Stars at Night Half San Antonio

This was my second year to participate in this half and it won’t be my last. The run itself is okay but if you make a weekend out of it and register early to get the discounted rate for the resort then it is a great experience.
The run, they have a 5K that starts first then about 30 minutes later the 10K/Half start. Most in the 5k will finish before it gets dark but the 10k/Half you will be running after sunset. Headlamps or other lighting is needed and the event says required but I saw many without illumination. I would not do it without lights as a previous runner wrote there are lots of uneven surfaces and it is dark. The course is sidewalks, golf cart paths, grass, dirt roads, concrete roads and a concrete multi use trail. It is lined with illuminated traffic cones, directional arrows and mile markers. There seemed to be enough aid stations that offered water and sports drink. The run winds its way through the resort, the golf course, a parking lot, down a street, militia use trail, then back on the golf course to the finish. There are some small rolling hills that while not steep they do let you know you are going uphill. As stated it is dark and without any kind of a light it is probably not safe. Even with lights you do need to watch your step when on the golf course or other non-paved surface.
Swag – 5/10k is a long sleeved shirt – Half is a sweatshirt. Finisher medals for all with the Half medal being slightly larger.
Post race food was provided and an indoor facility as well as a couple of outdoor fireplaces were present to keep warm.
If you placed in your age groups, this year you got a cup that said award winner.
While I was never worried that I was going in the correct direction, there are a lot of turns and running on the same part of the course in the opposite direction but as I said it was well marked, but a few more volunteers would of been helpful. This seems to be an issue with most events these days, not enough volunteers.
I enjoy this weekend and plan on returning. The resort is great, lots of Christmas decorations and events for everyone. Friday and Saturday night are super busy but if you can stay over Sunday night, it was quiet and almost empty.

This was a nice family event in a great location. Three distances available, 5K, 10K, and Half. I ran the half. Event is at the JW Marriott Resort and run mostly within the property. Run started at 5:15ish. So depending on your pace the first few miles are at dusk and most of the distance is run under the light of the stars. They say lights are required for 10k/Half runners but I noticed a few without any kind of illumination. I wouldn’t run without it as there are sections that are pretty dark and the surface is a combination of paved roads, cart paths, trails, as well as running across a couple of golf fairways, some dirt/rocky sections, and a grassy field or two. Plus this year it rained most of the night before and that day, so there were several water puddles and a larger deeper puddle when you go through a shoestring tunnel under the road. Course was marked with green glow sticks/lights and some directional signs but no mile markers. Mostly flat with only small short bumps. Plenty of water/sports drink stops were on course. Pacers for the half were provided for 1:30 to 3:00. Swag, a nice large finisher medal for half finishers. Medals were also given to 5/10k finishers, just a tad smaller. Half participants were given a hoodie sweatshirt, 5/10k a long sleeve Tee. Post race event was indoors and tacos, fruit, brownies, water, coffee, and hot chocolate were available. I am not sure about post race awards. I didn’t stay as my bib was “unnamed runner” at the time (a quick email got that fixed). Great event at a nice resort. If you register early enough they have rooms at a great discounted rate. Always nice to be able to walk to and from the start line from your room. But if you didn’t stay at the resort, there is plenty of free parking. I will definitely run this event again, already planning for ne t yeR