‘Splash and Dash’ added to spring line-up
Outfront Endurance events are back in town—and registration is now open. In addition to the Parade 5K R.A.C.E. that kicks off Alameda’s historic Fourth of July parade [1], the April 23 Hospital Foundation Spring 5K and 10K races are back after a three-year hiatus and the May 13 Swim & Run Aquathlon and Stand Up Paddle (SUP) races have been added to the spring schedule. The Alameda 10 Miler is set for August 26, followed by the Bank of Marin Island Running Festival on September 24, which features four events and a health and wellness expo. The final event of the season is the Midway Winter 5K on December 2.
[2]“Endurance enthusiasts from Alameda and all over the Bay have waited patiently for events to come back, and we are thrilled to be able to support local beneficiaries and showcase the Island,” said Steve Ashbaker, Outfront Endurance owner and race director. “As a lifelong Alameda resident and avid runner, I am honored to take part in bringing these great events to our community and showcasing the beautiful trails and venues the Island has to offer.”
Hospital Foundation Spring 5k &10k
[3]The April 23 Hospital Foundation Spring 5K & 10K [4] event, a fundraiser for Alameda Hospital Foundation, will feature a 10K and 5K loop along the Bay Farm trails and conclude with a half-mile Kids Fun Run. The races start and end at the Harbor Bay Ferry Terminal, where there are beautiful views of the San Francisco skyline—and plenty of parking.
Alameda Island Aquathlon
[5]While Alameda is known for parks and running trails, the scenic shoreline also provides a perfect location for swimmers and paddle boarders—and a perfect backdrop for the May 13 Swim & Run Aquathlon [6] and Stand Up Paddle (SUP) [7] races. Both events are new this year. The Swim & Run Aquathlon is a 750 yard swim in the protected bay at Crown Beach, followed by a 5K run along the shoreline trail. At the conclusion, participants can stick around to watch the one-mile and three-mile SUP races. The entire event will end with an expo featuring a pancake breakfast, music, and an award ceremony. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Alameda Food Bank.
July 4th Parade R.A.C.E.
[8]For more than 20 years, the Parade 5K R.A.C.E [9] has kicked off the historic Mayor’s Fourth of July Parade in Alameda. Runners will follow the completely closed parade route, starting outside Lauren’s Closet on Park Street and ending on Haight Avenue at Webster Street. The finish line experience includes music, food, and beer. Race participants can stick around and watch the parade as it passes along Webster Street. The Parade 5K benefits Midway Shelter of Alameda.
Alameda 10-Miler
[10]The August 26 Alameda 10-Miler [11] will take participants around Alameda Point, celebrating the amazing views and awesome breweries. The out-and-back course follows the Bay Trail path along the water, cruises through Crab Cove, turns around just south of Crown Memorial Beach and heads back to the start. Among the scenery are unobstructed views of the San Francisco skyline and Bay Bridge.
Island Running Festival
[12]Bank of Marin’s Island Running Festival [13], on September 24, features four events and a health and wellness expo presented by Alameda Health Systems. This running festival welcomes people of all running and fitness levels, and includes a one-mile family fun run, a 5K race presented by Penumbra, a 10K, and a Half Marathon. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Meals on Wheels of Alameda and Alameda Education Foundation.
“Bank of Marin’s Island Running Festival is a celebration of community,” said Tim Myers, President & CEO, Bank of Marin. “After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, we’re back and excited to host this marquee event which highlights the vibrancy, uniqueness, and beauty of Alameda Island.”
Midway Shelter Winter 5k Run/Walk
[14]The 2023 island race series wraps up December 2 with the Midway Winter 5K Run/Walk [15], at the same location and bay trails as the April 23 Hospital Foundation Spring 5K. This course is flat, with beautiful San Francisco and Bay views, and will include the same expo experience as the other events, with food, beer, and music.
“I’m very excited that this series of run/walk events is returning to Alameda,” said Alameda Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft. “With a 5k, 10k, and 1/2 mile kids fun run, there’s something for everyone. …We look forward to hosting residents and visitors once again, so lace up your shoes and head to Alameda!”
[16]For more information or to register for an event, visit the Outfront Endurance [17] website. A custom “Island Challenge” medal [18] will be awarded to those who participate in any 3 of the 5 events in 2023.
Sponsors for the events include Bank of Marin, Alameda Health System, Penumbra, Greer Family Mortuary, Edward Jones Financial, Burneikis Law, Rise Bodyworks, Alameda Power, and the City of Alameda. In-kind donations provided by Alameda Island Brewery, Crystal Geyser, and SpeedPro Printing. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information on how to get involved, visit the sponsor page [19].