We just ran the Rock the 80's race in Elk Grove and had a blast. We couldn't make the Saturday…read morebib/packet pick-up, so we went in early on Sunday before the race. We walked right up to the table and were handed our bibs & t-shirts. Parking was free and plentiful. They were playing popular 80s tunes before the race. We were one big giant sea of stretching neon green & pink. There was a pretty long line for the port-o-potties but someone pointed out 3 others on the other side of the lot and that seemed to ease up the congestion a bit. I have never seen a more empty starting line. We were just all spread out chatting and suddenly they asked us to move up, get ready and bam! Off we went. There was just the right amount of people that you could easily move into your own space and find your groove. The route was clearly marked and I couldn't help but smile as Blinky, Pinky, Inky and Clyde directed traffic and cheered us on throughout the ultra flat course. Hearing your name being called out as your cross the finish line was oober cool. They had plenty of water, gatorade & goo stops. After the race, they had bananas, oranges & bagels. You will not find a more radical medal. Did I have a totally awesome time? Yes. Will I be back next year, heck yes I will.

I ran 3 races under A Change of Pace so far: Lucky Run, Capital City Classic, and Davis Moonlight…read moreRace. My main motivation to run didn't start out as wanting to do more physical exercise. It was for the Tour de Fit medal. If you run 3 of the 4 races, you get a medal. I guess you can say it's a glorified participation medal. Even so, I earned it! I mean I'm not going to get any half marathon/marathon medals anytime soon, so I aimed to earn this one. There are two series for the Tour de Fit. I finished part one and I'm now looking forward to part two, where I will run 3 more races to earn another medal!

The 19th running of the Women's Fitness Festival event was held on June 2, 2024, with a 5K, 10K,…read morekid's run, and adaptive runners included. This was my 7th time running this (2011-2013, 2015, 2017, and 2018), mostly the 5K distance except for one year where I completed the 10K race. First post-pandemic participation for me. Over the years the sponsors have changed, the 10K route was added, the half marathon distance was canceled, the women-only theme stayed, the brand/style of technical shirt changed, and a medal for participants became available starting in 2015. The location remains around the Capitol, and beneficiary is WEAVE (Women Escaping A Violent Environment). The email for participants regarding packet pickup, traffic/parking notes, and race-day closures did not have "Women's Fitness Festival" in the subject line. I also noticed that while the parking notes said the Capitol Garage had no race-day parking this year, the "Directions" section still navigated to the Capitol Garage. Packet pickup was held at Fleet Feet Sacramento and was available Thursday, Friday, and Saturday there, or race morning at 9th and Capitol. This was well-organized and straightforward with bibs by distance and last name, tech shirt, and pins. No other swag bag. The color of the shirt this year was a berry purple, but the cut was a crew neck (versus V-neck), and something about the seams at the shoulders fell funny on me, where they bunch up. A different brand...back in 2011 the shirts were Nike Dri-fit! Volunteers could get $15 credit/voucher toward Fleet Feet. For 2024, due to other events, the usual Capitol Garage on 10th and L was not available for parking. Street parking meters (except Old Sac) are free on Sundays, but no parking on L or N Streets around Capitol Park. It was suggested that you arrive 1 hour early, take the light rail, or park at a parking garage located at 1500 10th Street (between O & P across from the California Museum, with a $3 flat rate. With only a single lane to enter the garage, this was a bottleneck -- also a lot of construction on the 9th street/West side of the Capitol. Plenty of portable bathrooms near the start/finish, but I didn't see any near the aid station. I saw one arrowed sign pointing from the Capitol to the Start Line, but you really had to be listening to the emcee to be on the correct side of the Start Line. Adaptive runners went first, and the 5K and 10K started together instead of staggered starts, with no corrals by pace. The kid's race was last as a shorter out and back. 7:30 AM start, but it was warm June weather. On the course itself, I didn't realize that there were two "lanes," with the right lane meant for the 10K runners. Volunteers could tell 5K runners with blue bibs and 10K runners with their orange bibs. The one aid station I noticed had only water and no electrolytes. 5Kers did one loop of the course, and 10Kers did two loops. When it got close to the end, volunteers had to yell for 5K runners to hang left to the finish line, and 10K runners to hang right to start their second loop. A megaphone might have been better. The 10K leader did have the lead bike to assist her in getting through the middle-rear pack of 5Kers. Medals at the finish line, Giggle & Riot photobooth, and the Kaiser Thrive Pavilion had passports where if you visited at least 8 booths, you could get a clear fanny/waist pack. At their booths themselves there were other themed freebies like stress balls, measuring spoons, snack containers, sunglasses, sunscreen, handouts for lifestyle management, and even an at-home colon cancer stool test kit you can mail in. It was neat to learn about breast health, blood pressure, heart/stroke, pediatrics, child seat safety, etc. Fleet Feet also had its own arched area, and for breakfast, you could get a bowl of granola with oat milk, strawberries, and bananas. Water and Zico chocolate coconut water were also available. Mimosa garden admittance with wristband and tearing off the bottom of your bib. At the rest of the race expo, there were other vendors such as Buffalo Running Chips, Sacfit running/walking club, Urban Cow 5K/Half, local yoga studio, Kangen water, trufru, Built Bar, Menowell samples, CHP, and more, if you're a spin-the-wheel for a prize kind of person. Timing is provided by Capitol Road Race Management, and free race photos and media are available along with a digital finisher certificate on Athlinks.com.

