.Recreation Calendar

JUNE

Alcatraz Sharkfest Swim Pretend you’re an escaping convict and plunge into this 1.5-mile bay swim from Alcatraz Island to San Francisco’s Aquatic Park. Sat. June 28. Registration is $100. For more information, visit EnviroSports.com.

Burlingame Criterium With tight turns and a sprint finish, this fast, challenging bike race for riders at all skill levels through downtown Burlingame begins at 1160 Burlingame Ave. at 7:00 a.m. The kids’ ride starts at 10:20 a.m. Sun. June 29. For more info, visit BurlingameCriterium.com. The Criterium has partnered with Ryan’s Ride, a charitable cycling event for kids. Proceeds go to the Lance Armstrong Foundation. RyansRide.org.

Double Dipsea Handicap Race This 13.7 mile handicap race through Muir Woods and Mount Tamalpais State Park is extra fun for slower runners, because they get a headstart and the faster folks have to work harder to catch up. Sat. Jun 21. Registration $40 (includes T-shirt) online at DoubleDipsea.com

Folsom Lake Open Water Swim With three different distances — 0.6 mile, 1.2 mile, and 2.4 mile — appealing to newbies as well as triathletes, it’s a brisk swim through the open waters (temperature around 70 Fahrenheit) of Folsom Lake, starting at Beals Point in the Folsom Lake Recreation Area. Competitors get awards, raffle prizes, refreshments, and a free T-shirt. Sat. June 28. $35 preregistration, $40 on the day. For more information, visit OnYourMarkEvents.com or CapitolAdventureRacing.com.

Forest of Nisene Parks Marathon/Half Marathon/5K Out-and-back course on a fire road trail in the lofty redwood forest wilderness near Aptos. Registration is $25-$50. Sat. June 7. For more information, visit sctc.runners.net.

Full Moon Paddle Experience the romance and magic of the moonlit Suisun City estuary in a leisurely kayak advanture. The paddle is available for three days every month through the summer — the day before, the day of, and the day after the full moon. June 17-19. Registration is $25. Info and reservations: SunsetBayKayaks.com or 707-429-5925 or 707-365-2436.

Giro di Peninsula Based on Italian giro rides, it’s a big day of exercise, free T-shirts, and of course good food at the end. All proceeds go to Bay Area people with developmental disabilities and their families. Four different scenic courses to choose from, ambling through the Portola Valley and Los Altos Hills areas: 100K, 70K, 30K, and a nice flat 30K EZ. (The 100K starts at 6:30 a.m.) Sat. June 28. Registration is $45 single, $75 tandem, youth aged 6 to 14, $20. For more info or to register, visit FestaFoundation.org/giro.html

Gold Nugget Junior Stage Race Three full days of cycling races for kids in six categories and four stages — including the Hornitos Hillclimb, Greeley Hill Road Race, and Bootjack Road Race — across Mariposa and Tuolumne counties. Fri. June 27. Registration $50. Visit VeloPromo.com or call 209-533-4996 for more details.

Lovers Leap Classic Presented by Mountain Adventure Seminars, this all-day (8 a.m.-4 p.m.) climb requires moderate competence and strong belaying skills. Sat. June 21 and Tues. June 24. Registration $175 at MTAdventure.com or call 209-753-6556.

Mount Diablo Hill Climb Contra Costa Cycling Club holds this annual race up Mount Diablo. Sat. June 22. For more details, visit C4Racing.org.

Nike Women’s Fitness Festival A 5K run and 5K walk for women in Sacramento; both races are timed. The first 2,000 registrants get cool swag including clothes and $50 worth of coupons. Benefits WEAVE, an anti-domestic violence program. Sun. June 8. For more information, visit WFF.FleetFeetSacramento.com or call 916-448-2321.

