.Our Fourth Annual Guide to Outdoor Recreation

From running in Henry Coe State Park to swimming from Alcatraz to San Francisco, the highlights of the season's recreational sports calendar.

Wednesday, June 8

MS DuskBuster 5K Run or 2K Walk All proceeds benefit the Northern California chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Meet at 7 p.m. at the South Tunnel of polo fields in Golden Gate Park. 415-346-5255, DuskBuster.org

Saturday, June 11

Henry Coe 5K/10K Run or Walk Meet at the Hunting Hollow entrance to Henry Coe State Park, east of Gilroy. The race starts at 9 a.m.; registration costs $25 and includes a Hunting Hollow T-shirt. 408-267-4729, CoePark.org

Olivia’s Miles One-mile run or 5K run/walk, plus a free kids’ race. Organized by the Runners High and the Palo Alto Run Club to benefit research for Krabbe disease and other leukodystrophies. Registration costs $27, and all proceeds benefit the Spark Foundation. Meet at Fremont Park in the west end of downtown Menlo Park at 8:05 a.m. 650-823-4463, PARunClub.com

San Francisco Night and Day Challenge Founded in 2003 in Seattle, this race provides a unique whirlwind tour of all the secret pockets of San Francisco and southern Marin. Teams may bike, run, or walk — or do all three in the duathlon division. Registration costs $15-$65, with early sign-up discounts. Meet at 4 p.m. at the Douglass Clubhouse (26th and Douglass sts.). 650-697-6359.

Sunday, June 12

Mermaid Quarry Lakes Triathlon & Duathlon The Bay Area’s only all-women’s triathlon and duathlon. Registration is $70 (duathlon) or $100 (triathlon) for individuals, or $180 for teams (triathlon only). Meet at Quarry Lakes Park in Fremont. 831-465-6517.

Muddy Buddy Ride & Run Kicks off at Grant County Regional Park at 8:30 a.m. Registration costs $95 per team, which includes T-shirts and goody bags. 818-707-8867.

Walk for an Eye The whistle blows at 8:30 a.m. for this 5K or 10K trek through San Ramon’s Bollinger Canyon to benefit the Sankara Eye Foundation. The event also includes fun games such as fishing the bottle, Wheel of Fortune, and Lucky 7, plus a raffle. Registration costs $30 for one eye, $90 for three eyes, or $150 for five eyes. 925-487-1031.

Saturday, June 18

Eighteenth Annual On Your Mark Triathlon Series: Tri for Fun #1 Meet in Shadow Cliffs Regional Park in Pleasanton for a 400-yard swim, 13-mile bike ride, and 3.1-mile run. Admission costs $45 per person, or $125 for relay entry. The whistle blows at 7 a.m. 209-795-7832.

Third Annual Walk Through the Vineyards Enjoy a stroll through the scenic Napa River Valley, followed by a silent auction, coffee, bagels, yogurt, jazz, and a ring toss. Registration costs $30 and benefits the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. 707-257-0112.

Sunday, June 19

Dick Houston Memorial Woodminster X-C Race A grueling, staggered 9.2-mile race in Joaquin Miller and Redwood regional parks. To sign up or for more info, visit LMJS.org or call 510-644-4224.

The Presidio Relay & 5K Relay teams consist of four people, with each person running a 5K leg. Proceeds benefit Hands On Bay Area. Meet at 8 a.m. in the Presidio at Crissy Field in SF. 415-409-5900.

Wednesday, June 22

Giro di Peninsula Complete with food, music, rest stops, prizes, and a fashionable commemorative T-shirt, this Italian-style charity ride offers five courses for every level. Meet at Bay Meadows Racecourse (2600 South Delaware St.) in San Mateo; start times vary by route (all races kick off between 6 and 8 a.m.). Proceeds benefit the developmentally disabled. 650-349-9879.

Science of Speed San Francisco Join other triathletes and pros for this special clinic to improve your race times. Clinic registration costs $15, or $30 with a subscription to Inside Triathlon. The event runs from 1 to 4:30 p.m. at Lombardi Sports (166 Jackson St., San Francisco). 303-440-0601.