I haven't participated in the Women's Fitness Festival (sponsored by Kaiser Permanente in several…read moreyears. It was so fun to be there again with my sister. All in all extremely well done and enjoyable. Here are just a few suggestions for the future: One bathroom stop mid-route would be helpful We missed the start of the race as it was not clearly announced To have course monitors create a separate lane for the serious runners. Many times we saw a runner attempting to weave through the crowds. I could see the look of frustration on their faces. What we appreciated: The breakfast offered oat milk (yay for us non-dairy folks) KP Thrive did an amazing job of providing useful health info & tips. There were some nice giveaways too.

The Color Run sounds like a good and fun idea but in reality I was severely let down. I do numerous…read moreRun's every year from 5k to Marathon's and Mud Runs so when I saw this event I signed my Husband and myself up as just a bit of fun. I guess it may have been more so if there was a huge group of us. We didn't get all that colorful despite going through 4 color zones. First Yellow, then Orange, Blue and finally Pink. - Parking for the event was not specified in any of the emails. Luckily we know Sacramento fairly well so we found our own street parking which cost a total of $2.50. There was event parking in a nearby structure but were charging $8. - Packet pickup on the day was quick yet when we went to our bib numbers on we found there were no pins. Seems the majority of the packets had been missed out so we then had to line up again and hang around while volunteers scrambled to find them. - Wave times mean nothing. We signed up for the 9am wave and got to the start line at 8:20 only to find hundreds of people ahead of us and waves going roughly every 10 minutes. We worked out that if we stayed where we were then we wouldn't start until way after 10am and as we were on a limited time schedule we had to push our way forward just to make sure we got started on time. - The event should be The Color Walk. Very few people Ran, groups of walking people spread over the entire width of the 'track' making it almost impossible to pass even after the event staff said that walkers on the left and runners on the right. The color zones also came to a complete stand still where people were found to be laying and rolling about on the ground to get more color on them. Yeah.. cleaver move, the color haze made it very difficult to see and you're sprawled out where people are walking and then get angry when someone trips over you. - There was meant to be an air blower but I didn't see one. + Post run snacks were nice. We had Zico Coconut water and KIND bars. + The guys at the start line getting people ready to start were fun and throwing goodies into the crowd for people (Beach balls, Frisbee's ect). TIPS: * Wear something you don't mind getting trashed. They say that color doesn't completely come out of some clothing (the TShirt you get in your entry pack), I found it this not to be true but I guess it really depends on the color and how much there is. * Wear glasses and take something to cover your mouth when going through the color zone. If you have sensitive eyes - wear goggles. Despite me covering my eyes as best I could I had a nasty reaction - Itchy, sore, red, puffy eyes still 2 days later. * If you have blonde hair coat it in Coconut oil before the race to help avoid staining. I've seen some shocking pictures of the damage done (check Google). Better yet wear a cap. * The colors go through your clothing and stain your skin! The Blue and Orange did to me anyway. Lot's of people say that Baby Oil get's the color out - they lie. I found that using conventional shampoo works very well. It contains sodium laureth sulfate which basically strips the hair of all of it's natural oils and color. I figured ''If it does that to hair what else could it do''?. So the day before the run I went to Target and bought a bottle of Suave that cost a little over $1. Simply put a bit on an old face cloth, add water and rub like crazy. It washed the color away in no time leaving me no longer looking like an Umpa Lumpa / Smurf Hybrid. At the end pf the day, I'm glad I did this event because it's another one to knock off my bucket list and at least now I know not to do another one unless I'm in a Wine induced happy state and with a group of my best girlfriends. Only then do I think it might actually be worth doing.