Prairie City Race Series Held rain or shine in the Prairie City Off Road Vehicle Park south of Folsom, California’s largest weekly mountain-bike race series welcomes riders at every skill level, attracting some 450 at every event. Advance online registration fee is $25 single, $35 tandem for your first race, $10 extra to register at the race on race day. After that initial registration, subsequent races will only set you back $12 single, $15 tandem. Free T-shirts and swag bags are on a first-come, first-served basis. A July barbecue and awards ceremony caps off the season. Wed. June 25. For more information, visit RaceMTBikes.com or call 916-988-0683.

River City Run Located in Old Sacramento and benefiting local sustainable-living projects, this 5K/10K run and kids’ fun run is part of World Environment Day. Sun. June 1. Registration is $15-$25. For more information, visit RiverCityRun.org.

Shriners 8K and 5K. A Sacramento-area run-walk that benefits Shriners hospitals. Free live entertainment, pancakes, and tour of local Shriners Hospital for all entrants after the race. Sat. June 21. Registration is $5-$26.For more information, visit FleetFeetSacramento.com or call 916-442-3338.

Sonoma County Hot Air Balloon Classic Meet in Keiser Park in Windsor for a lotta hot air. About thirty balloons launch at 6:30 a.m., with tethered balloon rides afterwards. Two days’ worth of festivities include craft vendors, food booths, and a kids’ playground. Sat. June 28 and Sun. June 29. Tickets are $5-$8; kids under 6, free. For more info, visit SCHABC.org or call 707-837-1884.

Strawberry Hill 5K With a new course for 2008, this conveniently located race starts and finishes at Kennedy Drive and Transverse in Golden Gate Park. Sun. June 29.For more information, visit DSERunners.com/schedule.html.

Summer Solstice Century Drawing hundreds of cyclists, the Century includes 30M, 50M, 100K, 150K, and 200K courses through the scenic hill and managed forests of Feather River country, all of which start and end at the Plumas-Sierra County Fairgrounds. Sat. June 21. Registration is $60. For more information, visit PlumasCounty.net or call 530-283-6272.

Tahoe Rim Trail 165-Mile Segment Hikes Organized by the nonprofit Tahoe Rim Trail Association, this ambitious project entails hiking the trail’s entire length in eight segments on eight Fridays throughout the summer. New members get a signed certificate, a pin, a rocker, and recognition on the association’s web site and newsletter; any accompanying pet or companion animal also gets recognition. Fri., June 20 and Fri. June 27. To sign up for guided hikes or for more information, visit TahoeRimTrail.com or call 775-298-0231.

The Best of the Bay Century Cycle through some of the most spectacular and grueling ninety miles in the Bay Area, through rolling hills and thick redwood forests. Start at the Orinda BART station, wind through the East Bay hills around the San Pablo and Briones reservoirs, and end with an unlimited restaurant buffet in Fremont. Route includes rest stops every seventeen miles. An optional Sierra Road loop for expert cyclers brings the route to a grand total of 125 miles. Sat. June 21. Preregistration only, limited to 150 riders, at Active.com. $75 preregistration, $85 on the day. For more information, visit CherryCityCyclists.org or call 510-357-3045 ex. 11.

The Dream Mile The tenth annual outing organized to benefit Vibha, a nonprofit that aids underprivileged children in the United States and India, this 5K or 10K run/walk with hundreds of participants starts at 8:30 a.m. along the picturesque shoreline trail of Mountain View. After walking, enjoy an outdoor bash with food, music, and carnival games. Sun. June 29.For more information, visit TheDreamMile.org.

JULY

Albany Criterium Scenic jaunt through Albany, sponsored by the Berkeley Bike Club. Sun. July 20. For more information, visit BerkeleyBike.org or call 415-999-7481.

Angel Island Trail Run Pssst — walkers are welcome too at this event, which commands incomparable views. Ranging around the hilly, forested island and up Mount Livermore, the 25K and 50K runs start at 8:30 a.m., 8K run starts at 8:35 a.m., and 16K run starts at 8:45 a.m., with fully stocked aid stations. Postrun soup and chili picnic back at Ayala Camp. Every finisher gets a T-shirt. Sat. July 5. Registration is $25-$55; ferry fare not included. For more information, visit PCTrailruns.com

Donner Lake Triathlon Beginning at the western end of Donner Lake, this very scenic event includes a Donner Lake swim and astounding views of the Sierras. All participants get free shirts and after-race lunch. Sun. July 13. Registration is $65-$155. For more information, visit ChangeofPace.com or call 530-757-2012.

