Let’s Go 510 10K

There’s really not a bad race from Brazen Racing. This one is no exception. Plenty of parking and good bathrooms at the race track, and you might be able to see some of the horses warming up in the morning. These races are always well organized, from packet pickup to getting your snacks at the end.
This race was mostly flat, except for a short but significant hill behind the track at the beginning and end of the race. There are sections of pavement, gravel, and dirt/​sand. Your shoes will likely get pretty dusty – mine sure did!
The race started about 10 minutes late – they wanted to make sure the sun was up enough so we could see. I thought it was a little weird that the 5k and 10k runners all started together. I understand they probably did that so that they could make sure everyone was finished by the time the horse racing started. However, it was tough figuring out there in the starting area I wanted to line up based on the pace I was going to run, since we were all in there together.
All in all, this was a good race, and it was a BIG race. There were lots of people. I’d likely do it again.

I ran this as part of the Run the Challenge and I had a fantastic time! I have done several other races of varying sizes and I can say that I really appreciate the amenities that Brazen Racing provides.
PROS:
–super easy and efficient packet pick up; they allow race day pick up too!
–later start time (10am) which was nice
–sufficient aid stations (water and electrolytes) and volunteers were very friendly and helpful
–personalized bib
–lots of signs when you exit the free way so it was really easy to find
–AMAZING post race snacks with a lot of variety, including its it ice cream. AND they never seemed to run out
–giant, heavy, quality bling!
–scenic parts of run along the Bay
— I enjoyed the multiple terrain course, which ended on the horse track. Was a really cool and unique experience running on the track — texture makes it a real challenge!
–runners allowed to stay after race and watch the horse races for free
–part of a fun 3 race series!!!
CONS:
–no staggered start times so it was slow and crowded starting out. But the 5k runners split from the 10k runners pretty soon so that freed up a lot of space

This was the last race for me in the Run the Bay Series challenge. I ran the 408 (8k) in San Jose in March, the 415 (5k) in San Rafael is July, and the 510 (10K) in Berkeley in October. It’s been fun running through the bay area to accomplish this challenge and even sweeter to receive the cool «Run the Bay» medal at the end of the 3^rd race.
It was raining on race day but we were fortunate that the rain stopped right before the race began. Packet pick-​up was a breeze on race day and you even get a personalized bib if you registered early enough. Unlike some races, parking was free and there was enough free parking for everyone at Golden Gate Fields. The freeway signs made getting to the location fairly easy too.
Since this is not a huge race, there is only one start time for both the 5k and 10k runners. Get ready for a packed start. The course itself goes across dirt, paved road, and the rubber/​uneven race track at the home stretch of the race. I disliked the end the worse due to the unevenness of the trail. There was a couple of parts where the run was a bit boring, going around the parking lot and behind the race track area. For the most part, the view around the marina was nice and the volunteers made it easy to know where to go.
There was a lot more vendors here and better food for the runners afterwards. They even gave away free It’s It ice cream too. That was pretty awesome. Runners were invited to stick around for the horse racing afterwards.
Overall, this was an organized race. Volunteers took photos and the race organizers had them available soon after the run. Now that I’ve finished the Run the Bay Challenge, I would probably pass on this race in the future. There are so many more new and fun races out there still.

What a unique, fun, well-​organized event in a lovely setting! I had a great time. Full race report here:

It was a fun 10k. The race was a bit harder coz there were a couple of up hills/​downhills, gravel, dirt roads, etc. ended up in the race track. There was a mile & a half of nice scenery along the bay & that was motivating. The medal was huge (2013)!