Race production was good. Downtown SJ is just not pretty, but since it's convenient for me, I always like to participate. Represent Running did their usual good job. I stupidly … MORE
Race production was good. Downtown SJ is just not pretty, but since it’s convenient for me, I always like to participate. Represent Running did their usual good job. I stupidly missed the start because I had the starting time wrong, but managed to find my way :-). It’s fun to have a hometown St. Patrick’s Day run!
Festive
Race production was good. Downtown SJ is just not pretty, but since it's convenient for me, I always like to participate. Represent Running did their usual good job. I stupidly … MORE
Race production was good. Downtown SJ is just not pretty, but since it’s convenient for me, I always like to participate. Represent Running did their usual good job. I stupidly missed the start because I had the starting time wrong, but managed to find my way :-). It’s fun to have a hometown St. Patrick’s Day run!
A nice flat race
This was a nice race, however the distance was about .3 short of a true 10k skewing my statistics, but they had to do an adjustment for the course because … MORE
This was a nice race, however the distance was about .3 short of a true 10k skewing my statistics, but they had to do an adjustment for the course because of the rain and it became 2 5k loops. Not the funnest to see everything twice, but it couldn’t be helped. Great first race for someone new to the sport. The medal was very cool, but the Represent Running shirts this year I do not like as much. They have a new manufacturer and they are very short and wide.
Not a bad local race
***LOCATION*** San Jose, CA ***DATE*** Presumably, the Sunday closest to St. Patrick's Day (3/17/19 this year) ***PRICE*** $56 for the 10K or remote runner; $49 for the 5K; $20 for … MORE
***LOCATION***
San Jose, CA
***DATE***
Presumably, the Sunday closest to St. Patrick’s Day (3/17/19 this year)
***PRICE***
$56 for the 10K or remote runner; $49 for the 5K; $20 for the kids’ run.
***THE DEAL***
2019 was the inaugural running of this race, put on by Represent Running, a well-respected Bay Area race company that also puts on the 408K, Across the Bay 12K & 415K, Silicon Valley Half, and a few others. There was a 5K, 10K, & a children’s run after.
***DEADLINES/SELLOUT FACTOR***
Not totally sure but I’m guessing it didn’t sell out.
***FIELD SIZE***
Finishers: 916 in the 5K & 838 in the 10K (though there were also a LOT of DNSers)
***STAGING/PARKING/ETC.***
This year the race was staged at San Pedro Square in Downtown San Jose. There are several parking garages RIGHT there, so parking was incredibly easy. (I think it cost me $5.)
***BIB PICKUP/GEAR CHECK***
I don’t know if there was a gear check, but there was race day packet pickup, at tables right in front of San Pedro Square Market (along with a few other sponsor tens & tables).
***THE COURSE***
The 5K course meandered along the streets of Downtown San Jose in a sort of uber-contorted lollipop. The 10K was originally meant to start with the 5K, then do a dogleg along the Guadalupe Trail. Alas, due to flooding from the heavy rains we’ve had lately, the trail was flooded and the organizers had to change the 10K course at the last minute so that it was just two loops of the 5K course. Too bad, but not the end of the world. (Unfortunately, most of us agree that it ended up a bit short as a result, maybe ~6 miles.)
The loop was not bad; just be aware of 1) a downhill/uphill around mile 1 (& 4, for the 10Kers) due to a freeway underpass, and 2) a number of hairpin turns. So this *might* not be your PR course but it’s still prettty decent for a small local race.
***SWAG***
Logo tech T-shirt & a cool medal
***IF YOU DECIDE TO RUN***
Logistically this is a super easy race. Race day bib pickup (in addition to two other picksup on Friday & Saturday, one in SF & one in SJ), & plenty of easy free extremely close parking. The time of year is hit or miss–we had perfect weather this year, but there is always the possibility of cold and/or wind and/or rain.
***OVERALL ASSESSMENT***
I’d certainly consider this race again, though it was a bummer about the short course. I think the organizers did the best they could under the circumstances and everything was well run and seemed to go quite smoothly.