Running Of The Bulls 5k Fun Run

It’s a fun concept, and used to be better, but it has been poorly executed in the past few years. Even the race director did not know which age group runs what distances, and he was not in contact with other volunteers. In the end, they had kids run the wrong distances and never even realized it. The clinic is nice, but some coaches were more adding to the confusion rather than inspiring/​teaching something useful. At least some of the clinic coaches were fun, but this event used to be much better in 2010 and 2011. After a decline in 2012, it has gotten so bad in 2013 that it does not seem it could get worse. Two stars because of the bulls and the clinics. Juana Run, Otter Run and Zimbabwe Run are better options.

Small and family-​focused run — great if you’re relatively new to running. It’s a pretty fast group for a small race, but has lots of families and kids’ events.

Fun family run, not too many runners. It was fun trying to weave through all the puddles on the path but a fellow runner fell onto me yanking out my ear buds and dropping my MP3 :(
Overall, its a great run for not so serious runners… like myself
I couldn’t help but to laugh when the runners dressed as bulls and cows would race by saying «good job!»

Wow I’m really surprised no one has Unilocaled about this 5k in Palo Alto considering this was their 8^th Annual run.
Running of the Bulls 5k Fun Run is a cute concept where they have elite runners dressed up in bull/​cow outfits and they have a delayed start and end up running with you on the 5k. The more you pass the more chances you had at getting a prize. This race was inspired bull-​running in Pamplona, Spain.
This year’s Bulls 5k event is a fundraiser for A Foundation Building Strength. Last year it was for Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. Its great that they have a different charity to support every year it seems.
Its a very small race and the idea stands with you get what you pay for. Registration is 25 bucks and 30 bucks on race day. I was able to save 5 bucks by using a code which makes my funds go straight to my fundraising for Team Challenge which is raising money towards Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.
Packet pickup was that morning at 8AM. The race started at 9am. Let me tell that rain ruins everything! This year’s race was on Mother’s Day and it was just pouring. When the race started the rain went away but the damage was done with wet and slick roads and huge puddles that got my pants and shoes soaked!
With our registration we got a unisex t shirt with the logo and sponsors on and a goodie bag filled with 2 fliers– one for Boot Camp for Moms and for another race coming up in Mountain View and a sample of Gu. So yeah not much there.
No timing chip although you got to see how much time had passed by the end. So it obviously may not be super accurate to your time but it was fine. There was also a photographer snapping photos at the finish line so I hope they post those up. I love getting pictures from races in action.
You started at the parking lot of the high school, went on a trail by the school, in the Palo Alto neighborhood, and finished on the track. Def a nice neighborhood for sure.
Not enough volunteers to direct you where to go but enough to not get lost. I love when there are more people cheering! No water stations and even in the end I didn’t see one. only a station with a long line of people waiting for the sponsored drink.
I most likely wouldn’t be doing this one again but glad I got a run in before Mother’s Day brunch, even if it was in the rain.