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Ruth McKenzie Preserve Half Marathon | 10k | 5k | Kids Race

Sat April 6, 2024 Friant, CA 93626 US Directions

Events

Half Marathon

$85 8:00AM PDT - 12:00PM PDT
46 spots left. Registration ends April 5, 2024 at 3:59pm PDT

10k Run/Walk

$60 8:00AM PDT - 10:00AM PDT
46 spots left. Registration ends April 5, 2024 at 3:59pm PDT

5k Run/Walk

$50 8:05AM PDT - 10:10AM PDT
46 spots left. Registration ends April 5, 2024 at 3:59pm PDT

Kids 1/2 Mile Run

$10 9:05AM PDT - 10:15AM PDT
46 spots left. Registration ends April 5, 2024 at 11:59pm PDT
Open to ages 12 and under.

Kids 1/4 Mile Run (Ages 6 & Under)

$10 9:05AM PDT - 10:15AM PDT
46 spots left. Registration ends April 5, 2024 at 11:59pm PDT
Open to ages 7 and under.

Description

 

The Ruth McKenzie Table Mountain Preserve (2960 acres) is located between Friant and Prather, on the north side of Auberry Road. The main gate is 3.3 miles uphill from the intersection of Auberry Road and Millerton Road.

The McKenzie Preserve was acquired in trust from The Nature Conservancy in 1998. The property had previously been placed in a trust by its owner, Ruth Bea McKenzie, who wanted it to remain in ranching and open space after her death.The McKenzie Preserve is primarily grassland and oak woodland that slopes upward toward the basalt lava table lands that give the preserve its name.

The preserve includes a significant portion of one of the flat-topped tables that are visible from the road. In spring, rain water collects in the table’s low spots, forming vernal pools. Since the basalt is impermeable, these pools hold water for several weeks or months until it eventually evaporates. The pools provide habitat for rare plants and crustaceans that “come to life” in the presence of the water. When the pools dry up in late spring, these crustaceans become seeds or cysts in order to survive the rest of the year. On the far side of the table formations, out of sight of Auberry Road, the land slopes steeply down to the San Joaquin River. These north-facing slopes sustain an excellent mix of pine forest and chaparral. The preserve also includes a 47-acre parcel along the creek on the south side.

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Place

36.996469, -119.593370
Friant, CA US 93626

Race Contact Info

If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.

Sierra Foothill Conservancy

The Sierra Foothill Conservancy honors our natural and cultural heritage by protecting these resources and ensuring that present and future generations will continue to experience and enjoy the land in this region.

From the snow-capped Sierra to the Central Valley floor, expansive landscapes, important habitats, and clean water resources are conserved and managed to ensure continuing public benefits. SFC supports a thriving land-based economy while promoting a conservation ethic that spans generations.

Loyal members are the cornerstone of SFC’s ability to do good work. Not only does a  large membership provide financial stability, but it also gives the organization the necessary credibility for important decision makers such as local and state governments, granting agencies, other organizations in the land trust arena and with the community at large.

The membership is an indispensable asset that includes many volunteers who give their time, energy, and expertise. Hikes, classes, field trips, and events are supported by dedicated members. Preserve crews and highway clean-up crews are also member driven. Members also offer their expertise in the office or with writing and editing documents, articles and other media put out by the organization. In addition, members send photos that appear on the website, in the e-Newsletter, on our photo boards at booth events, and in public presentations.

Click here for more Info

Race Information

Packet Pickup: Friday , April 5th 4:30-5:30pm at Fleet Feet Sports Fresno located at 9447 N Fort Washington Suite 106 Fresno, Ca 93730 (Friends and/or family may pickup your bib)

 

Race Day Packet Pickup: Saturday, April 6th from 0705-0755am at the McKenzie Preserve.

 

Start Times:

Half Marathon & 10k will start at 8:00am

The 5k will start at 8:10am

Kids Race will start at roughly 10:15am

 
Parking:  Parking is available near the entrance of the McKenzie Preserve. There will be volunteers guiding you in, please plan to arrive early.

Race Start/Finish Location: Will be just up the dirt road from the parking area

Shirts: If the shirt size you registered for does not fit please wait until after the race to switch it out for another size. 

 Course Info: The Half Marathon will feature rolling hills along dirt roads with some single track and one tough climb to the top of the big Table Mountain. The 10k and 5k routes will be primarily flat to rolling hills. Please watch where you step the course has plenty of rocks and ruts along the way.

 

Course Markers: The course will be marked with Orange ribbon, orange flags, and signs with directional arrows. Please keep an eye out for the signs, as they will have the race distance along with the directional arrow for that distance. 

 

Trash: Please help us maintain a clean and trash free trail by not leaving any trash along the course. If you need to drop empty gel packs etc please leave them at an aid station. If you are caught intentionally dropping trash on the course you will be disqualified from the event.

 Aid Stations: Will have water, Spring Energy Gels, Gatorade and salty/sweet snacks. Please make sure any trash stays at the aid station, do not drop it along the course.

Aid Station mileage-

            5k- One aid station at mile 1.8

            10k- Two aid stations at mile 2.7 and 4.8 (turnaround)

            Half Marathon- Mile 2.7, 4.8, 6.8, 9.2, & 11.1

 

Awards: The Half Marathon, 10k, 5k, and Kids Race Finishers will receive a Finishers medal.

The Half Marathon, 10k, & 5k will have awards for Overall Male & Female finishers and 3 deep in 10yr Age Groups for men and women.

Awards Ceremony will start after the Kids Race. 

Post Race: Once you finish we will have water, Gatorade, and beer (21+) waiting for you. There will be picnic tables and shade near the finish line along with snacks and race results.

Awards Ceremony will start after the Kids Race. 

Want to help preserve these natural areas? Join SFC at a special Race Day Membership. Your annual household membership provides essential support for over 30,000 acres of preserved lands.

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