Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Livermore Half Marathon

    3.3 (12 reviews)

    Livermore Half Marathon Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Livermore Half Marathon

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Gina N.

    Besides the scenic course I was actually quite disappointed with the race. Granted it was a small race (3500 participants) and only in its second year, there maybe some room for improvement. They only offered bib pick up the day before from 2-8pm. The good news is they allow friends to pick up for u but if u don't know anyone else participating in the race, the only other option is purchasing the VIP option for race day pick up but it's an additional $35. On race day, luckily we were dropped off otherwise parking was limited. There were no corrals as the race is smaller and but there weren't much bottlenecking after the 1st half mile or so. Race time starts at 8 which I feel is too late. Most races start at 7am. They only give you 3 hours before they open the streets to traffic. It would make more sense to start earlier especially bc weather in livermore is warmer and you're running through fields and vineyards with no shade. Besides the music at the start there was absolutely no music or any kind of cheer squad until mile 11!!!! Yes there was an occasional family here and there the 1st few miles but don't expect a loud large crowd cheering u on. Even at the finish line there was hardly anyone clapping or cheering. Mile 8 & 9 were hard as it got hilly. I thrive on the adrenaline and energy of the spectators to get me through the last few miles and I was hugely disappointed. There were water stops every 2 miles (2 carried Gatorade) but NO other form of fuel along the way. I expected at least a piece of fruit or power gel during the last few miles but no!! I've participated in numerous races from bay to breakers to the Nikes women's marathon & SJ Rock n roll half. And smaller local races like the oakland running festival. I would say the energy level and crowd support at the oakland race 100x better. Makes me appreciate it a lot more. (See my review for that race). the scenic views you get running through sycamore grove park and a long the wineries were nice, but boring after running along it for 10 miles of the race. Also the sensors to alert friends/family of where you're at in the race is located at mile 3 and then not again until mile 10 and then the finish. So it makes it hard unless u have an idea of when you'll actually finish to let them know when you'll cross the finish. No cheers heard crossing the finish but at this point I was just glad I was able to finish as I was running on fumes at the end. Bananas, chips & KIND bars along with coconut water and water stations at the finish. No bag available to put goodies in which was really annoying. Bc they give u a wine glass and you're stuck with figuring out how to carry everything. And the wine & beer tents were crazy packed. It was a just a zoo. Not sure if I would participate again. I thought I was the only one that felt this way but talking to a few others who participated they felt the same way including my gf who ran the race with me.

    2016 Livermore Half Marathon

    See all

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 12
    Thanks 0
    Love this 13
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ron R.
    1430
    1076
    14745

    11 years ago

    Helpful 16
    Thanks 0
    Love this 15
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Gina N.
    108
    483
    6117

    11 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Chris L.
    743
    2050
    1348

    10 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 10
    Thanks 0
    Love this 8
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Bob W.
    34
    362
    0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of L E.
    0
    28
    0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - Livermore Half Marathon

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Races & Competitions 146 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Wente Hook & Ladder 5k & 10k Run - Taylor Hook and Ladder 5k 2015

