Good if you want to experience the beer festival but not so much if you're here to experience a…read morerace. The race itself was poorly organized and executed. There are a few different distances to choose from: half marathon, 10k, and 5k, and a 1-mile which is differentiated by the bib color. The start times for each are not staggered enough so there is a lot of overlapping between the different distances which all go on the same course at some point. It was really confusing as there were no arrows and no mile markers. Some runners ran the wrong way and ended up doing more miles because the course was not clearly marked. There was a 1 miler that goes around the finish line and the course was to go the opposite way of the finish line; it was really confusing and I almost ran the wrong way to follow them as I finished. There were volunteers out there that would help guide the runners to the correct direction based on the bib. Some volunteers were great in guiding, others not so helpful so it was really confusing on which way to go. I did the half marathon. It's stroller friendly so I ran it with a double stroller. There is a part that is a bit bumpy by the trail next to the DGS building but it was short. I did enjoy the route that this half marathon offered. It was different than the usual course around Sacramento. The course goes towards Drake, Old Sacramento, and Discovery Park. Some areas are a bit iffy so on a regular day, I don't usually run in those areas so it was nice being able to experience it. There is a bit of looping to make up miles. The courses are not closed so they'll be other runners, bikers, and walkers on the course. It would have been nice to have signs out for a special event since there were some aggressive bikers at Discovery Park. There are also no road closures since the race isn't big enough. The race amenities were advertised as way more glamourous than they really are. The customizable bibs just have a blank spot for you to write on. The 7 oz tasting glass was plastic. There's free race photos but I only saw the photographer once at the start line. This is the first race I've done (and I've done many) that did not provide any food or even a water bottle post-race. There was no water at all at the finish and only sparking water if you went in the beer garden. Speaking of water, the aid stations ran out of cups so runners had to waterfall for a gulp of water. This was a first for me. I like their mission of supporting the local beer community and drinking locally but being built around a race, it was not carried out very well. I don't think I'll do this race again unless the weather is good and I'm wanting to do a half marathon with the stroller.

The Way Too Cool (WTC) 50K ultramarathon is the most popular 50K in northern California and…read moreprobably the biggest sporting event based out of Cool. Parking for the event is by the Cool Fire Station, Auburn State Recreation Area parking for the Olmstead Trail and other trailheads. Attendance for the event is limited to 675 participants (in 2011) and by lottery only. Many runners run this as a training run for the American River 50 mile race (AR 50). I ran in WTC for the first time this year, and it was a blast. The trail was muddy, but the streams were not too high. There were about 50 stream crossings, I believe about half a dozen were up to my knees. This has been my best trail running experience yet, and I am definitely going to stick with the 50K and marathon length races for awhile at least. The elevation gain (7000 feet) is rough, and I need to do much more work on my hill climbing. Because I am new to distance running, I am slow. I don't expect that to be a permanent state of affairs. It's unfortunate that this has to be a lottery, but at least that way everyone gets a fair shake at running it.

Shamrock'n is a very popular St. Patrick's Day race. It usually sells out so be sure to register…read moreearly. I did the half marathon. COURSE The start line is just outside the ballpark at Sutter Health Park. The finish line is inside and at the bases. The course goes through West Sacramento, Old Sacramento, Land Park, Downtown and back to West Sacramento. In 2025, the course was mismeasured by 0.2 miles so the distance was 13.21 instead of 13.1 miles. This was at the first mile. I was trying to PR so this messed my mindset since I thought my pacing was slower than it really was. There are some hills early on and eases towards the end in Downtown. The finish line is at the ballpark and at the the bases. It's a great finish and none like any other. The hardest part afterwards is climbing those stairs up the stands after running! TRANSPORTATION/PARKING Free and plentiful parking Sutter Health Park. However, getting there race morning is rough. There is a lot of traffic. Highly recommend getting there early and before road closures. It's impossible to get over from Downtown over to West Sacramento once the roads are closed. There's a lot of traffic on 50 so I didn't bother and ended up parking 1 mile away in Downtown and jogged over. Not the warm up I had in mind. AID STATIONS There's aid stations approximately every 2 miles. Water and electrolytes are offered at each station. The aid stations could use some improvements. At the first aid station, there was an open bucket of electrolytes right at the side of the table out in the open in close proximity to the runners. The portions are also quite skimpy. I literally got 1 teaspoon of electrolytes from one of the aid stations. The other aid stations were better but the amount of liquid was still not enough to hydrate me so I had to take both electrolytes and water at each aid station. . WAVES There are 3 waves in 15 minute intervals. The bibs have different colors based on your wave. They are strict on it and check your bib before entering the corrals. RESTROOMS The best thing about this race is flushable indoor restrooms! Restrooms are accessible inside Sutter Health Park. There's also port-a-potties lined out by the start line. There's port-a-potties at each aid station. FOOD Post-race food is at the food concession stand. I got a wrap (choice of veggie or turkey), bar, chips, and nuts. There's beer too. Bib and ticket are required to get food and drinks. They do have one food concession stand that sells food also. The race itself is very festive. Everyone is decked out in St. Patrick's day attire. Cheer stations. Overall, a good fun race

It's a decent event. If you are coming east to west highway 50 it's annoying on the exit. Plan…read moreaccordingly. Parking is decent. Law enforcement is clearly present. Maybe more than normal days. To an extent. Only around the bridge. As a "fan" you are NOT allowed to enter through the exit, which is the fastest way to get to see your runner finish. This year, there was some pr*ck there acting like he was super excited to tell you you have to walk "around" to get in... only to be met with a line of people taking forever to get ",in,". It's quite annoying. The event gets worse by the year. Including what the runners get. Gotta show this n that to get your food, ect. It's more of a chore than fun time. Don't expect much do it for your own goal that's it.

