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FresYes Guide to July Races, Runs & Walks—Stay Hydrated!

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Sarah Soghomonian

TV Producer and fan of all things fabulous.Bulldog Born, Bulldog Bred!

Latest posts by Sarah Soghomonian (see all)

Don’t let the heat keep you from staying fit! There are still plenty of races taking place in July across the Central Valley. Many are fundraisers for local charities and organizations.

There’s something for all levels of ability. So grab those running shoes, get moving, and remember—stay hydrated!

Here’s a look at some of the races happening in July.

Freedom Run 2-mile Walk/Run, 4-mile Run & Kids’ Fun Run — Fresno

When: Tuesday, July 4

Cost: $30, (prices increase 7/1), $25 for kids

Sign up: RunSignUp.com

Celebrate the 4th of July by honoring our nation’s heroes during a race that benefits the Central Valley Honor Flight. The organization takes WWII and Korean War veterans to Washington, D.C. to see the war memorials that honor their service.

At the Freedom Run, more than 1,000 American flags will line the course at Fresno’s Woodward Park. Ice cream, watermelon, and a cold wet towel will greet you at the finish line. Participants are encouraged to dress in patriotic attire; there will be awards for best dressed!

The Freedom Run supports the Central Valley Honor Flight and their mission to honor WWII veterans and Korean War veterans by sending them to see memorials in Washington, D.C.

Run for Independence 2-mile Walk/Run & 5-mile run — Atwater

When: Tuesday, July 4

Cost: $25, adults (19 & over), $20 (18 & under). Prices increase 6/28

Sign up: RunSignUp.com

Put on your red, white, and blue and celebrate Independence Day with the Merced Running Club. This flat course race starts near Ralston Park at 7:30 a.m. It’s your chance to burn off calories before you hit your 4th of July BBQ.

North Fresno Rotary Run for Humanity 5k Run & 2-mile Walk/Run

When: Saturday, July 8

Cost: $35 (prices increase day of event)

Sign up: RunSignUp.com

This race starts and ends at Fresno’s Fig Garden Village Shopping Center. A post-race pancake breakfast is included with registration. Medals will be given to all finishers.

2nd Annual Corcoran High School Cross Country Alumni & Friends Race

When: Saturday, July 15

Cost: $25

Sign up: RunSignUp.com

This 2-mile race supports Corcoran High School Cross Country. All funds raised will go towards the team’s High Altitude Training Camp in Big Bear.

Battle of the Badges First Responders Run/Walk 5K & 10K, Fresno

When: Saturday, July 22

Cost: $45

Sign up: RunSignUp.com

This race through Fresno’s Woodward Park benefits the Fallen Officers Resource fund and the Fresno Police Activities League Boxing Program.

Miguel Reyes Memorial 5K walk/run, Fresno

When: Saturday, July 29

Cost: $35 – adults, $25 – students, $20 – kids 10 & under (prices increase 7/28)

Sign up: RunSignUp.com

This race at Woodward Park honors the life of Miguel Reyes, who passed away in 2015. There are cash prizes for top finishers and medals for the first 300 to complete the race. All participants will receive breakfast.

 

Ready, Set, Go! FresYes Guide to June Races, Runs & Walks

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Sarah Soghomonian

TV Producer and fan of all things fabulous.Bulldog Born, Bulldog Bred!

Latest posts by Sarah Soghomonian (see all)

The weather is heating up, but there are still plenty of races taking place in June across the Central Valley. Many are fundraisers for local charities and organizations.

From flat roads to trail runs, there’s something for all levels of ability. So grab those running shoes and get moving!

Here’s a look at some of the races happening in June.

Poverello House Run for Meals 5K & 2 Mile Walk

When: Saturday, June 3

Cost: $30, Kids 12 & Under – $15 (Prices increase 5/28)

Sign-up: RunSignUp.com

For the 5th year in a row, Fresno’s Poverello House, which helps Central Valley residents in need, has held this fundraiser race. It’s taking place at Woodward Park. Participants will receive a t-shirt and breakfast burrito.

guide to june races

The 5th Annual Poverello House Run for Meals takes racers around Woodward Park.

