Frequently Asked Questions

Membership and Site Access

Q: How much does it cost to become a club member?

A: Annual membership in LMJS is $20 individual and $30 family, with additional club membership benefits. For more club membership information, see How to Join.

Q: Why should I become a member?

A: By becoming a member of our club, or any club for that matter, you are making a commitment as a runner to support running. Club dues help support our activities by providing the financial resources we need to pay for permits, insurance, and supplies needed to put on races; plus sponsor our potlucks, and other activities. As a member, you pay a reduced price for every race which the club puts on. You also can buy club apparel for a reduced price. Local running stores give a 10% discount to members and you are also eligible to compete in the club’s annual “Total Time” competition. And finally, you gain access to our website with a growing library of information for runners in the East Bay.

Q: How do I become a member?

A: Go to the membership page on our website, How to Join, for more information and to download a membership form.

Q: I'm a member, how do I log on?

A: You log-in below the main menu using the email address you receive emails from the club and the password you entered when you joined. If you never entered a password then click on the 'forgot password' link located in the log-in area. It will ask you for your email address and then send you an email with further instructions. It's fairly fast and painless. If you have problems (and have read the rest of the faq) email us and we'll help.

Q: I tried to use my email to enter the site, but it's not accepted. How do I fix this?

A: If you are a member then you are using a different email address. If you get the e-bulletin then that email address should be valid. Another possibility is that you a dependent member of a family and in most cases we don't have an email address for you. The best way to sort this out is to have the primary member of the family log in and set an email address for you. Or, of course, you can email us and we'll sort it out.

Q: How do I renew my membership?

A: Each member has a profile page which can be accessed if you log in. Once logged in a link to your profile appears where the log-in was (below the side menu). There's also a link on the Members Only page. Your profile page will have a button on it to renew your membership for another year. It will show the date that your membership will renew until (the end of the calendar year). Clicking this button takes you to a page where you can look over your membership info and make changes if needed. Once you are done with this page you can proceed to pay on PayPal's site with a credit card or a PayPal account. It's quick and your membership will be instantly renewed. If you prefer, however, you can use a paper form. Information about renewing can be found here.

Q: My email address (or any other piece of information) has changed. How do I change that?

A: As for renewing your membership, you can log-in and access your profile page. Once there you can use the Edit button to change any of your membership information.

Q: I never received my membership card

A: We do not currently issue membership cards. Race registration and other events done through the website will be verified electronically or by the race directors manually. For store discounts just tell them you are a member of LMJS.

Fourth Sunday Races

Q: Why do people come to LMJS Fourth Sunday runs?

A: The Fourth Sunday runs are a great way to meet new people and make ongoing friends while enjoying low-key (and inexpensive!) running races. Some runners race competitively but most are coming out for casual exercise and the company. Our races are open to everyone, you do not have to be an LMJS member to enter them.

Q: How do I register?

A: You can either register in advance online (on our site, with no service fee) or on race day. To register on our site click on the event. If registration is open there will be a Register button. Payment for the race uses PayPal (where you can use a credit card or your PayPal account). To receive member rates you will need to log in. Race day registration starts 45 minutes before the start of the race and ends 8:55 am.

Q: Where are the runs held?

A: All Fourth Sunday races are held at Lake Merritt in Oakland. The location is at Adams Point on Bellevue Avenue in Oakland (if you reach the Sailboat House you have gone too far). 

Q: How much is race entry fee?

A: Excluding LMJS’s special events races, the Fourth Sunday race fees are $10 for non-members and $6 for LMJS members if you pre-register. You can do that right here on this site with no additional fee. Same day registration is $15 for non-members and $10 for members.

Q: Who comes to LMJS races?
A: LMJS races usually draw between 50 to 100 race participants. Race participants include teens, college students and runners in all age categories. High school age runners and younger are welcome, kids in middle school and younger run for free.

Q: How often are runs held?
A: Races are held on on the Fourth Sunday of every month. See our races page for our LMJS race schedule. 

Q: Are there any awards?
A: All race participants receive finishing ribbons noting the name and distance of the run. The top three men and women finishers in each age group receive place ribbons for their performances.

Q: Why are the races so inexpensive?
A: All Fourth Sunday races are low key club runs put on by members and other volunteers. It’s a viable alternative to the costly $25 - $45 price tag races.

Q: Can I help?
A: The monthly LMJS races are made possible by volunteers. Few clubs in the Bay Area hold as many races as LMJS. Race day volunteer activities include registration, finish line timing and recording activities, results, and set-up. To volunteer at an LMJS race, contact one of the monthly race directors listed here. In addition the club is always interested in runners who are willing to be Race Directors or serve in some capacity on the Board.