The Tarantula Run Blog

Tarantula Run Will Take Place Rain or Shine

2010-10-21T08:29:00.000-07:00

We're hoping the rain stays away until after the race....

But if it doesn't, the Tarantula Run will take place rain or shine.

Should the course be too muddy to run, we'll run the race on Walnut Blvd. The half-marathon field will be folded into the 10K.....we'll run a 5K and a 10K.

We've added a third shuttle bus, so we expect to move people from the parking area to Kellogg Creek pretty quickly. We'll see!

It sounds strange coming from a water district, but keep your fingers crossed that the rain waits until after the Tarantula Run is completed.

2010-10-15T16:57:00.001-07:00

The Fifth Annual Los Vaqueros Tarantula Run is coming up quickly on Saturday, Oct. 23.

Here are some quick points about the run you need to know:

Shuttle Bus & Parking. Threatened California tiger salamanders have made a home in our old parking lot, so we need to move to a new parking area right next to the entrance gate near Brentwood. We’ll have two shuttle buses to transport you to Kellogg Creek Picnic Area. We’ll also give you “sweats bags” and have a place to keep them at Kellogg Creek. Your racing bib will be your “ticket” to pick up your bags after the race. We’ll have two shuttle buses running, so give yourself extra time to get registered, ride the buses, etc.
Mail-in registration is closed, but you can still register in advance through Thursday, Oct. 21 on Active.com. or you can register on race day. You will save yourself some time on race day by registering in advance.
We’ll have plenty of aid stations on the course with water and snacks for all three races, though not for the kids’ 1K run.
The half-marathon will start at 8 a.m., the 5k-10K at 8:30 a.m. The free 1K kids’ run will start at 10 a.m. We’ll start awards as soon as the results are ready.
Bonnie Couch Memorial. We’ll have a plaque at the one-mile mark honoring 36-year CCWD employee and four-time Tarantula Run competitor Bonnie Couch who passed away earlier this year. We’ll have small prizes of “PEZ Candy Packs” (Bonnie was a PEZ collector) for the 1st and 36th person in each race to cross the mile mark. We’ll make the announcements at the awards ceremony.
At this point, there is a 60 percent chance for rain showers on race day. Of course, 10-day forecasts are not very accurate. But the run will go on as scheduled, rain or shine, or even if there is a “Red Flag” fire warning like we had earlier this week. If it’s too wet or too dry, we’ll move all the races to Walnut Blvd and run on the asphalt. The half-marathon would be combined with the 10K. We can eke out a 5K and 10K course on Walnut if needed. If the trails are too muddy to run on, we’ll switch the run to Walnut.
Don’t forget to sign a waiver. Everyone competing must sign a waiver before they get their numbers. You can get the waivers at the Kellogg Creek start/finish line area.
After the race and the awards, visit the Interpretive Center. We’ll have a live bird of prey on display that you can see up close and ask its handlers questions. It could be a hawk or an owl, we never know what bird we’ll see that day.
We still have free Tarantula Run posters available. Send an e-mail with your address, and we'll get one in the mail to you.
Have any questions? Call Jim Freschi at (925) 688-8175 or send him an e-m

Last Day To Register By Mail Is Today

2010-10-11T08:36:00.000-07:00

Today is the last day to get your mail-in registrations in the mail for the Fifth Annual Los Vaqueros Tarantula Run.

You can still register for the race in advance through Active.com, or you can register on the day of the race.

T-Shirts In...

The t-shirts are in for the race, and we're real happy with them.

These shirts are tan 50/50 Hanes shirts. You see the backs in this picture. Across the front in big letters is "Los Vaqueros Tarantula Run." We hope you like 'em!

Early Registration Ends Oct. 10

2010-10-07T09:36:00.000-07:00

Early registration for the Fifth Annual Los Vaqueros Tarantula Run ends on Oct. 10.

After that day, you'll be charged an extra $5.

So please register early and save yourself some time.

You can register by mail through Oct. 11 or on Active.com through Thursday, Oct. 21.

We already have more than 100 people signed up for the race. Thanks to all who have signed up.

Bonnie Couch Memorial Will Be Part Of The Race This Year

This year we'll be remembering CCWD employee Bonnie Couch, who worked at CCWD for 36 years and also ran in the first four runs, winning her age group one year and the women's division of the Los Vaqueros Dam Trials bike race one year. In addition, she always was a behind-the-scenes contributor to the staging of the Tarantula Run.

We'll have a plaque remembering Bonnie at the one-mile mark of the 5K, 10K and half-marathon.

As the runners pass the marker, we'll do our best to keep track of who is first and 36th in each race, and will then honor those folks with a gift of PEZ candy dispensers at the awards ceremony. Bonnie loved PEZ, and kept part of her huge collection in her office at CCWD.

It should be a fun way to remember Bonnie, who passed away earlier this year.

Medals Arrive For Tarantula Run

2010-09-30T09:40:00.000-07:00

We just got our medals in for the Tarantula Run, and really like them.

We'll be giving medals for the first-through third in each of the age groups. We'll also have medals for all the participants in the Kid's Run.

The medals are metal, and for the first time are painted.

We hope you like them as well.

Also this year, we'll have free tarantula gummy bears.