Shadow of the Giants 50K Ultra and 20K Fun Run, Fish Camp

When: Saturday, June 3

Cost: 50K- $110, 20K – $45

Sign-up: SanJoaquinRunning.com

This trail run is for experienced runners. Expect hills, rocks, tree roots, mud, and even water. You’ll run past 3,000-year-old Giant Sequoias in Nelder Grove. Elevation ranges from 5,000 to 6,500 feet.

guide to june races

The BIG Run 5K, Friant

When: Wednesday, June 7

Cost: $30

Sign-up: RunSignUp.com

All across the nation, Fleet Feet Sports will be holding local races. The Central Valley 5K will be taking place in Friant at Lost Lake Recreation Area. The start and finish line is at San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust. Unlike most local runs, this one is taking place on a Wednesday night. All finishers receive a medal and will be ranked on a national leaderboard. Maybe you’ll be the fastest runner in the nation!

Miracle Mile of Quarters, Madera

When: Saturday, June 10

Cost: $25, Kids – $10

Sign-up: RunSignUp.com

For the 12th year in a row, the Kiwanis Division 5 is hosting a race to benefit Valley Children’s Hospital. It’s open to adults and kids. There are a variety of walk and run options to choose from. Head to the website to find the race that’s right for you.

5K Bubble Fun Run/ Walk for Asthma Awareness

When: Saturday, June 10

Cost: $30 for adults, $20 for kids. (Prices increase 5/28)

Sign-up: RunSignUp.com

The Central Valley Asthma Collaborative hosts this race each year to help bring awareness of asthma in the Central Valley. A large percentage of the population suffers from asthma. The race is taking place at Fresno’s Woodward Park.

guide to june races

Ohana 5K

When: Saturday, June 17

Cost: $25 (Registration ends 6/1)

Sign-up: RunSignUp.com

This race at Fresno State supports the university’s Renaissance Scholars Program, which helps students who grew up in foster care. Money raised goes towards scholarships to assist students with academic and personal financial needs while in college.

Heroes for Life 5K & 10K, Chowchilla

When: Saturday, June 24

Cost: 5K – $30, 10K – $35 (Prices increase 6/23)

Sign-up: RunSignUp.com

Head to the North Valley for this 2nd annual race supporting the Trinity Pregnancy Resource Center in Chowchilla. The race gets underway at Fig Tree Plaza. Finishers receive medals. You are encouraged to wear your favorite superhero costume. First place runners will be entered into a drawing for a two-night stay at Cedar Lodge Yosemite Resorts.

Ready, Set, Go: FresYes Guide to May Races, Runs & Walks

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Sarah Soghomonian

TV Producer and fan of all things fabulous.Bulldog Born, Bulldog Bred!

Latest posts by Sarah Soghomonian (see all)

May is a huge month for races in the Central Valley. Many are fundraisers for local charities and organizations.

From flat roads to trail runs there’s something for all levels of ability, so grab those running shoes and get moving!

Here’s a look at some of the races happening in May.

guide to May races

It’s time to lace up those running shoes and get moving!

Ole 5-Que

When: Friday, May 5

Cost: 5K – $40, Kids 12 & Under – $25

Sign up: CincoDeMayoRace.com

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at Fresno’s Woodward Park. This Friday night race turns into a party once you cross the finish line. Participants can chow down on tacos, churros, beer and soda!

Visalia River Run 5K & 10K

When: Saturday, May 6

Cost: 10K- $35, 5K – $30

Sign up: Active.com

The start line is at Golden West High School, and the course takes racers along the St. John’s River Trail. With all the recent rains, it will likely be very picturesque this time of year.

Paseo de Mariposa 12 K & 5K Trails Runs

When: Saturday, May 6

Cost: 12K – $25, 5K – $20

Sign up: RunSignUp.com

This isn’t a race for beginners. There will be lots of dirt, rocks and tree roots along this trail run. After the race stay and enjoy the annual Butterfly Festival and parade in historic Mariposa.

