Michelle Lapus's Staging Area

The inaugural DC Wonder Woman Run Series came to Sacramento in September, with future stops in Oakland, San Jose, LA, and San Diego. This year they had 5K and 10K distances (1 vs. 2 loops) but next year they might add the half marathon.

Registration was pretty pricey even with a 15% off discount provided through their Facebook/Instagram pages. Included with registration kit were either a WW technical unisex tee or women’s tank top, the wrist “cuff” sweatbands, a reusable bag, and later a plastic reusable cup and of course the race bling, coast-sized spinner medal, red and gold.

E-mail communications leading up to race day were not frequent, or did not contain much useful information until the Thursday before the Saturday evening race. Packet pickup was held at the same location as the race rather than at a sporting goods or running store, which meant having to use metered parking or what since it was downtown at Capitol Mall.

Same parking issue for the race day. Unfortunately it was 90 degrees F that evening, but all the ladies still showed up! I’d done similar runs before with themed costumes such as the Sacramento Santa Run, but it’s always fun to see everyone around you en masse dressed alike. To complete the look (only the top and wristbands were provided), I supplemented with some blue running shorts with stars, and Wonder Woman socks and a metal tiara from…wait for it…Amazon, of course. Others’ costumes were all-out with capes, lassos, old-school and modern Wonder Women, some other DC characters represented like Superman, Batman, and Flash.

5K and 10K runners started together rather than staggering. Corral at the start was not divided by race pace so a lot of walkers crowded the first 0.5 mile. The race course/route itself was nothing too new for me, from Capital Mall into Old Sacramento then following the river to Miller Park, past Front Street and finding the way back to Capital Mall. The mile markers were the vertical “flag” style rather than A-frames so they could be easily missed. The split between 5K and 10K before the finish line was pretty clear. Sacramento PD were trafficking the route. One pet peeve of mine was when one cop decided to stop the group of runners to let cars/truck through the intersection. Granted, this was only a 5K “fun” run but still timed and it was hot so that was literally a roadblock. Whatif I were going for a personal record?

At the end of the race, the awesome medal and a plastic red cup were given to all runners to fill up on water (no single-use plastic bottles, nice!). There were also patriotic cake donuts, bananas, SweetTarts sour strawberry “ropes” candy and many many photo opportunities/backdrops. Step and repeats with logos, Wonder Woman comic book covers, and two live Wonder Woman cosplayers. Race photographers were scarce on course but there was video at one checkpoint and some hanging out in the expo area; free race photo downloads and a certificate afterward available. Some nice sunset shots of the Capitol and Tower Bridge too since it was in the evening.

Race results were posted very quickly the next day, and race photo indexing was quick too. Overall, a “super” fun Sacramento 5K to end the summer.

Registered way back in November for earlybird pricing, and chose to sign up again since race day 2017 fell on my 31st birthday…did not get the promo code for the free visor this time.

Chose to have my packet mailed rather than pickup in person at the race expo, which included the bag, jacket, and bib (mine was missing the safety pins). Jackets could be exchanged at expo or mailed back if the wrong sizing. Women’s Small fit me well, as with the 2016 jacket, but 2017 has a hood, thumbholes, and more embroidery. The women’s were light grey, while the men’s were dark gray. 5Kers only get the jackets; 15Kers receive the jacket and the medal upon finishing the run.

Shuttle passes available in advance for several shuttle stops, parking passes as well. We did the same as last year and chose to park at SF State University garage and take the shuttle bus to Golden Gate Park. No one checked our papers which indicated we paid for the passes. Super lame.

Due to the crazy storm weather January 8th, 2017, 15Kers were given the option to run the earlier race (shorter distance) with the 5Kers, or do the longer distance at the scheduled time. Turns out, race morning, the 15K course was shortened to exclude the Great Highway coastal portion, which meant the run only totaled 5.9 miles — less than 10K in all, hilly. About 10,000 people still showed up (both distances combined total) and finished the run, which is still impressive considering the conditions.

Race organizers decided not to cancel the race. Not sure what happened to all those who stayed home — whether they got their jackets/medals or not. No remote/virtual or transfer options.

Ponchos, garbage bags, gloves, etc. adorned the field of runners. Pacers, aid stations, volunteers still out there…even an official race photographer out on the concourse near the hot chocolate distribution area. Mile markers and inflatables other than the start/finish were not displayed due to gale force winds though. Eucalyptus tree bark and branches did fall, waterfalls/lake levels high, some mud and puddles.

Race bling is still an impressive candybar medal, this year all gold except for the “chocolate” in brown, SF-specific. Hot chocolate was piping hot, with marshmallow, banana, rice krispie, pretzels, biscoff for fondue dipping in the mug. Bag check and store for more HC gear were open but I did not avail. The open-air concourse was quite rainy and exposed, so most sought shelter post-race. Also, finding the shuttles again was a bit confusing/challenging, but we made it.

