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

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Sycamore Field, Chico CA

Saturday, March 7th, 2026

🏃‍♀️ Race Overview

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

Celebrating 50 years of running in Bidwell Park in Chico CA this race has become a Chico tradition for so many! With 3 distances offered we are pleased to host the Bidwell Classic again in 2026!

We are excited to offer a cash purse again for the top male and female in each event!

💰 Benefits Student Athletes

Support: A substantial portion of the race entry fees go to the local high school cross country running programs.
Participation: When you participate in the Bidwell Classic, you are supporting local student athletes.
Additional Donation: If you would like to make an additional donation to the schools, please do so on the donation portion of the registration.
Thank You: 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.
No Registration: No in person registration will be available on race day.
Packet Pickup: Available Friday March 6th 10:00am-4:00pm and Saturday March 7th from 6:45am - 7:45am.

🏁 Start Date & Times

When: Saturday March 7th, 2026

Where: Lower Bidwell Park/ Sycamore Field

5K, 10k and Half Marathon run and fun walk: Starting time is 8:00am for the 5k and 8:10 for the 10k and Half Marathon.

👕 Race Shirts

Shirt Availability: Every registered runner will receive a 2026 race shirt if registered before February 6th.
Size Guarantee: To guarantee your shirt size please register on or before February 6th.
Leftover Shirts: Any leftover shirts after packet pick up will be available after the race at the Fleet Feet booth starting at 9:00am.
Pickup: If you do not pick up your packet before the race, your shirt will NOT be saved for you.

🗺️ Course Certification & Maps

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

🏃‍♂️ Shake Out 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 run 3-6 mile run/walk and enjoy a cold beverage and come delicious carbs before the race.

Location: Fleet Feet Chico, 241 Main St., Chico CA

Time: Show up between 5:30-6:00pm. Groups will start running at 6:15pm.

📦 Packet Pickup

Packet pickup will be offered at Fleet Feet Chico (241 Main St in downtown Chico). We will also have a small window on race day to pick up your packet.

Packet Pickup Days and Hours:

Friday March 6th: 10:00am - 4:00pm at Fleet Feet Chico
Race Day: Packet Pick up at the Fleet Feet Tent from 6:45am-7:45am ONLY

🚗 Directions and Parking

To the course: Enter Chico via Highway 99 either from the north or from the south. If you are coming from the north on 99, take the Highway 32 offramp and turn right at the first intersection. If you are coming from the south on 99, take the 32 offramp and turn left at the second intersection. Now you’re heading west on 32 (East 8th St). From here, take 8th St just under a half-mile, then turn right on Sycamore St.

Sycamore St runs a few blocks into Woodland Ave, which runs parallel to the park. The park itself will be closed to vehicle traffic on race day, so find a parking spot on or near Woodland Ave. Please be courteous and park legally.

🚴‍♂️ Bike Valet

Free and Secure Bicycle Parking provided by Chico Velo.

Bike valet will be available at the race this year! We encourage you to ride your bikes to the race and Chico Velo will have their bike valet services available to ensure your bike is safe while you run!

🕑 Timing

Timing will be done by Bizz Johnson Racing. All races will be a gun start and a chip finish.

Gun Start for 5k: 8:00am
Gun Start for 10k and Half Marathon: 8:10am

🛑 Aid Stations and Restrooms

There will be 6 aid stations for the half, 3 for the 10k and 2 for the 5k.

Cedar Grove Bathrooms: Loop 1 Water / Loop 2 Water, nutrition gels and electrolytes
Peterson Drive Gate: Loop 1 Water / Loop 2 Water, nutrition gels and electrolytes
One Mile Parking Lot: Water and electrolytes
Restrooms: Located at various points along the course, including One Mile recreation, Cedar Grove Park, and at the start/finish.

📜 Rules

No Dogs: Please no dogs on the course during the race. Strollers are allowed, please be cautious of other runners.
Overtaking: Be courteous when overtaking slower runners or walkers.
Visible Race Number: Your race number must be visible on your front.
Chip Timing: You must cross the timing mat for your chip to be read.