THE BERKELEY HALF MARATHON COURSE: MILE 8

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 8 is the final stretch before runners take to the waterfront, taking runners along one of Berkeley’s main commercial corridors outside of Downtown Berkeley. Running down Fourth St. runners enjoy a fast flat section of the course. At the beginning of Mile 8 are two notable Bay Area companies focused on healthy living and wellness, Annie’s Homegrown and Gu Energy Labs. Annie’s Homegrown is a maker of natural and organic pastas, meals and snacks. Gu Energy Labs, a Berkeley Half Marathon partner, produces performance sports nutrition products, including energy gels, chews and drinks.

Moving on runners pass a variety of shops and businesses including homegoods store CB2, Japanese restaurant Iyasare and corporate mainstays like Lululemon and Apple. A left onto University Ave (though a very different looking University Ave from when runners exited UC Berkeley’s campus) brings runners to a quick out and back where a drink from Water Stop 4 fuels runners on their approach to the waterfront. Cross over the highway to reach the end of Mile 8 and take in the incredible views of the San Francisco Bay.