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Themed October Running Events in Northern California

October. The month that brings us pumpkin spice latte’s (er, PSL’s for you die-hards), much appreciated cooler weather, Halloween, Oktoberfest, apple and pumpkin picking, and of course, the changing leaves that make our photos so pretty and which we will eventually crunch under our shoes. 

It’s also one of the best months for outdoor running and walking in Northern California, given the mild temperatures. While on any given weekend, one can easily find half a dozen run/walks within a reasonable drive, today we’ve chosen to focus on the incredible range of thematic events that make October in Northern California particularly unique for runners and walkers. 

Theme: Beer

Our own event, Rocktobrewfest, is a spin off on our prior event (Oktobrewfest, which was based on the Oktoberfest celebrations). This event is centered around ‘brew’ and  good old ‘rock’ and roll. Hence, the name Rocktobrewfest. This event takes place at 5 o’clock – cause as you all know (even though Alan Jackson and Jimmy Buffet reminded us) it is always 5 o’clock somewhere. The event includes post-race music and beer, unique medals, and for those who don’t consume alcohol, are’t yet 21, or who are the designated driver, sno cones are also offered.

Featured Event: Rocktobrewfest

Theme: Beer and music, evening event
2019 Date: Saturday night, October 19
Location: Davis
Distances: 5K and 5 Mile
More Info: Link

Other  Oktoberfest/beer themed events in October 2019:

Theme: Halloween. 

With Halloween taking place at the end of the month, naturally there are some Halloween events! Find a costume, grab some friends, and take a whole album of selfies at a Halloween themed races this year.

We’ll be out at the longstanding tradition known as Pleasanton Rotary Spirit Run, which has moved from June to October and is embracing a Halloween theme this year. 

Featured Event: Pleasanton Rotary Halloween Spirit Run

Theme: Halloween
2019 Date: Sunday, October 27
Location: Downtown Pleasanton
Distances: 10K, 5K, Kids Runs
More Info: Link

Other Halloween themed events:

Theme: The Full Moon. 

Night races aren’t particularly common but they are so much fun! The Palo Alto Moonlight Run is a longstanding tradition of running or walking under the full moon, dating back all the way to 1985!! Entry includes a cotton long sleeve t-shirt, courses travel along the baylands (bring a headlamp!) and there are always tons of post-race snacks and samples from sponsors. 

 

Event: Palo Alto Weekly Moonlight Run

Theme: Full Moon
2019 Date: Friday night, October 11
Location: Palo Alto Baylands Athletic Center
Distances: Half Marathon, 10K, 5K Run, 5K Walk
More Info: Link

 

 

Theme: Cows.

Cows might not be your first thought when it comes to October, but the Urban Cow Half Marathon (formerly the Sacramento Cowtown Marathon, formerly the Sacramento Marathon) is a longstanding staple event for the running community at Sacramento’s William Land Park, dating back to 1976. 

You can earn that iconic cowbell medal this year on Sunday, October 6th.

Event: Urban Cow Half Marathon

urban cow 2019 logoTheme: Cows, cows and more cows 
2019 Date: Sunday, October 6
Location: Land Park, Sacramento
Distances: Half Marathon, Half Relay, 5K, Kids Runs
More Info: Link

Theme: Johnny Cash.

The Folsom Blues Breakout Half Marathon/5K is based on the existence of the Folsom State Prison and themed around Johnny Cash. Don your favorite black and white striped outfit and enjoy the hills along the American River on Sunday, October 20.

 

Event: Folsom Blues Breakout

Theme: Johnny Cash
2019 Date: Sunday, October 20
Location: Downtown Folsom
Distances: Half Marathon, Half Relay, 5K, Free Kids 1K
More Info: Link

Theme: Tarantulas.

This might be your only chance all year to run or walk a race that is tarantula themed. 

Held at the Los Vaqueros Reservoir, this fall tradition has been running on eight legs since 2006. 

 

Event: Tarantula Run

Theme: all things arachnid
2019 Date: Saturday, October 12
Location: Los Vaqueros Reservoir, near Brentwood
Distances: Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, Free Kids Spider Scramble
More Info: Link

Theme: Mermaids.

This all-women’s event offers 5K, 10K and the Sirena 10 Mile, held in San Francisco. Mermaid dashes are held for kids. All finishers of the timed races receive a unique mermaid finisher necklace AND medal.

 

Event: Mermaid Run SF

Theme: Mermaids
2019 Date: Sunday, October 20
Location: Downtown San Francisco
Distances: 10 Mile, 10K, 5K
More Info: Link

 

 

Theme: The Goonies.