Colored cornstarch and sweat make for a disaster…read more.. In theory this race sounds fun. In actuality, this race wasn't that great. I think if I was in a mimosa induced haze, it might have been much, MUCH more fun :/ Tell me to come at 8AM, say you are going to release waves at 8:30PM...don't leave the start line until 10AMish...not okay! The set-up of the color sections was almost how they described them. They noted that if you run through the middle this was the least color-getting section, however, they had people standing in the middle spewing color. Which I don't really mind...just an FYI if anything. It was fun, albeit the crazy amount of lacking in runner's etiquette. I know this isn't for speed, but walking a 5K can be tedious and is way too boring for me. When you mix a huge crowd and a large mass of people who don't know how to walk properly, you get the hot mess that was the Color Run. Sorry to sound so Patty the Pessimist, but it was just not up to my standards. The races around town have set high standards, so I expect a bit more organization from the fun run. Yes, I acknowledge this one is untimed and more for the atmosphere, but it still should have the basic qualities of a fun run. I can't believe some people paid $50 for this...no way Jose! It was a really cool sight, to be running a few blocks and look up and see a huge color cloud ahead of you - yellow, orange, pink, blue, the color finish. The end was pretty epic, an enormous color cloud rave, without the drugs! A great family event...but beware, a lady might breast-feed her (what some might consider too old) child in the midst of 150,000 people. Just one of the interesting sights you might encounter if this races comes back to the 9-1-sickness... Good in theory, below average in actuality!

It took over an hour for me to get to the race. The Richards Blvd S exit was congested and the last…read moremile took about half an hour itself. I've never encountered this problem before at other races. I barely made it to the race on time. Actually, I had a few minutes left to spare since the race started a little late. The race was set to start at 7:00 PM. It wasn't much of a moonlight run for those of us that did the 5K or 10K. The sun was beaming brightly in my face. With the summer heat, there weren't enough water stations. What I loved most about this race were the glow-in-the-dark t-shirts. I would consider doing this race again, if I ever get myself to the half marathon level because the finisher medals were awesome and also glowed-in-the-dark.

I signed up for this event two days before and was actually shocked that it was in the mid-to-low…read more90s at 7pm when we started running! Running in that kind of heat is exhausting! There were about 1500 people for the half marathon (based on bib numbers) - but it seemed like such a huge crowd. The route goes through Davis neighborhoods and on a lot of trails over campuses and parks. A few citizens were friendly enough to stand out front with hoses to spray willing runners (I wish there were more nice people doing that!). Despite the heat and my body not being happy with it, I stuck it out for my worst half marathon time ever. I also met a LOT of nice dogs (I decided to stop for at least two cups of gatorade at every station and pet every dog on the way, plus walking 2 miles with an ankle cramp and stopping twice for toilets - finished in 2:05). The event was run pretty smoothly - they had official timing spots all throughout the route - and there were some great sponsors - Zico was there once again with their awesome coconut water, and I had a great big chunk of the heart of a watermelon at the snack tent (yum!). I kind of wanted to get the ladies cap sleeve blue and white shirt but didn't see it on sale anywhere! I like running later in the day (instead of the usual 7am) and I like warmer temperatures but I'm not sure I'm up for low 90s again, that was exhausting!

For a large event, the parking and check-in process was as smooth and easy and it gets. Everything…read morewas clearly marked and there were plenty of volunteers to guide anyone that had a question. We had planned to run this in costume but a freak injury caused me to run it alone and naked. Ok, not actually naked but emotionally naked. Considering this was my first mud/obstacle course, I had some anxiety about having to go solo. I'm a runner, so I wasn't worried about endurance. I was concerned about my upper body strength. I had no problem at all. To be honest, it was a bit too easy for me. It took me a little under an hour to complete the course. There was one obstacle, a board at a 90 degree angle with a rope, I was fine until the rope ran out. Luckily, a nice gentlemen ahead of me turned around, grabbed my hand and allowed me to get a footing on the top. There were 24 obstacles on this course. A lot of them were hills, mud, low walls, tunnels, tubes, barbed wire & logs. The more challenging obstacles were the high walls near the end. The trench hops were pretty scary, you do not want to fall down in there. The best obstacle was the suislide into the mud, so fun! There was a bit of a wait for the communal showers but it took awhile to get all the mud off, so it was expected. They have a huge area to hang out in after the race. Complete with food, a live band, bounce houses and a mechanical bull. My tips: Be comfortable with lifting your own weight over obstacles and wear a swimsuit under spandex clothing. Bring: antibacterial liquid (there is no where around the porta-potties to wash your hands), sunscreen, a change of shoes, handy wipes and an older towel. I can't wait to be back next year, in costume!

More fun than tough, this one is for any adventure runner! The fast ones do it in 30 minutes. An…read morehour is average. 2 hours if you need to. Some ran, some walked. People are breathing hard while other are laughing. I got sidelined by a foot injury, but I'll be back for the next go round! Post race is refreshments, clean up, beer, and music. Good times people!

