Event Date: Saturday, May 3, 2008…read more I give much love to the founding members, families, friends, and volunteers that have taken one man's tragedy and turn it into a positive community event here in San Jose. Going into its third year, Pat's Run is the celebration legacy to Pat Tilman (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pat_Tillman). Though I did not know Pat, I have embraced his achievements in football and the ultimate sacrifice for America. I first learned about this event at the Sunnyvale Sports Basement community board. Since I was in the middle of my conditioning, I decided to take on this challenge and add another event to my 2008 season. The Run Highly Recommend for First Timers: Yes. If granny can do it, so can your lazy ass. Get into running! And one of the best ways to do just that is lacing up your new pair of running shoes at sunrise on a Saturday morning. For those that love to walk but don't want to get their bodies beat up, Pat's Run is very walker friendly that provides participants of all ages a leisure course. We had the neighboring streets and residential areas of Leland High School to ourselves on this 4.2 mile trek (mostly flat with two short inclines at 0.2 miles). Plenty of water stations along the way and markers to keep your determination levels up. Note: Skip the energy drinks along the way. It was hella nasty. The finish line takes you to Leland High's football stadium. There we found the colorful blue and gold balloons and inflatable archway where we were congratulated by the San Jose State Spartans Football team. Thanks to my buddy Omar T for joining me again - one more run before his wedding. Registration: I registered on the Friday (the day before the event) at the Leland High Football stadium. There was limited parking next the stadium so I recommend getting there early. Walk up registration was easy to find and simple. They accept cash or check. Pick up your race bib, timing strip, cool race shirt, and race packet (filled with fitness goodies). Highlight: I was digging the race shirt because it's made of the new mesh ventilation material - making it lightweight and comfortable to wear. Parking on the day of the event: Get there early and park along the neighborhoods on Via Valiente street. This is the best parking next to the event because you avoid the traffic into and out of the event. Omar and I left the house at 6:30am and arrived at the event at 7:00am. No hassles and stress free. Finish Time: 42:22 Timing Chip: No. They used the new "Timing Strip" which makes it easier to install and take off your running shoe. Pretty cool device - saves plastic. Great way to prepare for Bay to Breakers in SF: Yes Number of Participants this Year: 6,000 Charity Event: Yes. http://www.pattillmanfoundation.org/ Running Highlight: The MPC Fire Academy. These guys ran in strict formation while chanting their company songs. Highly motivating to stay with this running pack. After Race Highlight: Free 15 minute massages from Club One for all participants. Will Participant Again Next Year: Yes. Running Shoes for this event: NB's 1011

1st time to do this race and I really enjoyed it. Great organization at the beginning and ending…read more The only part that needs improvement is the t-shirts. Upon picking up the bibs, we were not given a t-shirt. The race, there's a 5K and a 5 mile. Of course at the finish, the 5K runners got first dibs on t-shirts. I did the 5 mile and was able to get my t-shirt, but my friend wasn't able to get her t-shirt size, they ran out. She was pissed. I recommend either 2 things to avoid having upset or angry runners. 1- give the t-shirt on the day they pick up their bib 2 - have 2 different t-shirts, one for 5K runners and one for 5 mile runners. These shirts should be given at the finish in exchnage for a bottom section of the bib. This will ensure runners receive the correct shirt, correct size, and only One. Just a thought......

This is the 2nd year that I've ran the San Jose Giants Race. I ran in 2012 and 2013, both 5 mile…read morerace. I plan to run this race again in coming years. Overall, I like this race route and the race is well organized. The last quarter mile is running into the San Jose Giants stadium. At the end of the race, you get your race dri-fit shirt and race medal, plus the usual post-run snacks and drinks. Exiting the stadium there was a line to take a picture with the 2010 and 2012 San Francisco Giants World Series trophies. A++

This is the first season I've participated in Threshold Racing events, and after finishing the last…read moreevent of the season yesterday I was so pleased with my experience that I feel compelled to write a review. I did the San Jose Metro Triathlon (which turned into a duathlon), Morgan Hill Tri, a weekend Splash & Dash, and a weekend Norcal Open Water Swim. All the events were well organized, with good pre and post race food, well staffed water stops, clearly marked courses, and awesome shirts (they just needed a few more porta-potties at the Splash & Dashes). What impressed me the most, however, was how well they managed problems. When the swim portion of the San Jose Metro Tri had to be canceled they sent out clear communication, provided a discount on a future race, and donated money to a nonprofit. Most importantly, they still put on a great race, even without the swim. Threshold races attract a lot of tri clubs and competitive age-groupers which was intimidating at first for this back-of-the-packer. But the vibe was always very encouraging and welcoming. Plus, competing with all these high level folks really prepared me for my first Half Ironman. The races are reasonably priced and I love all the different options with the Splash & Dash events. You can swim 1 or 2 miles and then run 3 or 6 miles or just swim without the run. It's such a great way to get in a brick workout and get some practice racing too. Thanks for a great season Threshold. I'll be back!

