Bidwell Classic 5K, 10k and Half Marathon March 7th, 2026

Chico, CA

Sat, Mar 7, 2026

Past Event

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When

Saturday, March 7th, 2026

Where

Sycamore Field, Chico CA

Distances

5K · 10K · Half

About this race

Bidwell Classic 5K, 10K and Half Marathon

Join us for the Bidwell Classic 5K, 10K and Half Marathon.

Race Overview

Celebration: Celebrating 50 years of running in Bidwell Park in Chico CA this race has become a Chico tradition for so many!
Distances: With 3 distances offered, we are pleased to host the Bidwell Classic again in 2026!
Cash Purse: We are excited to offer a cash purse again for the top male and female in each event!

Supporting Student Athletes

A substantial portion of the race entry fees go to the local high school cross country running programs. When you participate in the Bidwell Classic, you are supporting local student athletes. If you would like to make an additional donation to the schools, please do so on the donation portion of the registration. Thank you so much for supporting this race and our local youth runners!

Registration Information

Online Registration: Closes at 8:00am on Friday March 6th, 2026.
In-Person Registration: Will be available during packet pickup, but not on race day.
Packet Pickup: Available Friday March 6th from 10:00am-4:00pm and Saturday March 7th from 6:45am - 7:45am.
Email Questions: Please reach out to [email protected].

Race Day Details

Date: Saturday March 7th, 2026.
Location: Lower Bidwell Park/Sycamore Field.
Start Times: 5K at 8:00am, 10K and Half Marathon at 8:10am.
Entry Fees: Non-refundable and non-transferable.

Race Shirts

Every registered runner will receive a 2026 race shirt if registered before February 6th. To guarantee your shirt size, please register on or before February 6th. All registrations after February 6th will be subject to availability and size at packet pickup.

Course Certification

The 5K and 10K are flat, paved, and free of traffic. The half marathon has a 1/4 mile on each of the loops that are a single-track trail. All events start and finish at One Mile Recreation Area in Lower Bidwell Park.

The maps to all the racecourses can be found by clicking the link below:

Race Maps - Fleet Feet Chico

Shakeout Run Event

Join us on March 6th at 6:00pm at Fleet Feet Chico for an easy evening shakeout run. We will go for a short 3-6 mile run/walk and enjoy a cold beverage and some delicious carbs before the race. More information to come as we get closer to the event!

Location: Fleet Feet Chico, 241 Main St., Chico CA
Time: Show up between 5:30-6:00pm.

Packet Pickup

Location: Fleet Feet Chico (241 Main St in downtown Chico).
Friday March 6th: 10:00am - 4:00pm.
Race Day: 6:45am-7:45am ONLY.

Directions and Parking

To the course: Enter Chico via Highway 99 either from the north or from the south. On race day, the park itself will be closed to vehicle traffic, so please park legally and respectfully along Woodland Ave.

Bike Valet

Free and Secure Bicycle Parking provided by Chico Velo. We encourage you to ride your bikes to the race and Chico Velo will have their bike valet services available to make sure your bike is safe while you run!

Timing

Timing will be done by Bizz Johnson Racing. All races will have a gun start and chip finish. If you are racing for an overall placement, you must toe the line! Gun start for 5K will be at 8:00am, for 10K and Half Marathon at 8:10am.

Aid Stations and Restrooms

Aid Stations: 6 for the half, 3 for the 10K, and 2 for the 5K.
Restrooms: Located at One Mile recreation on the North and South side of the pool and throughout the course.