Fun 5k for women only in Sacramento! The course is super fast and starts/ends near the State Capitol. The course (which is a 5k, but for 2014 they have added a half marathon option!) goes through downtown/midtown which is always fun because of spectators, and I just love running in the city.
Other than the race this is a "fitness festival". Kaiser Permanente sponsors this race (along with others) and proceeds go to WEAVE. Get there early and enjoy everything the festival offers, which include: BMI testing, pictures, massages, Blue Diamond Almonds, women's health info and other give-a-ways.
They also offer breakfast after the race which Whole Foods puts together - which is super yummy! I don't race many 5k's anymore but if you're just starting out running this would be a great 5k to start with. Fun times, great race and managed very well. My girlfriends and I have run it the past 2 years and I will be back in 2014.

**UPDATE** This race now has a 1/2 option!