After This Year, The Tarantula Run Will Go Into Hiatus

Most-likely, there will not be a Tarantula Run next year due to the planned expansion of the Los Vaqueros Dam and Reservoir.

Heavy construction activity for the expansion is expected to begin in early 2011 and will make it impossible to hold a safe race a year from now.

The Contra Costa Water District expects to host the Tarantula Run again once construction is complete and the trails are reopened to the public.

Last Day to Register by Mail is Oct. 11

The last day to register for this year's race by mail is Oct. 11, so please get those mail-in entries in.

A $5 late fee starts on Oct. 10.

You can still register through Active.com until Oct. 21.

Road Runner To Give Awards For Race Winners, Plus Medals and Tributes

2010-09-13T13:21:00.000-07:00

Road Runner Shoes in Concord has offered $100 worth of shoes to the first place overall winners in our three race distances: 5K, 10K and the half-marathon.

There will be first place awards for for men and women from Road Runner.

We greatly appreciate Road Runner's unsolicited offer of shoes for our race winners. This is the first time we've had a prize other than water conservation kits for our race winners.

We'll also have neat metal four-color medals this year with our tarantula logo for all of our age-group winners, and all the participants of our free 10K Kids' Run.

We've been real pleased with our medals the last few years, and this version is expected to be quite colorful and we hope something you'll want to keep for a long time.

One other new award we'll have is our "Bonnie Couch Memorial Award"

Bonnie worked at CCWD for 36 years, and participated in all of our running and bike events at Los Vaqueros. She passed away earlier this year.

We're planning to have a plaque at the one-mile mark remembering Bonnie, and will give special awards to the men and women who pass there first in all three races. We're still trying to figure out what the awards will be. We'll let you know when we do.

Shuttle Buses This Year At Tarantula Run

2010-09-08T09:55:00.000-07:00

Shuttle buses will be used this year to move runners to the Kellogg Creek Picnic Area, the start-finish area for the Los Vaqueros Tarantula Run.

Runners will park their cars at the Walnut Staging Area, which is right next to the entrance gate at Los Vaqueros.

Then the runners will board the buses for the short five-minute ride to Kellogg Creek.

We'll have two buses, so waits will be short (at least that's our goal). Runners can also walk or run to Kellogg Creek. The buses will be running from 6 a.m. to noon.

We'll have Tarantula Run "sweats bags" for all the runners, and a place for the runners to check-in and check-out their bags. That way, runners can bring their sweats and snacks, etc. and store them at Kellogg Creek without having to run back to their cars.

As a bonus, the runners can keep the bags!

Why the change? To protect the threatened California tiger salamander, which lives in Los Vaqueros. The salamanders spend a great deal of their lives in burrows and holes dug by squirrels and other animals.

At the old parking area, we believe there are now a few California tiger salamanders, so turning their homes into a temporary parking lot is no longer a good idea.

We hope our runners understand why the change has been made, and give themselves a few extra minutes to get to the run.

Our large sweat bags are made of jute, are very strong and completely recyclable. Of course, they have a "Tarantula Run" logo on them.

TARANTULAS SPOTTED AT LOS VAQUEROS!

It seems a little early, but we're starting to see tarantulas scurrying around at Los Vaqueros. Our staff at the Marina has seen them on the roads and near the reservoir.

Though they're big and hairy, a tarantula won't hurt you. So, if you see one, take a good look, take a picture, and please leave it alone!

Usually the males are the ones you spot wandering around, and they're looking for females. It's sometimes a case of "Fatal Attraction" as the female will often kill the male after they mate.

So, please don't interfere with this ancient mating rite.

You Can Now Register on Active.com

2010-08-26T10:54:00.000-07:00

You can now register for the Fifth Annual Los Vaqueros Tarantula Run on Active.com.

This is an easy way to instantly register for the race.

Old Tarantula Run Medals For Kids Run?

2010-08-19T16:01:00.000-07:00

Every year, we have extra medals left over from the Tarantula Run.

Not all the age groups in all the races get full entries, and we've kept the medals we don't use.

We've collected a lot of medals in four years. We always like to try a new design each year, and the runners seem to enjoy having different medal designs, so we don't use old ones over again.

I was wondering if we put some cute stickers on them, if they'd be acceptable to give to the kids in the free 1K Run?

We usually give ribbons to all the kids, and can do that again. But we do have a bunch of old medals on a shelf, and MAYBE the kids would like them. We have enough for all the kids, and would hand them out like we do the ribbons, everyone gets one.

On the other hand, MAYBE the kids wouldn't like the medals.

Our later medals are somewhat heavy, MAYBE kids will use them as weapons against their brothers, sisters and pets!

MAYBE the runners who earned those medals in past years would not like to see their hard-fought medals given away.

Let me know what you think. I don't have kids at home, so have no idea...and my co-workers who have kids in the race are off on vacation.

A little guidance would be helpful. Please send an e-mail to jfreschi@ccwater.com or call me at 925 688-8175

Thanks,

Jim Freschi

Entry Forms Available For Los Vaqueros Tarantula Run

2010-08-05T13:40:00.000-07:00

We now have entry forms available for the Fifth Annual Los Vaqueros Tarantula Run set for Oct. 23.

These are the mail entry forms. We hope to have the Active.com online registration available soon.

Get your entry form in early.

