Registration-
Available online until the day before the race and available at the expo.
Communication-
Once I registered, I received 1-2 emails a month detailing race information. Race week was another story, I got an email every day with updates.
Expo-
The expo was located in Snow Park and was a good size. I scored some swag from previous year’s races for a good deal.
Races-
The race offered a full marathon, half marathon, and 5k. There was also a We Run This Town challenge with an extra medal for running the half and 5k on the same day.
Race morning-
The half had a late start of 9:00AM. I was able to walk to the race start from my hotel.
The race started on time with self seeded corrals. The start led us down past Lake Merritt and then into the streets of downtown Oakland. I love the street art and murals that Oakland has to offer. The race takes runners out to the Jack London area before coming back downtown. There was a long out and back along Broadway that may have broken my brain a little, haha.
Post race-
Once across the finish line, runners were handed a variety of snacks as they made their way through the chute. In theory. I was a slower runner so there weren't a lot of food options left. I did get a cool little bag to carry everything in. My brother had finished the full a couple hours before and said there were more food choices.
Aid stations-
There were aid stations with water and Gatorade every few miles. They were always well staffed and organized. And they were great at cheering for the runners too.
Elevation-
In my opinion, this is a flat race. However Broadway was very noticeable as a long, slow hill.
Swag-
Every runner received a race specific long sleeve shirt, and an awesome medal that looked like one of the murals that Oakland offers.
Overall, I really do love this race. I do wish it had an earlier start time- 9:00 is just so late and I love sleeping in but still wish it was earlier.