    Wente Hook & Ladder 5k & 10k Run

    4.2(5 reviews)
    6.6 km

    ***4.5 stars*** i…read moredon't normally trek all the way out to east bay to run races, especially an event that is 40+ miles away from home, but since i was going with a group of friends and we planned to make it an all day event in livermore's wine country, with running, brunching, and wine tasting, i said "why the heck not?" also, the proceeds from this event benefit the livermore-pleasanton firefighters foundation, which supports injured and fallen firefighters, burn foundation and local charities in the tri valley area. definitely a worthy case to run/walk for! for this particular event, there was a choice of 2 distances: 1. 10k (6.2 miles) 2. 5k (3.1 miles) i originally planned to run the 10k, but later downgraded to the 5k b/c i didn't want to tire myself out for the rest of the day's festivities. note that i was able to change distances simply by calling the phone number for on your mark events, the official race organizer, and telling someone what change i wished to make. easy peasy! the pros: -VERY REASONABLE race fees, $30 for the 5k and $35 for the 10k if you register during the early bird period -takes place at WENTE VINEYARDS in livermore, a beautiful vineyard with lots of scenery, definitely a unique venue for a race -CLEAR MILE MARKERS for each race distance, in different colours so that participants could differentiate the 5k vs 10k -ACCURATELY MEASURED DISTANCE, as my garmin read 3.12 miles upon crossing the finish line which is pretty much spot on with the official 5k race distance of 3.1 miles. my friends who ran the 10k informed me that they calculated exactly 6.2 miles, which again, is spot on with the official race distance. -FORGIVING TERRAIN as most of the course took place on crushed dirt, gravel, or grass, which is easier on the joints! -FRIENDLY VOLUNTEERS directing runners in the parking area, manning aid stations along the course, and keeping the refreshments' tables well stocked after the race. i especially appreciated that every volunteer i asked a question to knew the answer, so they prepped well for race day! -FREE and EASY PARKING just inside the main gates of the vineyard and along the street -SWANKY, CLEAN PORTA-POTTIES near the parking and start/finish areas. OMG, i've never experienced such nice porta-toilets before! these individual stalls had very secure locks on the doors, FLUSHABLE toilets, liquid soap, clean running water, and paper towels. i was very impressed by the quality of these portable restrooms supplied for us runners! -COMPLIMENTARY BAG CHECK at the finish area tent (a couple minutes away from the parking and start/finish line) with volunteers to guard your bags until after the race what you get: *choice of PACKET PICKUP @ fleet feet sports in pleasanton the two days prior to the race or on site pick up the morning of. since my friends and i live in south bay, all of us arrived early for on site pickup and experienced no wait. *white, cotton, FINISHER'S SHIRT with a colourful hook & ladder race logo *GOODIE BAG filled with race schwag, a chap stick, pin, id holder, pen, key ring, discounts to local retailers. the actual bag was a reusable safeway organics bag which was very pretty. *several AID STATIONS with volunteers handing out cups of water *TONS of POST-RACE FOOD & DRINKS, including chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin cookies, mini clif bars, bags of salted pretzels, assorted muffins, jelly beans, apples, bananas, zico coconut water, coffee, and water *COMPLIMENTARY CHAIR MASSAGE, compliments of massage envy, underneath the finisher's tent (in the shade!) although i didn't have time to take advantage of this, it was definitely a nice perk! bonuses for top finishers: *a white, dri-fit shirt for the first 20 men and 20 women to cross the finish line in each distance (this is based on order of finish, not chip time) *customized finishers' medals for the top 3 men and top 3 women in each age group *a bottle of wine for the winner in each male/female age group the cons: -it was a HOT day in the tri-valley wine country, already well over 60 when the gun went off and nearly 70 when most of us finished, without a cloud in the sky or even a gentle breeze to keep us cool -the 5k course had quite a few sharp turns, with some portions on tall, thick grass, which made it difficult to accelerate -this course was also not very scenic. although we ran through sycamore park, we didn't actually see much other than trees and grass. although i was dying from the heat, i still managed to finish with a pretty good 5k time, my second best ever, placing 7th overall female, and earning the bonus dri-fit shirt, and second in my age group, earning a customized event medal. i was definitely a happy camper heading home! thank you, to on your mark events, for putting on this terrific event!

    I enjoyed this local race. We did the 10k and it was my first and only trail run. The course is not…read morethrough the wineries as I initially expected, but through the trails near Wente Vineyards. Though the website says the course is fairly flat, there are a couple of steep hills, so steep you have to walk. And judging by the top finisher's times, it is not the easiest course. I remember wanting to quit after mile 3 and asking myself why was I doing this. This race benefits the firefighters of Livermore, and there were plenty of firefighter volunteers and racers. Now there's a perk for you single running ladies, come out and take pleasure in some eye candy! It's a fairly small race, probably just a few hundred. The aid stations, and post race food were good. Also, each racer is given a raffle ticket at the finish line so your chance of winning something is pretty good. My brother in law ended up winning a free round of golf for two at Wente golf course. This race isn't chipped timed which I didn't like but a well organized event and I would do again in the future.

    Photos
    Wente Hook & Ladder 5k & 10k Run - Palo Alto Fire Fighters pepper sauce Vendor. (No she's not eating hot sauce!)

    Palo Alto Fire Fighters pepper sauce Vendor. (No she's not eating hot sauce!)

    Wente Hook & Ladder 5k & 10k Run - Doin' it

    Doin' it

    Wente Hook & Ladder 5k & 10k Run - Fun for the whole family!

