A Bay Area native who was born and raised in the South Bay, I love that the 408K gave me a new way to see my 'home.' Part of Represent Running's "Run the Bay" challenge, in 2014 I ended up running it remotely, but in 2015 I was able to run it in person with my parents. (Side note: I was also pregnant and in the first trimester.)

Perks include:
- great bling
- seeing historic homes of San Jose
- the Mariachi Mile and Memorial Mile
- finishing at Santana Row

Review rating notes:
- I received my bib via mail and cannot speak to the expo
- My cousin lives near the course, so we were dropped off, but it seemed like folks were having to park and walk a bit. I'm guessing there was parking at the Shark Tank for runners, but that's not where we finished.
- I carry my own fuel, but the aid stations seemed stocked and staffed.
- I knew we were running through some residential areas, so I didn't expect to be blown away by scenery (like the backside of the mall.)

Really, the big highlights of this race for me are the Mariachi Mile, a literal mile stretch towards the end that is packed with mariachi bands, and the Memorial Mile, where servicemen and women are there in person. That is one mile where your time really doesn't matter: what matters is stopping to say thank you and shake hands. This year was especially poignant as we ran past the home of Joe Bell, a service man who stood outside his home in 2014 in uniform, cheering on runners, quickly becoming a viral video sensation. He has since passed, and in 2015 his family put a chair outside with his photo and a US flag. Runner after runner veered off course to pay their respects. It was quite awe inspiring. (http://www.representrunning.com/joe-bell-memorial-mile/)

Bummers:
- There were no bananas at the finish. As a runner I've been trained to be rewarded with a banana. Where's my banana?

I look forward to toeing the line again for this well-paved course, not pregnant this time, and dancing with the mariachi bands.

Full review here:
2015 - http://littlebeastling.com/2015/03/31/408k-a-family-affair/