Rock ‘n’ Roll San Jose
San Jose, CA
- Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, Kids Run
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
Welcome to Speed City, USA! Nicknamed after the legendary San Jose State track teams of the 60s, San Jose is all about speed. United Airlines Rock ‘n’ Roll San Jose is no different. Run at PR-setting speed on a course that’s bursting with San Jose spirit and loved by the … MORE
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Flat and Fast Course
This course was very flat and fast. Unfortunately for us runners that day, there was a heat wave in town. It was extraordinarily hot with limited shade. Two days before … MORE
This course was very flat and fast. Unfortunately for us runners that day, there was a heat wave in town. It was extraordinarily hot with limited shade. Two days before the race, they moved the start time 30 minutes earlier which was greatly appreciated. Parts of it were an out and back and it took place in the neighborhoods mostly. The scenery wasn’t anything special. The expo wasn’t too bad… it was my first time completing a rock n’ roll race and it was not too bad. I do think there could’ve been more water/Gu/aid stations along the course considering how hot it was.
Speed City course in San Jose
Another of the Rock 'n' Roll Series events. This one is in Downtown San Jose and is a flat and fast course. Packet pickup is at the nearby convention center. … MORE
Another of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Series events. This one is in Downtown San Jose and is a flat and fast course.
Packet pickup is at the nearby convention center.
Plenty of nearby parking garages, hotels, and dining options.
A little warm this year, but still an enjoyable race.
The optional heavy medals, and challenge medals make the series more fun.
Live entertainment on the course and a concert and beer garden await post race.
Generous time limit for the BOPers.
Got me #10
Rock n Roll Clearwater was cancelled with a week to go (hurricanes), so I quickly transferred my reg to Rock n Roll San Jose to bag the #10 Heavy Medal. … MORE
Rock n Roll Clearwater was cancelled with a week to go (hurricanes), so I quickly transferred my reg to Rock n Roll San Jose to bag the #10 Heavy Medal.
Good points: Downtown is pretty cheap to stay near the start/finish lines, and pretty easy to get to with public transport. The usual good level of Rock n Roll logistics support (though one band was kinda bad, TBH). Course was not memorable either way – no killer stretches, but not a cakewalk.
Frankly, the only bad point was that the downtown area seemed to be dying, which is not the race’s problem
Flat race in speed city
This is definitely one of the flattest race I have ever done, there were only very gradual climb, nothing strenuous. I personally like running by the water and scenic views, … MORE
This is definitely one of the flattest race I have ever done, there were only very gradual climb, nothing strenuous.
I personally like running by the water and scenic views, and this route mostly feature different residential neighbors.
Like any other RnR races, this is very well organized pre and post race.
Great Flat Course!
We were originally doing Savannah, Georgia that race was cancelled and we chose San Jose. Weather was Gorgeous! The race started late and it was seemed to get colder. First … MORE
We were originally doing Savannah, Georgia that race was cancelled and we chose San Jose. Weather was Gorgeous! The race started late and it was seemed to get colder. First corral was supposed to take off at 8am and I think it was about 20 minutes late. Our corral finally took off around 8:45am. Plenty of water stations and crowd support along the route. We stayed at the Signia Hilton and was absolutely perfect to walk to start of 5K and Half Marathon and end of both races. The after race events were right in front of our hotel! Great restaurants in walking distance. We took an uber to San Francisco one day to visit Pier 39 and Alcatraz. It was a great trip to complete State #8
Awesomeness!! Nicely put together!!
Nice course, and truly perfect course to set PR for sure. Relatively flat throughout without too many sharp turns. Crowd support along the course was awesome as well. The end … MORE
Nice course, and truly perfect course to set PR for sure. Relatively flat throughout without too many sharp turns. Crowd support along the course was awesome as well. The end of race was nice and supportive to everyone!
Weather was Perfect!
Great 5K Run! Flat course - one water station - I run with my own so I didn't stop. 2 Music Areas on Course - One DJ and One Live … MORE
Great 5K Run! Flat course – one water station – I run with my own so I didn’t stop. 2 Music Areas on Course – One DJ and One Live Band. Had a Live Band at the Finish that was Amazing! Finished 6th in my Age Division and Watched a 95 year old women cross the finish line
Great Rock n Roll run w/ Flat Course
This is my third Rock n Roll race (2nd Rock n Roll Half Marathon distance). As always, a fantastic experience with Rock n Roll - always a great race execution … MORE
This is my third Rock n Roll race (2nd Rock n Roll Half Marathon distance). As always, a fantastic experience with Rock n Roll – always a great race execution with this company. For San Jose specifically, the run is a pretty flat course that goes through parts of down town and residential areas.
