Viquez, Heit, Green win San Jose Half Marathon presented by Kaiser Permanente

June 1, 2025

Spectacular San Jose morning welcomes thousands to Santana Row; event benefits Special Olympics Northern California

San Jose, Calif. – (June 1, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The San Jose Half & 8K presented by Kaiser Permanente, benefiting Special Olympics Northern California, celebrated record participation with over 5,000 registered participants across its various events. These included the Half Marathon (13.1 miles), 8K (5 miles), Kaiser Permanente Kids Fun Run, and Speed City Mile. Held on a spectacular San Jose morning, the event, reimagined in 2024 by Run Local®, was hosted at Santana Row, one of San Jose’s premier destinations for dining and shopping, spanning three days of activities starting Friday, May 30.

In the Half Marathon, Oscar Viquez of San Jose triumphed in the men’s category with a time of 1:10:14, Marti Heit of San Francisco claimed victory in the women’s category with 1:18:47, and Joshua Green of Redwood City emerged as the Non-Binary+ winner with 1:54:38. The 8K saw wins from Steven Kool of Sunnyvale (men’s division, 24:27), Honey Gholami of Palo Alto (women’s division, 30:11), and Ruijin Wang of Santa Clara (Non-Binary+, 46:15).

Participants started at Santana Row, where they were inspired by remarks from Bonnie Panlasigui, Senior Vice President and Area Manager for Kaiser Permanente’s Santa Clara Service Area, and Special Olympics Northern California athlete Jennifer Hall. The opening was further uplifted by a low rider lead-out courtesy of the Boulevard Bombs Car Club.

The course wound through iconic San Jose landmarks including the Municipal Rose Garden—hailed as America’s Best Rose Garden—the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, the Historic Alameda District, the SAP Center, and Plaza de César Chaves. Runners experienced the vibrant Mariachi Mile toward the final stretch, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere.

“What an incredible morning to celebrate San Jose and all the runners and walkers who took to the streets. Thank you to Kaiser Permanente, Santana Row, Special Olympics Northern California, and the City of San Jose, along with all of our partners who help bring this event to life,” remarked J.T. Service, CEO of Run Local® Ventures.

At the finish line back at Santana Row, participants were greeted with a uniquely designed Finisher’s Medal created by local artist Lancing Love Chen in collaboration with Local Color. Following this, an energetic festival awaited, featuring the Villa Sport Recovery Zone, performances by local jam band Cloud Lifters, and sounds from DJ Courtney.

The San Jose Half & 8K presented by Kaiser Permanente proudly partners with Special Olympics Northern California to support its mission of fostering unity and connection between individuals with and without intellectual disabilities.

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 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 join us on social @runlocalevents.