See Jane Tri Kickoff Meeting Special training program with instructional workouts and clinics designed by women for women. The first meeting happens at 7 p.m. in San Francisco (3910 24th St.), with additional trainings in Oakland (5817 College Ave.) on June 29 and Mill Valley (15 E. Blithedale) on July 6. Workouts will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. in San Francisco, Oakland, and Marin, and Saturdays from 9 to 11 a.m. throughout the Bay Area. The second annual See Jane Tri happens in Napa on October 8. Registration costs $219, $25 of which will be allocated to the Breast Cancer Fund. 415-408-8338.

Trips for Kids Fourteenth Annual Bike Swap & Sale Bikes offered at rock-bottom prices; proceeds from the swap benefit Trips for Kids’ biking program for inner-city youth. The sale runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Mill Valley Middle School (425 Sycamore Ave.). 415-458-2986.

Sunday, June 26

Nineteenth Annual Burlingame Criterium Fast, tricky course includes three right turns, one left turn, and one sweeper. The event kicks off at 7 a.m. at 1160 Burlingame Ave., and costs $30. Stick around for the sixth annual Kids’ Ride at 10:20 a.m. 650 483 5372.

San Jose International Triathlon Approximately halfway through the 1.25K swim course, racers will get out of the water and run along the beach approximately 100 yards. Wetsuits are recommended. The 40K loop bike course is flat and well paved. Registration costs $110, or $165 for relays, and includes a T-shirt, swim cap, water bottles, and other goodies. Meet at Almaden Park in San Jose at 7 a.m. 949-499-4587.

Saturday, July 2

PCTR Angel Island Trail Run Enjoy lush grassy trails that snake up Mt. Livermore and offer sweeping views of San Francisco, Marin, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Courses range from 8 km to 50 km. Runners convene at 8:30 a.m. at Angel Island State Park in Tiburon. 925-947-3787. Sunday, July 3

Lake Merced Run Tackle this 4.6-mile paved loop around Lake Merced for a mere $5 registration fee. Meet in the Sunset Blvd. parking lot at 9 a.m. 415-978-0837, DSERunners.com

Monday, July 4

Pleasant Hill Firecracker 5K Run/Walk Everyone gets a ribbon for conquering this flat 5K course. Participants gather at 45 Crescent Drive in Pleasant Hill at 8 a.m. for the kids’ dash, followed by the 5K run at 8:15 a.m. Registration fees cost $5 for kids aged eight to twelve, and $10 for anyone aged thirteen or older. 925 827-4772, FleetFeet.com

Run San Ramon Arrive at San Ramon Central Park at 8:15 a.m. for the 5K run and 3K fun walk, followed by the 10K run at 8:30 a.m. A mayor’s cup will be awarded to the winning preregistered San Ramon resident, along with medals to the top three in each age division. Fees range from $17 to $25. 209-795-7832.

Friday, July 8

Fifty-Sixth Annual Monterey City Amateur Golf Tournament Held in conjunction with the Monterey Senior Amateur, this event features a maximum combined field of 168. Tee times begin at 7 a.m. and run to 2:30 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday. Meet at Del Monte Golf Course on Sylvan Rd. in Monterey. 831-655-9333.

Saturday, July 9

Bike for Breath Help raise funds to fight asthma, lung cancer, bronchitis, and emphysema by riding one of four scenic routes along the San Francisco Peninsula. Distances range from the ten-mile Mini Breath ride to the gargantuan Baaad Breath Ride, which clocks in at 62 miles. The event kicks off with Baaad Breath at 6:30 a.m.; fees range from $20 to $35, and increase by $5 after June 25. 650-994-5864.

Fifty-Sixth Annual Monterey City Amateur Golf Tournament See Fri.

MVV Coyote Creek Criterium This smooth 1.8-mile loop includes about 100 feet of climbing per lap. Coyote Creek Criterium is located at Hellyer Ave. and Piercy Rd. in San Jose; the event starts at 7:30 a.m. 408-569-1023.

Sunday, July 10

The Godfather’s 100-Kilometer Challenge Kicking off on a closed four-mile asphalt section of Canada Road along San Mateo’s Crystal Springs Reservoir, this is the fourth of five events that comprise the Dan Burger Points Race Series. Expect smooth terrain throughout, though more than half the race is uphill, with one steep grade. Runners leave their marks at 7:15 a.m. on the dot. 415-752-1967.