Eppie’s Great Race Now in its 35th year and calling itself the world’s oldest triathlon, this Rancho Cordova adventure combines a 5.82-mile run, a 12.5-mile bicycle race, and a 6.35-mile canoe trip. Come a day early for the prerace festivities, including a carbo-loading spaghetti dinner in Goethe Park. All proceeds go to Sacramento County Therapeutic Recreation Services. Sat. July 19. For more information, visit TheGreatRace.org or call 916-381-0255.

Fall River Century With views of Mount Shasta and Mount Lassen, the thirteenth annual outing has rides for all ages and benefits Fall River Valley community groups. Start with a pancake breakfast before heading off for 25-, 62-, and 100-mile routes, and close the day with a spaghetti dinner. Starts and ends at the InterMountain Fairgrounds in McArthur. Sat. July 19. Registration is $25-$45. For more info, visit Shasta.com/billofsail.

Full Moon Paddle Experience the romance and magic of the moonlit Suisun City estuary in a leisurely kayak advanture. The paddle is available for three days every month through the summer — the day before, the day of, and the day after the full moon. July 17-19. Registration is $25. Info and reservations: SunsetBayKayaks.com or 707-429-5925 or 707-365-2436.

Healdsburg Harvest Century Bicycle Tour The 22nd annual version of this moderately challenging ride for road- and mountain-bike riders goes through Healdsburg and the heart of Sonoma wine country. Check-in between 6:15 and 8 a.m. at Healdsburg High School. Registration is $65-$85; register early as number of participants allowed is limited. Sat. July 19. For more information, visit Healdsburg.com/Chamber/Bike_Tour/Bike_Tour.asp or call 707-433-6935.

Jail Break Run Run as if you’re on the lam in this annual race coordinated by the Alameda County Sheriff’s Department and the Special Olympics of Northern California. Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the County Sheriff’s Office Regional Training Center in Dublin. The 5K/10K run begins with a lap around the Santa Rita County Jail; the event raises funds and public awareness for the Special Olympics. Sat. July 26. For more information, visit OnYourMarkEvents.com or call 209-795-7832.

Lafayette Criterium Contra Costa Cycling Club holds this annual race through Lafayette. Sun. July 13. For more details, visit C4Racing.org

Lake Del Valle Aqua Challenge Go for a dip at Livermore’s Lake Del Valle Regional Park Swim Beach with alternative half-, 1-, and 2-mile swims. Race day registration is $5 additional per person, with an additional fee for swimming the half-mile race in addition to the other races. Entry fee includes T-shirt, award ceremony, refreshments, and raffle. Don’t forget your swim cap! Fastest male and female swimmers will receive trophies, and the top three swimmers in each age bracket will receive engraved medals. Sat. July 26. For more information, visit OnYourMarkEvents.com or call 209-795-7832.

Lovers Leap Classic Presented by Mountain Adventure Seminars, this all-day (8 a.m.-4 p.m.) climb requires moderate competence and strong belaying skills. Fri. July 4 and Sat. July 12. Registration $175 at MTAdventure.com or call 209-753-6556.

Mt. Lassen Ski/board Blitz On this two-day, fast-paced adventure presented by Mountain Adventure Seminars, climb and descend the mountain’s numerous bowls and ridges by day with light packs and retire by night to the comforts of a nearby hotel or campsite. Tues. July 1. Registration $250-$375 at MTAdventure.com or call 209-753-6556.

Mt. Shasta Celebration and Fun Run Celebrate Independence Day with this two-mile fun walk, two-mile youth race, and five-mile adult race. For spectators, the course includes food-tasting booths and live entertainment. The day also includes a parade, train rides, and fireworks over Lake Siskiyou. Fri. July 4. For more information, visit ShastaCascade.org or call 530-926-4865.

