Welcome Runners and Walkers!
The American River Parkway Half Marathon returns for its seventh 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!
And the best part of all is, the race is a fundraising event for 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.
EARLY-BIRD INCENTIVE ALERT
Okay, before we go further, we wanted to inform the early-birds (and, we predict, soon-to-be early-birds) that we will giving away a free racing cap with Parkway Logo to everyone who registers by January 19, 2013. Now back to our story…
RACE DATE MOVED
TO ACCOMODATE LEVEE WORK
2013 Features – New Race Courses Along Parkway
For both courses, we are pleased to provide the most scenic half marathons in Sacramento, maybe even California!
No city streets, shopping malls, endless concrete, or traffic on our course. Just pristine old-growth Oak and Cottonwood forests, beautiful meadows, dramatic river views, and incredible scenery including the Avenue of the Poppies and the Enchanted Forest. (Take a look at the side bar and you’ll see what we mean!)
- Runners’ New Course Map – CLICK HERE
- Walkers’ New Course Map – CLICK HERE
Runners’ New Course Description
For the runners, we start along the same initial course as in the past, but instead of going up to the levee at the 3 mile mark, we continue to travel along the scenic trail until the turning point. From there, we turn and briefly travel back along the levee trail before crossing over to new territory!
Specifically, the course will travel across Sacramento’s most famous footbridge known as the Little Golden Gate bridge – a classic suspension bridge that looks just like the most famous bridge in the world!
Once you’ve crossed the river, you follow the Parkway’s “Lost Trail” for several miles taking in scenic views and running through forests on a path less traveled. Then, another crossing of the river over Sacramento’s newest bridge, which returns you to the final three miles on your way to the finish line. This was the course originally envisioned and we are excited to finally provide it to you!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE
Walkers’ New Course Description
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. The newest part of the course takes you across the river via the Sunrise Footbridge into the Sacramento Bar Park. From there, you’ll turn around and return to the finish line.
That’s right. No more thirsty miles and no more having to worry about the course closing. 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 car traffic. Heck, you may never even see or hear a car!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE
Our Usual First-Rate Amenities
1. A bling-worthy medal for every entrant upon finishing. And we mean every
entrant!
2. Top-grade luxurious feel technichal raceshirt 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?
SHIRT SIZING CHART: To ensure everyone gets the right technical
T-shirt size, we have a shirt sizing chart. Click Here for the chart.
3. Post-race lunch for all entrants.
4. Ice-cold bottled sport drink or bottled water after the race.
5. Live music along both courses and at the finish line.
6. Ice cold water and electrolyte drink at aid stations.
Start Line Processional – Bagpipes and more! – This year, we will continue with the bagpipes and add a few more surprises! Last year, a certain meteorogical circumstance prevented one of the pre-race elements from happening. We’re going to try it again this year, plus add a few more. More later…
Keeping Green – Here’s a short list of some “green” features we’re continuing for this year’s race:
1. Eco-friendly tech-fiber T-Shirt (Made from recycled water bottles)
2. 100% removal and recycling of event trash
5. Shuttle-bus service to relieve traffic congestion and idling cars
6. Bike check-in so you can ride your bike to the event
7. Personal Water bottle fill-up at all aid stations
Safety Elements -We’re pretty sure we are safest race in the area, if not the country. Why? Well, we are continuing to partner with a great local outfit – CERT – and will have a EMT team for each and every aid station with Nextel communication, as well as mobile EMTs on bikes monitoring the course.
Okay, you’ve probably seen that before in other races, or something close. So how about having these safety features operative until every last participant crosses the finish line?Hmmm…now that’s a level of safety attention and personnel no other race can boast, and we are very proud to continue this feature!
With the new courses and all the great amenities, we are expecting the Parkway Half Marathon to fill up before race day. 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.
Sold yet? CLICK HERE TO REGISTER ONLINE. Or CLICK HERE to print and mail.
5K Trail FootRace – 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 4, 2013
Start times:
WALKERS: 7:15 a.m.
RUNNERS: 7:45a.m.
5K RACE: 8:00 a.m.
Start and Finish at William Pond Park Click here for Map and Directions
7:00 a.m. – 52 degrees
8:00 a..m – 54 degrees
10:00 a.m. – 60 degrees
11:00 a.m. – 65 degrees
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