One of the Central Valley’s biggest races is taking place this weekend! It’s the center point of the FresYes November race calendar.

Two Cities Marathon, Half Marathon and Half Relay

When: Sunday, Nov. 4

Cost: Full marathon is $125, half marathon is $105, and the 5K is $55. Registration ends Friday, Nov. 2.

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This is the BIG one! Many running enthusiasts have been gearing up for the Two Cities Marathon for months. The full marathon takes you through Fresno and Clovis. You’ll pass through Woodward Park, high-end neighborhoods, and Old Town Clovis. Supporters line the streets cheering runners on. For folks taking part in the half marathon, there’s both a Fresno and Clovis course to choose from. All finishers receive a medal, t-shirt, and sweatshirt. There’s post-race food, lively music, a beer garden, and an opportunity to get the kinks worked out with a free massage.

Pinnacle Pup 2 and 5 Mile Runs—Woodward Park

When: Saturday, Nov. 10

Cost: $30

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Calling all dog owners, this is your chance to run with your pup. Dogs of all sizes are welcome. There are different heats for different sized four-legged friends. The race takes place at Fresno’s Woodward Park and supports local no-kill shelters.

Visalia Emergency Aid Council “Race Against Hunger” 5K Run, 2-mile walk and Kids ½-mile Fun Run

When: Thursday, Nov. 22

Cost: $30. Kids 12 and under, $15.

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Give back this Thanksgiving by racing in support of the Visalia Emergency Aid Food Pantry. It’s the 14^th year for this event, which helps raise funds to stock the pantry that aids low income families and individuals within the Visalia community.

Kings United Way Turkey Trot 5K—Hanford

When: Thursday, Nov. 22

Cost: $30. Registration ends November 19.

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Kick off your Thanksgiving with a run through downtown Hanford. This Turkey Trot supports Kings United Way, an organization that gives to over a dozen area charities like Casa of Kings County, Children’s Storybook Garden and Paws & Claws. The top 20 male and female racers will receive a special medal.

Turkey Trot Fresno 5K Walk/Run and 2-mile Walk—Woodward Park

When: Thursday, Nov. 22

Cost: $30. Prices increase Thursday, Nov. 1.

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This annual Thanksgiving race starts and ends at the Mountain View Shelter at Woodward Park. It’s a new course this year. The 5K is timed; the 2-mile walk is not. All participants will receive a long-sleeve t-shirt and personal size pie. This race benefits the Central Community Food Bank. Parking is free at Woodward Park for this event. There will be a costume contest and award for the family with the most participants. The Turkey Trot is the 2^nd race in the Holiday Run Series.

 

October is jam-packed with local races. In my nearly two years of putting together the FresYes monthly guide to running events, I can’t remember a time when the calendar was this full! So, grab those running shoes and get movin’.

Harvest 5K Run & 3-Mile Walk—Visalia

When: Saturday, Oct. 6

Cost: 5K is $30, walk is $25.

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Join Visalia Runners and Kaweah Delta Health Care District for a race benefiting children who have a parent battling cancer. Money raised from this run will go towards buying children’s Christmas presents.

Fowler Fall Festival 2-Mile Walk/Run—Fowler

When: Saturday, Oct. 6

Cost: $20

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This family-friendly race at Panzak Park kicks off a day of fun in Fowler. The flat course race benefits the Fowler High School Redcats cross-country team. After you cross the finish line, stay for the annual Fowler Fall Festival parade.

Komen Central Valley Race for the Cure—Fresno

When: Sunday, Oct. 7

Cost: $35 for adults, kids (12 and under) – $15

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This is the 20^th year for this race that benefits the Susan G. Komen Foundation, which conducts breast cancer research. The run is taking place this year at Chukchansi Park. There are both timed and non-timed options for racers.

Madera Free Fruit 5K Run/Walk—Madera

When: Sunday, Oct. 7

Cost: $25

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The race starts and ends at Cedar Creek Senior Living and his hosted by Seva Organization. The event is meant to build community and promote wellness. Money raised will go to Kids Kasa.

Rabobank Fiesta 2-Mile Run/Walk & 5-Mile Run—Reedley

When: Saturday, Oct. 13

Cost: $28 for adults, kids (12 and under) – $6

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Join the team at Rabobank for this 10^th annual race that starts and ends in downtown Reedley. Awards will be given to the top finishers.