Trails Are Marked For Pre-Runners

The trails for all three courses -- the 5k, 10K and Half-Marathon -- are all marked with signs so runners can pre-run the trails. Here's a map.

We've nearly finished mowing all the trails, so you may need to make a detour to avoid the star-thistle, but it's pretty easy to figure out where the trail begins and ends. The courses all begin and end at the Kellogg Creek Picnic area.

The courses are the same as in the past. This being Los Vaqueros, you can bet there are plenty of hills on the trails.

Tarantula Run Returns For Fifth Annual Race Oct. 23

2010-07-26T15:08:00.001-07:00

The Los Vaqueros Tarantula Run returns on Saturday, Oct. 23 for its fifth installment.

We are marking the 5k, 10k and half-marathon courses now, and expect to be finished by Aug. 1. This way, you can run our hilly courses in advance of the race and know what you're getting into. Here's a map of the courses, which are unchanged from previous years.

We're also planning on a return of the popular 1K kids' race.

There will be a few changes this year. To protect creatures at Los Vaqueros, we're going to move parking to near the entrance gate. We'll have shuttle buses that will bring you to Kellogg Creek. At Kellogg Creek, we'll have "sweats bags" and a reasonably secure place to store your belongings with a check-in and check-out policy.

We expect to start registration in mid-August.

We'll have more updates as the race gets closer.

Please call (925) 688-8175 or send an e-mail to jfreschi@ccwater.com if you have questions or comments.

We Enjoyed The Race, Check Our Photos

2009-10-30T13:51:00.000-07:00

We're finally getting back to normal following the Fourth Annual Los Vaqueros Tarantula Run.

Thank you to all who attended, and the nearly 50 volunteers who helped make the race another success.

We had beautiful weather, and our largest crowd since the first year in 2006.

In all, we had 333 finishers, and another 47 in the free kids' run.

It was a spectacular day, and we're thrilled to report that there were no injuries to our runners or our volunteers.

One of our volunteers, Wayne Niehus, shot this spectacular photo of half-marathon winner Jason Perez climbing up the Vista Grande trail.

So, look here for results at the bottom of the page.

And here for a gallery of photos.

We've tentatively set Saturday, Oct. 23 as the date for next year's run.

In the meantime, we'll have our Los Vaqueros Dam Trials bike event on April 10, and the Wildflower Run 10K on May 1.

See you soon!

Online Registration Extended Until Thursday Noon

2009-10-20T17:00:00.000-07:00

Our online registration for the Tarantula Run will be extended for a day and a half.

So, you can still sign up online starting Wednesday, Oct. 21 starting around 8 a.m. through noon on Thursday, Oct. 22.

Look here to sign up on line.

You can also register the day of the race. But make sure you get there early. The half-marathon starts at 8 a.m., the 5k-10k at 8:30 a.m.

Trails Look Good After two early season rains, our trails appear to be in good shape for the run.

The weather forecast is for sunny weather through the run, so that will help our trails firm up by Saturday.

We'll be inspecting them all on Thursday and Friday, but don't expect any changes.

We'll let you know here.

What About This Rain and the Tarantula Run

2009-10-13T16:00:00.000-07:00

Today's rain is very welcome, but it may impact the Tarantula Run.

The forecasts we've seen indicate that there will be sunny weather once the storm passes.

As far as the run, we'll go on rain or shine on Saturday, Oct. 24.

The big issue will be the condition of the dirt trails.

If the trails remain muddy, we won't be able to run the normal courses (mud at Los Vaqueros is really slippery and we could not get an emergency vehicle out there if there was an emergency), but we'll change the courses to the asphalt Walnut Blvd. and possibly portions of the Mariposa Trail.

For example the 5K might go to the Interpretive Center and back, while the 10K would go to the top of the dam and loop around to the kiosk. If Mariposa Trail is navigable, we'd have the half-marathon go up the trail and circle back down to Walnut.

We'll see what conditions permit.

Please check back on the blog, or sign up for the blog, and we'll keep you updated. Have a question, send an e-mail to jfreschi@ccwater.com or call him at (925) 688-8175.

T Shirts Being Printed, Arriving Soon

2009-10-13T15:59:00.001-07:00

The Tarantula Run shirts are being printed for delivery in plenty of time of the run. This year, the shirts themselves will be tan for the runners, and yellow for the volunteers.

The shirts this year will come in children's sizes this year, for youngsters who participate in the 5K, 10K or half-marathon.

Tarantula Run Deadlines Rapidly Approaching

2009-10-09T08:38:00.000-07:00

Two deadlines for the Los Vaqueros Tarantula Run are coming up, with early registration closing on Saturday, Oct. 10. You'll save $5 if you register early.

The other deadline is for registering by through mail. You can print out our entry. Please get it in the mail by Oct. 11 (yes that's a Sunday, but that's OK).

If you register online through Active.com, please look here:

Of course, you can also register on race day, but get to Los Vaqueros early to make sure you get signed up and pick up your shirt and other goodies we have.

The half-marathon begins at 8 a.m. and the 10K-5K at 8:30 a.m. The gates to LV open at 6 a.m. on Oct. 24, the day of the race.

Free 1K Kids Run

We'll have a free 1K run for kids at the Tarantula Run; start time will be around 9:30 a.m. It's a flat course, and will start and finish at Kellogg Creek.

