This is a great, well run and local run that kicks off EVER year on Thanksgiving morning! It's a…read moreUSAT&F certified 5k that winds thru the scenic streets of Piedmont. The course is closed to all cars for the first 45 minutes of the race which makes it a speedy course for those who finish in 16 minutes or simply a fun and safe course for people and their families or are walking it. The motto is, "MOVE your feet before you eat! "Your registration gets you a chipped time race bib, a stylish tech shirt and a party at the finish line featuring a band, prizes and morning coffee. http://piedmontturkeytrot.com

I participated in the 2016 race. I've done a couple other 5ks as well as a 10k so this wasn't my…read morefirst race. Prices were reasonable. Packet pickup was quick and easy (at the veterans center). However, the hours weren't practical at all (3:00pm-5:30pm, most race pickups are about 9-5). The free bag and water bottle was cool but I would have rather had a medal. The shirts were nice but a tighter material so you couldn't roll up the arms. Lots of snacks before and after the race (samples, bananas, hot cocoa/coffee). Race day parking was easy and free. You can pick up your packet morning of but they wont guarantee your shirt (huh?). There was no line for packet pickup but a huge one for morning of registration. Time tracking for the race was a plus. My biggest complaint is the course. While the neighborhood offers nice scenery, it's a lot of uphill for a fun run. Probably more than half the course is uphill. Very little of the course is flat, it's mostly variations of up and down hill. Also, the road you're running on isn't leveled out, it's dome shaped. This meant if you didn't run down the dead center of the road you were running at an odd angle and disproportionally stressing the joints. Also there were no water stations on this run. Why? This is the only 5k I've ever done that didn't provide water stations; seems like a liability. All in all it's a nice community of people to run with but I'd be hesitant to run that course again in the future.

My 16 year old son trains with runTAM and we are ecstatic to have found them. My son is already…read morevery active and experienced, but we had never quite found the right fit for training. Tom and his team are exceptional. They deal with all types of people and needs, each at their own personal level. They are personable, knowledgeable, flexible and intuitive. This is the first time my son has been challenged but not injured. 10 stars for runTAM!

"Running" to me used to mean a 3 mile jog in Golden Gate Park, followed by tacos at Gordo's on 9th…read moreAve. The run would take me over 35 minutes; the tacos about 5. So I was doing 12 minute miles and 2.5 minute tacos. :) After 10 weeks of runTam training, I just ran my first half marathon in 2:06! Ok, sure, that's an hour slower than Tom's personal record... but I'm darn proud of myself! Magda is so warm, enthusiastic and inspiring! At the end of every training run she'd greet me with a huge smile and shouts of praise, even though my times were never impressive. I'm pretty sure that if she came across a snail trying to cross the sidewalk she would drop to the ground, cheer "You can do it!", and crack a packet of Gu over it... And Tom is so... tall! ;) Despite all the 6:30am training runs when I was gasping for breath while he chattered away like a school girl and never broke a sweat, he's also a great motivator. And you wouldn't guess it by looking at him, but he knows a ton about running and physiology! Seriously though - he's an awesome coach. I also liked meeting other people who were training. Although I ran on my own on the long runs, it was fun to do warm ups and post-run exercises with some company. Definitely easier to stick with a training plan when you're not alone! Life is short... Treat yourself to a good pair of running shoes and world-class training with runTam!

This venue offered the easiest parking situation I've ever encountered at a triathlon. It was nice…read moreto be able to easily walk to the race from our car and not have to wait for a shuttle. Other family friendly amenities included a jumpy house for the kids, a bbq, and a very well run and somewhat entertaining kids triathlon that took place once the grown-ups race was complete and they were available to root the younger triathletes on. These races are starting to become more and more common at tri-events. I think this is a very savvy recruitment move on the part of the triathlon community. It essentially insures that their sport stays relevant. For more on the Stanford Treeathlon, visit: http://triathlon.stanford.edu/treeathlon/

