San Jose Half Marathon & 8K

May 29–31, 2026 · Santana Row, San Jose, CA

A USATF and World Athletics-certified half marathon and 8K through downtown San José — past America's Best Rose Garden, the historic Alameda, SAP Center, downtown, and San Pedro Square — starting and finishing at Santana Row. Low riders lead the field out at Stevens Creek. The signature Mariachi Mile plays runners out near the start and home near the finish.

Every entry supports Special Olympics Northern California.

Why This Race:

• Same-place start and finish at Santana Row.
• Mariachi Mile, twice — near the start and near the finish, celebrating San José's Mexican heritage and Chicano culture.
• USATF + World Athletics certified course.
• Three-day weekend of events: Speed City Mile and Kids Run on Saturday, Half and 8K on Sunday.
• Charity-driven: proceeds support Special Olympics Northern California.

The Course:

• Distances: 13.1 miles (Half) · 5 miles (8K)
• Surface: Paved
• Profile: Flat and fast (per race organizers)
• Highlights: America's Best Rose Garden, historic Alameda, SAP Center, downtown San José, San Pedro Square
• Start: 7:30 AM (Half) / 8:30 AM (8K) from Stevens Creek, led out by classic low riders
• Finish: Santana Row festival
• Time limit: 3:30 (Half) / 2:30 (8K) — ~16 min/mile, walker-friendly
• Accessibility: 8K is wheelchair accessible (a few curbs to go up/down)
• Pace teams via Too Legit Fitness: groups from 1:30 to 3:30

On-Course Support:

• A dozen bands and DJs lining the course
• Mariachi Mile at both bookends
• Water and electrolytes at every aid station
• GU energy gels at miles 5.5 and 9
• Voli Hydration on course (Sunset Strawberry Lemonade)
• Hundreds of volunteers

Your Race Kit:

• Finisher's medal (Half, 8K, Kids Race)
• 100% organic, fair-trade cotton t-shirt for Half and 8K, via Known Supply
• BPA-free aluminum reusable water bottle via Open Water
• Fruit, electrolytes, and healthy snacks at the finish
• Santana Row dining and shopping offers with your race bib (pre-race weekend and race day)

Race Weekend:

• Saturday, May 30: Speed City Mile · Game On, San José Kids Run (¼ to 1 mile)
• Sunday, May 31: Half Marathon (7:30 AM) · 8K (8:30 AM)
• Virtual: Remote Runner from anywhere

The Santana Row Finish Line:

The finish line is inside Santana Row's open-air shopping and dining district. After you cross:

• Food and drink specials at participating Santana Row restaurants and bars (show your bib)
• Live music, vendors, family-friendly games
• Awards ceremony at 9:15 AM — top 3 Men, Women, and Non-Binary+ recognized on stage
• Age-group awards across 16 divisions per category, with Running Warehouse gift certificates (delivered digitally by June 9)

The race calls it a "Train, Race, Brunch" tradition.

Charity Partner:

The race benefits Special Olympics Northern California, funding year-round sports training and competition for athletes with intellectual disabilities across NorCal. From the organizers: "Supporting SONC isn't what we are. It's what we do."

Group & Community Programs:

• Run clubs and social crews
• Corporate teams
• Student program group rates

Quick Facts:

• Race day: Sunday, May 31, 2026
• Start/Finish: Santana Row, San Jose, CA
• Distances: Half Marathon · 8K · Speed City Mile · Kids Run · Virtual
• Certification: USATF + World Athletics
• Cutoffs: 3:30 (Half) · 2:30 (8K)
• Charity: Special Olympics Northern California