I'm really glad that the event organizers emailed us shortly after the race to explain what…read morehappened yesterday. I arrived about 10 minutes early for yesterday's 7:30 a.m. 5K start time. I was a couple blocks from Civic Park as I heard the race countdown. I ran the rest of the way to find nobody at the start - the time was already 2:04. They started early?! The beginning part of the course was really muddy so you had to go walking-speed slow, but I made up some of this time later, especially with all the wonderful encouragement I received along the track from College Park HS students. The kids volunteered to stand around the course with signs and words of encouragement, and even their school mascot at Walden Park! A giant purple falcon will make you RUN! I ran through the school yard, on the trails, up and down the Robert Schroeder Bridge, and finally, back to Civic Park. My ending time was 35:50. Minus the 2:04....33:46 - my fastest run in a long time! So, what happened? Some a$$hole drunk driver crashed earlier that morning in Concord (actually at the intersection where I live - which is notorious for fatalities and terrible accidents). The streets were closed and the 1/2 marathon was shortened by 3 miles, so they changed our start time to prevent the majority of both race's runners all ending at the same time. It was great to hear my name announced as I crossed the finish line and received my awesome medal. That's fun! And there was a photographer at the finish (as well as many others along the course.) Lots of awesome snacks and beverages were gifted to us, and McKinnon massage school students were there giving free (amazing) massages. I found a friend who flew into town just for the 1/2 marathon, gave her a hug, and went home to crawl back into bed. Wonderful, well-organized race - especially since they had to deal with rain-soaked fields and one stupid, selfish, drunk driver.

The race organizers really took the participant feedback well. The 2017 event was excellently…read moreorganized, with the turns clearly marked with course markers. Extra props for the RA's quick response back to my question about switching from a 10k to half marathon. They are really responsive!

Event Date: 03/30/2008 This small hometown half marathon was…read morea perfect training ground for my upcoming Santa Cruz run. The course consisted of 13.1 miles of residential streets and valley roads with several rolling hills. The start and finish line was at the San Ramon Dougherty Community Center and organized by the city and local residents. This was its second annual half marathon with nearly 1,000 participants making it a perfect start for first timers and heavyweights like me. This was cool because I was able to work on my pace and breathing without being distracted by elite runners. I was able to stay focus and really concentrate - getting into the zone and testing my limits. I did really well the first six miles. My past injuries didn't resurface. My momentum stayed consistent. And my thoughts of the Santa Cruz Half Marathon were in motion. Once I reached the ninth mile, I started to run out of gas. The fear of fatiguing out was upon me. I took a short pause, fueled up (gel pack), and finished up at 2:35. Not bad considering that this had several tough hills. After crossing the finish line, I was totally surprised that they had finisher medals! OMG! I totally stoked! Moments after the adrenaline faded away I fatigued out and felt a sharp pain on the arch of my right foot. I suffered a minor injury that's going to take my off my feet for three days. Now I got two weeks left before Santa Cruz and a bottle of Motrin to ease the pain. Thanks Omar T. for joining me at this event. This was his first half marathon and he kicked ass. Onward to Santa Cruz my brotha!!! Notes: All flat course. No. Inclines ranged from 15-25. Running shoes: Merrell Overdrive Continuum Timing chips: No Restrooms: There was only one portable at the seven mile marker Water stations: Two. Will do this event again next year? Yes. It's a great warm up to future events, but wear long compressions (spandex). It's cold as hell when you "Run Like the Wind" in San Ramon.

I was very disappointed! This time they were not organized at all! They started late; Parking was…read morehorrible, there were bunch of obnoxious people leading before the race started. And worse of all, I didn't get the T-shirt size that I wanted. I look forward to this event every year. But unfortunately, this year, it wasn't what I was hoping for, at all! And this is not going to stop me from participating next year! Thank you!