Annual running event in downtown Sacramento that benefits non-profit Children's Miracle Network…read moreHospitals nationwide. Course starts at Capitol Mall and all of the courses (1-mile, 5k, 10-mile) include traversing on the iconic Tower Bridge. I did the 5K run and it was also nice running along Sacramento River. Some sections of the course were a little narrow, which could cause some bottleneck-ing especially if you're gunning for the finish line (I'm one of the slower runners so I had some spacing). Overall an enjoyable run. Received a shirt (runs a bit small FYI; slightly slim fitting) and a participation medal. The last complimentary thing is a sandwich but only for 10-mile runners. There is food and drinks available for purchase via a few food trucks. Springtime event (April) and registration with early bird pricing starts as early as in December. Credit union membership not required (credit unions are simply sponsoring the event).

Believe it or not, this was my first trip to the Placer County Fair--and it did not disappoint!…read moreFrom the moment we arrived, the staff at the front gate were warm, welcoming, and genuinely friendly. The only hiccup was the parking. The team at the entrance and the people directing traffic didn't always seem to be on the same page, so there was a little confusion about where cars should go. Nothing catastrophic, just a little "follow that person... no, wait... follow that person!" The food selection was fantastic! We had some incredible BBQ, and then somehow found room for soft-serve ice cream that was absolutely out of this world. Let's just say my diet officially filed a complaint. The highlight of the day was taking my granddaughter on the kiddie rides. We laughed, smiled, and made memories I'll never forget. The ride attendants were patient, friendly, and helpful, making the experience even better. Watching my granddaughter dance with her team at the pavilion was another special moment that made the day complete. Overall, the fair felt clean, safe, family-friendly, and full of great people. If you're looking for a fun day with your family, good food, entertainment, and a chance to make lasting memories, I'd definitely recommend the Placer County Fair. We'll be back next year... and yes, I'm already planning my BBQ and ice cream strategy!

I have a soft spot for any local races that take me to Land Park, it's a great course. Fast and…read moreflat loop, with minimal vehicle trafficking, nice trees (allergy sufferers, come prepared), and lots of parking on race day - just be mindful that the park is shared with regular visitors and patrons of the Zoo, Fairy Tale Town, Funderland, and the golf course. I first ran the Race for the Arts a few years back after seeing an ad for it at my local Bel-Air grocery store (one of the sponsors). I especially liked that the race benefitted California nonprofit performing, cultural, and visual arts organizations and school music, drama, and art programs. I have an even bigger (deeper?) spot in my heart for arts-related events. Growing up in the CA public school system, I totally remember having Fine Arts & Music Education, opportunities for visual and performing arts and general exposure to drawing, painting, animation, dance, theater, multicultural shows, art galleries, museums, even the Symphony. I definitely wouldn't be who I am today without the arts in my early life. I may be a scientist by day, but still have to have that creative outlet - cake decorating, painting, custom canvas shoes, attending local theater/musical performances, Argentine tango, you name it. But back to the race itself: registration came with a cotton shirt (bold design!) and the 5K run/walk was $25, although you could also separately make a pledge donation directly. Many races use this Land Park course, and this is their 30th+ time holding this race so they sure know what they're doing with respect to number of port-a-potties, cops to direct car traffic, volunteers, etc. Again, a fast and flat race course with clearly marked mile signs and early enough in the morning not to get too warm (August in Sacramento, remember). The post-race art festival was fun; I entered a few raffles like one for the Davis Musical Theatre Company, and Light Opera of Sacramento. Kid and family-friendly race for sure.

This year was the 13th annual race for the arts, it's high time it got a review. The race for the…read morearts is a fun 5K run/walk that "raises funds and awareness for California nonprofit performing, cultural, and visual arts organizations and for school music, drama, and art programs." Whether you want to support the arts or physical activity, this is the perfect race. Well organized, over 1000 participants this year, making it a cozy fun race. Many people like to dress up (a lot of ballerinas) and it appeared a lot of people chose to walk it. Runner or walker, the course is a perfect backdrop for both. Set in the beautiful scenery of tree lined Land Park, the shady course winds its way back to the finish line where music and people cheer you on. So get up early, burn off some calories, and support your local art programs. The only reason that it didn't get 5 stars is because the shirt this year is literally the world's ugliest design. For a race that benefits art programs, couldn't they have a more artsy shirt?

This bike route will take you to Nugget from Bridgeway Island without having to use Southport…read moreParkway. http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=109307234356114871718.000486a75c31ad3c22892&ll=38.538968,-121.559515&spn=0.024471,0.045791&z=15

We were lucky enough to get out during a break in the rain. Not the best place we've ever walked,…read moresome of the trails really aren't clear until you hook up with the main bike trail That said, it's really cool to be able to be in the wild, while still in the city. We saw many types of birds, including turkeys and an unidentifiable raptor. And we were shocked to see several deer!! Worth a trip if you're nearest. But not worth going out of your way.

We continue to enjoy the American River Bike Trail. We walk it a few times a week with our dog and…read moreit's well maintained and easy to navigate and enjoy. This trail connects to a few parks and it's easy to find parking near one of the parks. We walk the trail all year long and it's well maintained. Sometimes you'll get some leaves or fallen branches, but otherwise it's great for walking, running, or biking. Be careful during the summer if you have pets, the pavement can get hot. When it is going to be an over 80 degree day we try to only take our dog our in the early morning or once it starts cooling off in the evening.