by, Debbie Espejo, @debbie_mirror
The San Jose 408k—affectionately known as the Race to the Row—was my first race as a Represent Running Ambassador, but the 6th time I’ve run the race in my hometown! I enjoy participating in this family-friendly event every year. It’s just so very well organized: the bib pick up at Santana Row, race day parking/shuttle, the post-race expo, and the adorably exciting 408Kids Race!
My Dad, sisters, and I arrived at the start close to 7:30am where I got to meet several of the other Represent Running Ambassadors, what a fun and energetic bunch! It’s nice to put a happy face to the various social media handles.
I think Mother Nature enjoyed toying with us that morning because even before the race started, we experienced a blue and sunny sky, a cloudy sky, rain, cold temps, then back to a blue and sunny sky. This was pretty much the weather pattern throughout the entire race. For good luck, we eventually got some hail too!
The beauty of the 408k race is that the 8k distance (4.97 miles) is perfect so that one can race it and easily achieve a personal best or enjoy a leisurely run (or walk) with family and friends. I chose the latter. My sisters and I chatted along the way about things that sisters usually talk about (like our kids and our next race). We also received compliments on our matching multi-colored socks (often referred to as the Gibblers). It started hailing as we walked around the post-race expo—it was COLD! There we were handed our medals, a water bottle, and a drawstring bag which we could fill up with various goodies from the several vendors that were out there. For a short race, the post-race expo was an A, in my opinion.
The San Jose 408Kids Race
My daughter has been doing this one since she was 2 years old. Every year she has elected to wear a tutu or a skirt. I really don’t know where she got that idea, but whatever works! Also, every year when the race is done, she has said “I want to do that again!” As an avid runner, that statement from her is literally music to my ears! The organizers do a great job of keeping the kids entertained prior to the race. There were coloring sheets on tables, music playing with a stage to dance on and Q from The San Jose Earthquakes was there to socialize with the young ones! When the kids crossed the finish line, they were each given a medal too!
Represent Running does a great job with the short local races, famously known as the “Run the Bay Challenge Series”, where the entire family can participate. Where ever you live in the Bay Area, Represent Running will have a race nearby!
See you all at the Across the Bay 12k and 415k, if not sooner.
Did you miss out on the 408k? A limited number of virtual registrations are available. Use code RepresentDE for a 15% discount on your 408k virtual registration.
Join us July 9 in San Francisco for the historic Across the Bay 12k or 415k (5k). Use code RepresentDE for a 10% discount on your Across the Bay registration.
