Sunday was the first running of the Richmond District Jog in the Fog race, where 536 participants ran and walked the 3.4 mile course from Mountain Lake Park to the USS SF Memorial Parking Lot at Lands End. Proceeds from the race benefit the Richmond District Neighborhood Center (RDNC).
Racers began gathering at the start line in Mountain Lake Park at 7am. Shortly before the 8am start, after opening welcomes from RDNC Board President Bonnie Levitt and Supervisor Eric Mar, the official start signal was broadcast: fog horns. Runners took off into the mist, guided and cheered along the course by volunteers that included residents, RDNC staff members and supporters, and high school students.
Despite the record temperatures the day before, Sunday’s weather lived up to the race’s name, enveloping participants as they wound around Mountain Lake, up Lake Street and El Camino del Mar, and into the Lands End trail. They were lucky to even get a glimpse of the water down below the cliffs of Lands End.
But in true Richmond District style, the fog didn’t dampen the spirits of racers, who sprinted under the finish line balloon bridge – provided by Sparky’s Balloons & Toys – with arms outstretched and big smiles.
The top male finisher (and overall first place finisher), Menso de Jong, completed the race in 21:45, and the top female finished in 22:40. Both received trophies, while the first boy (28:53) and girl to cross the finish line received gift cards from Green Apple Books. [Our record keeping was lacking, so if you know the names of these awesome runners, please leave a comment to let us know – photos below!]
The top male (and overall first place) finisher, Menso de Jong (21:45)
We’d like to thank the people that made the Jog in the Fog possible including our neighborhood sponsors – SF Toyota, Green Apple Books, Busvan, Clement Street Merchants Association, Angelina’s Cafe, Blondlogic, Bright1Fitness, and Sparky’s Balloons – the nearly 60 volunteers who got up early on a Sunday to help, Emily Gillingham of the RDNC for her tireless enthusiasm and support, race captains Brighton Miller and David Hirtz and last but not least, all of YOU – the men, women and children of the Richmond District that came out to participate.
We were truly thrilled to see all of you gathered at the starting line, ready to rock it! We’re still tallying the final proceeds that will go to the RDNC and going through photos, so bear with us. Follow the Jog in the Fog on Facebook or Twitter to get the latest photos and updates.
UPDATE 9/12/13: The tally is in! Thanks to our racers and sponsors who helped us raise $8000 for our charity, the Richmond District Neighborhood Center. Woo hoo!
Did you take photos at the race you want to share? Upload them to our event album on Eversnap – just download the free smartphone app or visit their website and enter the album code joginthefog2013 to get started. You can also use the album code just to view pics too from the race.
And for those of you who weren’t able to get your hands on a 2013 Jog in the Fog t-shirt designed by Andy George, hang tight, we’re looking into ways to let you order one online, you can place your order online and we’ll have it available for pickup at Green Apple Books.
Thanks to everyone for making the first Jog in the Fog a great success! Who’s in for next year!?!? 🙂
Sarah B.
Race Director
The top female finisher (22:07)
The top boy (28:53) and girl finisher (Piper Brooks)
Racers at the start in Mountain Lake Park
At the finish line at Lands End
Check out more photos on Flickr:
Thanks. Loved the route. I’ll be back for more next year.
Great race, Sarah — in all ways (route, registration, t-shirt, extra details like photo sharing on Eversnap and Flickr, local details like having Supervisor Mar and the RDNC president speak, and hey, way to bring the fog in for the day)! I had a lot of fun and hope to run this annually!
Sarah et. al.–
What a great morning! An excellent course, and (as advertised) lovely fog. I had a terrific time, even though I’m not a Richmond District dweller. Can’t wait for next year.
Big Thank You, Sarah, and to all the volunteers and sponsors for a great fun run! We had a blast yesterday and look forward to next year’s Jog in the Fog! Awesome t-shirt too!!
This was a neighborhood event par excellence. How great it is to see families, singles, young and not so young come out for an event that really represented the spirit of the Richmond District. It was great to have people from other parts of the city and the world. Thank you for superb organization and an altogether wonderful foggy morning.
Thanks for putting on a fun event! I was the first guy in. All the volunteers were great and the course was very tough.
Yay Menso! Thanks for identifying yourself and great job on the run!!!
Sarah B.
If anyone is interested, here is my GPS track of the course. Not a “PR” course, that’s for sure! http://app.strava.com/activities/81114812
That was a fun race, but those stairs to the finish were just cruel! Looking forward to running it again next year.
Looks like this was a ton of fun. Sad I missed out, can’t wait for next year!
Congrats to all the organizers!
What a great way to start off a foggy Sunday morning! We are looking forward to next year’s race!
Many many thanks to ALL of the organizers and sponsors! I was so pleasantly surprised by the great turnout and organization of the race. From start to finish, it was a fun atmosphere. This was my first 5k ever: I was encouraged to do it by the friendly, helpful website and communications (the logo was awesome!) and was so glad I did on race day. Well done you guys – big Richmond love!
@Jennie – Awesome! Glad you had a great time and CONGRATS on completing your first 5k. We’re honored you chose Jog in the Fog to be your first. 🙂
Sarah B.
Congratulations Sarah for organizing such a terrific event. And congratulations to everyone who ran or walked the course. What fun!