Goonies never say die. Enough said.

Event: Brazen Goonies Trail Adventure Run

Theme: The Goonies, skulls, treasures, all that good goonie stuff
2019 Date: Saturday, October 19
Location: Lagoon Valley Reservoir, Vacaville
Distances: Half Marathon, 10K (single track trails)
More Info: Link

 

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We are SO excited for Saturday!

Hello Participant!

Before we get into the race information, we would like to thank you again for your support of cancer patients and your decision to be a part of this year’s Cancer Champions Walk-Run-Roll event.  We especially want to shout-out those of you who have participated in securing donations for your fundraising goal. 100% of your fundraising donations will be put directly into patient grants. Thank you for making a difference in cancer patients’ lives!

Race Information for the Walk-Run-Roll

Your Race Entry:

Our event is this coming Saturday, September 14, 2024 at River Walk Park in West Sacramento, We have you registered as follows:

Maya Miramontes
Event: Virtual Participant

General Race Information:

Date: Saturday, September 14, 2024
Start Times: 8:20am (10K); 8:30am (5K & One Mile)
When To Arrive: 7:00 – 7:30am
Location: River Walk Park, West Sacramento

Virtual Entrants

If your “Event” listed under your name says “Virtual Participant,” that means you have registered to participate virtually, on your own time, at a location of your choosing. 

  • Virtual Packets (t-shirts, bib) have been mailed to you via USPS
  • We encourage you to share pictures of you and any friends participating virtually with you on Instagram or Facebook. Please tag us so we can cheer you on!
  • If you registered as a Virtual Participant but would now like to join us in-person (or the reverse), please email us to request the change. 

Event Location

The event will take place at River Walk Park, which is located in West Sacramento directly across the Sacramento River from Old Sacramento, between the Tower and I Street bridges. Please see the map to the right for the location.

Parking

You have several parking options as follows:

  • Ziggurat Parking Structure, $10 parking fee, located adjacent to the start/finish. Card only for payment. 
  • Ramco Parking lot, first 150 cars free, located between Sutter Health Park and the Sac River on Capitol Mall, adjacent to the Tower Bridge (see map). (1/3 Mile walk to venue)
  • Street parking (please note any metered fees will apply)
  • ADA Parking is at the Ziggurat Parking Structure.

Arriving At The Event

When to Arrive:

  • We suggest arriving between 7:00 am and 7:30 am. 


When You Arrive at the Event:

  • Proceed to the registration area to pick up your race bib and t-shirt
    • You do not need to bring any paperwork to pick up your bib/shirt – just tell the volunteer at Registration Check-In your first and last name
  • Special Bibs:
    • Survivor bibs will be available here for those who have received a cancer diagnosis
    • “I Show Up For” customizable bibs will be available at Cancer Champions tent, on which you can use a sharpie and write in the name or names of people you are participating in honor of!
  • How to wear bibs properly
    • Please wear the numbered bib on the front of your body on either your shirt or shorts. We need to be able to see your bib color to direct you properly on the race course.
    • Survivor and I Show Up For bibs may be worn on your back.
    • Safety pins will be available at registration. You will need four per bib.


Start Times:

  • Start times are:
    • 8:20 a.m. – 10K Run
    • 8:30 a.m. – 5K and 1 Mile

  • Please note these times are slightly adjusted from previously posted times to ensure a smooth race experience for all participants
  • Please be sure to start at the correct time for the distance you signed up for
  • All races start and finish in the same location
  • If you would like to change to a different distance, please email us to request the change by Sept. 11

 

Guest Speakers

Before the starting gun, hear directly from three Cancer Champions members about the importance of supporting those impacted by cancer.

  • Kirk Keeler, a stage 4 colon cancer patient who just free climbed Half Dome in Yosemite, is on a mission to spread awareness of earlier cancer screening to help save lives.
  • Kevin Bohn, a lymphoma survivor and runner with no stomach but all the guts in the world, will speak to his story and how Cancer Champions is helping him achieve his goals. 
  • Laura Santana, a mother, wife, and cancer survivor, wanted to get stronger and healthier to be able to travel with her family. It sounds like Italy was a blast – we can’t wait to hear where she goes next!

 

These three incredible Cancer Champions will leave you feeling inspired to conquer your Walk-Run-Roll and make a difference for those impacted by cancer.

