Just finished up working at Oaktown 5K Half Marathon 2019. I was one of the people helping out…read morecheering the runners on, and guiding cars to detour. After the first half, helped out at the volunteer check-in booth. I always enjoy working marathon events, because it brings me joy that these runners are working so hard in the marathons. They truly do a good job. I especially liked this marathon, because it is more organized than others that I work at. Lots of booths for the runners to enjoy after their marathon is over. Lots of freebies, and they receive their metals at one of the booths. One of the booths, was actually giving out free beer w/ a mason jar that had "Oaktown 5K Marathon" logo on it. Pretty cool! Oakland A's, Tough Mudder, and Oaktown 5K Marathon all had their own photo booth backgrounds. Always fun to take photos at! I only had a chance to take a few at Tough Mudder. There was also a band playing great music. I would definitely work for this marathon again in the future.

+ Easy packet pick up. + Part of the Golden State Series…read morewhere if you Run all 3 Half Marathon's you get an extra medal. + Medals heavy duty and pretty sweet tbh + Post run refreshments from Whole Foods and Muscle Milk (Almond Butter Sandwiches!! Didn't like that they added Blueberries too though.. that was weird). + Teach T-Shirt and cool medal.. + 5k option available - Distances for both 5k and Half Marathon were off. They were 0.3 - 0.4mi longer than they should have been. - No official results at the finish line Personal: After having been part of the pacing team for the San Francisco Half and running Livermore Half the day before Modesto Half there was no way I was going to miss this one and not get the extra medal. As I'm trying to take it easy with a still slightly less than stellar Knee I was aiming for a finish time of 2hrs. Actually? 1:42 including the additional distance, it started pretty well but seems my comfortable running pace is between 7min and 8 min mile regardless of the terrain and I did notice that at the 3.5mi mark I was actually averaging a 6:03 min mile and had to slow myself. The course was ok, by no means exciting but well... it's Oakland. (Ha!) I did take in a lot of what was around me though and spotted many restaurants I had in my Yelp bookmarks, never a Yelp ''off'' switch. I'm trying to cut back the Running but I may still do this race again next year.

Getting together for a great cause benefits everyone. As a participant, I felt good that I was able…read moreto contribute and have fun at the same time. I did not come here expecting a good workout because I was here last year. Long lines greeted me as I walked through the gate. Unlike last year, lines were not segregated based on the first letter of your last name. Unlike last year, registration went digital; I find the process work flow incredibly inefficient. I was in line for over 20 minutes. No lines whatsoever for obtaining your "Dirty Girl" shirt. Everyone crowded around which left volunteers at the table oblivious to who is next and so forth. I got my # at registration check-in and now I have my shirt, but where are the pins? At another table!!! The pins should be at registration or at the shirt table. Checking in my gear and chocolate bundt cake went w/ ease and I am happy that I went through 3 security checkpoints to make sure I grabbed my personal belongings, not anyone else's. I did not utilize the "free beer" ticket but yes, you get a free beer after the "race". Waves start every 15 minutes. Nobody checks to make sure you belong in the wave or not. It was too crowded that my friend and I waited at each "obstacle" which is very irritating. I know this isn't a competition however, give me a challenge, yo. My friend and I were the only ones that were running, BTW. I faced my fear and climbed the rope/fence thing. I am petrified of heights but w/ some encouragement from my friend and because I did not want to look like a pansy, I did it. The slide wasn't fun - I got scared and someone pushed Emmalouise! At the bottom was fun because we tripped and almost fell. Portable restrooms available though I did not use it. I did change and somewhat wiped myself in the wheelchair accessible portable potty because it is bigger. Good thing I have wipes and hand sanitizer on me at all times otherwise I would have taken my chance and change in the back of a tent. If you donate your shoes (after the run), you get a free pair of slippers. I did not use the shower facility nor did I enjoy carnival-like foods - I hate to admit that everything smelled delicious though but seeing as how I worked out to Insanity and P90X prior to this, I was hungry but wanted something on the healthier side. The best part about this event was that I got a chance to hangout w/ one of my best friends. Her husband, Steve followed us throughout the course to take pictures and videos. She told me the surprise he got for her as a birthday present and I in turn told her about Craig. She was one of the few that warned me that my previous relationship wasn't balanced. After reading emails about my newfound relationship and hearing me talk about him in person, she said, "He's the one for you". Exchanged baked goods is the ritual. She baked me chocolate chip cookies, double chocolate chip cookies, and quadruple chocolate brownies. I baked them my chocolate bundt cake. The exchange made it all worth it after the race, haha.

