American River Parkway Half Marathon
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Event overview
The American River Parkway Half Marathon is the 18th annual running event on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at William B Pond Recreational Area in Carmichael, CA. It is an annual community race that has donated over $400,000 in proceeds to benefit the American River Parkway. The event includes in-person and virtual options and a children’s race.
Distances
- Half Marathon (running)
- Half Marathon (walking course)
- 5K Run/Walk
- Kids' 1K Otter Dash
- Virtual Half Marathon
- Virtual 5K
Course and event services
The event uses two separate half marathon courses - one for runners and one for walkers. Both courses are described as flat, fast, and shady, and they follow the American River Parkway through old-growth oak forests, meadows, and riparian habitat. Each course has multiple aid stations: eight for the runners and nine for the walkers, with ice-cold water and Gatorade available at every station. Entertainment includes more than a dozen live bands along the course, a bag pipe processional at the start, and a Mariachi band in the finishers' area. Finishers receive a personalized medal and a bottle of ice-cold water. Packet pickup is available at Fleet Feet Sacramento in the days before the event and on race day at the site. A post-race lunch is provided, with a meat or vegetarian Parkway Wrap, fresh fruit, and a cookie. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.