Run, jog or walk along the spectacular Cesar Chavez park located near the Berkeley Marina along the shore of the San Francisco Bay.
The course is fast and mostly flat (minor slopes, no hills). All participants start at the same time (9:00 am). The 5K runners and walkers go around the park twice (+100 meters over the lap, since each lap is slighly less than 2.5K) along the water's edge. At the NE and NW corners of the park, the course follows the short paved "bulbs" rather than taking the main trail.
In addition to twice around the park, the course for the 10K runners includes another 5K by going south on Marina Boulevard, east on University Avenue, and then north along the East Bayshore Trail to Gilman Street. Runners return by reversing their route back to the park.
The path around the park is well paved (with a small gravel edge for runners who prefer gravel). The additional 5K for the 10K course includes about 2K on poorly paved paths with tree roots, causing some bumps in the pavement, and about 300m on a smooth dirt/gravel trail.
All portions of the course are open to the public, so other joggers and walkers will be present. Course monitors will guide the participants at the turns and intersections, and water will be available at two locations. You can see the course here: Course Map
Snacks and beverages will be provided to participants after completing the course.
Directions to the CourseFrom Highway I-80/580
- Take University Avenue exit
- From Highway I-80/580
- Take University Avenue exit
- Northbound on the freeway: Go 3 blocks to 7th Street and do a U-turn to go the other way on University Avenue (west). Go over highway I-80
- Southbound on the freeway: As you curve through the cloverleaf exit, veer left at the end, then turn left at the stop sign when you reach University Avenue.
- Continue straight (west) at the stop sign at W. Frontage Rd.
- The right lane will turn right at the next stop sign, Marina Blvd. (past the Berkeley Doubletree Hotel)
- As Marina Blvd. curves to the left, it becomes Spinnaker Way
- Park as near as possible to this corner. Signs directing you to registration will be located here.
- Take University Avenue west toward the Bay
- Cross over highway I-80
- Follow instructions as above to the park.
For Students coming from UC Berkeley, the 51B bus will take you directly to the Berkeley Marina. The 51B can be found in front of Eshleman Hall. The bus ride will take about 30 minutes. Get off at the corner of University and Marina Blvd, where you will need to walk north on Marina Blvd. (about 11 minutes) to Cesar Chavez Park. Student volunteers should plan to catch the 6:05 am bus in order to arrive at the park by 7:00 am.