Having done this event last year I was somewhat disappointed with this one for a few reasons:…read more - Didn't seem as well organized. - Over sold the entry spots - Did away with 2 of the best obstacles from last year. Myself and Tram did this event together for the second year running and where I did have a fun time I mainly put that down to the great company I was in. Firstly packet / bib pickup lines were long. Last year was a simple 2 minute wait in line but this year required stopping at 3 different tents to collect everything- 1st just for your number, 2nd for your TShirt and the 3rd for pins to attach your number to your shirt. It would have made a lot more sense to do all of this at one station and increase the amount of lines. Bag check was easy and I did like that when collecting your items after the race there were multiple volunteers checking that you have got your own bag and not someone else's which is reassuring. As for the race itself, waves go every 15 minutes but they don't check you are in the correct one so in theory you can go whenever you want so if you turn up late there's no fear of missing out. The course was fun, definitely not a workout in my eyes but a relaxed jog with a few obstacles in between. For a ''mud run'' I don't think there was enough of it though, it was well past the first mile before we even encountered our first mud pit. There were lines at each obstacle too which meant a lot of waiting around, one of them we were waiting for about 20 minutes so the event was definitely over sold. The event is raising money for a great cause which I appreciate and understand the organizers are trying to raise as much money as possible but when it starts to affect the experience of attendees there's a problem. The last wave goes at 1pm and given the amount of people I think having them go later (maybe until 4pm) would be a huge improvement. Maybe even have it as a 2 day event to make maximum money for the charity. There was post race refreshments available - hot dogs, burgers ect and each participant got a token for a free Beer which neither Tram nor I used. The portable restrooms were on site but pretty nasty even by 10am. None had tissues (lucky I had wipes and stuff in my bag) and water to wash your hands was almost completely out too. The shoe donation station was near the changing area and this year you were given a pair of Flip Flops for donating. They take each pair, clean them up and give them to people in need. As for the ''showers''. Definitely an experience. This is one thing they did improve on from last year. Instead of a few little spurts of water where you couldn't wash more than your feet and calves there were dozens of hose pipes. Yes, the water was again freezing but at least I didn't leave the event with mud in every crevice! I did have a good time but glad for the LivingSocial ($65 for entry for 2 instead of the $100 each!) and not sure if I will do it next year.

This fun, on the small side, pretty much flat half marathon was a pretty great experience. I ran…read moreit for the first time this year (2009) and managed to PR by a large margin. There were only about 500 runners, and while the course wasn't particularly scenic, I had a good time overall. Here's the break down of my review: Organization -- 5 stars: The course has lots of volunteers along the way to shout out your time at the mile markers and to make sure you don't go off course (not really an issue, but still nice). At mile 10 you join up with the 5k runners, of whom there are MANY, at which point there was a separate lane for the half marathon runners. That part was especially appreciated. The sweat bag check in at the start was also very helpful, because I got pretty cold after the race and it was nice to be able to put on a clean, dry jacket. The race is a point to point course, and a shuttle was provided back to the starting line. A couple of snafus: There were mile markers missing at miles 1 and 10, which was a little frustrating. Also, the post race snacks were pretty meager. If I run this race again, I'll definitely put a sandwich in my sweats bag. Crowd support -- 4 stars. There weren't heaps and heaps of people watching, like at other races I've run, but there were enough people out there who were excited to see us run and grateful that the proceeds of the race would go to support the San Ramon school district. Course -- 3 stars: The course winds through residential areas of Danville and San Ramon, which is pretty dull, especially considering the number of races on the Bay Area that run through awesome, gorgeous terrain. That said, the race entrance fee is relatively low, and the course is flat and comfortable to run. Like I said, I had a great time running this race and I might do it again next year.

I've now only done a few runs, but this one seems to be on the low end of organized compared to…read moreothers. I used to do the Primo's Run when I was a tiny little kid. This I why, during my "let's become a runner" phase (which I continue to stay in now that I've gotten the hang of it) I decided to come back and give it a try as an adult. I arrived early, having researched the parking situation and seen that if I needed/wanted to leave right after I run (which I did), I'd have to park fairly far away from the actual event. I parked and hesitated a moment, wondering if I should bring my things with me (water bottle, snack, gear bag for my extra clothes... it was cold that morning!) and went ahead and brought it with me. I was early, so no thanks on freezing while I wait! I get to registration and receive my packet. I could already see that there was confusion within registration lines and there was no labeling or guidance whatsoever. I asked about gear check, to which everyone looked at me like deer in headlights. I even asked the woman who appeared to be guiding people into the registration lines, and when she gave me the same look and said she'd ask... well... she went right over to the same woman I had already gotten NO answer from. Sweet. No gear check?!? Seriously? I volunteered at a 10k of under 1000 participants, and even we had a gear check. It was really shocking to see that they didn't provide anything for runners to leave their things in a safe place! I fortunately found a volunteer who shall remain nameless who kindly hid my things under the table where she was stationed, and I was able to leave them there until I finished the race. Overall, it's a run for a good cause. Will I be back? Maybe. For nostalgia sake, or maybe for the 1/2 marathon if I can work myself up to that for next year!