We and the kids have had a lot of fun with this run, and are looking forward to it once again. You do need to sign up on the day of the race -- but there is no charge. Every kid gets a race number and ribbon, no one wins or loses. We'll have a few other giveaways as well.

Music Ideas?

We play music at Kellogg Creek during the run, and all the songs have something to do with running or walking.

We have put together a crazy collection of 57 songs including "Born to Run" by Bruce Springsteen, "I Walk The Line" with Johnny Cash, and "Nowhere to Run" by Martha Reeves and the Vandellas (you also get a good idea of how old I am). All songs with no connection except the words "run" or "walk" in the title or the chorus.

So end us some song titles, and we'll add them to our play list. Send an email to Jim Freschi at jfreschi@ccwater.com or call him at (925) 688-8175 with your songtitles.

Tarantula Run on Facebook

Runner Ester Park has set up a Tarantula Run page up on Facebook. Become a member:

Tarantulas Making An Appearance

2009-09-25T11:25:00.000-07:00

Our staff at Los Vaqueros is reporting that they're starting to see some tarantulas on both sides of the reservoir. This photo was taken last week.

This is the time of year that we see the normally-reclusive and very hairy critters, as they hunt down potential mates.

So be on the lookout when you're at Los Vaqueros on the trails, or even driving.

From a distance, tarantulas look like a leaf tumbling across the trail. Up close, there's little doubt of what they are. Tarantulas will bite if provoked, so leave them alone, and they'll leave you alone. A tarantula bite is painful, but is not poisonous.

On race day (Oct. 24), we'll have Naturalist Mike Marchiano bring his live and mounted tarantulas out to the starting area, and answer all your questions about them.

We're Still Working On The Trails

We need to do some grading near the finish area at Kellogg Creek, but otherwise our trails are in good shape. Let us know if you see an area that needs work. Call (925) 688-8175 or jfreschi@ccwater.com.

Directional signs are up on all three courses, and mileage markers are up on the 5K & 10K course. We expect to have mileage markers on the half-marathon this weekend.

Can't Run or Walk, But Would Like To Help?

If you would like to volunteer to help with the run, we’d love to have you join us. We need help with the registration, the free kids’ 1K run, and helping with the aid stations on the course. Even if you can help only for a few hours, that would be great, we’ll have a job for you.

It’s a lot of fun.The runners are a nice bunch of people to work with and we’ll provide you with a fabulous t-shirt and a darn good meal.

For high school students, helping with the run can qualify for community service hours.

Call Jim Freschi at (925) 688-8175 or send an e-mail to: jfreschi@ccwater.com.

Stop in For Ice Cream on Saturday

Take a shot at making some great home made ice cream the way it was made in your great-grandma’s day – with a hand-cranked ice cream maker on Saturday, Sept. 26 at noon until about 1:30 p.m. Learn the history of this cold old-fashioned treat, and indulge yourself in some. You can create an ice cream sandwich, a root beer float or just a cup of ice cream. This is sure to be a cool time! Like all activities at the Interpretive Center, it's free.

Free Tarantula Run Posters Now Available

2009-08-27T16:28:00.000-07:00

Our new really colorful poster for the 2009 race is now available, and we'd be happy to send one or more to you.

The posters are 11 x 17, and are professionally printed on card stock.

Just send us an e-mail with your address on it, and we'll get it to you in the regular mail or call (925) 688-8175.

If you belong to a gym, or would like to post the posters at work or school, we can send you some as well along with a bunch of entries.

Hours Getting Shorter at Los Vaqueros

We know many of you come out to Los Vaqueros to practice run the trails. The hours at LV will be getting shorter in September, when LV will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sadly, no more really early morning runs.

Bypass Construction May Force Detours

Those of you who use the Highway 4 Bypass to get to LV need to know that there will be some periodic closures between Balflour and Marsh Creek Road starting Aug. 31 and will continue at least a week.

To get to LV from Balflour, turn left (east) onto Balflour and then right (south) to the watershed on Walnut Blvd.

All Courses Now Marked -- Register on Line or Through the Mail

2009-08-14T14:27:00.000-07:00

All three courses for the Tarantula Run are now marked with small signs, so runners are welcome to try our hilly courses.

The 5K and the finish area both have some detours, but other than that, the courses are complete. We finished marking the half-marathon course on Thursday afternoon.

Because of the drought, there are no cattle or sheep on the course. There just isn't a lot of grass for them to eat out there.

Mail-in Registration Forms Now Available

We finished the mail-in registration form. You can download it here, and send it in with your registration. You'll save a few dollars over the cost of registering online with this mail in form.

If you're wondering about where the waiver is, everyone will sign it on race day.

New Facebook Page On Practicing For Tarantula Run

Tarantula Run entrant Esther Park gets together every Sunday morning to practice for the run, and she now has a Facebook page on the group. You can see it here.

Register Online For The Tarantula Run

2009-08-11T12:52:00.000-07:00

We've set up our account on Active.com, and you can register online for the Tarantula Run set for Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009 right here:

Our pricing remains unchanged, and we have special deals for groups, families, seniors and kids.

By registering now, you've got the run firmly on your calendar, and you can head out to Los Vaqueros are practice for the races!

