THE BERKELEY HALF MARATHON COURSE: MILE 2

Ever wonder what running the The Berkeley Half Marathon course is like? Let the Berkeley Half Marathon staff take you through the experience of running the The Berkeley Half Marathon mile-by-mile. Get a sneak peak, then get registered and get training!

Mile 2 begins with a quick stretch along Russell Street before turning onto bustling Telegraph Avenue, carrying runners on their approach to the UC Berkeley Campus. Telegraph Avenue is a classic stretch of Berkeley featuring restaurants, yoga studios, tattoo shops, 510 Skateboarding and iconic record stores like Amoeba Music and Rasputin Music. Founded as “Rasputin Records” in 1971, Rasputin is now the largest independent chain of record stores in the San Francisco Bay Area. With a wide collection of vinyl, CDs and tapes, as well as live events, Rasputin Music and Amoeba Music offer a great selection for every music enthusiast.

Just behind Amoeba along Haste Street is People’s Park, the site of protests in 1969. In response to protests against the planned expansion of UC Berkeley, students and local residents protested in People’s Park, which police responded to violently. In the aftermath, then Governor Ronald Reagan sent in 2,700 national guard troops who occupied Berkeley, shuttering gatherings and protests across the city. Ultimately, People’s Park was not developed and remains open through today.

Mile 2 has a slow and steady climb along Telegraph approach campus but runners can cool off with a quick drink from Water Stop 1 at the end of Mile 2.