November 14, 2010

Stockton Half Marathon

We ran the inaugural Stockton Half Marathon. There were nearly 1000 registrants for the half and accompanying 5k races combined. Entry fee for the half marathon included a technical t-shirt, chip timing, finishers medal and post race food and music. Bib pick-up was one day prior at the Hilton in Stockton along with an "Expo" that unfortunately only consisted of one booth. Start and finish for the race was also at the Hilton Stockton. Parking at the hotel was for guests only but there was plenty of parking across the street and the race started right on time at 8am.  The course took us east and on the busy March Lane for a short while before turning onto Pacific Avenue and through the UOP campus. It followed Brookside Road onto the residential area of Riverbook Drive before heading back towards the finish. The course was flat and was easy to follow as there was a chalk line on nearly all of the route so there was no question as to where we were supposed to go. There were mile markers at nearly every mile, although the first several were off by about a quarter of a mile. There were also several aid stations with water, gatorade and porta potties. There were people lining the couse with encouraging words and signs. We were lucky to have perfect race weather, with temperatures in the 50's. After crossing the finish line we received our medal and then made our way towards the post race music. There was also plenty of goodies including water, Gatorade, cookies, bagels, fruit, chips, granola bars and even pizza!!! The race was very well organized and the half marathon course was great. We definitely plan on doing it again next year.

The finish line

Post race food and music

Race shirt and medal
 Race Website