Tarantula Run Set For Oct. 24

2009-08-04T10:37:00.001-07:00

The Tarantula Run will be held a week earlier than usual, Saturday, Oct. 24.

We're looking forward to the run, it's always the biggest event of the year at Los Vaqueros, and is a lot of fun to put on. We

We plan to run the same races as we have in the past, with the 5K, 10K and half-marathon all on the same courses, so you can try to beat last year's time. The free 1K run returns as well for the kids. Starting times will be the same, 8 a.m. for the half-marathon, 8:30 for the 5K-10K. We hope to have the free run around 9:30 or so.

We'll also return with the same timer as last year, "On Your Mark Events" who really did a great job in 2008.

We do have a new spider logo that we hope you'll like. Our poster will be ready in two weeks, and we'll repeat our popular free poster promotion.

Prices remain the same as in the past, $20 for advance registration and $25 for the late and day-of registration. We do try to keep the price low, and have not had to raise prices since starting the run in 2006.

Registration has not opened yet (hopefully soon), but we'll be on Active.com once again. We'll let you know when registration begins.

5K-10K Courses Marked, Half-Marathon To Come

We marked the 5K & 10k courses last weekend, and expect to get the half-marathon course marked soon. I'll put up a post when the half is done.

The 5K course needs to have some mowing done near the loop around the pond, and at the final leg. So when you go out to try the courses, be prepared to skip those since the star-thistle is really, really painful in those spots. We have small signs out there, but they're easily missed.

If you see any areas of the course that need attention, let us know.

You can see a PDF of the map of the courses here. It's an 11X 17 inch right now, we'll shrink it down and have a smaller one soon. We also have maps in the kiosk at Kellogg Creek.

Call us at (925)688-8175 if you have any questions or send an e-mail to jfreschi@ccwater.com.

We'll be posting again soon, hope to see you soon at Los Vaqueros.

Professional Photos Are Ready

2008-11-21T16:19:00.001-08:00

The professional photos taken at the Tarantula Run are now ready.

The photographers at Facchino Photography took more than 1,500 shots during the run, so there may be something you like, or one you'd like to give as a gift.

So take a look here.

Are You Missing A Green Sweatshirt?

2008-11-18T16:21:00.000-08:00

After taking a short break and then recovering from the massive cold that's everywhere, we're still unpacking boxes from the Tarantula Run, and found a nice green sweatshirt that belongs to a kid.

The sweatshirt has a hood, and ASBC Dolphins on the front. It looks like a kids' size, and looks brand new.

We'd love to return it to the owner.

Send us an e-mail at jfreschi@ccwater.com or call (925) 688-8175. We'll get it in the mail to you right away.

Jim Freschi

Drawing Award Winners Announced

2008-11-04T16:49:00.000-08:00

We've announced the winners of our drawing at the Tarantula Run.

They each will receive a $20 gift certificate to Los Vaqueros that can be used for anything from renting boats to paying for parking.

All the runners had a tab on their bibs with their numbers, and we drew four numbers after the half-marathon was completed.

The winners are:

Debbie Doherty, San Rafael
Sharon Korber, Antioch
Nancy Mitrick, Fremont
Ken Skulina, Livermore

The gift certificates will be mailed to the winners in the next few days.

More photos Up On the Web -- Date Set For 2009

2008-11-03T10:53:00.000-08:00

We've added a lot more photos to our website from the run.

These extra photos came from our volunteer course workers, and quite a few entrants who e-mailed photos, including the team from John Muir Hospital.

So, if you looked already, please take another look here.

The professional photos that you can buy are still not available online. I'll let you know when they are.

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Saturday, Oct. 24 is the date for the Tarantula Run in 2009.

We have been on the last Saturday of the month, but with the conflict with Halloween in 2009, decided to make the run the week ahead.

So when you get your calendars at Christmas, make sure to save the date!

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Didn't get a medal? If you had to leave before we could award them, send me an e-mail and I will send it to you.

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Records Take A Tumble at Tarantula Run

2008-10-28T11:03:00.000-07:00

Three race records, and 17 age-group records fell at the Third Annual Los Vaqueros Tarantula Run on Saturday, Oct. 25.

The most impressive record shattering performance came from Thomas Taylor of Phoenix in the half-marathon, who finished with a 1:21:51, breaking Jeff Cowling's old mark by nearly nine minutes. He ran most of the race unchallenged, winning by nearly seven minutes.

Also in the half-marathon, Sharon Kovar was the only repeat overall winner of the day, breaking her old record set last year by more than two minutes with a 1:21:16.

Beautiful weather greeted the more than 300 runners, who competed in four events ranging from a 1K for kids up to the 12.2 mile half-marathon.

We had a new winner in the 5K for the first time, with 15-year-old Dan Crabtree of Antioch High School winning. The first two years, Nathan Litwiller of Concord won. Nathan did not enter this year's race, though his record for the event still stands

Dan's cross country coach, Michael Amorosa, won the 10K in 45:15, but it was MaryAnn Smith of Davis who wowed the crowd at Kellogg Creek, finishing second overall with a 45:45.

You can see all the results here:

10k

Half-Marathon

We'll post our pictures soon. Thanks to the more than 40 volunteers, On Your Mark Events, and all who participated. We really enjoyed the day...see you next year!