Kings County 4-H Color Me Greek 5K Walk/Run, Hanford

When: Sunday, May 7

Cost: 5K – $25, Kids – $10

Sign up: RunSignUp.com

It’s your chance to have some fun and help support Kings County 4-H. The goal of this event is to encourage kids and adults to increase their physical activity. It will get messy! Participants will be showered with green colored dye.

guide to May races

Go Green for Kings County 4-H! A fun run is set for May 7th in Hanford.

Anti-Bully 5K Run/Walk, Clovis

When: Saturday, May 13

Cost: $25

Sign up: (559) 327-4000 or email derrickdavis@cusd.com

Help support Clovis East High School and their campaign against bullying. Money raised goes towards a scholarship awarded to a graduating senior. The course takes racers around campus.

Mother’s Day Run

When: Saturday, May 13

Cost: $25

Sign up: GreaterKiwanis.com

Celebrate Mother’s Day a day early with the 14th annual Mother’s Day Run at Fresno’s Woodward Park. There’s a 10K and 2 mile race.

Valley Oak SPCA 26th Annual Dog Walk-A-Thon and Furry 5K, Visalia

When: Saturday, May 13

Cost: 5K – $50, Walk-A-Ton – $35

Sign up: RunSignUp.com

Help support the Valley Oak SPCA with this fun and furry event at Mooney Grove Park in Visalia.

Dala Horse Trot 10K and 2 Mile Walk/Run, Kingsburg

When: Saturday, May 20

Cost: 10K – $35 (Kids 11 & under- $20, 2 Mile – $25 (Kids 11 & under – $15)

Sign up: RunSignUp.com

The Dala Horse Trot is part of Kingsburg’s yearly Swedish celebration. The event benefits the Kingsburg Rotary Club. After you burn those calories running, pack them back on with a Swedish pancakes breakfast. There’s a finisher’s medal for all 10K runners.

guide to May races

Celebrate all things Swedish during this Kingsburg race.

Stevenson Falls Half-Marathon, Shaver Lake

When: Sunday, May 21

Cost: $100

Sign up: SanJoaquinRunning.com

The scenery along this course is topnotch. The waterfalls will be full thanks to this year’s snowfall. All finishers will receive a unique finisher’s medal.

Clovis Memorial Run 2-Mile and 5K Walk/Run

guide to May races

Honor our Veterans during this Memorial Day Weekend race in Clovis.

When: Sunday, May 27

Cost: 5K – $35, 2-Mile – $25

Sign up: RunSignUp.com

Honor our veterans with a special race through Old Town Clovis. Finishers receive medals and a pancake breakfast. This race also includes a 5K wheelchair race. Vets race for free.

Grab Your Running Shoes: FresYes Guide to April Races, Runs & Walks

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Sarah Soghomonian

TV Producer and fan of all things fabulous.Bulldog Born, Bulldog Bred!

Latest posts by Sarah Soghomonian (see all)

Spring is one of the best times of the year to be outside in the Central Valley, especially if you’re participating in a race or run. There are a whole lot of local races taking place at this time of the year, and many are fundraisers for local charities and organizations.

From flat roads to trail runs, there’s something for all levels of ability. So grab those running shoes and get moving!

Here’s a look of some of the races, runs, and walks taking place in April.

Guide to April Races

Rock ‘N Run for Hope 10K Run and 2-mile Walk/Run, Visalia

When: Saturday, April 1

Cost: 10K – $35, 2-Mile – $25, Kids 12 & Under – Free

Sign-up: VRMhope.org

This isn’t your typical race. This fundraiser for the Visalia Rescue Mission takes place at Cutler Park and kicks off at 4:30 p.m.. There will be food trucks and a live concert featuring music by Brandon Pasion.

California Classic Weekend

When: Sunday, April 2

Cost: Half Marathon – $85, 5K – $45 (Prices increase 3/31)

Sign-up: RunSignUp.com

This one is special! The half marathon takes runners through the Fresno Chaffee Zoo and the finish line is at home plate in Chukchansi Park. The 5K doesn’t feature the run through the zoo, but does wrap up at the ballpark. If you bike ride, there are 100-, 60- and 35-mile races taking place the day before.

