Melissa Kullander's Staging Area

This was the Inagural race and total runners were approx 2K for 5k,10k, 1/2 however you would never no it. Everything was done first class with professional organizers. It starts with the extra swag to get the word out on the race for a reasonable price $70 1/2. You got a long sleeve 1/4 zip up tech shirt and large gym bag to the finish with a free glass of wine/beer. The course blows away the San Jose 1/2 with running down the nicest streets/ neighborhoods in San Jose which ended up being in the shade 80/90% of the time. Volunteers were best than most races when there are no real crowds on Sunday down town you were cheered by almost every volunteer on the course. The course was mostly flat with a few challenges of over/under freeway. Even being out of shape I did well on this course. There wasn’t much of an expo but worth going for the outdoor music and food truck which were also at the end of the race. Bring cash! The had a gear van to drop off your stuff at this pt to put race which had lockers. Also Amazon sponsored free race photos! First time I saw this at a gear van for backpacks etc. I doubt they can do this when the race gets bigger. Since it is a pt to pt you have to walk 1 direct but it is less than a mile and easy to find since it’s straight down 1 street.
Overall, even without the likely special Inagural extras, I would highly recommend the race. I can guess they might expand to a marathon because the city is eager to get more visitors. Meb K is a part owner… Guessing why they were able to do this really right!

A trip of a lifetime! The course is not terribly difficult unless there is snow and ice..lots of slipping and sliding. It is a incredible unique location and the hardest part of the race was getting in/out of the Zodiac and water gear before the race and getting chilled at the end. The scenery and animals (penguins and seal) was incredible!

Many of my friends have qualified for Boston here or have run a PR (me too!) It is a smaller race capped at around 700 runners. It is a out (down hill) and back (uphill) slight grade that produces great times. The worst 2 parts is the begining few miles weaving through a small town (easy but deal with it) and the crazy short steep hill to the finish. Highly recommend it …weather is the only issue. Race day seems to always been nice but the day before and after can pour like cats and dogs! I love that the have “Finisher” shirts…got to earn it!