In the photo above, half-marathon winners Sharon Kovar and Thomas Taylor, who both set race records, pose with the low-flow shower heads they won.

We Sure Had Fun At The Tarantula Run, Hope You Did As Well

2008-10-25T15:49:00.000-07:00

We're still catching our breath, but we had a grand time at the Third Annual Los Vaqueros Tarantula Run.

Special thanks to our contestants, our more than 40 volunteers, and our new timer, On Your Mark Events.

We'll have complete results probably on Monday. If you can't wait, On Your Mark may have them earlier.

We'll also post more pictures on Monday. If you have any photos, send them to us at jfreschi@ccwater.com. I'll also have the link to the official race photographer on Monday, I hope.

I made a mistake on some of the medals,( grabbing the wrong box, DOH!), handing out the half-marathon medals to the 10K winners. If you got the wrong medal and wish to exchange them, let me know and I'll take care of it.

If you had to leave early, and need a medal, let me know.

Thanks again. We hope to see you at our Wildflower Run next spring.

As always, any and all comments are welcome. We truly enjoy having the opportunity to put this race on, so are always looking for ways to improve.

See You Saturday At The Race

2008-10-24T08:28:00.000-07:00

We've been marking the courses with chalk, and getting our supplies out to LV to be ready for the race.

If you haven't registered yet, you can Saturday morning. Give yourself plenty of time to register and warm up. You can save yourself some time by filling out this registration form in advance.

Our weather forecast looks good, we've had warm and comfortable days at LV all week.

Thanks again to all of our volunteers -- more than 40 -- who will be helping with the race tomorrow.

Here's the schedule:

6:30 a.m. -- Registration begins

8:00 a.m. -- Half-marathon starts

8:30 a.m. -- 5K-10K starts

10 a.m. -- Free 1K Starts

Noon -- Course shuts down, timing ends

We'll have awards as soon as the results are ready.

Have a question? Call 925 688-8175 or send an email to jfreschi@ccwater.com.

Wednesday is the last Day To Register Online For The Tarantula Run

2008-10-21T18:45:00.000-07:00

Wednesday, Oct. 22, is the last day to register on-line for the Tarantula Run's 5K, 10K and Half-Marathon through Active. com.

If you have not registered, you can register in person on Saturday, Oct. 25. We'll start the registration at 6:30 in the morning. The first race, the half-marathon starts at 8 a.m. The 5K-10K will start at 8:30. If you are registering in person, you can save time by filling out this form in advance and bringing it with you.

Planning on the Free Kids' 1K? You can register at Kellogg Creek, the start-finish for the run. That race starts at 10 a.m.

The weather forecasts so far are all looking good. We look forward to seeing you at the race.

Free Tarantula Tatoos Returning To Tarantula Run

2008-10-20T16:57:00.000-07:00

We're expecting to have a fun atmosphere at Kellogg Creek, the start-finish line for the Tarantula Run.

Once again, we'll have free tarantula tatoos (don't worry, they wash off) for all who want them, and a free bounce house for the kids. We'll also have face painting for a nominal charge.

This is in addition to having Mike Marchiano and his tarantula display and talks.

We won't be having breakfast or lunch at Kellogg Creek this year, but will have all kinds of free snacks, water and juices.

We will be playing "run and walk" music again on our PA system, all the songs will be related in way or another to running and walking. Think of "Walk like an Egyptian" or "Born to Run" So far, we have 73 songs, have a favorite song you'd like to add, send me an e-mail.

Look forward to seeing you there.

Construction on 5K Course Will Be Done By Race/Watch For Equipment

2008-10-17T13:24:00.000-07:00

Those of you practicing for the Tarantula Run or visiting the Interpretive Center may have noticed the equipment and crews working near the ponds below Walnut Blvd.

If you are practicing for the 5K this weekend, you may want to avoid this area near the ponds. Our crews will be working through the weekend, and with all the equipment it's a good idea to just stay out of the way.

Our crews have said they will ensure this section of the course is ready for the runners by race day.

We are clearing excess vegetation from the pond to improve habitat for California red-legged frogs. We will also be adding turtle rafts because there are about a dozen western pond turtles using the pond.

After the work on the pond is finished, we expect hikers on the Walnut and Kellogg Creek trails will be able to see the turtles basking on the rafts.

We clear out about four ponds every year to improve the habitat for the frogs and the California tiger salamander.

The frog and the salamander are both considered a “threatened species” by the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife. They have thrived in the protected environment of the Los Vaqueros Watershed. The turtles are also common in the watershed and are a “species of concern” and protected from hunting throughout California.

You Can Still Register Online For the Tarantula Run

We’ve closed the mail-in registration for the Tarantula Run, but you can still register online with Active.com through next Wednesday.

In addition, you can register in person on the day of the race, Saturday, Oct. 25.

To make it a little easier, print out this application, fill it out at home and bring it with you to the race.

Make sure you get there early to give yourself enough time to register and warm-up.

We open the gates to the runners at 6:30 a.m. and the half-marathon starts at 8 a.m. The 5K-10K starts at 8:30 a.m. Please note that the free 1K for kids will now start at 10 a.m. You need to register for the 1K, but you can do that the day of the race.

