Hernia Hill 1/2 Marathon: a Twisted 4th of July Tradition

For those who like their half marathons with plenty of scenery and elevation (not to mentions some outstanding wine tasting), be sure to put Sunday, July 5th down on your calendar for the 22nd annual Hernia Hill Half Marathon at Twisted Oak Winery. Produced by On Your Mark Events, this exciting race, as well as its popular post-race barbecue, has become a mid Sierra area Fourth of July holiday weekend tradition—for both the locals and those who travel in from throughout California and Nevada. Along with the half marathon, the Hernia Hill also provides a 10K Run and 5K Run.

Hernia Hill will be returning to its exciting location—Twisted Oak Winery, in Vallecito (located between Angels Camp and Murphys, on Highway 4). The three courses feature a combination of hilly paved surfaces and packed gravel roads, which offer the beautiful views of the crest of the Sierra and nearby vineyards. All three distances will also go through the infamous Twisted Oak Cardiac Cave (the winery’s barrel-aging cave).

Twisted Oak Winery is located at 4280 Red Hill Road, in Vallecito, just off Highway 4 (between the towns of Angels Camp and Murphys , All three races will start at 8:00 a.m., with check-in and registration beginning at 6:30 a.m. The traditional Hernia Hill Half Marathon “after run training table” of coffee and doughnuts will be served 9:30-10:30 a.m., with the awards barbecue following, between 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

For nearby lodging information, contact the Calaveras County Visitors Bureau at 800-225-3764.

Run San Ramon: A Bay Area 4th of July Tradition

Before you overindulge at the barbecue, then sit back to watch fireworks, why not kick-off your 4th of July morning with a healthy start by running or walking in the annual Run San Ramon. This always popular Independence Day classic offers an event for everyone: 3K Fun Walk; 5K Run/Walk; and 10K Run. Proceeds from Run San Ramon will benefit the City of San Ramon’s community programs.

All three courses feature flat, fast, and paved surfaces, running throughout the monitored streets in the Bishop Ranch area of San Ramon (East of 680). Commemorative T-shirts go out to all participants. Start/Finish line features beverages, fruit, snacks, ice cream, booths, and the ever-popular wading fountain, as well as the awards ceremony, following the race.

The Mayor’s Cup will be awarded to the winning pre-registered San Ramon resident, male and female (5K and 10K). Trophies will go to the top male, female, and team finishers of each 5K and 10K race. Medals will be given three deep in designated age groups for both 5K and 10K male and female participants (5-8, 9-12, 13-15, 16-19, 20-24, to 85+).

Check-in and race day registration will be open at 6:30 a.m., at the San Ramon Community Center 12501 Alcosta Blvd. (East side of 680), in San Ramon—same location of the races’ start and finish lines. The 10K Run will start at 8:15 a.m., with the 3K Fun Walk and 5K Run / Walk beginning at 8:20 a.m.

For more Run San Ramon information and/or an application, contact the San Ramon Parks & Community Services, Brad Morris at (925) 973-3367 or or visit the San Ramon Parks & Community Services Department. Timing and results will be provided by On Your Mark Events.

Tri-For-Fun and Pleasanton Spirit Run weekend wrap-up

What a great weekend in Pleasanton! We kicked off the 22nd Tri-For-Fun Triathlon Season on Saturday, followed by the 16th Annual Pleasanton Spirit Run on Sunday. Neither days' temps passed the mid-80s. Very rare! More than 800 participated in the Tri-For-Fun #1, with the Spirit Run topping over 1,300 runners, joggers, walkers, and kid dashers. To view pictures from both days, you can visit the On Your Mark Events' Facebook Fan Page or check out the event's official photographer's (Facchino Photography) Web site: Pleasanton Spirit Run.

TRI-FOR-FUN #1

As like so many Tri-For-Funs before, we had a such a diverse field of experienced triathletes. It's always exciting to see such a large number of first timers. We were also surprised by the appearance of one of our nation's top triathletes and On Your Mark Events' friend, Eric Harr. Of course, he was the first to finish. As participants know, the Tri-For-Funs are not timed events (so please, no wagering), but we do have a finish-line clock, so everyone can check their personal time.

Don't forget, On Your Mark Events' Tri-For-Fun #2 will be here before we know it -- July 18.

Tri-For-Fun: Rising from the 400-yard swim

PLEASANTON SPIRIT RUN

Top Male Finisher (5K) Samuel Hyams, Pleasanton, CA - 0:16:07

Top Female (5K) Stephanie Bambury, Pleasanton, CA - 0:19:35

All 5K results

Top Male Finisher (10K) Steven Chavez, San Ramon, CA - 0:35:50

Top Female Finisher (10K) Anna Gunn, Walnut Creek, CA - 0:40:58

All 10K results

Pleasanton Spirit Run: 10K start

Be sure to join OYME on Twitter and on Facebook!

Check out all this season's events on our Web site.

On Your Mark Events Tri-For-Fun TIPS

Here are some useful tips for those of you rolling out to On Your Mark Events' Tri-For-Fun Triathlon this Saturday.

Things to remember:

*Pre-registration is now closed--sorry no refunds for those who have pre-registered

*Race-day registration will be available: $65.00 individual and $190 team

Signing waiver forms

*Shadow Cliffs charges a $6.00 parking fee at entrance, be prepared to pay at the gate, to keep the line moving. Consider car-pooling

*Don't forget your mandatory swim cap and CPSC approved bike helmet—not to mention your swimsuit and bike

Body Marking

*The park gates and check-in will open at 5:00 a.m.

*Rack your bike in the fenced transition area (BEFORE checking in)

Fremont's favorite son, Anthony, transitions from bike to run.

*ALL PARTICIPANTS must sign a day-of event release form (they'll be on the tables on the grassy knoll)

*Get body marked once you receive your bib number

*Water stations will be positioned throughout the course

*There will be plenty of light snacks and beverages available after the race

Rack them bikes!

*The raffle will be held after the race--winners must be present

*FIRST-TIMERS ALERT! For those who have never participated in a triathlon or a Tri -For-Fun Triathlon, there will be a first-timers talk at 6:45, on the beach.

Done, and done!

The Tri-For-Fun will have five starting waves:

1. Elite/Experienced triathletes

2. Males ages 16 to 39

3. Males ages 40 and over

4. Females ages 16 to 39

5. Females ages 40 and over

6. Relays, kids under 15, anyone with a physical disabilities, and couples wanting to do a triathlon holding hands