Pleasant Hill Firecracker 5K Run-Walk Born of a desire to help local schools fund important programs, this flat three-lap route along downtown Pleasant Hill’s July 4 parade route starts at 8:15 a.m. The just-for-fun children’s dash is a 100-yard sprint for kids seven and under. Register in front of Fleet Feet Sports, 45 Crescent Dr. Fri. July 4. For more info, visit FleetFeetPleasantHill.com or call 925-827-4772. Registration: Active.com

Run to the Lake A 5K run/walk, 10K run, and kids fun dash, this is a benefit for Eden Medical Center’s Trauma Center. The route goes from the medical center in Castro Valley to Lake Chabot Regional Park and then back for refreshments and live music. The mostly flat 5K course is open to runners, walkers, strollers, and wheelchair racers. The 10K course is challenging and hilly and meant for runners only. All registrants get a T-shirt and a swag bag. The top three finishers in each age category get awards. Other features include cholesterol screening, body fat measuring, and blood pressure testing. Sun. July 6. To volunteer or for more information, visit EdenMedCenter.org/Events or call 510-727-2720.

Single/Double Lake Merced Run It’s a rousing 4.5-mile clockwise jog around San Francisco’s scenic Lake Merced — and a double run for those who want to do the loop twice. Meet in the parking lot at Sunset Blvd. Sun. July 6. Visit DSERunners.com/schedule.html for more information.

Tahoe Rim Trail 165-Mile Segment Hikes Organized by the nonprofit Tahoe Rim Trail Association, this ambitious project entails hiking the trail’s entire length in eight segments on eight Fridays throughout the summer. New members get a signed certificate, a pin, a rocker, and recognition on the association’s Web site and newsletter; any accompanying pet or companion animal also gets recognition. Fri. July 11, 18, and 25. To sign up for guided hikes or for more information, visit TahoeRimTrail.com or call 775-298-0231.

The Berkeley Kite Festival Featuring the Berkeley Kite Wranglers, demonstrations by Japan’s Sode-cho Kite-Flying Society, free kite-making workshops, candy drops, live entertainment, and more, this two-day annual event at César E. Chávez Park at the Berkeley Marina is organized by Highline Kites of Berkeley. Sat. July 26 and Sun. July 27. For more information, visit HighlineKites.com or call 510-235-KITE.

Tiburon Triathlon The course for this seventeenth annual just-for-fun triathlon — it’s not a race — is a half-mile swim, a 9-mile bike ride, and a 2-mile run. Arrive at 6:30 a.m. to pick up a goodie bag and T-shirt. Sun. July 27. Registration is $60-$75. For more information, visit TiburonFire.org

Twenty-first Annual Hernia Hill The name may be intimidating, but this marathon, which offers 5K and 10K trails, is well worth it, with a postrace barbecue hosted by Kautz Ironstone Vineyards. Check-in and race-day registration opens at 7 a.m. at 1894 Six Mile Rd., Murphys. Sat. July 5. For more information, visit OnYourMarkEvents.com or call 209-795-7832.

Windmill 10K The $5 registration fee benefits Sri Lanka-based relief efforts. This vigorous 10K run starts and finishes in Golden Gate Park at Kennedy Drive and Great Highway (at the Dutch windmill) in San Francisco and goes past the Conservatory of Flowers. Sun. July 27. For more information, visit DSERunners.com

AUGUST

5K Run/Walk Across Home Plate A 5K timed race, fun run & walk lets you skin, hop, or whatever you like across home plate at AT&T Park. The route winds along the Embarcadero, beginning and ending at the ballpark. After, enjoy the pregame festival with live music, food, and giveaways. Sun. Aug. 24. A $39 registration fee ($29 for children ages 12 and under) includes game tickets, giveaways, food, and festivities. All of the funds raised go to Project Open Hand. For more information, visit PlatetoPlate.org.

