garmin, so i'm a bit unsure that the pre-planned distance was supposed to be. -9am was the start time for all 3 distances. given the narrowness of the trail, it was difficult to start at the very front and not lose any time since this event was gun-timed. would suggest staggering the start times going forward. -few restrooms. i saw only 1 proper restroom structure with 3 stalls (for the ladies) and 2 porta-potties. before the race, i had to use the restroom twice, and each time, ended up waiting a while until it was my turn. would suggest more porta-potties next year. -no mile marker signage. although the turnaround for the 5M was clear, with a volunteer ensuring that runners turned around, i never knew what mile i was on, unless i looked at my garmin. -wrong year on the finishers' medal! when i asked the race organizer, i was told that there was a printing problem, and everyone ended up with a 2013 medal instead of a 2014 medal. whoops! while not my favourite zoom event, the organizers still did a pretty good job, and i applaud all the volunteers for coming out early on a cold, rainy, saturday morning to set up the aid stations and everything else so that we runners could have a good experience.

i ran this event in fall 2010, and it was also my 1st time running the los gatos creek trail…read more really beautiful park and trail, with gorgeous views of nature. there are 2 distances to choose from: 5mi and half marathon (13.1mi), and you can run or walk either of these courses, provided you finish within the time limitation set by the race director. i ran the 5mi course, which had gentle rolling hills. i was told that the half marathon was much more challenging, with some steep hill climbs. the pros: *pre-race party @ lululemon santana row the day before with: ***community yoga class ***bib & tshirt pickup (note this is a lululemon dri-fit tshirt) ***pre-race pasta dinner *beautiful scenic course *aid stations every couple of miles *lots of volunteers helping out and cheering *finisher's medal for all participants *lots of post-race food & drinks, including bagels, chips, fruit, and hot soup *lululemon merchandise for sale the cons: -must pay $6 for parking -very few restrooms & porta-potties -no chip timing, results by gun time only overall, i really liked this event and would participate again. **note this year's event takes place sept 3, 2012

Attended the Walk to End Alzheimer's on 10/10/2015 and it was a great experience! The energy of the…read morevolunteers and the other people in the walk was infectious and I really enjoyed walking with everyone. Registration was handled efficiently by last name lookup split up into several different lines and an easy way to make additional donations. The pre-event in Arena Green was decorated nicely and the shows beforehand included a martial arts performance as well as a zumba warm-up that had even the awkward uncoordinated dancers (like me) on their feet and having a good time. Overall I had a great morning helping awareness and raising money for a good cause! I am already looking forward to next year's walk!

I have participated in this walk for the past 2 years now & it's a great walk to do! I work with…read morethe frail elderly population so this is something dear to my heart. You can choose to do the kids 1-mile loop or the 5K. I love how this walk has grown just in the 2 years I've gone. However, it does come with it's own growing pains as it took my group 30 minutes this year to get to the half mile mark. I'm sure they'll work out that kink for next year though. Be sure to grab a flower to represent your reason at the walk! All the money donated will go to funds to research/find a cure. If you reach your goal of $100, you get a shirt! Each walker gets a free water bottle :)