    See all

    Fun for the whole family!

    Race To The Flagpole - Shwag

    Race To The Flagpole

    4.0(2 reviews)
    3.8 km

    Distance: Half Marathon…read more + Easy sign up. + On the day packet pick up. + Low registration fees. + Medals for all finishers. + Beautiful course. + Multiple distances available. - Not enough signage for the course. - No 1st, 2nd and 3rd in age group awards. (Not that I was Running for that but would have been nice). - Post Race refreshments kind of ''eh''. Dry Bagels, Apples and Oranges slices with Granola bars. NO BANANA!! :( I signed up for this last minute to pace with a friend that was Running for JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) and really glad I did as the course was beautiful and a nice one to round off the season. I wasn't Running for time but to prove to myself I can show restraint and not have to PR or place in my age group every time I run. Funny that even restraining myself from Running flat out ''balls to the wall'' I still placed first in my age group and 3rd overall. Yahoo! This old shortie still has it. A great run that is fairly small in size, all of the volunteers were really nice and encouraging, especially the Ladies at around the 12 mile mark. A race I would consider doing again next year. If you want to donate to this Charity and my friends fundraiser (greatly appreciated if you do) you can do so here: http://www2.jdrf.org/site/TR?fr_id=3882&pg=personal&px=8476668

    The course for the Race to the Flagpole half marathon is about 45% an out-and-back, which only…read morerunners of the half did, and about 45% the 10K course. The start and finish areas are in Livermore's Independence Park; all runners do the same first and last 3/4 mile or so. On leaving Independence Park runners follow a trail that takes them to Sycamore Grove Park. 10K runners enter it for their run, while half marathon runners pass it by, taking trails paralleling roads through hundreds of acres of vineyards, up into the hills east of Livermore. The trail is twofold - paved trail paralleled by packed dirt trail (watch for equine "landmines"). "Up into hills" means climbing. None are super steep, but it's 2-3 miles of mostly uphill, with some short flat or downhill stretches between individual hills. And then back down again, turning into Sycamore Grove Park to do the 10K course. The 10K course is an elongated figure-8 using trails in the park. These run past vineyards, through oak, eucalyptus, and (surprise!) sycamore groves, past an olive orchard, alongside and over a creek. To me, this, the 10K course, was the more beautiful part of a generally beautiful course. Most of the trail was dirt access road, with perhaps 3/4 of a mile of paved trail (with a packed dirt shoulder). The terrain is mostly gently rolling, with one short hill well worth calling a hill. * Overall, race organization and production were very well done. There were aspects that could be improved, and aspects that were nicer than I expected from a small, local, charity race (two Livermore area high schools' athletic programs). * Easy registration with no service fee tacked onto the registration price, nice for the budget. * Speaking of budget, the $45 registration fee is really low! * This was the first race I've been in (more than 30) that did not send a race instructions email. Much of what is typically in such emails - parking, check-in - was on the mail-in registration form, but I registered online. I found it the day before the race. Race instructions can be an email or a webpage, but if the latter, it should be easy to find. * The course maps are a bit klutzy, a map of the out-and-back section of half marathon, and a map for the 10K, with text showing where half runners go onto the 10K course. Not very user-friendly. There were no elevation profile charts. * Parking was free. The lot got pretty full half or a full hour before start time. * Packet pick-up was race day only, and getting bibs and T-shirts were separate steps. Both were quick for me, and I didn't see a line for either. * There was a color guard from the local VFW post and a singer who led the "Star Spangled Banner". * Both start and finish were chip-timed. * Course marking was OK. There were quite a few stationary course monitors, and quite a few, very helpful, monitors on bicycle. Going astray required being inattentive (which I was at one point; I was corrected within 20 yards by a nearby monitor). A few chalk markings or traffic cones to indicate, "Don't go this way," would improve this. * Aid stations were water only, and there were quite a few. I probably passed water stations 8 times (some twice). I think I heard sloshing sounds as I walked somewhere around mile 10 or 11. * I was the last to finish the half, and when I did there were no food tables or food. On the other hand, well-laden food tables had been in the area before the start, and I had availed myself of some. Having food available to the very end would have been nice, but only 54 did the half marathon. So I have no problem with the lack of food tables at the very end. * By the time I finished they had also run out of finisher's medals. The person in charge apologized profusely, explained, and got my bib number. I was told to expect a medal in the mail in 2-3 weeks. They had received MANY more late and race day registrations than anticipated. I have no problem AT ALL with this consequence of a community supporting a charity race beyond the expectations of the race planners! T-shirt: Light gray cotton T with the race logo (runners approaching a sycamore tree with an American flag in the background, very attractive), race name, year, and distances on the front, and sponsors' logos on the back. Finisher's medal: I looked at the finisher's medal, briefly, before race start. It's an off-the-shelf medallion with laurel leaves circling a center with a printed insert. Goodies: Before race start I saw coffee, bottled water, cut up bagels with cream cheese, muffins, fruit strips, cereal bars, cut up oranges, and uncut Fuji apples. Because there were no elevation profiles I did not prepare for this race as I might have, knowing it was fairly hilly. Just past mile 1 I saw far enough ahead to throttle back a little and finish with a time that had me appropriately satisfied and tired. The 2015 Race to the Flagpole was mostly well-organized, with a beautiful course. I would consider doing this race again.