Guide to April Races

A map of the California Classic Half Marathon & 5K  taking place April 2 in Fresno.

Run for the Children 5K

When: Sunday, April 9

Cost: $35 (Prices increase on 4/9)

Sign-up: RunSignUp.com

This race is taking place at Kearney Park in west Fresno. It’s a fundraiser for Breaking the Silence, a nonprofit dedicated to raising public awareness and prevention of child abuse. There will be chip timing.

Footloose in the Foothills 5K & 10K, Prather

When: Saturday, April 22

Cost: $35 (Prices increase 4/22)

Sign-up: RunSignUp.com

Are you ready to get a little dirty? This trail run is entirely on dirt. Participants will receive a commemorative shirt. It’s taking place at the Ruth McKenzie Table Mountain Preserve in Prather.

Guide to April Races

Run with the Heroes, 1-Mile & 5K, Madera

When: Saturday, April 22

Cost: 5K – $40, 1-Mile – $30 (Registration ends April 1)

Sign-up: RunSignUp.com

Help support Valley Children’s Hospital and the George’s Pass autism program by participating in this family-friendly race. The route is stroller and wheelchair accessible. Pancakes will be served after the race and superhero characters will be taking pictures with kids. There will be games, too!

Guide to April Races

The Papa Petrucci Vineyard 5K

When: Sunday, April 23

Cost: $35, $25 (High School & College Students), $12 (13 & under)

Sign-up: squareup.com/market/fresno-state-vit-club/

Fresno State’s Viticulture Club is hosting a race that benefits viticulture and enology scholarships and the V.E. Petrucci Library. The course takes runners through the vineyard at Fresno State.

Shinzen 2-mile Walk/Run, 5-Mile Run

When: Sunday, April 30

Cost: $30 (Prices increase 4/1)

Sign-up: RunSignUp.com

Help support the beautiful Shinzen Friendship Garden at Fresno’s Woodward Park by participating in this fundraiser race. The garden is truly one of the gems of the Central Valley. Participants will receive free entry into the Shinzen Gardens after crossing the finish line.

Guide to April Races

There are few things more beautiful than the Shinzen Gardens at Woodward Park. A fundraiser race is taking place April 30th.

The FresYes Guide to Races, Runs & Walks in March

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Sarah Soghomonian

TV Producer and fan of all things fabulous.Bulldog Born, Bulldog Bred!

Latest posts by Sarah Soghomonian (see all)

Each month, FresYes aims to inspire folks to get off the couch, lace up those running shoes, and participate in a local walk or run.

There’s a whole lot of walking and running going on in our community. Many races are fundraisers for causes related to health and education, among other worthwhile causes. From flat roads to trail runs, there’s something for all levels of ability.

With spring in the air, March is a wonderful time to be outdoors and soak up all the beautiful blossom colors. So, whether it’s your first run or your hundredth, we hope this list pushes you to get up and move! Here’s your guide to races, runs and walks in March.

Races, Runs & Walks in March

Sanger Blossom Trail 10K Run/Walk and 2 Mile Run/Walk

When: Saturday, March 4

Cost: $30 (Prices increase March 3)

Sign-up: RunSignUp.com

The 20th annual Sanger Blossom Trail race celebrates the Fresno County Blossom Trail. The 10K flat course takes racers through downtown Sanger and into the countryside where the blossoms overflow. There’s a huge festival happening that day which I recently wrote about. In addition to the 10K, there’s a 2-mile race, and a variety of kids’ races.

Races, Runs & Walks in March

San Joaquin River Trail Half Marathon & 10K

When: Saturday, March 4

Cost: Half – $80, 10K – $40

Sign-up: RunSignUp.com

This race takes place in Auberry and is a trail run with about 2,500 feet of elevation gain. It’s limited to 200 participants. The 10K is limited to just 50 runners. Finishers will receive a custom medal. Post-race food will be provided by Benaddiction.