Almaden Lake is closed for swimming. Everyone knows this. Organizing a triathlon from a lake with…read moreexisting problems means you have to address those existing problems. Duh. What does Threshold Racing do? They screw it up, cancel the swim portion of the race the day before, do not offer any refunds for the race fee, and they blame it on the City of San Jose. I love the excuses. The race director, says in his response, "We will overcome this obstacle, we will persevere, and we will race." Uh, no. We are not going to overcome the obstacle. The obstacle is the inability to swim in the lake, and you cancelled the swim portion of the race. You did not overcome anything. You failed, and then you gave me a lame platitude. Double fail. The race director also claims that these are the facts: "one, this was out of our control; two, we did everything we could to have a swim." Let's break that down. Who is responsible for the race? Threshold Racing. So if the water quality was not addressed in time and corrected, how was that out of the race director's control? It wasn't. This problem didn't sneak up on anyone. This is always a problem with Almaden Lake. The race director simply cannot accept the responsbility for his failure and blames the City. The second part, about doing everything the race director could have done. Also not true. On the morning the swim is cancelled, the race director sends out a letter to the athletes stating, "We have identified four water quality control initiatives with the city prior to the race next year." The race director then lists four obvious corrections. So obvious, one wonders why they were not done in the first place. Threshold Racing did not do everything they could do to have a swim, they did the minimum, hoped for the best, and when that failed, they did not accept the responsibility and instead blame the City. Epic fail. (Post-race follow up.) Okay. I was a tad bit harsh yesterday with the two stars. The event was well put together, very fun, the bike portion is a great route, and so I more star for you, Threshold Racing. But don't screw it up next year.

This is my review on my run!…read more Hmm...driving to pick up my bid and packet the day before the event was useless. WHatda waste of gas! Next year, if I do the race, I will just pick up my packet the day of. There was practically no one picking up their packet the day of. Just be there about 15 minutes early, and you will save yourself the drive to pick up the bid. Yea, no water stations or mile marker. I like how the run took place in Great America for the first .75 miles, but I thought the entire run should've take place in GA. We ran the 2.25 miles around the parking lot. That part was definitely not fun! =( At the end of the race, they passed out medal and water bottle. Bagels, and banana, fruit snacks, and oranges were served. Not too bad! $25 (family pack) goes directly to charity and they feed you, give you a medal, freebies (playing cards, and pens/pencil), water bottles (which they sell at great America for $4), a shirt, free parking, and a ticket to go into GA to bond with your friends and family. Can't ask for more=)

This is the first time I've done a run at Great America. Though it was fun to run inside the park,…read moreonce we got outside it was rather quite boring as all we were doing was running in the parking lot. Two thirds of the run was in the parking lot and it was easy to cut the corners in the parking lot, so in the end the distance didn't even end up being close to 3.1 miles. They only had one mile marker at mile one, and it was at least 1/3 mile off, and there were no water stations. Packet pick-up was the day before at one end of the Key Point Credit Union. There was only one sign to direct people to where that location is. My friend picked up his packet in the morning shorty after 9am, and he said they were completely disorganized. They were still stuffing the bags when he got there. By the time I got there they had gotten their act together. Unfortunately the only "goodies" I got in my bag were just flyers, which I ended up throwing in the recycling bin. The only thing worth keeping was the 10% off sports basement coupon. I did like that entrance into Great America was included in our registration as well as free parking before 7:30am. We got a finisher's medal after crossing the finish line. They gave us a bottle of water at the end of the run, but it wasn't even cold. There was slices of oranges, bananas and bagels available for us at the end, but no napkins. This is only the second year Mission City has done this run, so hopefully it will get better as the years go on.