"Misery loves company"--a cliche but oh so true. This review was for the sprint triathlon…read more Pros: Easy parking close by (no shuttles). Super nice volunteers at packet pick-up and on the course. Not too many people, so the swim wasn't like a wrestling pit at the start. Late start time for the Sprint tri. Cons: Long waits at Porta Potties; first race of the season means you haven't been in open water for a while (you know, cause it's been freezing); cold (it was in the 40s and hailing in 2017. Hailing!!); the swim end is FAR from transition and you'll wreck your feet if you don't bring extra shoes; bike course is 4 loops and it isn't very pretty. Listen, I know that the organizers can't control the weather, but man was this a miserable tri--super cold and windy. The swim is in a harbor (kinda icky; choppy but no current), and after swimming, you have to run (.5 miles according to Strava!) with bare feet from the swim end to the transition zone. If you've run on asphalt, you know it is unpleasant. Try running a half mile on asphalt with freezing feet. Agony. It felt like running on glass. Almost one week later, my feet still hurt. You can bring shoes to put at the swim end; I just never dreamed that it would be so far. The bike course is 12 miles (4 loops!) in the two middle lanes of (I think) a 4-lane highway right next to cars. Four loops with cars around you in the hail is just not fun. Even without the hail, meh. They didn't have shirts (lost the boxes in the mail or something). There were photographers there (working in the occasional sunny period), but we never got a link to photos. Not the biggest deal, but...(edit: got a link to photos several weeks later. They were terrible . Not sure what's up with that.) TL/DR: Do this tri if you're a local. You'll have fun with your friends. Otherwise, maybe just concentrate on training and wait for a warmer/prettier tri.

I attended the recruitment week for the triathlon club a few weeks back at their swim event at…read moreAquatic Park. I met a few of the club members and they were all kind. There were a few announcements made by the swim director Aimee before she requested all newcomers to come up to the front. I was the first one to the front and greeted her, only to be completely ignored. As moments passed, several other individuals showed up and were promptly greeted by Aimee. She conducted her quick safety briefing and offered advice and the opportunity for pairings for those individuals. However, when I again greeted her and let her know that I was interested in joining the club, I was met with a look and tone of annoyance. It was comical how quickly her tone negatively shifted when she had to interact with me. I explained that I came from a competitive swim background, and her only response was to jump into the water. No offer for open water swim advice or partner pairings like she did with everyone else. I did a quick swim and wanted to ask a few more questions about the club and was blatantly ignored by Aimee once again. It's quite ironic how she praises the value of community, generosity, and support in the club on the website, and yet, as a leader within the club, she displays the complete opposite. Sports such as triathlons and biking have all had a history and stereotype of being exclusive, and unfortunately, this group has selected a leader that further perpetuates this negative stigma. Aimee isn't a complete reflection of the club and their values as she is an individual, but I do want others to be aware of my experience when exploring or looking for a community

I'd have to agree with Isla and J.G.'s reviews. It shocks me how almost mindlessly fawning the…read moremajority of reviews for GGTC are, almost like cultish brainwashing. I've been a high performer in sports all my life, and have therefore seen the worst and best of the jock lifestyle. GGTC is more clique-ish and shallow than even high school sports. They will talk a good game and coax new members in with backslaps and promises of comradery. But, just like grade school, you have to hit some magical combination of perceived coolness to actually be accepted. To prospective members: Do you seriously want to be a part of that immaturity? One example happened the very first week I joined. I went on a general long-distance road cycle organized by GGTC. The event leader was Ellison Wada. (Yes, you are going to be called out when you behave churlishly.) I spoke with him about the Marin Century Ride and mentioned I had registered for it. He answered my questions about what the course was like, and vaguely mentioned that some GGTC members would be riding in it. Never mentioned who they were, and his body language and evasive speech made it clear I was not welcome to join that contingent. So, as a new member to GGTC and a new transplant to San Francisco, I was left to do the century alone. What a great feeling that was as someone trying to establish themself in an unfamiliar place. Come the day of the century, about halfway through the ride, I see Ellison and about eight other GGTC members at a rest station. So even though this sad boy was part of that contingent, he purposely withheld that fact because he didn't want me to join them. And no, neither he nor GGTC can make the excuse that I would have had trouble keeping up. I kept up with the faster riders during the previous group event, and during other rides, consistently outpaced members who trained 3x more than I did. Furthermore, I actually caught up to the GGTC contingent during that Marin Century, even though I started an hour later than they did. Note that this was my first century ever, and I still caught up to them. Maybe the club needs to rethink if it's really as hot as it believes, and reconsider its training programs, if a newbie can easily achieve that without any support. It's pretty sad to see grown adults -- many of who were never-beens when they were younger and are trying to desperately capture some semblance of glory in their twilight years -- behave that way. I couldn't stand being around a group of people I felt nothing but contempt for, and left in disgust several months after joining.

