The Giants Race in San Francisco is a ton of fun. This is my second year running it. In 2012 I ran the 10k. It's a large race with several options to meet your running needs. This is the 4th annual Giants Race Half Marathon, 10k, 5k, & Kids race. The money raised benefits Project Open Hand a non-profit to provide meals, groceries, and nutritional counseling to individuals who are homebound with critical illnesses, and seniors in San Francisco and Alameda County.
The Expo
Considering how large the race is, the expo was efficient and well laid out. There were a couple free samples: FIT popcorn and Snapea Crisps. The expo wasn't amazing nor wasn't bad either. The check in for necessary race items was quick with little to no lines. One of the benefits of this race is receieving a bobblehead. This year is Sergio Romo, pitcher for the San Francisco Giants.
The Course
This was my first year running the half. I would have liked to say that this race was completely flat but I would be lying. There were 3 hills to climb at mile 4, 5, & 9. To make up for it you run by the water, Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghiradelli Square, see the Golden Gate Bridge, gorgeous, exclusive neighborhoods, green parks, and end up by the water again.
There was water and Gatorade every few miles along the course. Except for mile 8 when I desperately needed it they were out. I will say, the Gatorade hit the spot. Definitely buying blue raspberry from now on. I walked through the water stations along the last half of the marathon.
The Finish
It is a totally fun race full of people who love San Francisco. Even as a Dodger fan I enjoyed it and will continue to go back.
At the finish there were reusable Safeway bags that you could fill with bagels, bananas, water, and yogurt.
The finish line is in center field of AT&T park with a huge Jumbo tron capturing runners as the run in. If you're like me you wished the Jumbotron wasn't there to catch the terrific face plant over the chip tracker. But oh well, YOLO. By the time I was finished it was chilly and misty. A towel or sweatshirt was needed.
My only complaint is the finishers technical tee ran small. At least 1 whole size.
The Summary
Overall this race is fun and worth doing. Weekly email updates were sent out buy the organization with recommendations. The last two years running this race we stayed at the Hilton with a efficient shuttle system transporting to and from the race, every 15 minutes. The location can't get any better with unlimited restarurants to eat at, Sarbucks on every corner to pick up your daily joe, and shopping to empty your bank account.
See you next year Giants Race!