Beginning was a bit confusing. Overall, organized and fun! 50 Entertainment spots and neighbors…read morescreaming support while others passing out Bloody Mary shots and Bud Light. Loved it! See you in September for the 5k.

This was our third Wharf to Wharf race and it ended leaving a bad taste in my mouth! I think it is…read morea very well organized event! Staff and volunteers have always been so upbeat and supportive of us older gals doing the best we can on a beautiful walk. We tend to walk slower and love to enjoy the festivities along the way! Today there were two groups of two who were close to the last balloon arch before the finish line.The staff/ Volunteer began to dismantle the balloon arch as we were approaching the arch. He also popped the baloon arches one by one.I. It was so insulting to us! we drove over 3 hrs each way and relish in the beauty of the ocean surroundings. Not sure we well attended again!

I only signed up for this race so that I can officially say I completed the Run the Bay Challenge…read moreseries. I ran the 408k (8k) in March and now the 415k (5k). The last in series is the 510k (10k) in October. Coming from the south bay, I needed to get to the race earlier for bib pick up since the pick up day locations were both in the north bay. No problem, I'm used to that. However, the pick up on race day was not too organized as our bibs didn't have our names printed already and they were scrambling to locate additional bibs for the runners. Parking was not too bad. They had provided a map of lots garages that offered free parking so it pays to get there earlier. If not, I was able to find parking nearby on the streets. There is only one start time so you need to arrive here on time. I believe there was over 1100 runners that day. I've ran many 5ks in the past and I can honestly say that this one was one of the more difficult ones due to the hills. I wasn't prepared for that and didn't realize the amount of uphill running I would be doing... even if the hills were gradual, unlime crazy SF hills. The first mile was almost all up hill. Thankfully, the last third of the race was downhill so you could make up your time. Mile two was both up and down. There was only one water stop from what I can remember. Volunteers were spread out directing runners where to go. It was a pretty uneventful run since there wasn't much to see or listen to in the entertainment department. You do receive your medal once you cross the finish line and results are listed online quickly. As for post race goodies, there were a handful of vendors and food. You are given Hint flavored water since they sponsored the event as well as pop chips, bagels, and bananas. Two down, one more to go. See everyone next at the "Let's go 510k" this fall.

They don't have a working phone number. I think this place is a scam. All numbers listed are out of…read moreservice.

Watching the car races is Just a fun night outing with the family or a date night! Descent priced…read morefood! Just remember to bring ear plugs or noise cancelling headphones!

Let me start by saying that I'm amazed that nobody has yet Yelped this event. Considering the…read morepopularity of other running events in this area, it's actually quite surprising. In any case, allow me to offer the first review. This is actually a dual event, a half and full marathon (with the latter being the Surfer's Path Marathon) that is really a marriage between Wharf To Wharf and the Santa Cruz Half Marathon. I ran the half so hopefully soon someone can provide some feedback on the full. If you love Wharf To Wharf (and this year's race selling out in one day suggests that you do), and you're into the half marathon scene, then you're going to love this run! Let me premise with this: The course is almost the precise route Wharf To Wharf is held on - with the difference being that runners loop around the Capitola wharf area and obviously run back. Expect a few rolling hills throughout the course to add a bit of challenge for you (in case 13.1 miles isn't enough) and the typical support of the Santa Cruz and Capitola communities as you run by. It would be irresponsible for me not to mention the finish line. Once you've completed about 13 miles, they've saved the last 30 or 40 yards for you on the beach... in the sand. So, if the miles you've just completed weren't difficult enough, be prepared for the change in footing. I actually stumbled a bit at that point and then gave a quick look around to see if anyone noticed. Oh yeah, it's the finish line, there are several thousand people there, and yes, they noticed. To rub salt into that would, my name was read by the race announcer as I crossed the finish line. Now everyone knows my name - you know "that guy that almost fell." That said, don't expect any glamorous photos at the finish line, and yes, there are photographers there to capture your special moment. I would suggest positioning yourself for more favorable action shots from the photographers elsewhere throughout the course. If you're into the bling, you'll appreciate the finisher's medal. Though smaller than many of my other medals, it's still pretty cool and has a fancy ribbon (I'm big on a nice ribbon - details man). This year's race was met with an absolute clear sky and a nice cool morning air that was perfect for running. That's part of the reason why I waited a week to post this. I wanted to wait and come off of my high from the race so I could give a better thought out perspective. My only real knock on this event is with the limited expo. Though at the beach in Capitola (which is cool), there weren't a lot of vendors. And of those that were there, many were advertising other races. Also, the packet pick up is kind of a pain. Considering the time of year, the weather is warming and more people are headed to the beach. So the seemingly simple task of parking your car to pick up your gear can become quite adventurous. Also, being from the San Jose area, it's inconvenient to have to make that drive just to pick up my bib. I will offer this though: Did I see a packet pick up on race day? I'm pretty sure there was a table that was staffed with WAY too many volunteers that was for race day pick ups. If that's the case, then please ignore my earlier complaint. To sum this up, think of the little things that you dislike about Wharf To Wharf and imagine those things no longer being an issue. Imagine not having to deal with parking and those damn bus lines! Imagine a race where there are only a fraction of the runners that are in Wharf To Wharf. I'm not sure. Now that I think about this, I like the race the way it is. Maybe I'm shooting myself in the foot here by providing a Yelp review and drawing more attention to it. Maybe I don't want too many people knowing about this. Maybe I don't want it to lose its charm by becoming more popular and bigger. I'm conflicted.