Races, Runs & Walks in March

Course map for San Joaquin River Trail Run

Fresno St. Patrick’s Day Run

When: Saturday, March 11

Cost: $30 (Prices increase after 2/28)

Sign-up: RunSignUp.com

Support the American Heart Association while sporting green! This four- and two-mile run through Woodward Park is sure to be a blast. Participants will receive a Leprechaun finishers’ medal, green goodies, and green beer, for those 21 and over.

Races, Runs & Walks in March

CASA of Tulare County Superhero Run 5K

When: Saturday, March 11

Cost: $30, $10 (Kids under 13)

Sign-up: RunSignUp.com

This event takes place in Visalia and raises awareness for Blue Ribbon Month and supports CASA of Tulare County (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children).

Heavenly Half-Marathon

When: Sunday, March 12

Cost: $100 (prices increase 3/11)

Sign-up: RunSignUp.com

This is a fast race! The course is in Pine Ridge, near Auberry, and is almost all downhill. Finishers will receive a medal and a hot breakfast at Cressman’s General Store.

Races, Runs & Walks in March

Spring Fling Duathlon and 5K Run

When: Sunday, March 19

Cost: Duathlon – $85, 5k – $25

Sign-up and info: SierraCascades.com

This race at Woodward Park in Fresno features a mountain bike and road bike duathlon. That’s a mix of bike riding and running. There’s also a separate 5K run set to take place if you want to do the run only.

Second Wind 5K

When: Saturday, March 25

Cost: $25 (Price increases 3/7)

Sign-up: SecondWind5k.com

Head over to the Madera Speedway for this race that supports the Madera Rescue Mission and Madera County Food Bank. The course starts and finishes on the speedway and goes through the Madera District Fairgrounds.

Superhero Heart Run 5K

When: Saturday, March 25

Cost: $25, $10 (Kids 2-12), Free (Heart Heroes CHD)

Sign-up: SuperHeroHeartRun.com

Put on that commemorative superhero heart run cape and race through Fresno’s Woodward Park. For the second year in a row, this family-friendly race benefits Mended Little Hearts of Fresno and Heart Heroes, Inc.

Here’s Your FresYes Guide to February Runs Around the Valley

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Sarah Soghomonian

TV Producer and fan of all things fabulous.Bulldog Born, Bulldog Bred!

Latest posts by Sarah Soghomonian (see all)

Last month, FresYes inspired folks to get off the couch, lace up those running shoes, and kick off 2017 by participating in a local walk or run. The article went over well, so each month, we’re going to put together a list of races taking place around the Valley.

There’s a whole lot of walking and running going on in our community. Many races are fundraisers for causes related to health and education. From the flat roads of the Valley to the hills of the Sierra, there’s something for all levels of ability.

So whether it’s your first run or your hundredth, we hope this list pushes you to get up and move! Here are February’s runs, marathons, and 5Ks.

Hanford Cow Run Half-Marathon and 5K

When: Sunday, February 5

Cost: 5K $45, Half $75 (Prices increase Feb. 1)

Sign-up: HanfordCowRun.com

This 2nd annual race down the flat rural roads of Kings County benefits Valley Children’s Hospital. You’ll run past plenty of dairies, so be sure to wave to the cows!

Super Bowl Sprint 5k and 2-Mile, Visalia

When: Sunday, February 5

Cost: $25

Sign-up: RunSignUp.com

You won’t feel bad about overindulging at your Super Bowl party if you start your morning with this race in Tulare County. One racer will win a brand-new TV! This race is put on by the Creative Center Foundation in Visalia, which supports the Creative Center, a non-profit community arts center for adults with developmental disabilities.

Tulare FFA Blue & Gold Dash 5K

When: Saturday, February 11

Cost: $20, $10 (FFA Members & Kids)

Sign-up: Active.com

Support Tulare FFA at this 2nd annual race that promotes agriculture education.

Fresno Valentine Run 5K and 2-mile runs

When: Sunday, February 12

Cost: $30 (Prices increase Feb. 1)

Sign-up: RunSignUp.com

Grab your love and spend Valentine’s Day racing through Woodward Park. There’s a costume contest and bounce house for the kids! More information can be found here.

