This is the first in a new interview series where we're hoping to get the inside scoop on everything about your race.  We're planning to speak with race directors, athletes, and companies related to this great sport we all love.  We had the pleasure of sitting down w/ JT Service, a fellow runner and the race director for the upcoming AT&T Giants Race on June 12 in beautiful San Francisco (you actually get to run into the stadium where the Giants play!).  He shares some thoughts with us about the race, the venue, and even the first ever running bobblehead!  We hope you enjoy!

[Racevine] - JT, thanks for taking the time to chat, tell us a little about yourself.

[JT] - I'm a graduate of UCSB where I ran track and cross-country for my beloved Gauchos.  After college I joined the Asics Aggies Running Club.  I started competing in marathons and fell in love with the training and difficulty of the distance.  I was in the last Olympic Trials for the marathon and hopefully I’ll qualify 2012 as well.  While training I attended and graduated from Santa Clara University Law School.  Now I'm an attorney that uses his education to chase after a career in sports management.  If I get a run in before work...then I love everyday.

[Racevine] - What are some of your favorite races?

[JT] - My favorite races are the Kauai Marathon, Bay to Breakers, the Dean Karnazes Silicon Valley Marathon and any race that gives you free beer after you finish.

[Racevine] - What's the story behind The AT&T Giant Race?

[JT] - The story behind the AT&T Giant Race was born out of the San Francisco Giants passion for creating unique events around their beautiful ball park.  You can only have so many home games and when there is not a game you can bet that the Giants will fill the void.  In this case, the Plate To Plate 5k benefitting Project Open Hand already existed, but the Giants wanted to make it bigger with a half marathon.  With the help of Evolve Sports we've created a half marathon and 5k that will finish on the field at AT&T Park.  Every runner will feel like they hit the big leagues when they're finishing this race.  Face on the big screen, name announced over the stadium PA. It's going to be cool. 

[Racevine] - What distances are offered in The AT&T Giant Race?

[JT] - This year we are only offering a half marathon and Plate To Plate 5k, but we're considering some cool additions in the future.  A triathlon out of McCovey Cove maybe or even a full marathon.  Anything is possible with the Giants. 

[Racevine] - We love everything and anything endurance race related here at Racevine, what will runners love most about The AT&T Giant Race?

[JT] - I think the runners, especially the local ones, will appreciate some of the unique features of the course.  In San Francisco we're often forced to run over the same course in each race.  Our half marathon has now included some interesting elements in Ft. Mason and now a great portion in our Italian neighborhood of North Beach.  On top of that runners will see both the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges, Coit Tower, Fishermans Wharf, Pier 39, the Trans America building and even breeze past the Ferry Building Farmers Market.  Classic sights.

[Racevine] - Will any of the Giants players be running the race?

[JT] - Unfortunately the Giants are matching up against our rival Oakland A's after the race and the players won't be able to participate.  However, one of the Giants top pitchers, Matt Cain, will be on hand at the starting line to get the runners fired up. 

[Racevine] - Can you give us some tips about the course?  We know there can be some BIG hills in SF!

[JT] - The Plate to Plate 5k course is flat and blazing fast.  However, the half marathoners are going to hit some hills.  We're billing it as a classic San Francisco race on a classic San Francisco course.  In the end it's not too hilly, just a few kind climbs.

[Racevine] - What kind of schwag can runners expect to get for all their hard work?

[JT] - The AT&T Giant Race schwag is tops.  First of all, if you signed up early, you received a free ticket to the Giants v. A's game on "Runner's Night" before the race.  Then we're providing all participants with a branded technical running shirt.  All finishers will receive a beautiful medal and last but definitely not least we're introducing running's first bobblehead.  The Giants mascot, Lou Seal, is fitted in a running kit and I think it will be a huge hit amongst the baseball enthusiasts.  

[Racevine] - Do you have any "behind the scenes" insider info you might like to tell us about directing a running race in a city like SF?

[JT] - Maybe not any real behind the scenes information, but the amount of sporting events and activities around the city being celebrated on June 12th is incredible.  We kick off the day with the races.  Then the USA takes on England in the World Cup and the Giants are showing it for free on the big screen at AT&T Park.  This will bring in a ton of fans to watch the finish of the 5k and half marathon.  There's also the Giants County Fair taking place in the parking lot and will serve as our official Post Race Tailgate party.  Finally, you have the Giants v. A's that night.  Something fun for everyone. 

[Racevine] - Where can we find more info about The AT&T Giant Race?

[JT] - The best spot is the website. www.thegiantrace.com