***4.5 stars*** i…read moredon't normally trek all the way out to east bay to run races, especially an event that is 40+ miles away from home, but since i was going with a group of friends and we planned to make it an all day event in livermore's wine country, with running, brunching, and wine tasting, i said "why the heck not?" also, the proceeds from this event benefit the livermore-pleasanton firefighters foundation, which supports injured and fallen firefighters, burn foundation and local charities in the tri valley area. definitely a worthy case to run/walk for! for this particular event, there was a choice of 2 distances: 1. 10k (6.2 miles) 2. 5k (3.1 miles) i originally planned to run the 10k, but later downgraded to the 5k b/c i didn't want to tire myself out for the rest of the day's festivities. note that i was able to change distances simply by calling the phone number for on your mark events, the official race organizer, and telling someone what change i wished to make. easy peasy! the pros: -VERY REASONABLE race fees, $30 for the 5k and $35 for the 10k if you register during the early bird period -takes place at WENTE VINEYARDS in livermore, a beautiful vineyard with lots of scenery, definitely a unique venue for a race -CLEAR MILE MARKERS for each race distance, in different colours so that participants could differentiate the 5k vs 10k -ACCURATELY MEASURED DISTANCE, as my garmin read 3.12 miles upon crossing the finish line which is pretty much spot on with the official 5k race distance of 3.1 miles. my friends who ran the 10k informed me that they calculated exactly 6.2 miles, which again, is spot on with the official race distance. -FORGIVING TERRAIN as most of the course took place on crushed dirt, gravel, or grass, which is easier on the joints! -FRIENDLY VOLUNTEERS directing runners in the parking area, manning aid stations along the course, and keeping the refreshments' tables well stocked after the race. i especially appreciated that every volunteer i asked a question to knew the answer, so they prepped well for race day! -FREE and EASY PARKING just inside the main gates of the vineyard and along the street -SWANKY, CLEAN PORTA-POTTIES near the parking and start/finish areas. OMG, i've never experienced such nice porta-toilets before! these individual stalls had very secure locks on the doors, FLUSHABLE toilets, liquid soap, clean running water, and paper towels. i was very impressed by the quality of these portable restrooms supplied for us runners! -COMPLIMENTARY BAG CHECK at the finish area tent (a couple minutes away from the parking and start/finish line) with volunteers to guard your bags until after the race what you get: *choice of PACKET PICKUP @ fleet feet sports in pleasanton the two days prior to the race or on site pick up the morning of. since my friends and i live in south bay, all of us arrived early for on site pickup and experienced no wait. *white, cotton, FINISHER'S SHIRT with a colourful hook & ladder race logo *GOODIE BAG filled with race schwag, a chap stick, pin, id holder, pen, key ring, discounts to local retailers. the actual bag was a reusable safeway organics bag which was very pretty. *several AID STATIONS with volunteers handing out cups of water *TONS of POST-RACE FOOD & DRINKS, including chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin cookies, mini clif bars, bags of salted pretzels, assorted muffins, jelly beans, apples, bananas, zico coconut water, coffee, and water *COMPLIMENTARY CHAIR MASSAGE, compliments of massage envy, underneath the finisher's tent (in the shade!) although i didn't have time to take advantage of this, it was definitely a nice perk! bonuses for top finishers: *a white, dri-fit shirt for the first 20 men and 20 women to cross the finish line in each distance (this is based on order of finish, not chip time) *customized finishers' medals for the top 3 men and top 3 women in each age group *a bottle of wine for the winner in each male/female age group the cons: -it was a HOT day in the tri-valley wine country, already well over 60 when the gun went off and nearly 70 when most of us finished, without a cloud in the sky or even a gentle breeze to keep us cool -the 5k course had quite a few sharp turns, with some portions on tall, thick grass, which made it difficult to accelerate -this course was also not very scenic. although we ran through sycamore park, we didn't actually see much other than trees and grass. although i was dying from the heat, i still managed to finish with a pretty good 5k time, my second best ever, placing 7th overall female, and earning the bonus dri-fit shirt, and second in my age group, earning a customized event medal. i was definitely a happy camper heading home! thank you, to on your mark events, for putting on this terrific event!