What a fun way to start the year and kick start your new years fitness goals. The run is through…read morethe golden park, down ocean beach and back. I completed the 10k for the first time with friends. I would say the run can be a challenge, there is uphill going back to the park. I run golden gate but if you are used to flat running it can be an adjustment. One critique was the water stations seemed to be poorly stationed out. There were plenty of water during the first few miles but then we couldn't find water for the last end, which is when you need it ! But everyone was friendly and the after hot chocolate was .

A huge race thank goodness they started tying the start lines with the 5K people starting a good 45…read moreminutes to an hour before the 10 and 15 K. There is a cut off for speed with 15 minute mile being the slowest so I'm gonna have to hustle if you're a walker I don't know if it is worth it to do the VIP we did. We just got a little grocery bag with some chocolate and coupons in it at the packet pick up and then on the day we suppose we were to get a hot breakfast and a turkey sausage we wanted to have bananas. Regular people were getting but they ran out. I don't know that I would ever do the VIP again unless it was raining and then it's totally worth it.

It's great to finally have a Turkey Trot in Oakland!! I missed the Inaugural race last year, but…read morethis years (2018) was great. It's the exact same route as the Oakland Running Festival 5K, running on the streets around Lake Merritt. They also have kids races. It's a 5K that starts at 8:30 AM, and you can sign up online or race day morning. I love that they offer a packet mailing option, I wish all races offered this!! There is also a virtual race option if you can't actually make it there. The rain seemed to stop just long enough to get this done this year, but it started pouring rain not long after the finish. But we really needed the rain, and rain running is fun anyhow. So mark your calendars, every Thanksgiving, this race could become a new tradition. And you can burn some calories, work up an appetite, and feel less guilty from all the food you're gonna eat later!!

Out of the six half marathons and one full marathon I've run so far, Run with the Jets is my…read morefavorite for its flat and scenic route. The route follows the Bay Trail towards Foster City and back, treating runners to scenic views of peaceful waters and open skies. One of my favorite sights was a huge clear sky with rays of sunlight bursting through slits in the clouds while the moon lingered nearby as morning rose. I was also enchanted by the sight of hundreds of birds fluttering through the air as a young boy chased them along the shoreline. As the race's name suggests, there are several planes flying overhead that are neat to gaze at, as well. The flat course makes this race easier to run, or at least as easy as running 13.1 miles gets. It's perfect for first-timers or those looking to set a personal record. There were markers for every mile, aid stations every two miles, one port-a-potty, and one actual restroom. Unlike other big city races I've done, there weren't any spectators along the sidelines cheering runners on and holding signs, but that seemed fit for this quiet and peaceful trail. Staff members were all really friendly and encouraging. The swag bag this year included a bright neon green shirt, packets of Emergen-C, a sample packet of BioFreeze that did wonders to my aching joints, and four boxes of Dove Clinical Protection Deodorant. After the race, other freebies included bottles of ZICO coconut water and huge beer mugs with equally big SoBe drinks. They also offered free t-shirts from previous years up for grabs, though it was mostly large and extra-large sizes. Bananas, bagels, candy, and cookies were offered in the food tent. Most importantly, finishers received a sweet medal. Half marathons are fun challenges that anyone can accomplish with hard work and determination. Don't miss out on this great race!

Run With The Jets 1/2 Marathon started at Coyote Point Park…read more $6.00 park entry/parking fee. I enjoyed this race. We started out at Coyote Point Park and walked along the San Francisco Bay Trail up, and past the San Mateo Bridge. The course was an out and back. Expo in the park before and after the race.....nice. Course was well marked and mile markers were at every mile. USTF Certified Course Plenty of water stations and a few provided Fruit Punch Gator Ade...nice. Enthusiastic water station aides...awesome! On course photographers Bathrooms at Coyote Point park and one port-a-potty en route. Course monitors patroled by way of bike...excellent! Awesome views. Race limited to 1200 athletes. Packet pick up was available at A Runners Mind in Burlingame, which included a nice preshrunk tshirt and a nice smoke colored water bottle and a few additional goodies. Onsite pack pick up was also available. Race started about 10 minutes late...not a big deal. Race MC was very perky and enthusiastic. Official chip timing. Race started a little late and there were no course monitors at the last leg in to the finish chute area so I got a little off course.

