NorCal Half Marathon and 5k Fun Run

** Race details: **
This race gives you a choice of Half Marathon (13.1 miles) or 5k (3.1 miles). The whole course is flat and runs around the whole of downtown Niles. Included in the entry fee you got:
— Free T Shirt.
Different colors and styles depending on you’re entry level — VIP Half Marathon Runners got a Dri Fit style long sleeved black top, standard Half Marathon runners got a short sleeved Black top. While 5k runners got the basic short sleeved red T Shirt.
— Free training
— Professional timing by South Valley Endurance
— First-​class medals
— Finishing festival with food and drinks such as bottled water, Sandwiches, Muffins, Burritos, Fresh Fruit ect
As part of the VIP entry I also got a few little ”extra’s”:
— Massage
— Free medal engraving
— Hat
— Professional Photo’s
** Packet Pick Up: **
Packet pick up was during the 2 days prior to the race. I choose to pick mine up from the race location the day before and everything seemed very disorganized. I got my number (51 btw) really quickly but trying to get my T Shirt and find out more about my VIP entry I was stood waiting for so long while Volunteers wandered around aimlessly talking among themselves and not acknowledging me at all. Not Cool. However, once I did get someone’s attention they were helpful in sorting me out with my gear and where I had selected an XS top on the site they didn’t have a list to go by and were just giving people what they asked for. Lucky as the XS came up quite big and I managed to get an XXS instead which was not an option on the site.
** The Race itself: **
Getting there and finding parking was a breeze. There were 3 parking lot’s, one of which had a fee ($ 5) and when Hubby and I got there at 6:30am we were lucky enough to get a free spot in lot closest the start line.
The Half Marathon was due to start at 7:30 with the 5k 10 minutes later but there seemed to be some problems and it started a little late. The first part of the course (about 1.5 miles) was through downtown Niles where it doubled back on itself and then went off down a hiking path next to the waterway. The course was advertised at being flat which it was for the most part, there was a few up’s and down’s but nothing strenuous. The most part of the course was on gravel. eeek! I hate running on gravel as it takes a little more concentration on footing which appeared a little problematic for a few runners as there were some injuries.
Water stations were sporadically placed around the course which thinned out a lot after about mile 7 and I believe markers were placed at every mile, although I didn’t see them all I think I was too into running by then and worked out that for every 2 – 2.5 tracks on my IPod was 1 mile (yes, silly me forgot to put my heart rate monitor/​watch on. Boo).
Timing for the race was tracked by SVE Timing where each bib had a chip attached to the back which logged all race times electronically and took about 10 minutes to appear on the system.
Once over the finishing line and grabbing a Banana and Water from the complimentary snacks I punched my number in only to find I came 1^st in my age group. Happy Days! (Not too shabby for my knee being all strapped up after my recent injury) I was also informed that 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd place in each age group gets awarded on stage which I didn’t know about. Excellent bonus.
Race finishers also get the choice to have their time engraved on their medal for a fee of $ 15 of which mine was free as I entered the VIP.
There was also 2 different company’s on hand giving massage’s where I had the lower body one first. Omg. never before has having my ass groped by a stranger felt so good! The guy really did a great job of working those tight muscles. If you want a good ass grope/​massage the company is Chirosports USA in Union City.
I also had a back and shoulder massage by
which was good but the other was better :)
Facilities at this event were also excellent! Even at 11:30 when Hubby and I headed out the restrooms were clean and still stocked with not only tissue but also toilet seat covers as well as the hand wash stations with soap, towels and water. I was so impressed that I didn’t need the supply I brought myself.
Overall, I had a great time doing my first ”official” Half Marathon. now bring on Tough Mudder in July!
4.5 stars but I’ve rounded up.
EDIT: Probably closer to a 3.5 actually. Not happy with the way in which they mis-​sold the ”VIP entry”. Never did get the photo’s that were included in the price!