Race results posted very quickly (live runner tracking available too to update via text or Facebook through Chronotrack timing), and official race photos free downloads.

Ran out of tech size small shirts at packet pickup. Race morning start times delayed 5mins due to race morning registrants. Kids ran first, then 10K then 5K although I believe according to the website 5K was to start first. Very chilly morning. Police better course monitors than some of the younger volunteers in terms of enthusiasm. Mile markers could be better. Race medal decent size, not a coaster, but in full color. This race location has moved from Elk Grove Regional Park to the Auto Mall/Cosumnes Oaks High now to Long Leaf, where the springtime Running of the Elk also takes place. Vendors limited post race. Parking ok. Much less crowded than Run to Feed the Hungry in Sacramento.

Flat streets, incline up the bridge, decline down. Chips available for runners who wanted to be timed, but runner start area wasn’t divided by pace or waves. Lots of walkers stopped to take selfies on the bridge. Overcast and windy, sun came out after race. Unclear where ferries were located, I was able to find the bus shuttle area. Medal and shirt claimed by tearing off bib. Celebrated its 30th year.

As a Sacramento area runner since 2011, I’d heard about this Donut Dash many times through the years…but it took a local news story on the 2016 event, my coworker telling me about the run, and my Orangetheory Fitness studio promoting their team for the race that convinced me to sign up for Donut Dash Ate (8). The event benefits the Child Life Programs at Sutter Children’s Center & UC Davis Children’s Hospital, including music therapy, and NICU (I have a personal soft spot for preemies).

Packet pickup at Fleet Feet Sports Sacramento was easy, they had it available over two days at either Fleet Feet or Marie’s Donuts.

Starting in William Land Park, run two miles to Marie’s Donuts, eat either 4 donuts or 6 donut holes (“lite” version for more health-concscious folks), or nothing at all, and run two miles back to the finish. Fun fact: this was inspired by a similar run involving 4 miles and a dozen Krispy Kremes started on the East Coast. There’s a competitive division that starts 10 min earlier where you have to eat all 4 donuts before returning to the course; noncompetitive participants can get their bag of donuts and eat at their leisure during or after the run/walk. Only competitive runners were officially timed, but I had my own GPS tracking anyway.

In spite of the rainy, windy weather, the race did bravely go on! Marie’s Donuts had already whipped up thousands of baked goods for the event, so canceling at the last minute wasn’t an option. We were mostly spared from the rain except for a major water dump at the starting line around 8:30AM. When I signed up, the 4-donuts option was already all sold out, so I just got the 6 donut holes. So yummy, so worth it. A family-friendly event, people brought their kids, strollers, and dogs along! We were all sopping wet, but it wasn’t the end of the world. In addition to the race t-shirt and donuts, finishers also got a donut-themed “medal” and chocolate milk, and quite a few booths were there at the end where you could spin wheels for prizes such as Orangetheory Fitness, and Dave & Buster’s. I got a water bottle and t-shirt from OTF, and coupons for free $20 game play at D&B’s.

Livingsocial deal on race registration ($30 instead of $50 full-price). Packet pickup at Macy’s Downtown Plaza easy with QR code from Eventbrite email. Even got a photo with Santa! Every runner got a one-size Santa Suit and t-shirt with registration. Mine fit pretty well but I only ended up wearing the jacket, belt, hat and beard (my own running capris and shoes of course) on race day. It really was neat to see the huge crowd of Santas (thousands) at the race start and throughout. Started at the State Capitol/Capitol Mall roundabout between 9th and 10th Streets, and ended at the West entrance of Sacramento Downtown Commons with cookies, milk, live music, snow, candy canes and Santa himself. Race photos were available online, and the goodie bag on the back of your bib included free ice skate rentals and other discounts. Two aid stations had water as well as Naked juice. I loved the cheer squad which included the Stand-up Paddleboarders (SUP) on the river dressed in Santa Suits as we ran by, and the volunteers with jingle bells too, very festive. Rain or shine! Thankfully the rain stopped and the 5K wasn’t a bad run overall, route pretty familiar to any local runner who’s run along the river. It did cut through the cobblestones of Old Sac, but I spaced out at the tunnel connecting Old Sac and Downtown Plaza and didn’t realize the finish line was so close, I could have started sprinting to the end sooner!

