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Runners in the Lake Merritt Joggers and Striders running club train for the marathon on Lincoln Avenue. Photos by Bryan Farley. Click to enlarge.

It's been a long time coming. According to Len Goldman, president of the Lake Merritt Joggers and Striders, the oldest running club in the East Bay with about 250 members, "the last major road race was the Oakland Millenathon in 2001. It had a half-marathon and an 18-miler." It's been even longer for the marathon—at least 25 years. "It's been so long, no one really remembers," Len said. "Oakland is the only major Bay Area city without a major road race—San Francisco and San Jose have races."'

Oakland native and Maxwell Park resident Joe Davis has run 16 marathons around California and said that having the festival in Oakland gives him a sense of pride and puts the city on the map in a favorable way. Joe is so supportive that he volunteers with the organizers, helping to accurately measure the race routes throughout the City. "It can become a draw for runners from all over. The routes highlight Oakland landmarks—Lake Merritt, the Paramount and Fox Theaters, and for the marathon, the panoramic view from Lincoln Avenue."' Indeed, a portion of the marathon route goes down Lincoln and Fruitvale Avenues, then south on Foothill onto High Street, before heading back to downtown. Sequoia Elementary School parent Kelly McGrath said that the school, which faces Lincoln Avenue, will have a supportive message on its school marquee sign for the marathoners.'

'Local residents and athletes of all levels were inspired to train and participate in the races. Redwood Heights resident Nicole Wilkins signed up with a friend to train with PacWest Athletics to run her first half marathon. An Oakland native, she said she wanted to run because it's in Oakland. Carlsen Street resident Jason Whipple prefers to race ultramarathons and long trail races in the hills, but decided to run the Oakland marathon "because it's a positive image for the city and puts it on the running map." Christine Dover lives on Monterey Blvd. and plans to walk the marathon. "I do a modified race walk. It's not strolling; you really need to train. I've walked the Portland and Los Angeles marathons." Maxwell Park runner Jan Hetherington intends to run in her Vibram FiveFingers, which are lightweight latex shoes that simulate barefoot running. "It's glorious, feeling the ground under your feet."

'The festival begins on Saturday, March 27 with a kick-off party with live music at Lake Merritt and twilight 5K races around the lake. The longer races leave from Broadway early morning the next day. Celebrations and live music continue until early afternoon as the racers return. Residents across Oakland are encouraged to cheer racers as they pass through the neighborhoods.

'See the Web site—www.oaklandmarathon.com for registration information, festival schedule, volunteer opportunities, and race routes.