Grab a partner and join the Valentine Run.

Chocolate Run Rotary 10-mile and 5-mile runs and 2-mile walk/run, Fresno

When: Saturday, February 18

Cost: 10-Mile $45, 2- and 5-Mile $30, Kids $10 (Prices increase day of race)

Sign-up: RunSignUp.com

This race is for the chocoholic! After you race through Woodward Park, indulge in a large selection of chocolates and chocolate drinks.

Support Blue Fresno 5K and 10K

When: Saturday, February 25

Cost: $40 (Prices increase Feb. 24)

Sign-up: RunSignUp.com

It’s your chance to show support for the Fresno Police Department while racing through Woodward Park. This race features unique finishers’ medals and awards.

Reedley “College to Parkway” 5K & 10K Runs

When: Saturday, February 25

Cost: $20, $10 (Kids 12 & Under)

Sign-up: RunSignUp.com

This race starts and ends at the Reedley College track. You’ll run along the Kings River, which is full following all the recent rain.

End of the Trail Half-Marathon and 10K, Visalia

When: Saturday, February 25

Cost: Half-Marathon $75, 10K $50 (Prices increase day of race)

Sign-up: RunSignUp.com

This flat-course race starts in Downtown Visalia and benefits local high school running programs. After you cross the finish line, you’ll receive a medal and hot breakfast. More info can be found here.

Let’s Get Physical 5K Walk/Run, Fresno

When: Saturday, February 25

Cost: $35, $20 (Kids 8-17), Free (Kids 7 and under)

Sign-up: RaceMine.com

Help support Fresno State’s Doctorate of Physical Therapy Class. All registered racers are eligible for a raffle that includes a $100 Sephora gift card. Use the code “activitynut” to save 10% when registering.

 

Did we miss any? Be sure to add your race event with a link for more information below. See you out there!

Fresno Fitness: Insane Inflatable 5K

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Francesca

Fitness Blogger at FresYes
Francesca is a former NCAA Divison I tennis player who decided to become a fitness renaissance woman after college. In her free time she like to Crossfit, swim, run and bike, participate in Spartan races and do anything that requires her heart rate to spike way up.
She lives in Fresno with her husband and two Boston Terriers, Babushka and Bambino who like to run after soccer balls just like their dad.

Latest posts by Francesca (see all)

For most of us, running is kind of a challenge. I personally have good and bad running days.  On my good days, my music is playing, I feel light like a feather and my pace follows a nice flowy rhythm…I could go forever….but this is very rare. On most of my runs I have to make myself not look at the clock or the mileage every 5 minutes and get my mind away from wondering “how much longer” every other step. Finishing a run ALWAYS feels like a big accomplishment to me (that’s why it is part of my regular fitness routine), BUT the process…the process is tough. Fortunately, for the past few years, fun noncompetitive themed races have become more and more popular. Any kind of event that allows me to dress up in a costume, roll in mud or run away from zombies or anything that distracts me from the “running part” of the race is very much welcomed in my book :D. Besides, unlike regular competitive running (which I still do…because I WANT TO DO IT ALL!), themed races are not about how fast you can finish, they are about the fun journey towards the finish line instead.

We are fortunate to have a lot of themed races in the Valley. The latest one to choose Fresno as one of their venues is the Insane Inflatable 5K. I am not going to lie…I AM REALLY EXCITED ABOUT THIS ONE!!!!!!!! Yeah yeah yeah, there is a 5K run involved…..but here is the fun part: participants get to bounce around and jump over 11 extremely unique and challenging obstacles. Don’t even picture regular kiddy bouncy houses here. The Insane Inflatable 5K Team designed the most insane, extreme and fun custom inflatables for their events and I cannot wait to go over every single one of them!

Insane Inflatable 5K

 

The race is scheduled for April 2nd, 2016 at The Big Fresno Fair. Registration prices go up on January 22nd so don’t wait to sign up!!! Besides, The Insane Inflatable 5K team has given the Fresyes community a 15% off discount code: FRESYES15. NOW IT IS REALLY A NO BRAINER! Follow this link and join me in the fun!