I enjoyed this local race. We did the 10k and it was my first and only trail run. The course is not…read morethrough the wineries as I initially expected, but through the trails near Wente Vineyards. Though the website says the course is fairly flat, there are a couple of steep hills, so steep you have to walk. And judging by the top finisher's times, it is not the easiest course. I remember wanting to quit after mile 3 and asking myself why was I doing this. This race benefits the firefighters of Livermore, and there were plenty of firefighter volunteers and racers. Now there's a perk for you single running ladies, come out and take pleasure in some eye candy! It's a fairly small race, probably just a few hundred. The aid stations, and post race food were good. Also, each racer is given a raffle ticket at the finish line so your chance of winning something is pretty good. My brother in law ended up winning a free round of golf for two at Wente golf course. This race isn't chipped timed which I didn't like but a well organized event and I would do again in the future.

First off, I'm not a runner. I do not run for recreation or fitness, I prefer other cardio with…read morechoreography. Having set that premise, this was my FIRST half marathon and I finished sub 2 hours! I ran it with my ultramarathoner friends and it was a wonderful experience. Great support from the locals throughout the route. Weather was overcast and cool. We came early for parking which is free on Sunday. Gear check had the most amazing volunteers and even when the organization system failed, they still had smiles on their faces. Please come and create your own adventure.

Review #3001 Cross…read morecountry meets are good---running for 30 minutes---1 hour etc Cross country is good..running with groups is good..because humans have to run This generation---YMCA 5k Turkey Chase! Berkeley was nice to visit---it's always a positive place--weather is good---fall is nice---campus is grand---fun to run and be out in a community

I will start out by explaining the need for better communication amongst the participants prior to…read morerace day. We registered through snail mail to avoid the processing fees, and a week later my check was cashed and that was the only way I knew they received my payment and registration! No email to confirm, so I had to email to verify a few weeks before the event that we were registered. It took a few days to get a response and when I did I was informed in fact we were not registered! I emailed back confirmig the date my check was cashed, then reply was sent back saying our registration was misplaced but they found it. Whew! But no other information is provided prior to race day, and that's frustrating to first timers as myself. Day of Event: I will say the preparation for race day was much more organized. We arrived at 5:45am and everything was practically set up, easy to retrieve your bib with plenty of friendly volunteers. I had to ask around a lot where to go, what to do, it was our first sprint triathlon, but everyone was helpful. There is a pre race speech given by past participants who were very informative and motivating! 400 yard swim: They break you up into age and male/females. Which I liked, easier to swim next to my fellow women especially when you may be in really close proximity. I hit a few people with my arms and legs but everyone was really friendly to my apolgies. The water at Shadow Cliffs I will have to say is DISGUSTING! Seriously, just walking to the starting point of the swim, makes me gag thinking about it. Gooeuy, seaweed type algae in between your toes that goes up past your knees when you step in it! The visibility in the water is zero, but the swim not bad physcially. 3 booeys that form a sqaure with the shoreline and easy to see. I had been training a lot in a lap pool and did one one open water swim, and was prepared for this portion of the triathlon. 11 mile bike: LOVED this route! A few hills, but overall a nice flat ride with pretty views of wine courntry in Livermore/Pleasanton. Traffic is blocked off and we get the road mostly to ourselves. 3 mile run: This was torture for me, it was hot, and there were a few more hills than I expected. But water is provided along the trail, it switched back a lot, but try to follow the chalked in arrows and you will be Ok. The finish line MC was awesome, saying your name and where you are from loud and clear with enthusiasm! I finished in 1hr 32 mins, I timed myself on my watch, but for $15 extra you can request a timing chip. I didn't make my goal of 1.5 hours but was pretty close, and didn't train too much, mostly only for the swimming portion. A check off my bucketlist, and it's local so have to be appreciative to OnYourMark Events to continuing this tradation of Sprint Triathlons in the area. Just wish for better communication and a better swimming location!

I completed the July 2018 Tri for Fun as my first triathlon and it was a great experience. I can't…read moreimagine a better sprint distance triathlon for the first timer and/or beginner. The event was well organized, well staffed, had plenty friendly volunteers, and was chipped timed. Post race results and pics were made available immediately after the event and showed your times in each of the 3 disciplines and the 2 transitions. Very useful info for future events and training. The water was warmer than most pools and I never felt cold while swimming in just shorts. Check-in was quick and easy and the morning participant meeting was informative and clarified any questions you might have about the course. Easy parking and decently clean bathrooms. Great event and highly recommended. Liked it so much, I am planning on doing the August event and this time with my wife.

