About 8,000 runners are expected for Sunday’s marathon, half-marathon, relay, 5K and kids’ fun run.

The City of Oakland today announced the temporary street closures and parking restrictions in effect for the 3rd Annual Oakland Running Festival which takes place on Sunday, March 25, 2012. The 26.2 mile marathon starts at 7:30 a.m. from 19^th and Harrison (Snow Park). In addition to much of downtown, the marathon course will take runners through Broadway Auto Row, Piedmont Avenue, Temescal, Rockridge, Upper Rockridge, Fernwood, Montclair, Oakmore/Upper Park, Dimond, Fruitvale, San Antonio, Eastlake, West Oakland, Northgate and Lake Merritt.
About 8,000 runners are expected for Sunday’s marathon, half-marathon, relay, 5K and kids’ fun run. The public can learn more about the marathon’s course and driving detours, which differ slightly over previous years, through an interactive map at www.oaklandmarathon.com.
During Sunday’s marathon, streets throughout Oakland will be impacted by the race. Festival organizers have planned carefully to lessen the impact on auto traffic while ensuring runner safety. The Oakland Police Department (OPD) will issue temporary lane closures and traffic restrictions as runners make their way along the course.
Motorists are encouraged to plan ahead and either time their travel to avoid street closures or seek alternative routes using the online map. All highway and interstate routes will remain open throughout the marathon. Motorists should use special caution and look out for both pedestrians and changes in traffic patterns. All parking restrictions will be strictly enforced and vehicles parked in violation will be ticketed and/or towed. Transit users should note that BART will not be impacted by course closures. AC Transit will have temporary signage up directing riders to alternative stops for impacted routes.

AmazonLocal-LivingSocial Purchasers

Welcome purchasers of the AmazonLocal-LivingSocial Deal!  You only need to do a few steps in order to enjoy your 30 days of unlimited workouts at Soja: Once you've purchased your deal, please go online to Soja's "Schedule" webpage and create an account with your basic contact info and unique password.  Reserve and purchase a first class "for free" from the drop down menu options inside the retail or cart page to get started. Don't worry, you don't need to put any $$ into your account. If this online user interface is not working for you, no problems!  Please be patient and send the office an email and we'll set you up as soon as we can.

Commonly asked questions by purchasers of this deal:

• Does this offer include more than just yoga & kickboxing classes?  Yes it does! It is good for any regularly scheduled class at Soja for 30 days
• Do you have showers on site?  No, we're sorry we don't offer that at this time. 
• Parking related questions?  Go to our directions webpage.

Still have questions? Please email the office, or leave a vmail and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.

Fire Breathing Dragon visits the Soja studio this Fri, March 2

Looking forward to a visit by a true fire breathing dragon at Soja this Friday evening....6 - 9 pm.  Cheryl and her metal arts friends will park their new art dragon creation in front of Soja the studio on Webster. Don't worry, this is Oakland Fire Department approved.  Hope you can drop by and enjoy the heat on a cool evening. Kids will be safe to watch as well, fire breathing is 12 ft and above in the air, outside on the street only.