Like most people, during my regular adult hours I get to be serious must pay the bills and work hard Francesca…pshhhhhhhhhh.. give me the freedom to not care about what people think and play around as I please and you’ve just made my day! Besides, when was the last time you got to act as a kid and go all out???!!! If you are one of the few lucky one who gets to do it on a regular basis you know what a great workout that is! The last time I played inside a bounce house, at a kid’s birthday party, I was out of breath in less than 2 minutes (yes I did freak some little kids out) but I kept coming back because it was so much fun… AND I was sore the next day.

As The Insane Inflatable 5K website says: “Here is your chance to be a kid a heart, and insane by choice.” DO NOT MISS OUT!

Holiday 5Ks – pre-burn your holiday treats while having fun

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Natali Carrera

Natali Carrera is a devoted coffee addict who also loves her twelve-year-old son, husband of 17 years and bargain hunting at Target. She works in the field of education and is also a freelance writer and YouTube vlogger (as a hobby). She's been told "bubbly" is the best descriptor of her personality, though she wonders if what people really mean is that she talks too much. Natali is a lifelong Fresno resident and Fresno State grad.

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When it comes to exercise, I am a complete believer that its totally worth the extra effort it takes to workout a bit harder during the holiday season, to be able to indulge in a few of the season’s best treats. My personal weaknesses are family favorites – peanut butter fudge and “crack” candy. (Recipes are linked if you’re interested.) Without a good amount of physical activity, I’m quite certain the fudge alone will leave my belly shaking like a bowl full of jelly (but hey, Santa seems pretty jolly still – so maybe that’s not so bad…). I digress.

If you’re looking for a great way to burn off some extra calories while having a blast with friends and family, Fresno and neighboring Madera are ready to offer you three festive fun runs to enjoy in the upcoming four weeks. (All events are linked to their webpages, you can find addresses, detailed schedules and registration information there.)

The first of the races is the Turkey Trot through Woodward Park, presented by the Sierra Running Express. This event offers a 5k chipped run, a 2k non-competitive run and a 2k walk. There will also be a costume contest and largest family award presented prior to the race’s start, so get there early and wear your festive best for a chance to win! This race is always a lot of fun and it takes place early Thanksgiving morning, so you’ll pre-burn off your turkey day dinner while raising money for a good cause. All proceeds from the event go to support local families who are in need of food via Thanksgiving baskets. The first 2,000 participants also receive some pretty rad novelty socks, so don’t wait too long to get in on the action! Registration is available online here or at in person at Fleet Feet Sports, 9447 N Fort Washington, Saturday the 21st from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and Wednesday the 25th from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Looking very festive Turkey Trotters. Nicely done!

Looking very festive Turkey Trotters. Nicely done!

Finishers who've earned their turkey dinners!

Finishers who’ve earned their turkey dinners!

The second race, the Jingle Bell Run, takes place on December 12th in Fresno, beginning at Shaw and Palm, and headed down the famed Christmas Tree Lane in all of its decorated glory. This event benefits Toys for Tots and the first 5,000 entrants to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate will receive a Santa hat. Everyone who registers will receive a holiday sweatshirt and this race, like the Turkey Trot encourages racers to wear their holiday best. Hot cocoa and cookies are available at the end of the race loop and Van Ness will be closed to traffic for the event. (I recommend parking in Figarden Village.) Registration information and additional race details can be found here.

I had lots of fun at the Jingle Bell Run with friends a couple years back.

I had lots of fun at the Jingle Bell Run with friends a couple years back.

The third race, in its second year, is Madera’s Ugly Sweater 5k run/walk. Taking place on December 19th in Lions Town and Country Park, organizers encourage racers to don their ugliest holiday sweater to win awesome prizes from local merchants. This affordable ($10 for adults, $5 for kids) and family friendly event also benefits children in need of some holiday joy – so bring an unwrapped toy with you if you are able to contribute.

So, which race are you most excited about? If you go, be sure to share some of your awesome event pictures on the FresYes Facebook page so we can see how fantastically festive you look!