Mike Marchiano and His Tarantulas Will Be At The Run

2008-10-14T15:19:00.000-07:00

Naturalist Mike Marchiano will return with his tarantula exhibit to the Third Annual Los Vaqueros Tarantula Run.

Mike will bring mounted and live tarantulas, and will set up his exhibits at the start-finish area at Kellogg Creek. He will be there between 9 and 11 a.m. He'll answer questions, dispel a few myths and if you ask will even tell you what it's like to be bitten by a tarantula...which he says he deserved!

Mike has brought displays to the first two runs at Los Vaqueros, and frequently speaks at the Interpretive Center about animals, bugs and other creatures found at the nearly 20,000-acre watershed.

Free 1K Kids Run Will Now Start at 10 a.m.

2008-10-08T14:25:00.000-07:00

We’ve changed the time of the free 1K Kids Race to 10 a.m.

We’ve heard from many of you who were concerned about being able to participate in the Tarantula Run, and still be able to watch your children in the free 1K kids race at Kellogg Creek.

To help out, we’ve moved the time for the 1K to 10 a.m.

By moving the 1K start time a half-hour later, we hope everyone has an opportunity to run in their race, and still cheer on their child in the 1K.

You can register for the 1K on the day of the race, Oct. 25. Every child will get a race number – all will be number 1- and when they finish, a blue ribbon and a nifty flying ring.

The 1K is absolutely free and open to all kids of all ages. It will begin and end at Kellogg Creek, the same location as the start/finish for all Tarantula Run races.

Tarantula Run T-Shirts Nearly Ready

2008-10-07T09:23:00.000-07:00

The Tarantula Run t-shirts are nearly ready.

We always enjoy designing the t-shirts for the run, and have received many comments on them from runners the past two years. We hope to have done well again.

This year's shirt has a small color tarantula on the front, and a large tarantula on the back with turquoise lettering. The shirt itself is the high quality Hanes Heavyweight 50/50 that we've used in the past, and is ash colored. Our volunteers will have blue shirts.

Jack's Athletic Supply printed this year's shirt -- they have produced all of our event shirts --, and sent this picture of the shirts coming off the screen press.

Everyone who enters the 5K, 10K and Half-Marathon will get a shirt.

We Spotted Our First Tarantula of '08 at Los Vaqueros

2008-10-06T12:56:00.000-07:00

Almost on cue, we spotted the first tarantula of the season Friday, Oct. 3 at the Interpretive Center.

The large brown tarantula -- about four inches across -- was walking at a pretty fast clip across the driveway near the Interpretive Center. We assume it was a he, since males are usually out during the month of October looking for mates.

This is him, in the picture to the left.

While we do know he made it across the driveway safely, we cannot say if he found a mate.

October is the month when male tarantulas roam around the Los Vaqueros area in their search for love. Generally, the males die after they find a mate. But the females can live to be up to 25 0r 30 years old...that's a long time for a bug!

Mike Marchiano will bring his tarantula exhibit -- which includes live tarantulas -- to the race. Look for him around 9 a.m. near the start-finish line at Kellogg Creek.

Active.com Registration Back On Line

2008-10-03T08:32:00.000-07:00

We briefly lost the registration on Active.com for a couple of days, and it's now back online.

You can register online for the race on Active.com up to Oct. 22.

If you prefer to register through the mail, the deadline to get those in is Oct. 10.

We've had very encouraging registration so far, so thank you!

New Bypass Makes It Easier To Drive To LV -- Hours Get Shorter in October

2008-09-30T09:50:00.000-07:00

The new Highway 4 Bypass is now fully open, making it much easier and faster to get to Los Vaqueros and the Tarantula Run from Central Contra Costa County, or even Oakley.

The bypass will take you right to the doorstep of the North Entrance to Los Vaqueros, so all you need to do is exit at Walnut Blvd, and drive about a mile south to the front gate.

Here's a map that shows the new bypass.

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The hours Los Vaqueros is open will get shorter in October. During the month, the watershed will be open only from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

There is an exception, LV will be open at 6 a.m. for the race on Oct. 25.

New Medals Arrive For 2008 Tarantula Run

2008-09-23T14:44:00.000-07:00

The medals for the Tarantula Run arrived today, and we're thrilled with how they came out.

These unique medals are medal (!) and cast in the shape of the popular tarantula that adorns our posters and t-shirts.

They are cast in gold, silver and bronze...though not real gold, silver and bronze.

We'll be giving the medals for first, second and third place in each of the age groups for the three different races, the 5K, 10K and the half-marathon.

In addition, since we're in a drought, winners will receive water conservation devices like low-flow shower heads, hose nozzles and sink aerators.

Sadly, there will be no medals -- or even awards -- for the free 1K kids race, though all the kids will get neat flying hoops and numbers from the run.

Race Winners To Recieve Water Saving Devices

2008-09-18T08:35:00.000-07:00

Age group and overall winners of the 5k, 10k and Half-Marathon at the Tarantula Run will not only receive cool medals -- I'll post pictures as soon as the medals arrive -- and the adulation of hundreds of runners, they will also be awarded free water saving devices.

The Contra Costa Water District -- sponsors of the Tarantula Run -- has started a "Beat The Drought" campaign to encourage people to save water.

As part of that campaign to raise water saving awareness, the District will be presenting low-flow shower heads, hose nozzles and faucet aerators to race winners. It's not exactly an Olympic gold medal, but using these devices at home will save water, which is becoming as precious as gold...or something like that.