NEGATIVES:
-Mile markers could have been more prominent. There were 2 mile markers that I knew was approaching due to my Nike running app tracker, but I never saw due to crowds, etc.
-The last Rock n Roll Half distance I ran had also included our times at the 5k, 10k, and possibly 15k, check points in our results. Did not see this included this year which surprised me, it looked like they had the timing set up on the course at the 5k and 10k checkpoints. However, we got our total time + pace posted online very quickly (was posted same day as race day).
POSITIVES:
-FREE parking at the SAP Center from 5am – 1pm for the race. This was SO convenient and very well executed. Rock n Roll even coordinated with Waze (popular navigation app) to mark all road closures!
-Multiple days of Expo for bib pick up (including bib pick up 2 hours before start time of race day!)
-As always with Rock n Roll, fantastic medal designs and dry-fit tech shirt designs. They also customize the shirts and medals to the actual distance you are running!
-Corral assignments were pretty efficient (not strictly enforced). A bit of a wait if you’re in the later corrals, but makes the overall race experience so much better. Easy process to switch corral assignments if you want to.
-Overall great course support. I believe 6 water stations for the half distance: 3 stations with water and 3 stations with both water/gatorade, had GU energy gels as well.
-After race snacks. This is the most improved category compared to the past Rock n Roll events I have done! They had gatorade bottles, water bottles, chocolate milk, cheez-its, pringles, granola bars, peanut butter crackers, multi grain crackers, bananas. And of course 1 free beer per runner at the finish line.
-Great weather in San Jose!
-Tiered pricing. The early bird pricing for Rock n Roll races is a great deal for the very high quality production they put on. Early bird ~$59 up to ~$179 for last minute registration at the Expo (2019 Half Marathon prices, EXCLUDING taxes and fees).
-Plenty of volunteers, well stocked water stations.
-Lots of residents and local schools cheering us on.
Fast course
This is a flat fast course to get a PR. It is crowded at the start so pick your spot accordingly. Unfortunately people tend to get up front even though … MORE
This is a flat fast course to get a PR. It is crowded at the start so pick your spot accordingly. Unfortunately people tend to get up front even though they are going to be much slower, so the start is crowded. But people spread out within the first straightaway and then there is plenty of space. Lots of turns so be careful not to do too many extra yards. The finish area is great with lots of post race goodies to grab. Nice shirt and huge medal.
A "musical" race that's fast and fun
In a nutshell, this is a very accessible race that serves as a great entry into running events for the newer or infrequent racer. Experienced racers may want to run … MORE
In a nutshell, this is a very accessible race that serves as a great entry into running events for the newer or infrequent racer. Experienced racers may want to run this for the fast course, or use Rock ‘n’ Roll races as a reason to travel to different cities. The course is lined with musical bands and cheer squads, adding an entertaining and fun atmosphere. Each mile is marked with a big marker, and most of them also have a digital clock so you can see how long you’ve taken.
For those who have done runDisney races, the Rock ‘n’ Roll is kind of like Universal Studios to your Walt Disney World. Similar, but with some differences. The accessibility of the RnR races means this is a great race for a “friends weekend getaway” group event. And like runDisney, RnR provides different distances. And a Saturday 5K means you can participate in two races over two days, which can earn you a special medal of recognition.
EXPO
The expo is held on Friday and Saturday at the local convention center. I was told it would be HUGE…. but apparently for this year, it was shrunken by half, and a big part of the space was taken up with official branded gear. Perhaps because Brooks is a primary sponsor of the RnR races, I didn’t see a lot of vendors from its competitors.
The sheer amount of souvenir swag was pretty impressive, though, and almost matched runDisney in scale. If this was a special half marathon and you wanted to commemorate it, you could choose from shirts, hoodies, jackets, to mugs, stickers, and bags. I already own so much race gear I didn’t see a need to get anything beyond the official participant shirt, but I wound up finding a great backpack cooler that came with folding beach chair (the chair was incorporated into the backpack itself as a single unit). I plan to use this as my gear bag for future races.
