Notes
Welcome Runners and Walkers!
The American River Parkway Half Marathon returns for its second year and continues its distinction as the only half marathon in the world for both runners and walkers!
Not just one course for both disciplines mind you. We're talkin' two separate, fully supported, USATF certified courses - one just for runners and one just for walkers!
Both courses feature scenic routes that wind their way through forests of majestic old-growth oaks teeming with wildlife, pass through meadows bursting with golden poppies, and traverse isolated dells and wide open fields carpeted with greenery as far as the eye can see. (Take a look at the side bar and you'll see what we mean!)
And the best part of all is, the race benefits the American River Parkway - the nation's longest, continuous wild and scenic riparian parkway in a major metropolitan area - and the jewel of the Sacramento region.
Race Registration Update - 560 spaces left!!!
Not to create any panic or frenzy - not our style - but, the race is filling up a bit faster than we expected. We have approximately 560 spaces left as of this update (April 16, 2008) and that number is rapidly shrinking day by day. So best not to wait until the last minute. Sign up now! CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE.
Race Highlights
The inaugural race attracted over 1500 participants, which included over 1000 runners and nearly 300 walkers for the respective half marathons, and another 200 for the 5K.
Click Here for a slide show of last year's inaugural event.
This year we are expecting another full race, so we recommend early registration to not only ensure yourself a spot in this fun and unique race, but also to afford yourself the most competitive entry fee for any half marathon around, especially when you consider what you get! Look and see for yourself!
1. A medal for every entrant. And we mean every entrant!
2. A technical T-shirt for every entrant. Did we mention both men's and women's
sizes? Oh, and did we also mention that the womens' shirts are V-neck and fitted?
NEW RACE FEATURE FOR SHIRTS: To ensure everyone gets the right technical
T-shirt size, we have a shirt sizing chart. Click Here for the T-shirt sizing chart.
3. Post-race lunch.
4. Ice-cold bottled Gatorade or bottled water after the race.
5. Live music along the course.
6. Ice cold water at aid stations.
Sold yet? CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE. Or CLICK HERE to print and mail.
The Runners' Course
During your race, you'll be running downstream, parallel to the American River, as you pass through riparian forests and beautiful meadows, including the Avenue of the Poppies.
But don't be fooled by the beauty - this course is fast! We're talkin' PR fast!
No rolling hills, no city streets, no traffic, no alligators. (Just checking to see if you're still reading!) The course is a flat and continuously paved path for the surest footing from start to finish. The only thing that would make it faster is if we sneaked in a bike for you! Some actually took us up on the bike offer last year, but they were quickly diverted to a century ride and we never heard back from them. CLICK HERE for a google trace map of the course.
The Walkers' Course
During your race, you'll be walking upstream on a continuously paved path that weaves in and out of endless meadows and runs through countless forests of giant oaks, including the Enchanted Forest.
We heard last year that an Indian Flute Circle gathered in a clearing and played songs that filled the forest air from end to end. This year, who knows what mysterious gatherings we have planned? You'll have find out for yourself!
This out-and-back loop course is designed for the full range of walkers - from casual strollers to speedy race-walkers and everyone in between - and includes two very important highlights: Aid stations approximately every mile and no time limit on the course!
That's right. No more thirsty miles and no more having to worry about course closures. This course is open until everyone finishes - and that includes the post-race festivities. In this race, nobody is forgotten and nobody is left behind! Is this a walker friendly race or what?
Finally, because the course is entirely on the American River Parkway, you'll never have to worry about traffic. Heck, you many never even see or hear a car!
Additional 5K Race for Runners and Walkers
For those wanting to enjoy the Parkway course, but not run or walk so long, there is a 5K component as well.
Date, Time, Location and other stuff
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Start times:
WALKERS: 7:15 a.m.
RUNNERS: 8:15 a.m.
5K RACE: 8:30 a.m.
Start and Finish at William Pond Park Click here for Map and Directions
Packet Pick up: May 1 and May 2 at FLEET FEET Sports in Sacramento
Average Temperatures in Sacramento for May 3 over last 10years:
7:00 a.m. - 51 degrees
8:00 a..m - 53 degrees
10:00 a.m. - 60 degrees
11:00 a.m. - 64 degrees