SO... want to know what I've been up too? Just embarked my last race of the year and I'm not going…read moreto lie it was challenging and tough. I only trained for two months which was basically running and core work outs, I recommend to train if you plan on entering the race. Men's Health Urbanathlon is a 11.2 mile race with 10 marine core obstacles. The race starts off across the street from AT&T park through the Embarcadero to Coit tower then onto the piers which lead into the marina by the entrance of Crissy fields. The turn about starts from Crissy fields all the way back to the ball park. You are probably all wondering what was the hardest course: For me: 1. 1 mile of running up to Coit tower-left me winded, I am a runner but damn them hills are killer. For those of you who don't know, Coit tower is the highest point in SF. 2. Marine hurdles- I am 5'1 and the walls were pretty high. First of all you if you can't hop over the wall you get thrown into the penalty box oh and you cannot have anyone help you. Plus there is a man yelling at everyone to hurry up and hawking you. This is were the core exercises helped me, to lift my own body up. 3. Holding a tire on the balance beam. I've stopped crossfit for a while, and heavy weights so balancing that out and not falling is challenging, especially with other people on the beam. 4. AT&T park, that was already mile 9? my calves were on fire!! So running up and down the park is a killer but hey I sucked it up. As for the rest of the courses, I want to say it was cake only because I trained. If you look at the videos of the bus and taxi obstacle-you have to climb over it, btw-that was easy for me!! Definitely crossed off my bucket list. I finished strong even then I got a beat down. Literally my legs are bruised and every inch of my body is sore. It was totally worth it. If you are interested in challenging yourself, I would like to say Men's Urbanathlon is the one race, you won't regret. #BEAST

Want to test your fitness? Then Men's Health Urbanathlon is up your alley!…read more 10 Obstacles and a total of 11.3 miles. Starting & finishing at Lot D of AT&T park. 6 hydration stations. Running to Coit tower, along embarcadero and to Fort Mason then along back embarcadero with marine hurdles, police barricades along the way. Here is the breakdown of how it went down: 1st obstacle: Police Barricades/Jersey Barricades 2nd obstacle: Black & Yellow Poles/Fence Crawl 3rd obstacle: Coit Tower Climb 4th obstacle: Fiat Marine Hurdles & Balance Beam/Tire Carry 5th obstacle: Over Under Through 6th obstacle: Tires/Pallets 7th obstacle: Black & Yellow Poles/Camo Net Crawl 8th obstacle: AT&T Park Stair Climb 9th obstacle: Monkey Bars/Parallel Bars 10th obstacle: Finish Sequence (going over 4 taxi cabs, and going over a bus with a net that you have to climb over and down followed by a 8 foot wall you have to clear) The hill run to Coit tower was challenging. Many folks were winded and the hill run was long and steep. I've ran hills before and continue to so this part was not as hard as it was for others. I witnessed people vomiting on their way up the hill because it was difficult to do. The next obstacles weren't so hard but you did have to wait a little bit for your turn to come around. The Hurdles were pretty high and I'm 5'6" so if you're shorter than myself then you will have trouble. 20 burpee penalty for not doing any obstacles. Running back from Fort Mason was challenging. Most I've ever ran was 10 miles beforehand and my legs were starting to feel it. By the time I got to AT&T park my calves were feeling it. How many times can you run through AT&T park?! Especially if you're a HUGE GIANTS fan!!!! The stairs were a challenge because your legs are tired from all the running and it is a workout! I almost cramped up as I got to the parallel bars and I witnessed people collapse to the ground due to cramping. At the end I finished 2 hours and 9 minutes. Which I had accomplished my goal to do it under 2:30. Lots of goodies at the event at the end! Taking pictures and them giving out awards and samples and massages. It was a great day! I'm interested on doing the ones n New York and Chicago! It is a great experience! a true test to your cardio and fitness. CrossFit has definitely helped me and prepared me for this! I can check this off my list! Give this Urbanathlon a try! You'll be drained but feel good at the end! Stay healthy my friends! Bring out your inner BEAST!