This is a very fun event, put on by the same folks as the Oakland Running Festival. Most people run in costume, and it also supports a kid's running group. … MORE
This is a very fun event, put on by the same folks as the Oakland Running Festival. Most people run in costume, and it also supports a kid’s running group. It supports slower runners and walkers, with a generous amount of time before the 1 aid station was picked up. The Medal was the same as last years, but with a new customized ribbon for this year’s event. it is a very cool “day of the dead” skull with glow-in-the-dark Eyes that are oak trees. The tee-shirt is also high quality with a large skull. There were a couple of negatives this year… A drum circle at the same location of the start / finish dominated the space, and did not allow for enjoyment of the music, or to hear the announcements. (The City of Oakland has to do a better job supporting permitted events! the Circle just needed to take a break for 3 hours.) There should have been 2 Police assigned at the more crowded parts of the Lake, so make it safer around Bicycles at the opposite end of Lake Merritt. I was most disappointed by the lack of timing, which just seemed cheap, since the bibs had a chip on them already. I now cannot count it toward my official races in Athlinks. I entered my Garmin time for my first 5k above. (I ran it a second time for fun. and ran the 10k in under my age in minutes…) There was beer, but not much for the non-drinkers. There is a Costume contest which is very good, with the winners being chosen by crowd cheering noise. I believe the first male and female finisher get a prize basket. However there were far too few snacks at the finish! Participants were allowed one cookie, and the oldest participant (over 80) asked for a second cookie, and they said “No” If you charge $50 for a 5k, and an 80 your old asks for 1 more cookie, you should give it to her!! I really hope they bring back timing next year.
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Fun costume Run, but no timing this year
This is a very fun event, put on by the same folks as the Oakland Running Festival. Most people run in costume, and it also supports a kid's running group. … MORE
This is a very fun event, put on by the same folks as the Oakland Running Festival. Most people run in costume, and it also supports a kid’s running group. It supports slower runners and walkers, with a generous amount of time before the 1 aid station was picked up. The Medal was the same as last years, but with a new customized ribbon for this year’s event. it is a very cool “day of the dead” skull with glow-in-the-dark Eyes that are oak trees. The tee-shirt is also high quality with a large skull. There were a couple of negatives this year… A drum circle at the same location of the start / finish dominated the space, and did not allow for enjoyment of the music, or to hear the announcements. (The City of Oakland has to do a better job supporting permitted events! the Circle just needed to take a break for 3 hours.) There should have been 2 Police assigned at the more crowded parts of the Lake, so make it safer around Bicycles at the opposite end of Lake Merritt. I was most disappointed by the lack of timing, which just seemed cheap, since the bibs had a chip on them already. I now cannot count it toward my official races in Athlinks. I entered my Garmin time for my first 5k above. (I ran it a second time for fun. and ran the 10k in under my age in minutes…) There was beer, but not much for the non-drinkers. There is a Costume contest which is very good, with the winners being chosen by crowd cheering noise. I believe the first male and female finisher get a prize basket. However there were far too few snacks at the finish! Participants were allowed one cookie, and the oldest participant (over 80) asked for a second cookie, and they said “No” If you charge $50 for a 5k, and an 80 your old asks for 1 more cookie, you should give it to her!! I really hope they bring back timing next year.