San Jose Half & 8K presented by Kaiser Permanente celebrates Running is for Everyone

May 31, 2024

San Jose’s original running party on Sunday, June 2 to benefit Special Olympics Northern California; new start & finish at Santana Row

SAN JOSE, Calif. – (May 31, 2024) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The San Jose Half & 8K presented by Kaiser Permanente benefiting Special Olympics Northern California celebrates Running is for Everyone in its 12^th edition. The revamped event will provide a unique three-day festival at Santana Row, open to the public, beginning on Friday, May 31 and culminating on race day, Sunday, June 2. The festival will include a Health & Wellness-focused vendor mart, activities for all ages, live music and more. On Saturday, June 1, the event will host the Thrive Shakeout Run and Lululemon Yoga on the Row beginning at 8:00am.

On race day, thousands of runners and walkers will begin their journey on Stevens Creek Blvd, with the famous Mariachi Mile welcoming them at the new start line. Half Marathon & 8K participants will 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 the high energy new finish line on Santana Row. The event has also launched the inaugural Speed City Mile welcoming runners of all abilities and ages.

“We thank Kaiser Permanente for their continued and increased support of this San Jose born and raised community event. Since our launch in 2012 as the 408K, the event has grown to include the Half Marathon and our inaugural Speed City Mile, but more importantly, we have stayed laser-focused on creating a uniquely San Jose experience for everyone to enjoy,” commented Run Local^® Ventures CEO and native son, J.T. Service.

Participants will be led out by the Blvd Bombs Low Rider group, setting the stage for an exciting race experience. Runners can look forward to a vibrant lineup of local entertainment, featuring a dozen 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 at both the beginning and the final stretch of the race.

All participants will receive a unique Finisher’s Medal and Event Shirt designed by featured local artist, Alyssa Wigant 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 31 – 3:00pm to 7:00pm: Packet Pick Up – Happy Hour @ Santana Row
• Saturday, June 1 – 8:00am: Thrive Shakeout Run @ Santana Row
• Saturday, June 1 – 9:00am: Lululemon Yoga on the Row
• Saturday, June 1 – 10:00am to 2:00pm: Packet Pick Up – Friends & Family Day @ Santana Row
• Sunday, June 2 – 7:30am: Half Marathon presented by Kaiser Permanente Start
• Sunday, June 2 – 8:30am: 8K Start
• Sunday, June 2 – 10:00am: Kaiser Permanente 408Kids Fun Run
• Sunday, June 2 – 10:30am: Speed City Mile

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 presented by Kaiser Permanente (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.

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