PARKING/LOGISTICS/PRE-RACE/CORRALS
The half marathon starts at 8:00 and if you can get there by 7:00, you can find free parking at the SAP Center. This is a great deal, and the starting area is probably only a half mile away.
Although you are assigned a starting wave, this race is very lax and there are no officials to verify that you are in the right place (such is not the case for other large races). I was told the only RnR race where you are limited to your own wave is at their marquis race in Las Vegas.
Just be mindful that if you move forward ahead of your assigned area, those around you will be moving much faster. For everyone’s safety, move to the side of the course and let the faster runners pass. That way, you’ll avoid being pushed and jostled, and the faster people won’t trip trying to get around you.
THE COURSE
The half marathon course weaves through downtown San Jose and into the local community. There’s nothing particularly remarkable, except there are some neighborhoods with incredibly huge homes. With the high cost of housing in the Bay Area, I can’t even imagine how much these homes might sell for (but well in the eight figures, I’m sure).
The entire course is on paved roads, on wide roads. Even in the neighborhood communities, the course winds through bigger streets. At no time will you experience poorly chosen turns or narrow portions that cause bottlenecks. Other than the occasional crack or reflective road dot, there are also no hazards to trip over.
The highlight of the race is all the different musical bands along the course. I think they had one at least once a mile, and they were of all different types of music. If I had more time I would’ve stopped to take pictures, but I definitely appreciated this “race soundtrack.”
CHALLENGES/MEDALS/SWAG
The medal for the race itself was OK. It wasn’t too big. Interestingly, the straps for all their medals are much narrower than traditional ones. But RnR is known for its flashy medals as long as you’re willing to sign up for additional races or challenges. For example, if you ran the previous day’s 5K, completing Sunday’s 10K or half marathon gave you a third medal as a reward for the extra challenge of running back to back.
FINISH/POST-RACE
As you come into the finish, you are instructed to go one way if you were finishing the 10K, and the other for the half marathon. Both groups rejoined after crossing their respective timing mats, and you walked through the post-finish line area, where they provided you with water bottle, energy drink bottle, chocolate milk, and various packaged snacks. They still had a lot of inventory when I finished, so I can’t say how well-stocked they were for the duration of the race (I’ve been told they run out for the slower participants, unfortunately).
Speaking of a slower pace, as I was walking back towards my car, I saw that there were trucks going to the various band stages to start taking the stages down. And this was while the 3-hour racers were still finishing! I realize 3 hours for a half marathon isn’t going to set any world records, but that’s still a solid pace and well ahead of their cutoff time, so I was really surprised and somewhat disappointed that they thought it was OK to start turning the entertainment off while so many people were still on the course.
The race finishes by the Plaza de Cesar Chavez, and they take up the entire space for the race. They have large signs in the reunion area so you can meet back up with your fellow runners or with family/friends who came out to support you. There was a very large tent where they were selling all the race gear, as well as a very large stage where a band was performing. If you’re there with friends, this is a wonderful post-race area that encourages you to linger. They even had free beer for race participants.
All in all, it was a fun race. I don’t know if I’ll do it again, but I’m glad I finally had the chance to run a RnR race.
Footnote: One race shirt design particularly stood out, and it made a poor impression on me (as well as to everyone else, apparently). The design looked like a California vanity license plate that said “San Jose” on the top (where it normally says “California”) and “Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon San Jose” across the bottom — that is, this shirt was specific to THIS race. However, the main “vanity letters” across the middle said “RUN SOCAL”, as in Southern California. Somehow, some wires got crossed when they designed/ordered this shirt, because San Jose is part of the Northern California Bay Area, and is definitely not in SoCal!
When I looked through the merchandise tent at the post-race area, I saw that they were selling these shirts for 40% off. I guess nobody else wanted these mistakes, either. It actually managed to insult both Northern AND Southern Californians at the same time! I almost feel like I should have bought it just as a joke shirt, but I’ll be happy just posting a photo of the boo-boo.
Nice race
I really like running in San Jose, I would definitely do this race again. The scenery was nice, the temperature was really good and the participants we fantastic. MORE
I really like running in San Jose, I would definitely do this race again. The scenery was nice, the temperature was really good and the participants we fantastic.
Nice race
This was my first trip to San Jose and I really enjoyed it. It is a great place to run, the course is very nice, the scenery is nice and … MORE
This was my first trip to San Jose and I really enjoyed it. It is a great place to run, the course is very nice, the scenery is nice and I would definitely run this one again.