Background: The race is an annual event organized by Golden…read moreValley Harriers- a Davis running club. It's an international exchange race with their sister city, Inuyama, Japan and several runners from Inuyama came to run the race. This explains their race logo, which is the Japanese character for RUN in calligraphy. Money raised is given to local running programs including the local high schools. Used shoes were also collected for the Short Term Emergency Aid Committee. Parking was not an issue. It was a smaller race- less than a 1,000 runners. The registration was $27, which included a tech t-shirt. The race was held at the Davis Commons. Taiko drummers were present at the beginning of the race. The course was narrow at some parts, but I'm glad it was well shaded. Afterwards, Whole Foods Market provided runners with a light breakfast. Race results were posted shortly after the race as well as photos, which you can download for free. It was an enjoyable race overall.

My third year running the Labor Day races, but the first time at the 10K distance! My running buddy…read morewon two comped race registrations from a Whole Foods raffle so she asked me to join her in the 10K. I always love the tech shirt designs and the race organization in general. The construction of the Davis Commons parking lot was a drag, with the race start/finish moved from its original spot by Bath and Body works. I didn't have a good view of the taiko drummers or hear the announcer recognize the runners from Japan. The 10K started before the 5Kers but the start lineup by pace was still crowded along the bike path. Garbage truck ahead of us on the residential route along Cowell was...challenging olfactory-wise, as was the stretch past Albany where the birds nest and...defecate. However, the new solar apartments was a nice way to cross Drummond to get over to Willow Creek Park. I'm kind of sad we didn't use the I-80 pedestrian overpass from there though. Volunteers were amazingly peppy. The 5K leaders totally passed me up before the course split. I was pretty slow paced since by the time I crossed the finish line, the kiddies were lined up for the start of their race. D'oh! The Whole Foods-provided breakfast (yogurt, cereal, fruit, etc.) never disappoints, as well as coupons for 2 for 1 deli sandwiches or a free box of Popsicles. I didn't win the random bib number raffles though. A good way to spend the holiday...getting up early to drive to the city I work in, to run 6.2 miles...haha.

It was super organized and fun. Was a great experience. Went and completed it with friends.read more

So we just finished our spartan weekend , and we are now literally sitting in our car stuck in a…read moredisorganized , jam packed, and non moving traffic line ! I have blisters on nearly every toe and I can feel them oozing. I have some real nice large bruises forming on both my knees, legs , elbows, arms and back. I'm covered in mud and dirt and grass. It's in my hair , my ears, between my teeth, under my nails , seriously just all over ! But guess what? I paid for this !!!! That being said , the Spartan race is a fun and challenging event best experienced with a team of your best pals! The race courses itself is well organized with varying degrees of difficulty throughout. Spartan organizers love to test people's upper body strength and your willingness to jump into cold muddy waters ! There are lots of walls to jump over ,bucket of heavy rocks to carry over hills, barb wire crawls that go that seem to on forever , miles of hills full of pot holes , rocks. and slippery mud to climb ! Fun right ! Well it is when you're with your friends . And even if you are doing it alone , everyone participating is so friendly and helpful. There is always someone around to give you a boost when you need it . It's the Spartan way ! The many volunteers that help out with registration and checking in are really supportive and guides you in the right direction if you're lost. My favorite volunteers are one that hangs the medal on your neck after you cross the finish line. That moment feels so good ! My second favorite are the people handing out bananas and water at the end of the race! The Spartan festival grounds is always high energy and positive. Overall they are well organized... except the parking situation. The need more traffic directors to get people out after the race . Anyway , Bring ID for registration. Bring cash for bag check ins. Lots of port a pottys on the grounds . Always check Groupon for spartan deals . Don't forget to stretch before and after your race . Have fun Spartans. AROo!

Welp, it's November, which means total-gluttony day is just around the corner. :p…read more If you want a head start from all of the upcoming turkey trots, I recommend checking this run out! Very family-friendly (lots of kids!). A variety of courses. I did the 5k one and honestly it's one of the most no-fuss 5k courses that I've done. Fully paved with no major inclines/declines. No way to get lost with the very long straightaways (pretty much running a square). Will also say that there's no shade until halfway into the course; wouldn't recommend long sleeves if you sweat easily. Overall highly recommend for beginner 5kers, or even those who want to do speed run building in general! My only critique of this event is that there's no countdown at the starting point so the gunshot signaling the beginning of the run kinda seems to be a surprise lol. Parking is at Old Sugar Mill with Disneyland-esque parking arrangements (parking attendants guiding where to park). Best to arrive early to beat the parking traffic especially since there's only one lane to enter the lot.

I had hoped to run the half marathon but recurring tendonitis made me switch to the 10k. Then I…read moregot the flu so the 5k it was. Who knew the Sacramento area had wine country? The run itself begins at the Delta high school campus and winds through vineyards and fields. The volunteers and runners were friendly, much more so than Bay Area folks I must admit(and I think Bay Area natives are quite sociable having run in various cities). I wasn't fully recovered from the flue but I hung in there for my lovely medal and a breakfast burrito at the finish line. It was quite the drive but a memorable race.