    Photos
    Race To The Flagpole
    Race To The Flagpole
    Race To The Flagpole

    See all

    Pleasanton Tri for Fun Triathlon - 400 yard swim finish

    Pleasanton Tri for Fun Triathlon

    4.0(28 reviews)
    6.6 km

    I will start out by explaining the need for better communication amongst the participants prior to…read morerace day. We registered through snail mail to avoid the processing fees, and a week later my check was cashed and that was the only way I knew they received my payment and registration! No email to confirm, so I had to email to verify a few weeks before the event that we were registered. It took a few days to get a response and when I did I was informed in fact we were not registered! I emailed back confirmig the date my check was cashed, then reply was sent back saying our registration was misplaced but they found it. Whew! But no other information is provided prior to race day, and that's frustrating to first timers as myself. Day of Event: I will say the preparation for race day was much more organized. We arrived at 5:45am and everything was practically set up, easy to retrieve your bib with plenty of friendly volunteers. I had to ask around a lot where to go, what to do, it was our first sprint triathlon, but everyone was helpful. There is a pre race speech given by past participants who were very informative and motivating! 400 yard swim: They break you up into age and male/females. Which I liked, easier to swim next to my fellow women especially when you may be in really close proximity. I hit a few people with my arms and legs but everyone was really friendly to my apolgies. The water at Shadow Cliffs I will have to say is DISGUSTING! Seriously, just walking to the starting point of the swim, makes me gag thinking about it. Gooeuy, seaweed type algae in between your toes that goes up past your knees when you step in it! The visibility in the water is zero, but the swim not bad physcially. 3 booeys that form a sqaure with the shoreline and easy to see. I had been training a lot in a lap pool and did one one open water swim, and was prepared for this portion of the triathlon. 11 mile bike: LOVED this route! A few hills, but overall a nice flat ride with pretty views of wine courntry in Livermore/Pleasanton. Traffic is blocked off and we get the road mostly to ourselves. 3 mile run: This was torture for me, it was hot, and there were a few more hills than I expected. But water is provided along the trail, it switched back a lot, but try to follow the chalked in arrows and you will be Ok. The finish line MC was awesome, saying your name and where you are from loud and clear with enthusiasm! I finished in 1hr 32 mins, I timed myself on my watch, but for $15 extra you can request a timing chip. I didn't make my goal of 1.5 hours but was pretty close, and didn't train too much, mostly only for the swimming portion. A check off my bucketlist, and it's local so have to be appreciative to OnYourMark Events to continuing this tradation of Sprint Triathlons in the area. Just wish for better communication and a better swimming location!

    I completed the July 2018 Tri for Fun as my first triathlon and it was a great experience. I can't…read moreimagine a better sprint distance triathlon for the first timer and/or beginner. The event was well organized, well staffed, had plenty friendly volunteers, and was chipped timed. Post race results and pics were made available immediately after the event and showed your times in each of the 3 disciplines and the 2 transitions. Very useful info for future events and training. The water was warmer than most pools and I never felt cold while swimming in just shorts. Check-in was quick and easy and the morning participant meeting was informative and clarified any questions you might have about the course. Easy parking and decently clean bathrooms. Great event and highly recommended. Liked it so much, I am planning on doing the August event and this time with my wife.

