Rock and Roll San Jose Half Marathon Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Tanya R.
San Jose, CA

  (03-24-2010)

"Fun and flat and perfect for newbies. I participated in the 2008 event as a first-timer and had a good time. It's friendly to walkers, too, which is nice and can be less intimidating for someone new to the sport. :)"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2008

Lorna S.
Sunnyvale, CA

  (03-23-2010)

"This is was my first half marathon. I am happy that I did it. The Rock and Roll race organizers are fantastic. Starting with the expo which was nice and large and had many exhibitors. Definitely lots of fun to attend. It really did get you in the mood for the race. On the actual race day it was very well organized considering the number of participants in the race. I must give a shout out to all the other fellow runners. They sure were a supportive bunch. I by far am not someone who is speedy in fact I am darn right slow according to most standards but I did not at any point feel intimidated in fact many of the faster runners who had finished ahead of us slower ones were cheering us on. As a slow person I truly appreciated it. At the end of the race there is plenty to see and do while you are trying to get the kinks out of your legs. :-) Plus they even offered beer (low cal) if you were of the legal drinking age. Definitely worth a repeat run. The finisher medal is well worth hanging on the wall and showing your friends. :-)"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Linda D. M.
Sunnyvale, CA

  (03-14-2010)

"Great fun run, at some points I lost time because i was laughing so hard and wanting to dance with the music performers. I loved this race, I already signed up for 2010.

They had a beer garden at the end and I normally dont drink but MGD tasted great!

The course was clearly marked , very organized. I really didnt need to carry my own fluids because of all the water stations, "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Akemi F.
San Francisco, CA

  (03-11-2010)

"This was my first half marathon after taking an eight year break from the distance. I have since done two more half marathons and this is by far my favorite. It was also my fastest time by about ten minutes. I think the Cytomax on course really helped.

This is a great race for first timers and those looking to PR. It is well organized and really flat. The course does not have much to offer in the way of scenery, but on a fast course like this one you are not really looking around anyway.

I signed up for 2010 and a hoping to PR. "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Sukhraj B.
Lake Forest, CA

  (02-19-2010)

"This was my first Rock and Roll event in San Jose. I'm no virgin to marathons but if you are, this is a good first event. It's flat and fast, well paced and very well organized much like most of the Rock and Roll series events.

The course itself is scenic and mostly runs through downtown and some great neighborhoods. I know, that at least in my head, I was house shopping or looking for potential things I'd want in a house. Luckily, the weather was cool as well.

It was cool to see Yelp as a corporate sponsor and find their booth at the end.

This is the first time I've seen such great local support. There were offers of free bacon, lemonade, Red Bull, beer, donuts, etc. They sat out in their lawn chairs and cheered us on in their blankets and cowbells. Some even had their kids out giving us high fives. I tried to thank everyone I could see. It's just awesome to see support like that. The local crowd running with me was great too. I saw so many awesome groups - people running with families, running with wives/husbands, running with kids, etc.

The Roadies (volunteers) were amazing and so was the medical support. There was water and Cytomax at almost ever mile marker. And the local high school marching bands totally rocked the course as well as the cheerleaders that were better than the sub par bands that make up the "rock and roll" portion of this series.

This is also the first time I've seen an ample amount of portable potties. There was hardly any wait and that's always a relief for a runner.

This wasn't my greatest race and I didn't get a personal best but I did win one of their sweepstakes and got a free hotel stay, some technical gear, a spa treatment, PF Changs dinner, and a wine tasting. They also sent flowers to my room after the race. You gotta love that."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Geoff L.
San Mateo, CA

  (10-31-2009)

"Huge plus and starting high was to meet and take a pic with #33 high stepper himself Roger Craig! If only the niners could put him back in the lineup!

This is a fast and flat course with plenty of people out there cheering you on. The bands were great although fewer than i'd imagine for a race with this name.

The prerace expo is exactly what it should be. IF we have to pick up our race number the day before, having plenty of booths at the expo make it worthwhile. One tip is to go near the end of the last day. Vendors are trying to get rid of all remaining freebies..

Anyway, we lucked out and found street parking immediately upon exiting the freeway. Once off the freeway, you are only about 3-4 blocks from the start.

Plenty of port-o-potties, but lots of people as well...so anxious moments pre-race. The starting corral was very packed and it took a while to make it to my corral trying to weave through the other racers.

On the course, the corrals did there job as there weren't any walkers/slower runners ahead of you to block you. The water stations were plenty and the volunteers did a good job handing out the gels.

Again, did i mention the course is a fast one!! Their isn't much to look at on the course itself, so you can concentrate on maintaining your splits.

The finish line festivities were okay..some food and drinks and of course BEER!.

Our bags were about 2 blocks away which after 13.1 miles seemed like 2 miles.

Overall a good race for 1st timers and a fast race for experienced racers looking to blow away their PRs!