Fundraising

  • Prize Pick Up: If you have fundraised $100 or more, please be sure to pick up your fundraising prizes before or after your run/walk at the booth “Fundraising Prizes.”
  • Have you met your goal? If not, you can continue to add to your fundraiser through race morning!
    • Our super snazzy Cancer Champions Walk-Run-Roll fundraiser medal is yours once you hit the $100 mark!
    • How about some shade for your head? Take home a Cancer Champions strap back hat when you raise $300.
    • Prepare for cooler weather ahead with a Cancer Champions hooded sweatshirt when you raise $500.
    • You can even make a donation to your own fundraiser at the event site if you need a little boost!
  • Donations will be accepted on race day and can be made at the Cancer Champions tent.


Course Maps

 

After You Cross The Finish Line

After you cross the finish line (hurrah!!) we will have the following for you to enjoy:

  • Live music
  • Water, Gatorade, and light refreshments
  • Survivor medal pick-up (all survivors, regardless of finish time, will be honored with a medal)
  • Fundraising prize pick-up (for all fundraisers who raised $100 or more). This includes customizable “I Show Up For” medals, hats and sweatshirts! Visit the tent labeled “Fundraising Prize Pick Up.”
  • Vendor booths from our sponsors

 

Awards & Results

  • Overall and Age Group Awards Pick-Up will be in the post-race area
    • Overall Awards will be presented in the 5K, 10K, and One Mile to the top three male, female, and nonbinary finishers
    • Age Group awards will be presented in the 5K and 10K to the top three male, female, and nonbinary finishers per age group
  • Results can be viewed by scanning the QR code on your race bib with your phone
    • We will have Chromebooks available by the start/finish line for results viewing for those without a phone on hand
    • Results link

 

Thanks for reading!

We are looking forward to seeing you this Saturday, September 14 and will send you one more reminder email on Friday morning. In the meantime, if you have any questions please feel free to email us here.

Your partner in health, 
Cancer Champions

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Maya Miramontes

Volunteer and Site Coordinator

Maya participated in her first A Change of Pace event at the age of 3 months. From there she followed her siblings in participating in a multitude of events from runs to kids’ triathlons. While growing up with parents who ran a sports marketing firm, she had no choice but to attend most events her entire youth life. Now as an adult, she has returned (by her own choice) and now serves as the volunteer and site coordinator. In addition, she has also been instrumental in the 2024 design and transitioning of our new website. We are fortunate to have her tackle one of the more critical areas that are considered the backbone of any event, volunteers. Maya resides in Davis and In her spare time she spends time as a dog trainer while simultaneously assisting other local nonprofit organizations such as the Yolo County SPCA and Cancer Champions.

Alec Miramontes

Event Oversight and Volunteer Management

Alec, a graduate of the University of Oregon, oversees course and volunteer management on event day. He also helps coordinate infrastructure set up and tear down, equipment management and assists with race timing.

Dave Miramontes

Executive Director

Dave brings an impressive 36 years of event production, marketing, advertising, and graphic design experience to the team. Dave has not only been a decorated athlete, but he also understands how good teamwork can lead to a successful outcome. Having 4 active kids has allowed him to stay involved in youth sports as well as being active within the community. As the Executive Director of A Change of Pace, he still enjoys his role as the logistics coordinator for all Foundation and outside client events. In addition, he oversees course design & safety, city & police relations, graphic design, advertising, marketing, and creative concepts. Dave resides in Davis with his wife Jen and has 4 very cool kids, all of which has worked at A Change of Pace at one point or another.

Jeannine Henderson

Treasurer, Assistant Race Director & Head Timer

Jeannine not only oversees the day-to-day operations; she handles one of the most critical elements within the organization; the registration and timing department. Aside from overseeing the computerized timing department and client/participant relations, she handles our social media and website changes and medal/award design. Her guidance and organizational skills have become a huge value to the organization as she provides much of the input on special projects such as the Tour De Fit.

Jennifer Miramontes

Board Member

Jennifer has over twenty years of experience in the marketing field, including positions as the Marketing Director for Chevys Fresh Mex restaurants and Real Mex restaurants. Jennifer also has extensive experience developing community programs geared towards children, having served on the Board of Directors for the Davis Schools Foundation as well as the Patwin PTA. Jennifer has a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Pepperdine University, and is also a certified personal trainer. A runner herself, Jennifer has completed numerous triathlons and over 50 marathons, including top age-group finishes in high profile events such as the Boston Marathon and the Rock N Roll Marathon. Jennifer owns FIT House in Davis and enjoys inspiring her clients to reach their fitness goals.