As always, the Giant Race wins again! These family friendly races encourage baseball fans, new runners, experienced runners and people of all ages and sizes to get out of the house and join their fellow Giants fans for a 5k or 5 mile run.
I do not live in San Jose so I cannot comment on the packet pickup experience this year as my local friend grabbed mine for me, but I heard from everyone else that it was a breeze.
Keep in mind: If you decide to pick up your packet on race morning, you will only be able to receive your bib before the race; you can pick up your shirt and bobbleheads after the race at one of the Giant Race tents.

This course was flat, fast and not as crowded as the Sacramento course because it winds through the streets of San Jose near the San Jose Giants Municipal stadium and continues through the Happy Hollow Zoo and park. These wide paths allowed for runners, walkers and strollers to fit with ease. My only gripe with the runners at these races is that many are new to running and do not recognize road etiquette. I would encourage the Giant Race organization to remind participants that walkers stay to the right and runners stay to the left. I encountered many situations where people just stop running right in front of me without moving to the right.

The finish line and after-party of the Giant Races are always entertaining; plenty of snacks and refreshments are served along with booths for local companies, Giant Race merchandise and free samples from several vendors. My favorite part of these races, as a baseball fan, is the on-field finish. It adds a special touch for all the baseball fans and leaves you with a feeling of exclusivity.