Record Participation set for San Jose Half & 8K presented by Kaiser Permanente

May 30, 2025

Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1 events benefit Special Olympics Northern California; weekend events hosted at Santana Row, the Bay Area’s premier dining and shopping experience

San Jose, Calif. – (May 30, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The San Jose Half & 8K presented by Kaiser Permanente benefiting Special Olympics Northern California celebrates record participation with over 5,000 registered participants in the Half Marathon (13.1 Miles), 8K (5 Miles), Kaiser Permanente Kids Fun Run and Speed City Mile events. The event, reimagined in 2024 by Run Local^®, is uniquely hosted at Santana Row, one of San Jose’s premier restaurant and shopping destinations, with three days of events beginning Friday, May 30.

Event weekend begins on Friday, May 30 with live music by the The Joint Chiefs, a local dance band, as well as Run Local staple, DJ Jay Sumabat. On Saturday, May 31, the community is invited to the Thrive Shakeout Run at 8:00am followed by the Speed City Mile and Kaiser Permanente Kids Fun Run events at Santana Row beginning at 9:00am. Runners in both events will be taking on a ¼ mile criterium style, loop course around Santana Row. In the Speed City Mile, twenty local High School athletes will be competing in a special invitation-only event. The day will culminate with the Blue House Band taking the stage at 11:00am to keep the good vibes rolling.

On Sunday, June 1, runners and walkers of all abilities will start their journey on Stevens Creek Blvd, weave through downtown San Jose neighborhoods and landmarks such as the Municipal Rose Garden, which was named America’s Best Rose Garden, the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, the Historic Alameda District, the SAP Center and Plaza de César Chaves before returning to enjoy the famous Mariachi Mile in the final stretches of the course.

“We are thrilled to continue growing this San Jose-born community event with the incredible support of our partners such as Kaiser Permanente. In 2025, the San Jose Half & 8K has reached new heights, adding exciting elements such as a full slate of Saturday events at Santana Row, while staying true to our mission of delivering a uniquely San Jose experience for everyone to enjoy,” remarked J.T. Service, CEO of Run Local^® Ventures and proud native of San Jose.

Participants will be led out by local low riders, setting the stage for an exciting race experience. Runners can look forward to a vibrant lineup of local entertainment, featuring bands and DJs stationed throughout the course keeping everyone motivated on their journey. A highlight of the event, the renowned Mariachi Mile, will once again celebrate San Jose’s rich Mexican heritage and Chicano culture, offering an extra surge of energy in the final stretches of the race.

All participants will receive a unique Finisher’s Medal and Event Shirt designed by featured local artist, Lancing Love Chen and the agency Local Color.

The San Jose & 8K presented by Kaiser Permanente is proud to partner with Special Olympics Northern California to further the awareness of its mission to unite people with and without intellectual disabilities and create a more connected community.

SCHEDULE

• Friday, May 30 – 3:00pm to 7:00pm: Packet Pick Up – Happy Hour @ Santana Row
• Saturday, May 31 – 8:00am: Thrive Shakeout Run @ Santana Row
• Saturday, May 31 – 9:00am: Speed City Mile
• Saturday, May 31 – 10:00am: Kaiser Permanente 408Kids Fun Run
• Saturday, May 31 – 8:00am to 2:00pm: Packet Pick Up – Friends & Family Day @ Santana Row
• Sunday, June 1 – 7:30am: Half Marathon presented by Kaiser Permanente Start
• Sunday, June 1 – 8:30am: 8K Start
• Sunday, June 1 – 8:00am – 12:00pm: Santana Row Finish Line Festival

FAST FACTS

• 13th Edition (previously “408K Race to the Row”)
• 5,000+ registered runners expected across all events
• 400+ volunteers and staff
• 20+ person strong Half Marathon Pace Team powered by local running group, Too Legit Fitness
• 20 local High School athletes participating in an invite-only heat of the Speed City Mile
• Produced Locally, Enjoyed Globally.
  • 90% travel from within 90 miles of San Jose
  • 30 states and territories as well as 13 countries represented
• 48% Female, 51% Male, 1% Non-Binary+ / Prefer not to disclose across all events
• Youngest / Oldest
  • Youngest – 1 Year 11 Months (Kaiser Permanente Kids Fun Run)
  • Oldest – 85 Years Old (8K)
• Famous Mariachi Mile with multiple bands energizing participants
• 8 Aid Stations, including the Start & Finish at Santana Row

For more event information or to register, go to: sanjosehalfmarathon.com

About Run Local^®

Founded in 2012, Run Local’s mission is to inspire movement in your community^™. It has produced events in the San Francisco Bay Area and throughout California, including the Oakland Marathon (March), San Jose Half & 8K (June) and the Santa Barbara Half presented by HOKA & 5K (November). Each of its events celebrate the local running community, artists and the unique diversity of each region. For more information, visit runlocalevents.com and also join us on social @runlocalevents.