Berkeley Half Marathon Mile-by-Mile Series: Mile Thirteen & Finish

I'm calling this one Mile Thirteen, even though it's really mile thirteen and some change. I like to ignore that .2 until I'm forced to deal with it. At the end of Channing you're heading left on Spaulding Ave, then zig-zagging: Right on Allston (here will be your final water-stop) Right on Jefferson, Left on Bancroft, Right on ... More

Berkeley Half Marathon Mile-by-Mile Series: Mile Twelve

What a wonderful day in the neighborhood as we start Mile twelve. Go left when you see the cement road blocks – saying hello to those at Franklin Bros Market – then giddy up and buckle down for our climb up Bancroft. Be careful on Bancroft – I've run the course several times. Maybe I'm just admitting my flaws in lack of moderation, ... More

Berkeley Half Marathon Mile-by-Mile Series: Mile Eleven

Mile eleven unfortunately puts an end to the leisurely cruise portion of the race, forcing you back to business – there's going to be another mild climb to finish out the race, so make sure you're hydrating and taking in energy. It's too late to turn back now. Keep heading North on Frontage Rd until you see the freeway overpass again, ... More

Berkeley Half Marathon Mile-by-Mile Series: Mile Ten

Mile Ten is much the same, but who can have too much of a good thing. After you hook your u-turn you're going to generally head north along Frontage Rd. Soon into mile ten you'll have another water-stop, so if you're feeling parched now is your opportunity. As you head along Frontage, distract yourself from inevitable exhaustion by ... More

Berkeley Half Marathon Mile-by-Mile Series: Mile Nine

We're still heading south on Frontage. Really take this time to find your peaceful place, glancing out into the depths of the marvelous Bay. It's easy to forget its beauty and glory as its presence is too common in all our lives. Undoubtedly this is my favorite part of the race, soaking in the sounds of the waves lapping against the rocks, ... More

Berkeley Half Marathon Mile-by-Mile Series: Mile Eight

Oh boy... mile eight. Let me tell you about mile eight. Frankly it's a lot like the others, but maybe a little flatter, and bougier? Head left on 4th street and consider filling yourself up with your simple carb of choice, as it's most likely (on average) about 45 minutes from the last time you took in some calories. Unsure of which company ... More

Berkeley Half Marathon Mile-by-Mile Series: Mile Six

Mile six starts with you crossing The Alameda and continuing down Monterey Ave. This is a great opportunity to take a breath and take stock on your body’s condition. Don’t overstride or lock your knees as you gain speed on the downhill. The best thing to do this early in the race (yes, it’s still early), is settle in and let gravity do ... More

Berkeley Half Marathon Mile-by-Mile Series: Mile Five

Ok, mile five. You just hydrated, you’re about half way through your arduous climb, your mind has wandered off into some senseless game like counting lamp posts to gauge how far you’ve gone (is that just me?), and you’ve accepted the reality that is pain and suffering through uphill running – but this is what you’re here for, to ... More

Berkeley Half Marathon Mile-by-Mile Series: Mile Four

Keep heading west on University Drive, onto Crescent Lane, letting these roads carry you off of UC Berkeley campus and back into Berkeley proper. Enjoy this last little bit of downhill, taking advantage of gravity to shake out any tightness that’s been nagging you. After stepping off campus and getting back to the city, keep heading West ... More

Berkeley Half Marathon Mile-by-Mile Series: Mile Three

Mile two is through, so grab a sip of water from our friends at the Sports Basement Aid Station and then consider checking out their store off Milvia. While no longer underground, Sports Basement managed to set up shop in an historic Berkeley Landmark, the old ice-skating rink, Iceland. No longer frozen, at night you can still go take a peek ... More