    Photos
    Pleasanton Tri for Fun Triathlon
    Pleasanton Tri for Fun Triathlon - Getting ready to go running with my son!

    Getting ready to go running with my son!

    Pleasanton Tri for Fun Triathlon - Transition location

    See all

    Transition location

    California International Triathlon - Swim to bike transition

    California International Triathlon

    4.0(2 reviews)
    6.5 km

    It is an out and back swim in the warm Shadow Lakes and a fun and scenic rolling bike and a two…read moreloop 10K on mostly trails with one major incline and some rolling hills. very well organized race and a ton of fun, nice job USA productions! I look forward to racing again next year.

    Hmm Yelp is kind of a weird place to write a race review but whatever, here goes…read more I'm not a serious triathlete just someone who enjoys the sport for fun and to say I finished a race so this review is going to come from that perspective. I thought this race was really fun! The lake was clean and pretty warm actually, while still being wetsuit legal and not too hot. The 1.5k swim course takes you around almost the entire lake, which made me feel like a real champ. The 40k bike course was really enjoyable. I'm from the east coast and am used to really flat bike courses so when I moved to SF this was a bit of a challenge. This one had a nice climb from mile 10 - 12 but otherwise was pretty simple. For someone like me this was just enough of a challenge to feel like I really did something without so many hills that I felt miserable. (Like I said, serious athletes may not have found this challenging enough, but I enjoyed it.) The 10k run was mostly on a trail which was great since I have knee problems. It's a 5k loop so you do it twice, which isn't super exciting, but I kind of liked knowing what to expect the second time around. Last year I raced the Folsom Long Course Triathlon which is also put on by USA Productions and had quite a few complaints about the level of support. But this race seemed well supported, so they really redeemed themselves in my eyes. Plus, it's pretty close to SF which is nice when traveling for a race. Into it!

    Photos
    California International Triathlon
    California International Triathlon
    California International Triathlon - Bike to run transition

    See all

    Bike to run transition

    San Ramon Half Marathon & 5K Race - Men's Top Runners

    San Ramon Half Marathon & 5K Race

    4.5(2 reviews)
    14.8 km

    Event Date: 03/30/2008 This small hometown half marathon was…read morea perfect training ground for my upcoming Santa Cruz run. The course consisted of 13.1 miles of residential streets and valley roads with several rolling hills. The start and finish line was at the San Ramon Dougherty Community Center and organized by the city and local residents. This was its second annual half marathon with nearly 1,000 participants making it a perfect start for first timers and heavyweights like me. This was cool because I was able to work on my pace and breathing without being distracted by elite runners. I was able to stay focus and really concentrate - getting into the zone and testing my limits. I did really well the first six miles. My past injuries didn't resurface. My momentum stayed consistent. And my thoughts of the Santa Cruz Half Marathon were in motion. Once I reached the ninth mile, I started to run out of gas. The fear of fatiguing out was upon me. I took a short pause, fueled up (gel pack), and finished up at 2:35. Not bad considering that this had several tough hills. After crossing the finish line, I was totally surprised that they had finisher medals! OMG! I totally stoked! Moments after the adrenaline faded away I fatigued out and felt a sharp pain on the arch of my right foot. I suffered a minor injury that's going to take my off my feet for three days. Now I got two weeks left before Santa Cruz and a bottle of Motrin to ease the pain. Thanks Omar T. for joining me at this event. This was his first half marathon and he kicked ass. Onward to Santa Cruz my brotha!!! Notes: All flat course. No. Inclines ranged from 15-25. Running shoes: Merrell Overdrive Continuum Timing chips: No Restrooms: There was only one portable at the seven mile marker Water stations: Two. Will do this event again next year? Yes. It's a great warm up to future events, but wear long compressions (spandex). It's cold as hell when you "Run Like the Wind" in San Ramon.

    I was very disappointed! This time they were not organized at all! They started late; Parking was…read morehorrible, there were bunch of obnoxious people leading before the race started. And worse of all, I didn't get the T-shirt size that I wanted. I look forward to this event every year. But unfortunately, this year, it wasn't what I was hoping for, at all! And this is not going to stop me from participating next year! Thank you!

