Stars and Strides 5K 2026 | A Summer Run Through Downtown San Jose

Overview

This was a one-day Stars and Strides 5K-10K Run in downtown San Jose. Three of us signed up together, gathered near the start for photos in the morning, ran the course, then picked up medals and had a celebratory drink at the finish.

The event was sponsored by Bloom Energy and Tarana, with proceeds benefiting the Valley Health Foundation, so it carried a bit of a charity feel alongside the running.

Before The Race | Warming Up Under Downtown High-Rises

When we arrived, the start area was already lively, with palm trees and office towers giving the whole street a summer feel. We grouped up for a photo first, wearing bibs 590, 591, and 776 in matching black Bloom Energy / Tarana shirts.

During the warm-up we grabbed a few more shots in the crowd, with the tents and aid station already set up near the start.

Right before the start, we checked in with each other in line, feeling pretty relaxed about it.

On The Course | A Joyful Push Near I-280

Once on the course, the pack moved through downtown streets and into a residential stretch, with plenty of runners in holiday-themed outfits keeping the mood festive.

Passing the I-280 North sign in the middle of the course, we raised hands together for a celebratory moment — the most energetic shot of the day.

Here's the Strava recording from the day, with pace and route laid out.

Finish Area | Medals And A Toast

After crossing the line, we picked up our finisher medals at the finish area, both feeling a strong sense of accomplishment and smiling wide.

After the medals, we had a celebratory drink under a tent on the grass — that kind of slow-down time after a run is always the best part.

Takeaways

1. The Stars and Strides 5K-10K is great for running with friends, with a friendly course and a charity angle that adds to the sense of participation.
2. The downtown route has good scenery, alternating between office towers, palm trees, and residential streets, so the run never feels boring.
3. Arriving early for a group photo and leaving time to celebrate at the finish are the two things most worth planning for events like this.