Alcatraz Challenge Aquathlon & Swim Get wet while the summer’s still hot. Options in this monumental event include a 1.5-mile swim from Alcatraz to the Presidio followed by a 7-mile out-and-back run across the Golden Gate Bridge, a relay team swim-run, or just the swim. Registration is $95-$130. Sat. Aug. 23. For more information, visit AlcatrazChallenge.us or call Gary Emich at 650-359-3773.

Aloha Celebrity Races & Polynesian Festival These outrigger canoe races at the Santa Cruz wharf are designed especially for novice paddlers. The free festival follows with fresh leis, Hawaiian shaved ice, Maori-style face painting, printmaking, and dance performances. Cosponsored by Pu Pu O’Hawaii Outrigger Canoe Club. Sun. Aug. 17. For more information, call 831-420-5273 or email: [email protected].

Angel Island 19th Annual 12K and 24K Fantastic views await once you ferry over to the island with fellow runners for these two 9:00 a.m. loop races. (The 24K does the loop twice.) Registration is $40. Sat. Aug. 9. For more information, visit EnviroSports.com.

Annual Roughwater Swim Hundreds brave the chilly deeps every year for this one-mile race around the Santa Cruz wharf. Meet at 11 a.m. at the Main Beach. Enter the ocean at Lifeguard Tower #3 on the east side of the Municipal Wharf, swim parallel to the pier, around the end, and then straight in to the finish in front of the Santa Cruz Coast Hotel above the beach on the west side of the pier. Sat. Aug. 2. For more information, call 831-420-5270.

California Kids Triathlon For kids of all skill levels aged 4-17. Begins and ends at Charles Brooks Community Swim Center. Sun. Aug. 10. Registration is $45-$60. For more information, visit ChangeofPace.com or call 530-757-2012.

Daly City Scenic Run Organized by the Dolphin South End Runners — the oldest and largest running club in San Francisco — it’s a 6.8-mile and 5K run starting at Colma School (East Market & Hillside St.). Course runs uphill along Guadalupe Canyon, then downhill to return to start. Sun. Aug. 10. For more details, visit DSERunners.com

Dunnigan Hills Road Race Challenge yourself to the run of your life between the rolling hills and scenic scrub of Yolo, a quaint town north of Sacramento. Race starts at 8 a.m. and continues until noon. Sat. Aug. 16. For more information, visit VeloPromo.com or call 209-533-4996.

Escape from the Rock Triathlon A real test of Bay Area strength is this strenuous and chilly 1.5-mile swim from San Francisco’s Alcatraz Island to Aquatic Park, followed by a 13-mile bicycle ride and a 2.5-mile run to Crissy Field in the Presidio. Registration is $180 for a two-person relay team, $200 for an individual. Sun., Aug. 24. For more information, visit EnviroSports.com.

Golden Gate Park Cross-Country A 5K race that begins at the big tree in the Upper Speedway Meadows grass area of Golden Gate Park and finishes on the park’s lower paved Polo Field track, after a run through Speedway Meadows and a loop around the Polo Field. Sun. Aug. 17. For more information, visit DSERunners.com.

Headlands Hundred Endurance Run This two-day adventure crosses the Marin Headlands with views of Tiburon, San Francisco, and the Golden Gate Bridge. 50-mile and 100-mile distance runs are available. To qualify for the 50-mile run, you must have completed a 50K trail run within the last year; for the 100-mile run, you must have completed a 50-mile run. Registration is $85 for 50-mile trail; $200 for 100-mile trail. A soup-and-chili postrun feast tops it off. Sat. Aug. 9. For more information, visit PCTrailRuns.com

Marin Century The Marin Cyclist Bike Club organizes five different ride options with mountain and coastal scenery. Some options are fine for novices, but the Mount Tam Century and Mount Tam Double Century are climbing rides with steep slopes for experienced riders only. Sat. Aug. 2. Registration is $35-$85. For more information, visit MarinCyclists.com

Mt. Shasta Summit Century Bike Ride Challenging climbs and breathtaking views make this a memorable jaunt along lightly trafficked rural mountain roads. Sun. Aug. 3. For more information, visit ShastaCascade.org or call 800-926-4865.