May 16, 2010. My Mom's 47th birthday.. and the day I did my first cycling event. Although we woke…read moreup to some dreary, cold weather.. we still were down to complete this event. It sprinkled a bit but thankfully stopped by the time we arrived for check in. We got our ride started at 8:30am. Several uphill climbs.. many little hills.. lots of strawberry fields. Hence the name, Strawberry Fields Forever. So cute.. We met a lot of nice folks along the way who were friendly, caring, helpful, and supportive. Many people would ask us if we were ok while we were stopped on the side waiting for others who happened to get separated from us which was really kind. I saw lots of older folks with some nice, stylish bikes! Actually, most of the people doing the event had pretty bikes! Makes me want to pretty up mine too =) For my first time, I found that the event was not organized so well. But being that it IS my first event, I don't know what else to compare it to so I'm only docking one point. We checked in at a parking lot near Pajaro Valley HS because the HS got full.. but we weren't able to pick up the shirts we bought since it was at the HS. Also, we weren't told about the colored arrows on the road at all.. so when our map blew away, we somehow got onto the 65 mile trail (following the large group of people) and that cut into our trip an extra 20 minutes or so. Luckily, we ran into other cyclists who were kind enough to give us the map but then told us about the colored arrows spray painted on the road. We didn't really need the map now that we knew about them.. but it was still handy in telling us how much further we had to go. After we completed the 25 mile ride, we had ONE last uphill battle to face before we were able to grab lunch at the HS. We were super happy to be nearing the finish, but our tired thighs could just barely handle the last little surprise climb to the HS. At the high school, they served a nice lunch of chicken, several salads, brown rice, beans, juice, and fresh strawberries with chocolate and whip cream. Later on in the day when the other cyclists doing the 65 mile ride had finished, they had massage chairs set up in the cafeteria ($1/min) where we were eating as well as other interesting set-ups. I got to touch a newt and a golpher snake from this nice man's informational table. I think it was a program for HS kids. Overall, I enjoyed my first cycling event and only wished the weather was a little warmer. Perhaps if the sun peaked out a bit from behind the clouds.. but there's always next year! PS. They had 25 miles, 65 miles, and 100 miles ride options. Hopefully I'll be ready for the 65 next year!

