LMJS Races - overview

Lake Merritt Joggers & Striders (LMJS) is an Oakland based running club and has the distinction of being the East Bay’s oldest running club. LMJS was founded in 1977. Its earliest tradition were the Fourth Sunday Runs around Lake Merritt which historically started and ended at the Old Boathouse and used the sidewalk around the Lake as the course. (Note: In 2006, due to construction activity at the Old Boathouse, the location of our races was permanently moved to the Sailboat House at 568 Bellevue Ave. in Oakland.)

The distances offered at these races are a 5K (once around the Lake), a 10K (two times around), and 15K (three times around). All distances are certified, which means they have been measured by a course certifier and the race distances are recognized as being accurate. 

Two times a year our Fourth Sunday races take on a special theme. In February, there is the Couples Relay, a two person relay with a Valentine theme. In July, there is the Time Is on Your Side race where victory is awarded not to the swiftest, but to the runners who can best predict their finish time.

In addition to the Fourth Sunday Runs every month, LMJS also has one other special race at a different venue, the Tilden Tough Ten Miler in May. This race was established in 1987 as an alternative for more serious unners to the “Bay to Breakers.” It has grown in popularity over the years and now regularly “sells out” every year, with the maximum number allowed by our permit of 300 runners.