In addition, everyone who enters the race will receive information tips for saving water, and guides to getting more information on saving water. We'll have some other devices available for runners as well.

The reason Los Vaqueros was built was to improve water quality, and we think all of our participants will appreciate the conservation reminder.

Save Money, Register For Tarantula Run Before Sept. 30

2008-09-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

You can save a little bit of money by registering for the Tarantula Run by Sept. 30.

The costs for all entries will increase by $5 per person starting Oct.1.

By registering early, you'll not only save money but will also help us estimate how many t-shirts and supplies we need to buy to ensure everyone has a good time at the race.

You'll find all the information you need to register on Active.com or by mail right here in the right-hand column.

Please Take Our Los Vaqueros Trail Survey!

2008-09-03T09:04:00.000-07:00

We are looking at adding and improving to our trail system at Los Vaqueros.

This would be the first major change since the 55 miles of watershed trails were opened to the public nearly 10 years ago.

Since the Tarantula Run uses only Los Vaqueros trails, we'd like to know what you think of our trails and the habitat.

Please take a few minutes to fill out our survey and give us your opinion.

Please Look Here To Take The Survey

Mileage Markers Up On All Courses // Watch for Red Flag Conditions

2008-08-28T15:16:00.000-07:00

I finally have all the mileage marker signs up on all three courses, so that should be helpful to those of you who are out running the courses.

Today is extremely hot throughout the Bay Area, and the heat is likely to return in the next few weeks. During the most-severe "Red Flag" conditions, all the trails at Los Vaqueros are closed -- even in the early morning -- because of the danger from fire.

If the forecast is for extremely hot temperatures, make sure you check the Contra Costa Water District website
to check the fire danger conditions before heading out to the to watershed. The fire danger is always posted in the upper right hand side of the page.

We've only had two days of Red Flag so far this year, and today it's at Very High, which doesn't impact trail use.

As always, bring your water when you're practicing on the trails.

Free 1K Kids Run Will Be Part of Tarantula Run This Year

2008-08-26T09:39:00.001-07:00

A free 1K Kids Race will be a big part of the Tarantula Run this year.

The race will be open to all kids who feel like running, and the course will be flat. No matter how old you are, you can be a kid and participate.

The 1K course includes a tour around the Kellogg Creek Picnic Area, and then a run out to the last stretch of the three races. On race day, the course will be chalked...you can't get lost.

All kids entered will get a "Number 1" number, and a ribbon for participating. If you're coming out just for the kids race, you'll get into the Los Vaqueros Watershed for free on race day. Just tell the person at the gate you're coming out for the race.

We expect to start the Kids 1K race at 9:30 a.m., so get to Los Vaqueros at least a half-hour early to sign up.

We did this last year, and it was a lot of fun.

Look For Our Tarantula Run Signs

2008-08-22T16:46:00.000-07:00

We're starting to put out Tarantula Run marketing signs near Los Vaqueros.

We have signs on Marsh Creek Road, and at both entrances.

We liked them so much, we'll put out a few more.

So be on the lookout for the signs, and sign up for the run!

Tarantula Run Video on You Tube

2008-08-21T12:41:00.000-07:00

While looking through pictures from last year, we found a video from last year's Tarantula Run and posted it on You Tube.

This short video was shot by Dan Danner at about the four-mile mark on the half-marathon. Dan was staffing the aid station.

Dan worked very hard to help create the Tarantula Run, helping to design and map the courses and in organizing the first two events. Tragically, he died of natural causes this past spring while working at Los Vaqueros. Everyone who helps produce the Tarantula Run misses him terribly.

Hope you enjoy the video. The first runner is Greg Keil, who finished 23rd overall. The other runners are Gene B. Clare (19th), Robert Burton (17th), Dan Rowe (15th) and Melissa Bacci (20th).

We've Started Marketing The Run To Gyms & Running Stores

2008-08-12T09:29:00.000-07:00

We've sent packages with information about the run to 30 local gyms and running stores.

Our packages include posters and entries for the run.

If you'd like to help us spread the word about the Tarantula Run at your gym, running store, school or work, let us know and we'll send the packages to you.

Send us an e-mail or call at (925)688-8175.

Get A Free Tarantula Run Poster

2008-08-08T08:11:00.000-07:00

We're offering free Tarantula Run Posters.

These are 11x17 full color posters printed on card stock.

You can use them to put on the wall at home, or help us advertise the run at your work or school.

I'll mail the poster to you.

Send me an e-mail with your address to jfreschi@ccwater.com, and I'll get the poster in the mail to you right away.

I Finally Have All The Courses Marked

2008-08-06T09:29:00.000-07:00

It took a little longer than I expected, but I have marked all the courses with signs that show the routes for all three races.

Start at Kellogg Creek Picnic area for the 5K, 10K and the half-marathon. I've left maps in the kiosk near the bathrooms. The races start at the gate in the southeast corner of the picnic area. With a little luck, the sign will still be there!

Our LV Watershed crew has done a great job of mowing and grading the course.

I won't mark the 1K until a few days before the race, but it will be the same as last year.

I have not been able to get all the mileage markers up, perhaps next week.

Jim Freschi