Giants race

I completed the S.F. Giants Run on Sunday, August 23rd.  I did the 5K with my friend Christine.  I love the Giants Race for many reasons:  .

1. There is usually a Giants Alum there to kick off the race
2. You get to see awesome Giants costumes/outfits
3. You bring together Giants fans from all over 
4. You get a great view of the Bay Bridge 
5. You get to finish the race on the field!   

Being on the field where legends play 6 nights a week - it's an experience, which you can do at Fanfest, etc., but to be on the field after a race, laying on the grass, eating frozen yogurt - and people who do not do the race can only watch you from the stands.  You may or may not hear your name be called as you finish, but you do get your face on the big screen - those experiences you will not get at Fanfest or the sleepover.  It's a pretty awesome experience.  

The Race isn't perfect.  Here are some things you should know prior to signing up: 

1. the Half/10K and 5K are different time starts.  The 5K starts at 10:50AM and all other races start at 7:30AM.  This could prove rather challenging if you are running with friends.  The 5K people have to wake up early, and the 10K people will have to wait hours before the 5K can start.
2. The race is crowded - really crowded. 
3. There are a lot of inexperienced runners who do this race (which can be awesome but..) who do not know the proper protocols, i.e. not stopping in the middle of the lane to walk.  I once witness a woman trying to jog the 5K in heels.
4. A lot of people make up times to be in earlier waves.  I know this happens in every race... but this seems to be a real issue at the Giants Race.  This past race, the woman in front of me, at the time of the gun, just walked out the start line.  It can be frustrating for the first few miles to get the pace sorted out.

Overall - I would recommend this race, and do it again.  The Expo the day before has some pretty cool stuff as well.

 

Me with the Bling

 

Rich Aurilia was this year's Alum