Down by the Bay 5k

Course description:
The Down by the Bay 5K starts and finishes in Sunnyvale’s Baylands Park. The race starts on the Baylands Park Trail, through the picnic area, and then goes out-​and-​back leg along that trail and the Bay Trail (about .8 miles on the latter). When it reaches the picnic area the course follows the Baylands Bike Trail around the periphery of the picnic area until it reaches the Baylands Park Trail, which it takes to the finish. Basically the course forms a loop around the picnic area, and the out-​and-​back forms 3 of the four sides of a trapezoid.
About 40% of the course is paved parking lot or trail, and the rest is packed dirt and fine gravel. The scenery was generally pleasant — marshland and surrounding slightly higher ground. Other than 4 very short hills approaching the finish — there was a flatter bypass path for those who wanted/​needed it — the course was almost flat.
Organization & Production:
Easy registration. Two days’ packet pick-​up at Sunnyvale Sports Basement, quick and smooth.
About 30 or 40 yards from the start/​finish arch is a playground, and sponsors tables were set up on the lawn.
Since the race benefited a preschool, parents with strollers were encouraged to participate.
The course was not marked, as such, but there were volunteers at every turn to direct and encourage runners. I only noticed a marker for Mile 2.
There was one aid station, water only, positioned for runners to pass twice, with about 2 miles between.
The race was chip timed, both starts and finishes, nice for a small charity race.
The after race area was nicely set up with food and sponsors’ tables, conveniently near the playground (great for families with small kids!
In addition to the 5K, there was a «Tot Trot» of maybe 100 yards, including 4 short hills. There were also some kids’ games in the food and sponsors area.
Swag & Goodies:
Swag — this was a no medal race (fine with me, it’s a charity 5K). The T-​Shirt is dark blue cotton, with race name, logo (a whale tail), and date, and the name of the beneficiary on the front. On the back are the sponsors’ logos plus the race name and website on the back. All in all a very nice race T-​shirt. The bib has all of the same information plus the bib number on a white background. All in all, very nice for a small, local, charity race.
The after-​race food was really good for a small charity-​benefit race. There was Hint flavored bottled water (not chilled), whole bananas, a veggie platter, cut up bagels and cinnamon rolls, and coffee cake. I didn’t finish very late, so I didn’t see what and how much was left for late finishers.
My Results & Opinion of the Race:
Because I haven’t done a chip-​timed 5K in almost 4 years my finish time was a PR, by 7 minutes. So I was very happy with that.
This was a sometimes basic, sometimes more than basic small local 5K race. Race organization was without a hitch, from what I could see. It’s worth noting that this was just the second year for this race. Who could (reasonably) want more from such a race? I would definitely consider doing this race again.

Such a fun race! We ran the 5k while pushing our son in the stroller. Our kiddo also ran the «tot trot” — and after almost a year he still talks about his race and winning a medal. The family activities were fun as well! Great race for runners, newbies, and families. We attend MVPNS and can’t say enough great things about this school — this race benefits a wonderful preschool!

Down by the Bay 5k and Tot Trot is a unique running event for the whole family! The 5k allows runners, walkers, and strollers! As a regular 5k fun run runner, it is a nice low key operation that is truly enjoyable. The kid’s run (Tot Trot) is a great intro race for new and developing little runners. It is not timed and is all about earning that pride as they cross the finish line.
Down by the Bay 5k is put on by parent volunteers and benefits MVPNS (Mountain View Parent Nursery School). MVPNS is a wonderful non-​profit organization that offers a co-​op, play-​based preschool program. This fundraiser allows the spirit and dedication of the fantastic teachers and parents of MVPNS to continue to nurture the curiosity within their children. To learn more, check out the website at
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I am writing this review as a volunteer, and not as a runner. This race was adorable! I loved watching people run in their Halloween costumes. The best was the dad who pushed a stroller while he ran in an inflatable Sumo wrestler costume. In 2014, the inaugural run was held at Shoreline Park in Mountain View. This year, it’ll be held at Baylands Park in Sunnyvale on Sunday, November 1^st. It is really great for active families, but I also met serious runners. At least one was training for a marathon. The proceeds benefit Mountain View Parent Nursery School (MVPNS), which relocated over the summer of 2015. My son and I attend this wonderful preschool, as do many of the families who participated last year. But this event also attracts families and runners who do not attend MVPNS. It was so inspirational to watch toddlers and preschoolers run in the tot trot. They did so well, and were so proud of themselves. They also received cute Down by the Bay 5K necklaces at the finish line. There was water and plenty of free food for everyone. Race packet pick-up’s were held at the Sunnyvale Sports Basement. Packets included coupons, race bibs, and adult t-​shirts. Kids’ t-​shirts, reusable bags, and raffle were sold at the race packet pick-​up and the 5K run. This year, there will also be vendor booths giving out free samples, providing free demonstrations, and selling food and non-​food items. There will also be a family activity area with face painting and other activities. Needless to say, we anticipate a much bigger turn out this year!