"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Scott W.
Los Altos, CA

  (10-29-2009)

"The San Jose 1/2 marathon is a nearly perfect race to try for your PR (I got mine by over 3 minutes). It's very flat, perfect weather (low 50s at the start), and superb support through the race with water, timing etc.

As some pointed out, it's not the most scenic course in the world but not ugly either. If you are looking for a super fast, well organized race, this one hard to beat. "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Tanya R.
San Jose, CA

  (10-20-2009)

"This is a fast, flat race that is well managed. The streets are wide and there are plenty of participants and spectators, which adds to the fun atmosphere. It's a great event for a first-time participant or even if you're just looking for a PR. :)

One nit pic: I was disappointed in the photography options - not really interested in prints, and would have preferred the ability to purchase one or two digital copies to share on FaceBook, etc."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

Charles L.
San Francisco, CA

  (10-16-2009)

"The race overall only receives 4 stars from me due to the cost of the race, and the organization/or event team behind the race itself.

That said the course is terrific, run it for a PR, you'll be sure to get one. Its almost entirely flat. There are not many areas wherein the wind would be a factor, the only true weather element that does play some part in the race is the sun. You should wear sunscreen and sport shades if it will bother you. The conditions both last year (2008) and this year (2009) were ideal for running (around the mid-50's at the start, heating up to the mid-60's later). The pace groups aren't entirely accurate, but fortunately at each mile they offer a "race time" clock for you to gauge your progress. They also record your splits for the 5km, 10km, and 10 mile during the race. The crowd support is there in many spots, there are a few areas where its sparse, but its a packed race so you might not notice. The course volunteers do a great job, and are always there yelling out support along the way.

Now, having said all these positive things, I have a bone to pick with the race/event organizers. It seemed more so this year than last year that they were in the business of making money. I won\\\'t go into details regarding my personal situation, but if you are considering this race, register EARLY (or with a discount code), and make arrangements to go to the expo (avoid race-day pickup).

On the day of the race, get your issues out of the way around 7:45, and get into your corral. They block off entrances from the side into the corrals, which means if you\\\'re in Corral 1, you have to walk all the way up there from the back."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

Shelene V.
Sacramento, CA

  (10-15-2009)

"Wonderful race in the Rock n Roll Marathon series. It was a smooth and easy half, very enjoyable. The bands along the course were all awesome and encouraging the runners. Aid stations and porta potties were spread perfectly throughout the course. The only problem I had with this race was after the finish. I got my medal and headed to the park where the concert was to be held and it was total chaos. Spectators and family members were all over the place and in your way. My husband and I could barely walk threw. I thought the park they had at the finish was too small for the amount of participants and spectators. We ran the San Diego Rock n Roll marathon back in May and there was a lot more room and they seemed to contain family members and spectators a lot better at that run. But all in all in was a great run and Johnny Lang was absolutely wonderful, we even bought his CD."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Jen G.
Pittsburg, CA

  (10-13-2009)

"Rock 'n' Roll events are great - now I understand why they are so popular. However, I'm not really into the whole band thing so that was lost on me a little bit. :) You only hear the music for a few seconds as you run by, so for me it's hard to really enjoy it. All that aside, it was a flat, fast course and I can't thank the PacWest pacers enough! I ran with the 2:15 group and thanks to their motivation and support, I set a new PR by almost 6 minutes. I would definitely run with a group again. Maybe 2:00 next year? Who knows!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Lisa G.
San Jose, CA

  (10-10-2009)

"This is my 3rd year running the race. I was a bit disappointed that I emailed race organizers regarding registration problems a week before the race and no one bothered to return my emails. While the race itself was well-organized, this was an issue for me.

The expo had many great booths. This was the first year I noticed that the big "storefront" that usually carries every desired running product (clothes, socks, food, accessories, etc) was not there. I was greatly disappointed as larger races have these types of stores and this race has in the past (so it can't be a "size" thing).

Plenty of potties at the onset, quick clothing drop off, fast course with well-marked areas. One suggestion - not ever mile was marked with a large sign and timer.

LOTS of water stops that were long and on both sides of the street. The local young people staffing them were amazing - high energy, loud, positive, and they were able to get liquids out to runners and stay out of the way at the same time.

Finish area was pretty crowded but many pictures were taken so this was a plus.

I love this race and will recruit even more friends for next year."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

Freddy B.
Los Angeles, CA

  (10-09-2009)

"Last time I was in San Jose was back in 2003 for a football game.
Seemed like a very quite & boring town.
Now there are more things to do. It has livened up.
As I’m trying to completed as many Rock N’ Roll events I took on San Jose.
The review will positive for a number of reasons.
I stayed at The Fairmont Hotel literally the epicenter of this event.
The expo is less than 2 blocks away walking; if that.
The start & finish line is practically in the lobby of this hotel; ok may 1 block away.
So staying at this hotel was a major plus for the event.

Now time to talk about the event.
Starting with the Expo; not that big. RNR have spoiled me in the past with such expo like San Diego & Chicago; San Jose not so much.
It has your basic venders but I guess do to the small market in San Jose it is what it is.