I'm so excited that there is a running event near by from now on(I hope). It was a small race but…read moreI'm sure it will grow. Running route was pretty nice. I hoped there was a sign for 5K & 10K split - I had to ask other runners where to go. I don't live in Tracy so the verbal instruction given at the start line didn't really help much. I could have given 4 stars but I really hated waiting to get my bib. It would have been faster if I registered on site. Well... I know it will improve. I'm happy with the event! I can't wait for next year with some improvements!

"Rocky Ridge" Half Marathon: Fun, with Magic Sponges & only Minimal Loss of Brain Function…read more Okay, okay, maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration. I was pretty much conscious for the entire race, and completed the half marathon without resuscitation or medical intervention. Yes, yes, I admit I laid on the ground at Aid Station 3 for a few minutes, but I was just relaxing. Plus, I wasn't trying my hardest. The Rocky Ridge half marathon takes place at Las Trampas Regional park. It's a brutal course, with tons of elevation changes--especially this fun area called "Del Amigo Trail." I'm still having nightmares about Del Amigo. The Brazen Racing team did an excellent job at coordinating this event. Signing up was easy and the course was well marked. There were multiple Aid Stations, well staffed and supplied with anything you could possibly need. The paramedic was waiting at the Finish line, which was encouraging. All the people were super encouraging. There were ice cream sandwiches and all kinds of fun treats at the end of the course. My favorite memory is of mile 9.5. Just before crawling up a steep, hot, asphalt road, they have a bucket full of water and sponges. By that time I was sort of delirious, but regained partial use of my faculties after a few drenchings with the sponges. I tried to bring the bucket with me, but they forced me to give it back. Anyway, the race is still sort of a blur. I don't know how I finished, but I'm pretty sure there was something in those sponges.

Terrible communication etiquette.Signed up for a race.Been trying to get in touch with anyone for…read morelast two weeks.No response to multiple emails.Hope the races they organize aren't as disorganized.Not sure why they even have a 'contact us' page if it all just a black hole.

Run For The Parks was put on by LARPD to benefit new trail improvements and other upkeep for…read moreLivermore parks. It took place on 4/14/13 on a gorgeous Spring day and started at Wente Vineyards. This was a smaller race with probabaly around 300 runners. The course was great as it ran through Sycamore Grove park and Wetmore Road. It was professionally timed and your entry fee included a cotton tee. There were a few aid stations along the way with water and friendly volunteers. The etiquette of the other runners was not so great compared to other races I have ran. I was elbowed by another female runner while trying to pass her on a hill. That is just plain rude. Also, walkers were taking up the path by walking 3 accross which I did not appreciate. Other than that it was fun race with easy parking. It was nice to have people cheering you on at the finish line and announcing the winners at the end. I thought it was kind of a bummer that only the top three in each age group received an award. I felt like all finishers should have gotten something. The medals were ok, not like Brazen Racings medals though. I am not sure if I would run it again. Brazen puts on great races!

I just think the trail needs work! I'm willing to Volinteer time to paint that black stuff in the…read morecracks! New bathrooms are great and I enjoyed the nice ride.

The trail is fine. The bad:…read moreThey lost my timing for the race. The good: They give you cotton t-shirt, which is good because cotton inhibits growth of bacteria. The high tech shirt besides giving me the itch seems to facilitate growth of body bacteria and wearing it for 2 hours you stink like a pig. The hi tech t-shirt is one invention that should have stayed un-discovered. PS: I will update on Monday and report what happened to my timing. PS2: Okay they found my timing. I will change my review.

This was a great race. Very mellow, community-centric. Flat as could be…read more Out and back loop along a peaceful marsh trail, with water stations. This was my first 10k and I really enjoyed it. It didn't have the excited, zany vibe of a big race, but it also didn't have the added stress or difficult parking or the mile-long lines for the port-a-potty (there's a nice visitors' center with actual bathrooms). I would definitely do it again!

A nice sized stadium for the area, but there are some critical flaws in design that can be pretty…read moreannoying. We joined for a roots game the other night and really enjoyed ourselves. The food trucks were great, so was the beer and wine bar. The atmosphere was perfect for a sporting event, easy parking, decently easy entry. My biggest complaint is with the design of the bleachers, don't drop anything or it's rolling all the way down. This problem is going to be worse for people with kids, I had to chase down water bottles and toys all game. Next time we're going to bring organizers to prevent this. My other issue was that the lights were out in all the bathrooms, not a big deal while the sun was still up, but a real issue after sunset!

Love to workout here, stairs and the track. Safe and there's parking. Get it in and enjoy the rest…read moreof your day. I usually do 10 stairs and 5 laps around the track.