Nor-Cal Boat & Ski Club Circle Ski Race The National Watersports Racing Association — self-described “fastest skiers in the West” — presents an all-weekend waterskiing marathon in Pittsburg.Information and tickets: NWSRA.net. Sat., Aug. 23

Paesano Days and Bocce Tournament Bocce-ball tournaments are the highlight of this three-day festival in Anderson River Park in the town of Anderson, celebrating Italian culture, which also includes a spaghetti feed, live music, games, and craft booths. Fri. Aug. 1-Sun. Aug. 3. For more information, visit ShastaCascade.org or call 530-365-8332.

Patterson Pass Road Race A mountainous bike track makes for exciting cycling at the Patterson Pass Road Race inTracy. Registration opens at 6:30 a.m. and closes at 7:45 a.m. for all categories at the corner of Midway and Patterson Pass. The course follows the path set by the old Corral Hollow Road Race, a 23-mile loop with a lot of up and down in the first half, rolling in the second half, and two very fast descents. Sat. Aug. 9. Fees are approximately $23 if postmarked by Aug. 4. For more information, visit VeloPromo.com or call 209-533-4996.

Round the Rock Alcatraz Challenge Canoe Race This Polynesian outrigger canoe race hosted by the Pacific Islanders Cultural Association and He’e Nalu of Marin Outrigger Canoe Club starts at the East Beach of Crissy Field National Park, and is followed by a raffle and prizes. Sat. Aug. 2. Registration is $12-$15. Visit AlcatrazChallenge.com for more information.

Run for Research Marathon The Liver Foundation’s first-ever marathon in San Francisco, coinciding with the San Francisco Marathon but benefiting liver-disease research. Sun. Aug. 3. For more information, visit LiverFoundation.org/Chapters/NorthernCa/Events/262.

San Ardo Road Race Meet at San Ardo School in San Ardo, near Monterey, for this mostly flat road run. 21-to-84-mile race starts at 8 a.m. and lasts until approximately noon. Sat. Aug. 23. For more information, visit VeloPromo.com.

San Francisco Marathon Run across the Golden Gate Bridge and past many of the city’s most famous landmarks in this extremely popular race. Options include a full marathon, two half-marathons, 5K run, progressive marathon, and alternative routes. Participants receive T-shirts, coaster medals, and completion certificates. Sun. Aug. 3. For more information or to register, visit RunSFM.com or call 415-814-2823.

Susan B. Anthony Women’s 5K run and Elizabeth Cady Stanton kids 1/2-miler Open to walkers too, these events start and finishes at Glen Hall Park in Sacramento, where a jumpy castle will also be on hand. Sponsored by Sacramento’s oldest running club. Entrants get a free shirt. Sat. Aug. 9. Registration is $10-$50. For more information, visit BuffaloChips.com/Races/SusanB

Tahoe Rim Trail 165-Mile Segment Hikes Organized by the nonprofit Tahoe Rim Trail Association, this ambitious project entails hiking the trail’s entire length in eight segments on eight Fridays throughout the summer. New member of the”165 Mile Club” get a signed certificate, a pin, a rocker, and recognition on the association’s web site and Trail Blazer newsletter; any accompanying pet or companion animal also gets recognition. Fri. Aug. 1, 8 and 15. To sign up for guided hikes or for more information, visit TahoeRimTrail.com or call 775-298-0231.

University Road Race Meet at UC Santa Cruz campus for this mostly mountainous bicycle road run. Race starts at 10 a.m. and lasts until approximately 5 p.m. Distance is 25 to 65 miles. Sun. Aug. 26. For more information, visit VeloPromo.com.

Vineman Ironman 70.3 Triathlon Meet at 6:30 a.m. at Johnson’s Beach, Guerneville. The event consists of a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run. The point-to-point event passes Sonoma County vineyards and finishes up at Windsor High School, just north of Santa Rosa. Sat. Aug. 2. For more information, visit Vineman.com or call 707-528-1630.