Striding Beyond Site 5K & 2-Mile Walk/Run—Fresno

When: Saturday, Oct. 13

Cost: $30

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For the second year in a row, a very special event benefiting the Valley Center for the Blind is taking place at Woodward Park. This race offers guided and non-guided sign-up options. There is also a kids’ fun run planned.

Fresno Margarita 5K Walk/Run—Fresno

When: Saturday, Oct. 13

Cost: $20

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It’s not just a race, but a party for folks 21 and over at Woodward Park at this evening run. There is a pre- and post-race party planned featuring margaritas, music, and more!

Family Carnival 5K Fun Run—Kingsburg

When: Sunday, Oct. 14

Cost: $35 for adults, kids (5-12) – $15

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Join New Life Ministries for this family fun race and carnival. Your entry fee includes a t-shirt, corn dog, water, and carnival game tickets.

The Great Pumpkin Grove Pumpkin Run 5K—Sanger

When: Saturday, Oct. 20

Cost: $26 (prices increase Oct. 16)

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Hobb’s Grove is known for its haunted attractions, but this scenic run through a pumpkin patch is much more G-rated. Participants will receive a t-shirt, finisher’s medal, and pumpkin to take home. If you’re up for a challenge you can take part in the Great Pumpkin Challenge and carry a pumpkin with you for the entire 5K run.

Monster Mash Dash Halloween Run 5K and Little Monster Dash—Fresno

When: Saturday, Oct. 27

Cost: $35 for adults, kids (9 and under) – $25

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This run takes place in the beautiful Shinzen Friendship Garden at Woodward Park. Come in costume and be prepared for some festive fun. This is the first race in the 2018 Holiday Run Series. Participants will receive a glow-in-the-dark t-shirt and finisher’s medal.

 

Believe it or not, there are just four months left in 2018. Now’s the time to burn some calories before the holidays hit.

There are plenty of upcoming races taking place around our area. As always here at FresYes we have a round-up of what’s happening! (If you’re looking for a run club to join, check out this post on Sierra Challenge Express.)

Pincushion 1-mile Hill Climb—Friant

When: Saturday, Sept. 8

Cost: $30 (prices increase Sept. 6)

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This high elevation climb gets underway at the San Joaquin River Trailhead. Racers will face 1,034 feet of assent. A finisher’s award awaits you at the finish line.

UC Merced Journey 5K Fund Run

When: Saturday, Sept. 8

Cost: $25 (prices increase day of race)

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This race pays tribute to Ryan Nunez, the former head coach of the UC Merced men’s and women’s cross-country teams. He passed away in 2016 and a scholarship fund was set up in his name.

Kare for Kidney 2-mile, 5K & 10K walk/runs–Woodward Park

When: Saturday, Sept. 15

Cost: Adults $34. Kids 12 & under $15 (registration ends Sept. 13) 

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The Fresno Nephrology Kidney Foundation organizes this race to raise awareness for kidney disease. Funds will go towards support groups and outreach program, and helping patients who need financial assistance.

Madtown 5K Run & 2-mile Walk—Madera

When: Saturday, Sept. 15

Cost: $25

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Funds raised from this race will go towards helping middle school girls attend Tech Trek at Fresno State. The five-day camp will expose students to STEM. This run is organized by the American Association of University Women.

Smokey Bear Run 2-mile walk/run & 10K run—Bass Lake

When: Saturday, Sept. 22

Cost: $35 (prices increase day of race)

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Head up to Bass Lake and enjoy the cool air and beautiful scenery at this annual race put on by the Mountain Area Runners organization. This family fun race has been taking place since 1986.

Shaver Lake Mile High Tri, Duathlon, 10K and 5K—Camp Edison

When: Saturday, Sept. 29

Cost: 10K is $30, 5K is $25. Kids 18 and under and seniors over 70 are $15. Prices increase Sept. 27. See website for Triathlon and Duathlon prices.

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There will be multiple events taking place at Camp Edison for this annual outdoor extravaganza. There are sprint and Olympic triathlons, Aquabike, and Duathlons planned, as well as a 10K and 5K run.