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

Event Date: Saturday, May 3, 2008…read more I give much love to the founding members, families, friends, and volunteers that have taken one man's tragedy and turn it into a positive community event here in San Jose. Going into its third year, Pat's Run is the celebration legacy to Pat Tilman (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pat_Tillman). Though I did not know Pat, I have embraced his achievements in football and the ultimate sacrifice for America. I first learned about this event at the Sunnyvale Sports Basement community board. Since I was in the middle of my conditioning, I decided to take on this challenge and add another event to my 2008 season. The Run Highly Recommend for First Timers: Yes. If granny can do it, so can your lazy ass. Get into running! And one of the best ways to do just that is lacing up your new pair of running shoes at sunrise on a Saturday morning. For those that love to walk but don't want to get their bodies beat up, Pat's Run is very walker friendly that provides participants of all ages a leisure course. We had the neighboring streets and residential areas of Leland High School to ourselves on this 4.2 mile trek (mostly flat with two short inclines at 0.2 miles). Plenty of water stations along the way and markers to keep your determination levels up. Note: Skip the energy drinks along the way. It was hella nasty. The finish line takes you to Leland High's football stadium. There we found the colorful blue and gold balloons and inflatable archway where we were congratulated by the San Jose State Spartans Football team. Thanks to my buddy Omar T for joining me again - one more run before his wedding. Registration: I registered on the Friday (the day before the event) at the Leland High Football stadium. There was limited parking next the stadium so I recommend getting there early. Walk up registration was easy to find and simple. They accept cash or check. Pick up your race bib, timing strip, cool race shirt, and race packet (filled with fitness goodies). Highlight: I was digging the race shirt because it's made of the new mesh ventilation material - making it lightweight and comfortable to wear. Parking on the day of the event: Get there early and park along the neighborhoods on Via Valiente street. This is the best parking next to the event because you avoid the traffic into and out of the event. Omar and I left the house at 6:30am and arrived at the event at 7:00am. No hassles and stress free. Finish Time: 42:22 Timing Chip: No. They used the new "Timing Strip" which makes it easier to install and take off your running shoe. Pretty cool device - saves plastic. Great way to prepare for Bay to Breakers in SF: Yes Number of Participants this Year: 6,000 Charity Event: Yes. http://www.pattillmanfoundation.org/ Running Highlight: The MPC Fire Academy. These guys ran in strict formation while chanting their company songs. Highly motivating to stay with this running pack. After Race Highlight: Free 15 minute massages from Club One for all participants. Will Participant Again Next Year: Yes. Running Shoes for this event: NB's 1011

This is the first season I've participated in Threshold Racing events, and after finishing the last…read moreevent of the season yesterday I was so pleased with my experience that I feel compelled to write a review. I did the San Jose Metro Triathlon (which turned into a duathlon), Morgan Hill Tri, a weekend Splash & Dash, and a weekend Norcal Open Water Swim. All the events were well organized, with good pre and post race food, well staffed water stops, clearly marked courses, and awesome shirts (they just needed a few more porta-potties at the Splash & Dashes). What impressed me the most, however, was how well they managed problems. When the swim portion of the San Jose Metro Tri had to be canceled they sent out clear communication, provided a discount on a future race, and donated money to a nonprofit. Most importantly, they still put on a great race, even without the swim. Threshold races attract a lot of tri clubs and competitive age-groupers which was intimidating at first for this back-of-the-packer. But the vibe was always very encouraging and welcoming. Plus, competing with all these high level folks really prepared me for my first Half Ironman. The races are reasonably priced and I love all the different options with the Splash & Dash events. You can swim 1 or 2 miles and then run 3 or 6 miles or just swim without the run. It's such a great way to get in a brick workout and get some practice racing too. Thanks for a great season Threshold. I'll be back!

Almaden Lake is closed for swimming. Everyone knows this. Organizing a triathlon from a lake with…read moreexisting problems means you have to address those existing problems. Duh. What does Threshold Racing do? They screw it up, cancel the swim portion of the race the day before, do not offer any refunds for the race fee, and they blame it on the City of San Jose. I love the excuses. The race director, says in his response, "We will overcome this obstacle, we will persevere, and we will race." Uh, no. We are not going to overcome the obstacle. The obstacle is the inability to swim in the lake, and you cancelled the swim portion of the race. You did not overcome anything. You failed, and then you gave me a lame platitude. Double fail. The race director also claims that these are the facts: "one, this was out of our control; two, we did everything we could to have a swim." Let's break that down. Who is responsible for the race? Threshold Racing. So if the water quality was not addressed in time and corrected, how was that out of the race director's control? It wasn't. This problem didn't sneak up on anyone. This is always a problem with Almaden Lake. The race director simply cannot accept the responsbility for his failure and blames the City. The second part, about doing everything the race director could have done. Also not true. On the morning the swim is cancelled, the race director sends out a letter to the athletes stating, "We have identified four water quality control initiatives with the city prior to the race next year." The race director then lists four obvious corrections. So obvious, one wonders why they were not done in the first place. Threshold Racing did not do everything they could do to have a swim, they did the minimum, hoped for the best, and when that failed, they did not accept the responsibility and instead blame the City. Epic fail. (Post-race follow up.) Okay. I was a tad bit harsh yesterday with the two stars. The event was well put together, very fun, the bike portion is a great route, and so I more star for you, Threshold Racing. But don't screw it up next year.