    Photos
    San Ramon Half Marathon & 5K Race - Women's Top Runners

    Women's Top Runners

    San Ramon Half Marathon & 5K Race
    San Ramon Half Marathon & 5K Race

    See all

    Pleasanton Half Marathon and 5k Fun Run - Left: Steve's 5k TShirt and Bib. Right: My Half Marathon TShirt and Bib

    Pleasanton Half Marathon and 5k Fun Run

    3.0(3 reviews)
    10.9 km

    Hhmm.. can't say I was overly impressed with this event on the day…read more Packet pickup the day before was pretty good, a lot more organized then the Fremont event in February yet still needs a little work for next year. Reason being that during registration we had to choose our TShirt: Male / Female in XS, S, M or L. I selected Female XS yet when I went to collect at 1:30pm (pickup was 12-5) they had completely ran out of that size. Whole idea or choosing your size beforehand was so that you get the correct one. Luckily they had XXS and as that was the same size I got for the previous event it actually worked out in my favor but I'm sure it didn't for other runners, especially those that came later in the day. As for the event itself I really think they cheaped out, maybe because double medals were awarded for those that also took part in the Fremont event and most of the money went on getting those made. There are minus stars for: - The guy calling people for their awards didn't really know what he was doing. I came 2nd in my age group yet he called me as being 3rd with somebody else's time (doh) and I overheard others saying that their time was wrong too. All of the timing was done by SVE Timing via chips on the back of our bibs and we were able to check them ourselves on the computer system so I've got no idea how he got it all so wrong. - Limited guys doing the massage. Just 2 guys for over 1,500 people! They were great though and the same people that did the Fremont event. I loved my leg and ass massage by the same person that did it before. - Post race food was sparse. I was among the first to complete the Half and by the time I had a quick restroom break and massage (about 30 minutes total) all that was on offer was Orange slices and half a cold Burrito. I overheard people in the 5k saying that they had Muffins, Donuts and Banana's too. Damn! I could have pulled somebody's arm off for a Banana! I feel bad for those that finished after me and the organizers need to get their priorities right. Those that did 3.1 miles got a feast of all the good stuff where those than done an additional 10 miles got scraps. - Did not receive the ''Branded Chamois Finishers Towel'' that was promised on the website. - I did not see an engraver as advertised. Maybe I completely missed it in my pain filled haze but Hubby and I did do the rounds twice looking for it. As for the race itself it was mainly flat as promised (yay!) yet lot's of it was gravel. I hate running on gravel, the uneven surface doesn't make for easy running then add in all of the dust it's an Asthmatic's (me) nightmare. As suspected running with an existing knee injury and sore foot I didn't place where I did before but I came pretty damn close! Went from 1st to a not too shabby 2nd with being just a few seconds faster. First place beat me by just 50 seconds. Frustration! Race rundown: Start: Hella cold...Let's to this!!! Mile 1: What.. Already? 6:30mins. Good start. Mile 2: Uuurgh gravel *chokes* Mile 3: Woohoo. Endorphins kicked in. Feeling good. Mile 5: Hmmm, Steve should be starting his 5k soon. Somewhere between mile 6 and 7: Ooooh, is that a FroYo shop? Hmm, probably not open for another 4 hours *sigh*. Rough mile 7.5: Ow ow ow knee pain. Mile 8-9: Not a good section of the race for me :( Just passed the 8mile marker my knee buckled beneath me followed by a searing pain, tears and vomit. Luckily the extra Ibuprofen I had with me played their part and I hobbled to mile 9 where I managed to pick up pace thereafter. Roughly 9.5 mile: Damn! Seems my watch timer resets at 1hr. Mile 10: I'm getting too old for this sh*t. Mile 11: ADRENALINE!!! Mile 13: Almost there! Need to pee!! Mile 13.050: Where the feck is the finishing line?? Some nice guy then points me in the right direction. Mile 13.1: Hallefuckinglujah.. where's the restrooms? Shortly followed by me collapsing in pain. Booo. So yeah... an ok event. I probably won't do any more organized by this group. They have a habit of really miss-selling the registration.