Flat and Fast
This was my PR (to date). So I have only positive things to say. It's flat, which accounts for it being fast. I also had a personal pacer, someone I … MORE
This was my PR (to date). So I have only positive things to say.
It’s flat, which accounts for it being fast. I also had a personal pacer, someone I run with often who is much faster but nice to me. We finished with the exact same time.
Mass start. Bit of a wait for your turn. Not complaining; just noting.
I am spoiled by San Francisco. I can’t say I really am dazzled by the sights of San Jose. However, it is fine.
I probably will run this again.
I never run Rock 'N Roll events, BUT...
This race was my 3rd half back in 2010 & I though it hardly seems possible I was back this year for my 20th! ***LOCATION*** San Jose, CA ***DATE*** Early … MORE
This race was my 3rd half back in 2010 & I though it hardly seems possible I was back this year for my 20th!
***LOCATION***
San Jose, CA
***DATE***
Early October (Oct 8, 2017 this year)
***PRICE***
Competitor shows only the current price rather than the entire fee schedule and I was not diligent enough to track the various price increases, BUT I can tell you that a) I paid $79.99 + $11.99 transaction fee (!?!) in March, b) the price has risen to $175 for last-minute expo registration, and c) they offered a limited 2018 pre-registration special race weekend for $59 (a price I consider actually reasonable for a half marathon).
Truthfully, the cost of Rock ‘N Roll races makes me a bit ill, but it is worth noting that RNR now offers a kind of refund insurance that covers things like illness, injury, pregnancy, etc. that might foil your race (I don’t see the amount listed on the website anywhere now, but one assumes it would be less than the cost of the race?), and you can also defer for $45.
***DEADLINES/SELLOUT FACTOR***
I feel like this race has sold out in the past, but as of the day before the race, there were still spots available if you signed up at the expo. (Online registration was closed on Friday, I think.) It makes more sense now why I saw promo codes floating around the internet a few weeks back.
***FIELD SIZE***
Half Marathon – 6,483
10K – 2,403
5K – 1,767
***STAGING***
The start is at Santa Clara and Almaden, just a few blocks north-west of Cesar Chavez Plaza, and the finish is pretty much at Cesar Chavez Plaza, so I was quite happy with my decision to stay at the Four Points Sheraton, less than a block from the finish. Yes, it’s an additional expense, but for a bigger, longer race, I really prefer not to have to drive and deal with parking or public transit on race morning if I can possibly justify it. (Also, more sleep!)
Gear check was maybe two short blocks away, and it was nice to see that they had several smaller banks of toilets scattered around the staging area rather than one GIANT PORT-A-POLLY GALLEY. I never had to wait to use them.
***PARKING***
As of 7:30pm the night before the race, the parking info page still said “Coming soon!” Oops. When I ran this race back in 2010, I didn’t stay within walking distance, and found it very easy to park in municipal public parking within just a few blocks of the start, and it was even free! (The caveat being that since I was driving & am paranoid, I arrived quite early & apparently beat the rush). I’m not sure if it’s that easy anymore, but there are definitely a BUNCH of large public garages in downtown San Jose as the staging area is right near the convention center. If you’re staying at hotel near the start (and there are MANY to choose from), you’re good; you’ll just probably have to pay. (Eg, I stayed at the Four Points Sheraton, a couple blocks from the start, and parking was $29/night.)
***THE COURSE***
Let’s just get this out of the way: The course is USATF certified, folks. People run Olympic Marathon Trials qualifying times on it. It is 13.1 miles. Your GPS is not God.
This course is pancake-flat, and actually has relatively few turns for an urban race. (Don’t let the elevation graph fool you, look at the scale.) Both times I’ve run this race there has been a pretty awesome crowd presence (see: urban races), plus there are the bands if you’re into that. (Personally, I’m not. You run by them so fast that you barely catch any of what they’re playing, and I don’t know about you but when I’m racing I’m a bit too preoccupied to pay attention to that kind of thing anyway.)
Aid stations were sufficient, well organized, staffed by super with-it volunteers, and–be still my beating heart–pouring real actual sports drink with real actual calories in it. Lemon-lime Gatorade 4eva. I carry my own gels but the later stations were handing some out along with maybe shot blocks or something, not totally sure.