Great way to spend the morning. Well organized race. Great showing and probably around 5000…read morerunners. Good sponsors, announcers, volunteers, and security. Looked at racing it for a few years but always forgot the dates and missed it. Randomly stumbled on the race page earlier in the week and signed up. Worthy cause for Pat Tillman. He was from the area where I grew up in Almaden Valley, so I am quite familiar with his story. Also, Santana Row is in my backyard so I had to race it. It is a short race but running fast is fun. The one thing is that the cost for the photos they take of you is pricey. I'd rather get a photo crossing the finish rather than the medal or tee-shirt. Haha. Not sure why they changed the date to middle of winter. They should move it to spring or early summer. When you finish, you are sweaty/cold and unless you have your car at the Row or people to meet you at the finish, you have to make it back to the start to pick up your car in the cold likely wet/cold without a jacket. I think they would get way more participants if they move the date to warmer months. They could also have the start and finish at Santana Row which would allow you to go to your car to grab a jacket at the finish and enjoy the festivities. Just a suggestion.

A very well organized race. Starts at the SAP Center and ends at Santana Row. The course is…read moremostly flat, you run under a few overpasses. I did enjoy running through San Jose, a good way to see the city. They were very strict with the corral starts. This was my first time doing this race, so I'm guessing the rain probably limited the crowds lining the streets. I did enjoy the 8K distance, something different. Finishing on Santana Row was cool as you could smell breakfast cooking as the restaurants were opening. The shuttles back were great, well organized, comfortable, and quick. I can see why this event is so popular!!

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.

I recently ran my 14th Half-Marathon, my first with Zoom Running Events. I'm familiar with Quarry…read moreLakes but I've only ever run a 5k there. Needless to say, those 13.1 miles made me work. It was a mix of park, trails, both paved and gravel, from the 84 out to the 880 and back. There were several hundred of us runners. The marathon and half-marathon started together but we spread out quickly. I traveled with my fellow slow joggers so I never felt totally alone. This was helpful near the underpasses which were slightly spooky. The Zoom volunteers were cheerful and encouraging. Each aid stop, approximately every 2.5 miles, supplied us with water, electrolyte mix, orange slices, trail mix, pretzels, chips, and salt tablets(!).

Have you ever done the, "make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich" dance? If you haven't, you…read moreshould. You grab the ingredients, you spread on the toppings with both arms, and you dance it all around. That is how we got warmed up to race. Parking, at 7:15 was fast and right across the street: $10 Packet pick-up: Easy cheesy. Porto potties: At least they had them, right? Bag check: Free! They have a security guard watching over them. Obstacles: An adult playground. There was a back-up at the first obstacle, as they wanted people to get into groups of 8. That wasn't working, so it was more like awkward waves. A large bouncy pad with about 6 semi-tall barriers you launch yourself over. It was surprisingly challenging. There were: Two elevated slip & slides into shallow pools of water. One was supposed to have foam but it wasn't pumping correctly. A huge swirling cross pad, you had to run with it or against it along a narrow platform. Inflated balls that you had to balance and jump across. I made it onto the first one and couldn't stand up to launch to the next, so I flung off the side and laughed as I bounced to the ground. An inner tube water slide into a pool of water. A leap of faith onto an inflated bulls eye. Two huge rotating balls that chased you, as you tried to run across a slippery plank. I almost made it but lost my footing on the last step, splooosh! Two large stair/rope climbs to slides. The last one will give you a wedge. We only waited a couple of minutes to take an optional finisher photo and they handed us our medals. I love the photo opportunities, you scan your bracelet before you get onto the obstacle and they snap a picture of you. Bouncy, bouncy,..fun, fun, fun, fun, fun.

My 3rd year doing this and second at this location, safe to say I won't be doing it again…read more - ''Jump balls'' were not inflated properly. As soon as I stepped onto it I sunk so far I could feel the ground underneath my feet. I'm not exactly heavy either at 102lb. ''Jumping'' from one to the other was in no way possible nor an option. That's some lass ass bs excuse of an obstacle. Previous years this has been my favorite. - No foam on the ''Foam of Fury'', just water. Seriously?! - Not enough water on the ''Cool'' Running's''. Out of the 40 or so people that I saw tried to go down it they all had to get off and walk to the the end (where you are supposed to land in the pool) because friction had them stop. Myself included. Lame. - VIP entry I got my tech shirt upgrade but Hubs didn't. + You actually got a medal this year. + Vendors after the event handing out drinks. Neutral: You had a tag on your wristband which you swipe at obstacles to indicate you wanted your picture taken. I'm neutral on this because for the price of the registration fee I feel this should be included. My advice for the event organizers - Have the obstacles as advertised and either 1. reduce the price of registration (upwards of $65 plus fee's for a 5k is obscene) 2. Add more obstacles.