The 8 am start time was a little funky, but no biggie. I did all my stretching in the hotel room, and with just 10 minutes to start time I walked out of the room and still had time to spare by the time I got to the corrals.

The course is REALLY flat, if you are a first timer this is defiantly beginner friendly.
I’m not to familiar with the San Jose, but I guess we ran down the popular street, lot of residential parts. One thing I did not like that I have never seen in any of my prior runs was that people were offering to selling stuff to the runner as they past by.
I saw 2 separate people selling apples and the other bottle water.
First, other than me, how many runner carry money on them?
Second, that’s not cool.
If you don’t feel like offering goodies, that’s fine.
If you don’t want to cheer or encourage the runner as they pass by, that’s fine to.
But don’t go out there and try to make a sell, that’s just not cool.

Shame on those 2 people, which gave San Jose people a bad rap; in my opinion.
I just never have seen that before.

Side note, I got to see Roger Craig S.F 49er great pass me up, cool I ran with Roger Craig.
The finisher Medal, like always, was cool; all of RNR medals are nice bling.

RNR always puts up great events, ands a great post race party.
P.F changes & MGD where fixture at the post the new vendor I saw was Forte* (spellcheck) they have bars and shakes/drinks- Their bars are pretty good, I need to google them.
"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Kelly e.
campbell, CA

  (10-08-2009)

"Name says it all, this race rocked. The weather was awesome (I know, not really the result of the race director :-), the course was flat, pretty and fast, the music was terrific and the goodies abounded. Plenty of support in terms of water, gu, cytomax and port-o-lets so even though there were 11k runners, it never felt crowded. I was in a corral with a fast group of runners and I can say everyone ran smart. usually people go out too fast and crash at the end but even though I ran even mile splits, most of the people around me stayed with me or even sped up at the end... and everyone was really friendly... a great day"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

del .
,

  (10-05-2009)

"flat fast shady course through all of san jose, the weather was perfect and there were tons of bands. get your technical tee at the great expo the day before, same day bib pick up available as well. would recommend!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Sandra .
San Francisco, CA

  (08-18-2009)

"Overall the course was flat and fast. The only inclines were some underpasses if I remember correctly. There are TONS of turns, though, which will slow you down and add distance.

The crowd support was pretty decent! The bands were fun, too. The course allows you to see the leaders which is always a fun thing.

I would only run this race to try to PR. The course itself has little scenic value.

The race had horrendously ugly cotton t-shirts. They were selling tons of nice race-branded stuff at the expo but it was all ridiculously overpriced. Heard they were using tech tees in 2009 so hopefully that will be an improvement."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2008

Marisa B.
San Jose, CA

  (08-15-2009)

"I have done this half twice. It's a well run race and a nice flat course. It is a great course to get that PR on and the music every mile is a nice addition. "

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2008

Dennis M.
San Francisco, CA

  (08-11-2009)

"Flat and fast, great spectator support, perfect weather, plenty of bathrooms (at the start), great aid stations, live music and a cool finisher medal--this race has it all!"

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2008

Tara M.
Walnut Creek, CA

  (08-04-2009)

"Although I think this is a race every local bay area resident should do since it's close in proximity. I would never do this race again. For a half marathon it's extremely crowded and the course is less than interesting. You're winding through residential areas and it just seems to go on forever and ever. The only cool part was at about miles 6ish the course loops back so you're able to see the elites, which you don't often get to do during a race.

The best part about this race was at the end they had hand towels soaked in ice-cold water, which felt AMAZING since it was pretty warm that day. Although my overall experience for this race wasn't a bad one I'm not drawn to do this race again.
"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2008

Liz M.
Oakland, CA

  (06-24-2009)

"This was a great race! It was flat, fast, and fun! The music at every mile marker was awesome.
I had a blast :-)
The only downfall for me was the size. It was huge and if you're a middle of the pack runner like me you are rarely alone. Though the race was organized and prepared for the size of the run, water stops, the finish line, etc. were all very crowded!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2008

John F.
San Francisco, CA

  (05-14-2009)

"Another race I'm not too proud of. Basically, I trained in the evenings in San Francisco (very cool weather) and got my runs in, but I didn't anticipate what the sun and the relative heat of San Jose in the morning would do to me. I totally melted by mile 8 or so and had to walk-run (with my tail between my legs) to the end. It sucked.

This was a very flat course, and it was great to have the start and the finish be right next to each other. It really made it easy for our friends to see us off and cheer us on at the end.

The heat is something I should have prepared for. That's my fault. The only thing I can fault San Jose for is having a pretty stinky sewer system, that emanated some pretty foul odors on various streets through the course.

As with other Rock and Roll events, there were bands along the course, and one of them was this fantastic all-girl group who was absolutely tearing up a Led Zeppelin song. I was stoked to hear them as I ran by. Great time.

Elite Racing puts on a great event, and I hope to take another crack at this race again. I just hope there are enough sunny, warm days in San Francisco to let me get enough warm-weather training in."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009