This is my first year running this race, and I did a few things totally wrong.... First, I didn't account for extra traffic headed to San Jose because I didn't know about the Christmas In The Park event (which is apparently A Thing, has been for years). Second, I didn't account for the time it would take me to walk from Convention Center parking to the packet pickup (hey, it looked all small on the map!). Third, I didn't think about planning time to put on the Santa suit (for $7, I wanted to do the race in a Santa suit!). Finally, I should have planned to go early--packet pickup started two hours before the race--and drink coffee while waiting. Despite being the very last person to pick up a packet, and crossing the starting line as they were literally dismantling it, I had A BLAST!! (I was not the only person crossing the starting line at that time. Also, I did not finish last.)

The race is a fun, family-friendly event, and costumes are encouraged. There was a costume contest and while I may have opinions that differ from the judges, and some of the best costumes didn't enter (I'm looking at you, Krampus!) it was fun to see so many people in various holiday outfits. There was Hanukkah, complete with a menorah hat; storm trooper Santa (red sparkling armor); Darth-Claus (with a Christmas tree on the tip of the light sabre!); Santa riding a reindeer; Santa riding a unicorn; T-Rex Santa; sleighs; and a variety of other randomness. There were multiple dogs with costumes, including one dressed up like Max, the Grinch's dog.

The course was familiar to me because it runs along some of the same area as the last stretch of the Rock 'n' Roll San Jose half marathon. (I don't know any of the street names, I don't live there. Sorry.) The course is sufficiently flat that it was fine for all sorts of strollers, wheelchairs, and other mobility aids, but it isn't flat. There are a few hillier areas, such as the crossing that goes underneath the railroad tracks. A small part of it runs around a few blocks in a residential area, and several of the residents were outside cheering on the runners. The finish line is right alongside Christmas In The Park, and the inflatable had snow! Okay, I'm sure it was shaved ice because the gorgeous running weather (mid-50s) was way too hot for snow. Still, it was a really fun touch, and I was surprised so it was delightful!

There was one water station just at mile 2. While I could have used a little water before then, I also ran an extra mile around the parking garage and to the race start, so there's that. The water station was well-stocked and staffed. Also on course were several organized cheer stations, complete with cheer stations.

The race shirt is CUTE! The long sleeves are peppermint-striped like a candy cane, and the main body of the shirt is red and printed to look like an ugly Christmas sweater. The race uses an electronic gift bag (which I kind of appreciated because I'd likely recycle all the paper), so the only pre-race swag is the shirt and bib. You can pre-order a santa suit (pants, jacket, belt, beard, hat) for $7. At that price it isn't super high quality, but it will last for at least a few runs (and I may use mine to make a pattern for another santa suit). Everyone got a finisher medal, which I thought was a nice touch. It's a cute design, goes with the shirt, and has a fat designer ribbon on it.

Post-race eats included water, chocolate milk, cookies (cookies!!), and samples of Noosa. There were also a variety of treats for sale at Christmas In The Park (popcorn, kettle corn, hot chocolate, etc.) That celebration had a bunch of little shops, life-size dioramas, a Nativity scene, fir trees decorated by various groups, music, rides, and activities. It was a bit crowded when all the runners were milling about, but still a cool finish line.

Overall, I had a really, really fun time at this race. I wasn't there for a PR, but I saw plenty of faster types who could have been (as they passed me on the out and back). Even if you don't have a family or kids, this is still a fun event for a group of friends, or even a solo runner.