    I run a handful of races a year, ranging from 5ks, 10ks, and Half Marathons. The boyfriend is an…read moreavid cyclist, but was interested in trying a 5k, so we opted to do the Pleasanton 5k since it was one I hadn't done before. We registered less than a week before the event. The packet pick-up was fairly easy and stress-free. However, when I registered, I signed up for a WOMEN'S MEDIUM t-shirt. Seeing as how they gave the option for men or women, I assumed I would be getting a shirt fitted for women. WRONG. They were unisex cotton t-shirts, so my medium sized shirt was way too big, and they wouldn't let me exchange it for a small. I also wish they would give the option to upgrade to a technical t-shirt for a fee like a lot of other races offer. I run A LOT, so I use those tech shirts A LOT. I never wear those cheap, stiff cotton shirts for anything other than housework. The start times and locations were well organized. There seemed to be plenty of parking as long as you don't wait to show up until the last minute. Bathrooms were relatively plentiful between the port-a-potties and the park bath houses, but the bath houses ran out of toilet paper in the ladies rooms very quickly. The guy at the start line was speaking through a megaphone rather than a mic/loudspeaker, so it was difficult to hear any instruction he was giving. One of my biggest pet peeves in races are those gosh-darn jogging stroller buggy things. I get this is a 'family fun run' and I applaud anyone who won't let kids stop them from exercising, but those stupid strollers are dangerous, and a lot of the people running with them don't seem to know runners etiquette. So if race organizers are going to allow them, they need to have a separate start time for strollers, and they need to be IN THE BACK where they can't run over peoples' feet or cause an accident. Some people did this on their own (thank you!) but others went right up towards the front and created a hazard for those trying to get around. The course was very flat, and the 5k was completely on pavement. This is a super easy run--I set a new 5k PR by a couple of minutes. The volunteers consisted mostly of high school kids who really didn't look too happy to be there. I don't really blame them--If I were 14, I wouldn't want to be up at the crack of dawn on a Sunday to watch people run and direct foot traffic, either. But a little more enthusiasm would have been nice. THE MEDALS ARE CHEAP. I've run some 5ks where they were giving out some really nice medals, but these ones are pretty crappy. I don't know about the Half Marathon medals, but these ones are a thin circle of flimsy metal with a sticker on them rather than any engraving or paint. Nowhere near the "First Class Medals" they advertised. And ditto on what Emmaloousie B. said: Where's my freakin' "Branded Chamois Finishers Towel"?? They did have some good post-race freebies. I know this race is only in its second year, but they still have some work to do. I *may* come back next year for the Half, but I'm not making any promises. Off to the Wildcat 10k.

    Photos
    Pleasanton Half Marathon and 5k Fun Run - Hubby's 5k Double medals. The 5k medal is so cheap and flimsy where the duel medal is smaller.

    Hubby's 5k Double medals. The 5k medal is so cheap and flimsy where the duel medal is smaller.

    Pleasanton Half Marathon and 5k Fun Run - Packet pick up

    Packet pick up

    Pleasanton Half Marathon and 5k Fun Run

    See all

    Pleasanton Rotary Spirit Run

    Pleasanton Rotary Spirit Run

    3.8(4 reviews)
    9.7 km

    I can't believe no one wrote a review about this annual run! The Rotary Club had a 16th Annual…read morePleasanton Spirit Run on June 21st which happened to land on Father's Day. It was a great time! I broke my PR for my 10K which I was very proud of. I would do this again next year since it benefits Pleasanton schools and it's an easy course! The weather that day was beautiful, too!

    Wow, still only a single review?!?!?…read more Father's day, and pop gives the heads up that he's committed me to "something" on this day, just be sure to bring my running shoes. Despite the fact that I was HORRIFICALLY hung over, it's all about pop today, so I suck it up and run. Thank the heavens above he only signed me up for the 5k (there's also a 10k). The course is quick, easy, and fun with one water stop about mid way. If I had a gripe (don't I always?), it would be at the starting line. Damn people, it's a 5k! So many people took off like they were shot out of a cannon, even knocking some people over! It's Father's Day boys and girls - let's just enjoy this one. What was most important was that my dad really enjoyed himself. So much so that he says, "We should make this a tradition every year." Great crowd, great cause (benefiting Pleasanton schools), and an awesome way to start off a day that is going to be filled with the indulgences of food and beer. Just make sure you save to beer indulgences for AFTER the race and not the night before - ugh!

    Livermore Half Marathon - races - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...