Orienteering in China Camp State Park Enjoy ample vistas as you trek o’er hill and dale, through a saltmarsh, up switchbacks, slopes, and through redwood groves, along the seven color-coded courses designed by Bay Area Orienteering Club. Start off at Miwok Meadows, a site equipped with barbecue pits, toilets, and picnic tables. China Camp State Park is in San Rafael. 415-479-4262.

Windmill Run Kicking off at 9 a.m. sharp, this 6.5-mile dash begins and ends at the Dutch Windmill on Kennedy Drive in Golden Gate Park in SF. Each runner pays $5; everyone gets a ribbon. 415-978-0837.

Saturday, July 16

Alcatraz Sharkfest Swim: Thirteenth Annual Swim Escape The Anglin brothers and Frank Lee Morris swam this course to flee Alcatraz in 1962; this event is open to seasoned open-water swimmers only. Swimmers leave their marks at 9 a.m.; registration costs $120. 415-868-1829.

Eighteenth Annual On Your Mark Triathlon Series: Tri For Fun #2 Tailored for novices, this 400-yard swim, 11-mile bike, and 3.1-mile run through Pleasanton’s Shadow Cliffs Regional Park (2500 Stanley Blvd.) also provides a fun workout for pros. The race costs $45 for individuals, or $125 for relay entry, and kicks off at 7 a.m. 209-795-7832.

RWT’s Angel Island MTB Triathlon After swimming half a mile through Ayala Cove, bike two loops around the island’s perimeter and rev up for a 3.1-mile run. The $85 registration fee includes round-trip ferry, a T-shirt, a water bottle, awards, and tchotchkes. Swimmers leave the beaches of the cove at 6 a.m. sharp. 650-364-8256.

Sunday, July 17

Hammerhead Kids Triathlon Top finishers from this race will be invited to join the Hammerhead Triathlon Development and Racing Team, and all participants will receive a stylish commemorative medal, T-shirt, and goody bag. Costs range from $40 for individual USA Triathlon members to $90 for three-person relay team. Meet at Gavilan College (5055 Santa Teresa Boulevard, Gilroy) at 8 a.m. Bring a bike helmet and swim cap. 408-406-4112.

Orienteering in Joaquin Miller Park With occasional steep grades and clusters of redwoods, Joaquin Miller provides a variety of terrain. As always, Bay Area Orienteering Club provides seven color-coded courses. 510-525-1574, BAOC.org

Wine Country Half Marathon: Napa to Sonoma Open to athletes able to complete a 13.1-mile course in three hours or less, this race winds past the wineries and farm-checkered lands of Napa, and finishes in the town square of the Sonoma for the Wine & Music Festival. The race starts at 7 a.m.; registration costs $55, or $65 after July 7; teams of 8 save $5. 707-933-1769.

Saturday, July 23

The Bay in a Day Double Century Bike Ride Crossing eight counties, 35 cities, and two bridges between Novato and San Francisco, this race takes you past cow pastures, shipyards, wetlands, and the world’s largest dirigible hangar at Moffett Field. Registration costs $90. 415-451-3277.

Sunday, July 24

Twin Peaks Orienteering Explore the nooks and crannies of San Francisco on courses ranging from 2 to 12 km. The event starts at 10 a.m. and participation costs $6-$12; check BAOC.org for location and details.

Saturday, July 30

Legends of the Redwoods Native American Commemorative Run and Walk Meet at Ukiah’s Grace Hudson Museum (431 S. Main St.) at 8:30 a.m. 707-462-3329.

The Most Challenging Third Annual Carquinez Triathlon Great for novices and experts looking for a grudge match, this challenge includes a quarter-mile swim, 12-mile bike, and 3-mile run before lunch. Registration costs $65 per person, $20 of which goes to the Challenged Athletes Foundation. Meet at Crockett’s Shore Line Park on Carquinez Scenic Dr.; the whistle blows at noon. 510-787-9811.

South End Rowing Club’s Alcatraz Invitational Bring a swim cap and optional wetsuit for this journey from Alcatraz Island to Aquatic Park. Registration costs $100, and all proceeds benefit the club’s building renovation fund. One hundred spectator tickets will also be available for $25 each, plus brunch-only tickets at $10. Check-in begins at 6:30 a.m. at South End Rowing Club (500 Jefferson St., San Francisco), and the boat departs for Alcatraz at 8:45 a.m. 415 776-7372.

