Mountain View Fire Drill 5K & 10K
Mountain View, CA
- 10K, 5K
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
The Mountain View Fire Drill 5K & 10K runs through beautiful Shoreline Park with views of the Bay and Wetlands. Kids’ Fun Run stays within the grounds of Shoreline Park, Lot A. Custom t-shirt & post-race refreshments included in entry fee. Proceeds benefit Mountain View Fire Fighter’s Random Acts 501(c)3. … MORE
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fast & scenic along the shoreline
one of the leaders in my run club suggested that we do this race as a group/team to show our support for the mountain view firefighters. i didn't need any … MORE
one of the leaders in my run club suggested that we do this race as a group/team to show our support for the mountain view firefighters. i didn’t need any extra incentive to sign up, since i was sold on the race beneficiary.
for this event, there was a choice of 2 distances:
1. 10k (6.2 miles)
2. 5k (3.1 miles)
i chose the 5k only b/c i had been on a short running break following the completion of another race.
the pros:
-REASONABLE race fees, $40 for either 5k or 10k. i paid $32 since our group had a discount code for the event.
-takes place at SHORELINE PARK, where you have unobstructed views of the bay. also convenient to 101 & shoreline blvd exit.
-fantastic RACE DAY WEATHER conditions, low-mid 40s and sunny, great for running a personal best!
-SMALL, local race, which meant no crowds and long waiting lines for parking, restrooms, etc
-CLEAR MILE MARKERS and chalked road signs for the 5k, as well as volunteers at the turnaround point (to ensure you don’t run further than you signed up for!)
-FRIENDLY VOLUNTEERS assisting at the registration/information booths, handing out water at aid stations along the course, and handing out snacks at the refreshments’ tables post-race.
-FREE and EASY PARKING right next to the start/finish area.
-PORTA-POTTIES at the start/finish area, along with portable hand washing stations with soap, water and paper towels.
-VERY FAMILY FRIENDLY, perfect for families, small children, and strollers.
what you get:
*choice of PACKET PICKUP @ the downtown mountain view fire station the eve of the race or on-site the morning of.
*grey, cotton FINISHER’S TSHIRT
*custom designed SHOULDER BAG with fire fighter logo
*several AID STATIONS with volunteers handing out cups of water
*POST-RACE FOOD & DRINKS, including bagels, bananas, kind bars, coffee cake (compliments of hobee’s restaurant), ice cream (compliments of baskin robbins), life aid energy drinks, and water
*official RESULTS available immediately on-site, via tv screens and self-service laptops
bonuses for top finishers:
*medals for the top 3 men and women per age group for both distances
*customized glass trophies for the 1st male and female finishers for each distance, as well as top masters male & female finishers (age 50 and up)
*despite the slightly late start, i was quite surprised when they announced my name as the top female finisher in the 5k race. i got to take home a shiny, beautiful glass trophy and have my photo taken with the firefighters in the post-race awards ceremony.
the cons:
-the advertised start times were 0900 for the 10k and 0915 for the 5k. however, by the time i got to the start ~906 or 907, it appeared that the 5k race had already begun, several minutes early! i wasn’t alone as a handful of other runners were just as confused, and we all started a few minutes late.
-the 5k was a bit long, as my garmin read 3.18 miles immediately after crossing the finish line. i pretty much knew that i wasn’t going to pr on this course, but it would’ve been nice to have at least a few seconds shaved off for a correctly measured distance.
-my friends who ran the 10k told me that parts of the last mile were confusing/not clearly marked/directed and many of them ended up running more than 6.2mi, therefore having inflated finish times.
despite these minor setbacks, i still very much enjoyed this event, especially since i got to take home a trophy for the first time in my running career.
thank you, to “its your race events” and the mountain view fire department, for putting on this great event. i would definitely sign up again for next year’s event!