Four race distances offered: Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K. Packet Pickup at REI (Arden) took at least 45 minutes, in order to pickup you needed the QR code from your Eventbrite registration. Got a long sleeved technical shirt, headband, temporary tattoos, stickers, magnets, etc. featuring the Blerch. Volunteers dressed as the Blerch were also giving out candy to runners in line. People also got autographs and photos with The Oatmeal himself. Free parking at Raley Field, staggered race wave start times (Full at 8am, Half at 9am, 10K at 10am, 5K at 10:30am). Prior to race start we could avail of the actual real stadium restrooms (much nicer than portables if you know what I mean), and plop on the strategically placed couches/recliners and pose for a photo with the Bigfoot (Sasquatch?) and a Blerch, with huge jars of Nutella as props. Volunteers dressed in Blerch costumes also were distributing chocolate+bacon covered marshmallows at the start. Waves were about 3 minutes apart. Aid stations did have couches, water, electrolytes, green-frosted cake squares on popsicle sticks, Nutella sandwiches, etc. The course was well marked and blocked off by Sac PD. Finish line was in the stadium on the dirt track portion, not on the field itself. Medal is a commendable coaster size/weight, different colors depending on race distance (Black for Full Marathon, Yellow for Half Marathon, Green for 10K, and Orange for 5K). A Change of Pace (the race timing group out of Davis) had laptops available where you could immediately look up your race results, which was great. Race photos free. Crossing the Tower Bridge was fun, nice views of the Capitol, and the river of course.

Have run this race four times (5K), the half marathon distance was cancelled for 2015. I liked the Nike tech shirt everyone got in 2011, then they switched to Mizuno/Asics I believe. The medals this year were new and pretty design. The course starts near Capitol, and is pretty much along city streets/blocks. Whole Foods breakfast/bags, Blue Diamond almonds, Kaiser Permanente wellness booths, photobooth, massages, etc at the finish.

First year I ran the 5K (2014), this time ran the 10K. I liked the tech shirts from 2014 better, although 2015 shirts did allow customization with team colors (red and gold 49ers, black and silver Raiders). The 10K course took you across the Guy West bridge, along the river, residential area, and Sac State campus, finishing on the field at Hornet Stadium.

Another fall evening race in Davis, weather can get hot before dark. First year it was located near Sudwerks, then moved near the Davis Senior High School. Mostly flat course, the most “hilly” things get involve any freeway overpasses. Participation medals optional, some included a bottle opener on the back, one year had a plastic beer mug, previous year had a glass beer mug/pint glass. Part of ACOP Tour de Fit.

GVH puts on a good race every year. Tech shirts included with registration with cool kanji for “Run” in Japanese design. Taiko drummers at the start and runners from sister city in Japan also participate. I’ve run the 5K and the 10K and mostly residentials, bike trails course.

Part of the Valley 13.1 series from Fleet Feet Stockton, I signed up for this since a close friend had his own work team running it. Galt is such a small city that there wasn’t much other than residential areas and freeway frontage roads, but it definitely covered a lot of miles (Galt Main exit all the way north to Twin Cities Rd along Highway 99). With reg I got a Mizuno running vest (black, reflective), long sleeve mesh tech shirt, and medal. Free race photos printed on the spot!

Did this run the day after a half marathon. Starts in Crocker Park, lots of female participants rocking tutus and such. The medal was okay, I’m sure now that they have the half marathon distance those medals are more blinged out. Cotton race shirt with the logo on it.

Trying not to bias the review because I mentally gave up at mile 10. This race was very hyped as the biggest half marathon in Sacramento. I did like that it was at Raley Field to start, volunteers friendly, V-neck mesh tech shirts for women, nice medal and finish area with beer (very Irish).

Fleet Feet Stockton is awesome. I signed up for Avenue of the Vines hoping to complete the Valley 13.1 series which also included the Tiny Half (Galt) and St. Joseph’s (Stockton). This one started at Woodbridge Winery in Lodi, and you did get a good run through the vineyards, but there were also stretches near barns/cows/livestock too. Swag included the race medal, a stemless wine glass engraved, free race photos printed on the spot for you to take home! V-neck mesh women’s tech shirt too.

Repeat runner for this race, did the 10K in 2011 and 2012, 5K in 2013. Since it’s a July race, even with the evening start it can get pretty hot weatherwise. The 10K finishes just before dark, so only the half marathoners have to actually run at night. Tech shirts and medals glow in the dark which is neat.

Now held in Davis, I first ran this race in Elk Grove. 5K around paved residential/Park areas on Mother’s day, at the finish got carnations to take home to mom. Reusable tote bag with RLAM on the side too, tshirt with reg too.

This was my first long race (before my first ever half marathon a few months later in SF). It’s a nice course in downtown Sac near the capitol, get a medal. The relay runners can get you down mentally when they get to switch and you’re still chugging along, but the flat course is totally doable in the April spring weather.

My 6th half marathon for 2013 after the summer off from training. The weather was pretty hot for October. Nice V-neck white tech shirt. Finisher medal is a cowbell. Pretty good race, typical course for Sacramento. Started at Land Park.

Started near Inderkum/North Natomas Library on Via Ingoglia and went around the North Natomas Regional Park. Great location in my opinion, but 2011 was the only year the race was held. T-shirt with reg. Timed by ACOP.

Benefits My Sister’s House, who aids API victims of domestic violence. Quick easy 5K around Land Park, t-shirt included with registration. Super cold conditions that morning.

Had to run this centennial year (2011). So nice that BART has early trains running just for this race, and to see all the costumed runners (not to mention the birthday suits on the course). Tortilla throwing at the start, corrals for serious runners, a fun 12K distance.