Stop, Drop and Roll Bike Ride With three races clocking at 15, 30, and 65 miles, this ride includes a BBQ, music, and raffle. Sixty-five-mile contenders start at 7 a.m.; everyone else leaves their marks at 9 a.m. It all goes down at Woodside High School (199 Churchill Ave., Woodside). 650-991-8149.

Sunday, July 31

Orienteering in Joaquin Miller Park & Dimond Park This backroads safari through the Oakland Hills takes you up twisty streets, secret pathways, and switchback staircases; more adventurous travelers can try the urban goat — call for details. 510-681-6181.

San Francisco Marathon Presented by Runner’s World, this course takes you from Justin Herman Plaza (111 Steuart St.) to the staging area downtown, past cable cars, bridges, raucous spectators, and gorgeous coasts. Participants convene at the plaza at 6 a.m. 415-284-9653.

Tiburon Triathlon 2005 Comprising a half-mile swim in the bay, nine-mile bike ride, and flat two-mile run, this race starts in Belvedere Community Center at 7:30 a.m. Registration costs $60 for individuals, $90 for relay teams. 415-435-7200.

2005 Vineman Half Ironman Triathlon Kicking off at Johnson’s Beach in Guerneville, this formidable course includes a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride, and 13.1-mile run. All entrants must be current USA Triathlon members, or purchase a one-day permit for the event. Registration costs $210, or $225 after July 15. 707-528-1630.

Monday, August 1

Camp Vineman-A Triathlon & Cycling Tour of Napa Valley A team of professional triathletes, coaches, bike mechanics, and a masseuse will regale you with workouts, excursions, and other fringe benefits as you enjoy big kids camp in the countrysides of Napa, Sonoma, and Marin counties, capped with a night in San Francisco. The fun lasts Monday through Saturday, beginning at the Vineyard Creek Hotel in Santa Rosa. Camp Vineman costs $2,700 per person for double occupancy, or $3,200 for single. All athletes must be members of USA Triathlon. 408-406-4112.

Inaugural Cal Rec Sports Golf Tournament The shotgun blasts at noon for this round in Metropolitan Golf Links, which ends with a live auction and buffet dinner. Participation costs $125 per individual, or $400 for a foursome. Proceeds benefit the Cal Recreational Sports Development Fund and a charity of your choice. 510-643-8036.

Saturday, August 6

2005 Marin Century/Mt. Tam Double Anyone who is reasonably fit can conquer one of these four medium-hilly rides. Cyclists depart from Vallecito Elementary School (50 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael) at 5 a.m. Registration costs range from $37 for the 100-mile to $67 for the 200-mile Double Century. 415-454-6155.

YWC2 Ride Hosted by the YWCA of Sonoma County, this ride provides three routes through the wine country, along with a free helmet, goody bag, barbecue lunch, and kids’ activities. Departures from Windsor Town Green (9030 Windsor Rd.) happen at 8 a.m. for the 100K, 9 a.m. for the 50K, and 10 a.m. for the 20K. Races cost are $20, $30, and $40 respectively. 707-546-7115.

Saturday, August 13

2005 Full Vineman, Half Vineman & Barb’s Race-Relay Starting at Johnson’s Beach in Guerneville, this uber-tough race is open to current USA Triathlon members only. Participation costs range from $200 for the Barb’s Relay (if you register before July 15), to $295 for the Full Vineman Relay. 707-528-1630.

2005 Vineman AquaBike You must either be a USA Triathlon member or purchase a one-day permit to participate in this high-octane swim and cycling challenge, which kicks off at Johnson’s Beach in Guerneville. Registration costs range from $175 for the Half Vineman (register before July 15) to $265 for the Full Vineman. 707-528-1630.

Sunday, August 14

AlcaTRI XXV: Escape for the Rock Triathlon Experience the 25th ultimate escape –which includes a swim from Alcatraz Island to Aquatic Park, a 13-mile hilly bike course, and a 7.5-mile run that takes you up the sand ladder at Baker Beach. Arrive at 7 a.m. to catch the ferry at Pier 41. Costs range from $200 for individuals to $360 for relay teams. 415-868-1829.