It is an out and back swim in the warm Shadow Lakes and a fun and scenic rolling bike and a two…read moreloop 10K on mostly trails with one major incline and some rolling hills. very well organized race and a ton of fun, nice job USA productions! I look forward to racing again next year.

Hmm Yelp is kind of a weird place to write a race review but whatever, here goes…read more I'm not a serious triathlete just someone who enjoys the sport for fun and to say I finished a race so this review is going to come from that perspective. I thought this race was really fun! The lake was clean and pretty warm actually, while still being wetsuit legal and not too hot. The 1.5k swim course takes you around almost the entire lake, which made me feel like a real champ. The 40k bike course was really enjoyable. I'm from the east coast and am used to really flat bike courses so when I moved to SF this was a bit of a challenge. This one had a nice climb from mile 10 - 12 but otherwise was pretty simple. For someone like me this was just enough of a challenge to feel like I really did something without so many hills that I felt miserable. (Like I said, serious athletes may not have found this challenging enough, but I enjoyed it.) The 10k run was mostly on a trail which was great since I have knee problems. It's a 5k loop so you do it twice, which isn't super exciting, but I kind of liked knowing what to expect the second time around. Last year I raced the Folsom Long Course Triathlon which is also put on by USA Productions and had quite a few complaints about the level of support. But this race seemed well supported, so they really redeemed themselves in my eyes. Plus, it's pretty close to SF which is nice when traveling for a race. Into it!

Maybe it's because I don't get the opportunity to run in Northern California all that often, but…read morewhen I finally get a chance, I love it. The Quarry Turkey race is one of my new favorites and one that will become a new tradition of ours. Brazen Racing promotes some really awesome trail runs, and I am hoping to get more involved. As for the Quarry Turkey, which is held on the Saturday following Thanksgiving, when you've run Quarry after having also run the Nitro Turkey on Thanksgiving morning at Point Pinole Regional Park (in Richmond, about 40 miles northwest), you complete the "Double Turkey" challenge! While both runs offer very cool medals of their own, completing the Double Turkey allows for the connector medal. Get that, and now you've snagged the Double Turkey Mega-Medal! And you've got to get you one of those! The beautiful (and perhaps beautifully flat) course at the Quarry Lakes Regional Park meanders around the lakes and is open enough that congestion isn't much of a problem. In fact, as there is plenty of room, strollers and walkers are welcomed. (Dogs, however, are not allowed.) If possible, try to register early, as you'll have discounted prices and the assurance of of getting in without the race having sold out. Very nice T-shirts accompany your registration, ones you seriously won't mind wearing afterwards, but if you'd rather a tech shirt, for an extra fee, they'll have those available too! Have fun!

It felt so awesome to support the fine folks at Brazen Racing on Small Business Saturday with my…read morevery first Turkey Trot. I have decided that small races put on by local organizations are my faves. The route went along the picturesque Quarry Lakes were many folks were fishing while we looped around part of the regional park for the 5K. Highlights: *inexpensive fee *excellent communication via email and Facebook from Brazen *map of course given to runners *didn't have any but Krispy treats and pecan pie were offered at the aid station!!! They also provided water, electrolytes, M&Ms, oranges, bananas *hearing my name and city called as I crossed the finish line *that heavy, very cool medal(Brazen has the best!) *taking pics with the Quarry Turkey which I'll be able to download for FREE soon *food at the finish line: bagels with cream cheese, peanut butter, or Nutella, several slices of pie including apple, pumpkin, and berry, Kettle chips, pretzels, all kinds of cookies, oranges, bananas, It's It in vanilla, mint, or cappuccino *starting yet another holiday tradition with my best friend Suggestions: *we parked about a mile away in a residential neighborhood that didn't have the "please do not park here" signs. Traffic was so awful that all races were pushed back 15 minutes. The walk to/from was a good warmup/cooldown. *If you do both Brazen Turkey Trots, you get an awesome 3rd medal. Considering that for next year!

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.