***SWAG***
Not that I need more of them but I am happy to say that the tech T situation has much improved since 2010! This one actually fits, and doesn’t make me feel like I look like a can of Sprite if I wear it in public. And of course it wouldn’t be a Rock ‘N Roll race without a goofy rock-themed medal. (Then again I guess if you run a gimmicky race you can’t complain too much about getting a gimmicky medal.)
***AWARDS***
If you are super speedy, it might be relevant to your interests that there are prizes for male and female overall winners 1st-3rd, plus 1st, 2nd, & 3rd male & female in five-year increments. At 6,000+ runners, including a fair number of elites and pros, though, they were definitely not relevant to mine! (I believe the men’s race was won in 1:03:xx & the women’s race in 1:12:xx hoooooly Jesus! AND she was in my age group!)
***IF YOU DECIDE TO RUN***
– If you can swing the additional $$ I definitely recommend staying nearby as it is just so easy with the approximately 10 gazillion hotels within a five block radius. It saved me so much time & stress in terms of sheer logistics & variables to manage.
– The thing about this race is that yes, it’s a fall race, but just barely, and it’s still in San Jose, so it is unlikely to ever be particularly chilly (though it did rain a bit in 2010). The high this year was forecasted to be 87F, so although it was not super hot during the time I was actually running (8:00am start), it was full sun on asphalt so it felt warmer toward the end of the race than it actually was.
– Officially there is no race day packet pickup, but I overheard some race staff talking and it seems to me that they will definitely give you your bib on race morning if for some reason you weren’t able to get it at the expo, but they don’t advertise that fact since they don’t want 400 people going, “Pshhh, I’ll just be a slug & pick it up in the morning.” So be a good person & pick it up at the expo if you can, but don’t panic if disaster strikes.
***OVERALL ASSESSMENT***
You know, for all that I am not a fan of Competitor Group and some of the Rock ‘N Roll races have gotten bad reports in the past, I have to admit that this was a really great, really well-run and convenient race for me. My only complaints are that the website needs to be updated with key information (ie, parking, aid station info, etc.) in a few places and maybe put the trash cans a bit closer to the tangents. All in all, though, it’s a pretty great Bay Area option if you’re looking to run a fast race, and I can see why so many elites and other super speedy folks run it. No, it is not the cheapest race you could run, but I just took advantage of that $59 2018 pre-reg deal myself, which I think is pretty fair.
Love the Atmosphere, lots of spectators
5K on Saturday and you can pick up your bib there and not go to the Friday night expo. Great flat courses with close parking for both the 5k and … MORE
5K on Saturday and you can pick up your bib there and not go to the Friday night expo. Great flat courses with close parking for both the 5k and 1/2 marathon, later start for the 1/2 at 8am. Great friendly race with lots of support and cheerleaders.
Pretty cool
This was one of the smaller RnR races but still was nice. The race went along the streets and neighborhoods of the city and the residents cheered us on, along … MORE
This was one of the smaller RnR races but still was nice. The race went along the streets and neighborhoods of the city and the residents cheered us on, along most of the race. The beer garden was seamless and made the race even more rewarding!
smaller than most RNR races
Its a nice flat course and goes through some nice neighborhoods in the San JOse area, but smaller than most of RNR other races. The usual standards for medals and … MORE
Its a nice flat course and goes through some nice neighborhoods in the San JOse area, but smaller than most of RNR other races. The usual standards for medals and entertainment,
Remix Challenge
Great to do with the 5K on Saturday. Both courses are flat and fast. I believe some records have been set with the course. I'm already signed up for my … MORE
Great to do with the 5K on Saturday. Both courses are flat and fast. I believe some records have been set with the course. I’m already signed up for my 4th year.
3rd Year Running
I love running around all the expensive old homes. The 5K course is quick and pretty flat. 5K is a great run and you earn the Remix challenge if you … MORE
I love running around all the expensive old homes. The 5K course is quick and pretty flat. 5K is a great run and you earn the Remix challenge if you do this along with the 1/2 on Sunday
Good half marathon spot
There were only a few (three if i had to put a number on it) significant uphills on cousre. The course went through nice neigborhoods. The bands and spectators were … MORE
There were only a few (three if i had to put a number on it) significant uphills on cousre. The course went through nice neigborhoods. The bands and spectators were good. Weather got little warm but nothing too bad. Cool medals and shirt logo. Plenty of hotel options downtown near festival, expo, and start/finish lines. I would do again in two or three years.