Le Tour de Max This loopy, scenic charity ride through the Santa Cruz Mountains ends with a fabulous party and auction, plus a screening of The Tour Baby at Hotel Sofitel in San Francisco. Admission prices vary — it costs $60 to experience the whole shebang. Arrive at Canada College (4200 Farm Hill Blvd., Redwood City) at 6 a.m. sharp. 650-888-9709.

Saturday, August 20

Eighteenth Annual On Your Mark Triathlon Series: Tri for Fun #3 Test your mettle with this 400-yard swim, 11-mile bike ride, and 3.1-mile run through Shadow Cliffs Regional Park (2500 Stanley Blvd., Pleasanton). Arrive at the park promptly at 7 a.m. Registration costs $45 for individuals, or $125 for relay teams. 209-795-7832.

Sunday, August 21

Tour d’Organics Cruise through Sonoma County on one of three cycling routes, which range from 35 to 100 miles. Riders convene at 8 a.m. at 390 Morris St. in Sebastopol. Registration costs $30 for 35-mile cyclers, and $40 for everyone else. 707-360-8511.

TriOne Triathlon Help defeat Lou Gehrig’s disease and burn calories at the same time. The race starts at 9 a.m. in Alameda’s Harbor Bay Business Park, with registration costs ranging from $85 to $177. For information, check out TriOne.org

Twenty-Ninth Annual Tour of Napa Valley Once you’ve clocked 30, 65, or 100 miles cycling through the wine country, enjoy a swim and a BBQ lunch at the Yountville Veterans Home, where you’ll start and finish the race. Registration fees are $35 for the 100-mile tour, which starts at 8:00 a.m.; $35 for the 65-mile tour, which starts at 9; and $25 for the 30-mile tour, which departs at 10:30 a.m. 707-226-7066, EagleCyclingClub.org

Saturday, August 27

Run for Life 3K, 5K, & 10K Join the Run for Life Foundation in this charity run around the UC Berkeley campus (2500 Bancroft Way), from 8 to 10 a.m. Registration costs $20 before July 15, $25 after. 800-310-6563, RunforLife.net

RWT’s Eagle Lake Triathlons Teeming with bald eagles, white fir, ponderosa pine, and rainbow trout, Eagle Lake provides a gorgeous, Escape to Witch Mountain-style setting for brave triathletes. Registration costs are $55 for the sprint distance competition, $95 for the long course, and $75 for the Olympic distance event. Arrive at Eagle Lake in Lassen National Forest with ample time for the 9 a.m. kick-off; participants may also camp overnight by the lake. 650-364-8256.

10K on the Bay Help raise money for Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center (4901 Breakwater Drive, Hayward) by taking a leisurely run along the shoreline. Both the 5K and 10K courses consist of smooth gravel and packed dirt. Admission costs $25; be ready to leave your mark at 8:30 a.m. 510-723-1992, 10KontheBay.com

Vibha Run/Walk 2005 Walk, run, or rollerblade 5K or 10K along Shoreline Park trail, and then hit up the carnival for face painting, mehndi (Indian henna art), music, food, and games. Registration costs range from $9 to $20; runners convene at Shoreline (3070 North Shoreline Blvd., Mountain View) in time to leave their marks at 8:30 a.m. sharp. 650-450-2744.

Sunday, August 28

Ana Cable Car Chase Chase a cable car through Fisherman’s Wharf, along the Embarcadero, and up into Russian Hill, clocking a total of 5.67 miles. Participants gather at Aquatic Park (Jefferson and Hyde sts.) at 8 a.m.; admission costs $27.50, with a chance to win a prize package valued at more than $35,000. 415-595-6934.

HDSA Presidio Trail Run You don’t have to be high-octane or zero-fat to tackle this 10K run or 5K stroll through Presidio National Park. Participation costs $25, proceeds benefit the fight against Huntington’s disease, and awards will be given in nine age categories. Gather at 8 a.m. at the Presidio National Park Crissy Field grassy area (Mason St. & Fort Point). PresidioTrailRun.com, 1-800-607-0771.

Lake Sonoma Off-Road Triathlon This half-mile swim, twelve-mile bike ride, and four-mile run provides a challenge for novices, and a training brick for pros. Meet at Liberty Glen Campground (3333 Skaggs Springs Rd., Geyserville), at 8 a.m.; admission ranges from $55 for early entry, to $130 on race day. Geocities.com/ccmbt/sonoma, 415-387-1486.

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