Packet Pick-up
Pre-Race Packet Pick-up location (April 24 and 25)
Fleet Feet Sports Sacramento
2311 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95816
Pre-race Packet Pick up Date and Times
Thursday, April 24, 2025
4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M
Friday, April 25, 2025
10:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M
Packet Pick-up FAQs
Need to Switch Races?
If you need to switch from the walkers to the runners half marathon (or vice versa), or over to the 5K race, or to the Virtual Half Marathon, please take care of the switch at packet pickup. We will have a special station to effect the transfer.
NOTE: If you end up transferring from one half marathon course to the other (walker to runner/runner to walker), please note that your personalized medal will be under the half marathon your transferred from. Just ask at packet pickup what your earlier bib number and let the medal hander-outers know when you cross the finish line.
ALSO: We cannot accommodate transferring your entry to another person so close to race day.
Can friends pick up bibs for friends?
Yes! No IDs required.
Attention Sacramento-Area Residents
If you have a local friend of yours or you are local yourself, Sacramento-area residents are greatly encouraged to pick up their race packet on Thursday and Friday. By doing so, you will help ease the morning congestion for our out-of-towners picking up their race packets on race-day morning.
Race-Day Packet Pick-up Location (April 26)
IMPORTANT UPDATE
THE WALKERS’ HALF MARATHON FOR THIS YEAR IS COMBINED
WITH THE RUNNERS’ COURSE AND THE START TIME FOR BOTH IS 7:30AM
William Pond Park
5700 Arden Way
Sacramento, CA 95608
Race-Day Packet Pick up Date and Times
Walkers' Half Marathon
Saturday, April 26, 2025
6:15 A.M. to 7:15 A.M.
Runners' Half Marathon and 5K
Saturday, April 26, 2025
6:15 A.M. to 7:15 A.M.
Race FAQs
I can't make it to the race. What are my options?
As stated when you registered, there are no refunds. Especially, at this late date. But all is not lost! We can switch you to the virtual option and then you can complete the mileage on your own. Just let us know prior to the race (some of you already have!), so we can get you switched over. You can also make the switch at packet pickup and get your shirt ahead of time.
Then, when you are able to complete the mileage, contact us via our website and we'll deliver or mail you your shirt and/or medal.
I'm only going to run a little. Which race should I join?
Even if you are only going to run for a short time or do the run/walk interval style, please join the runners' course.
The walkers' half is for those planning on walking 100% of that race.
I'm concerned I won't finish in time. Will I be asked to exit the course after it closes?
No. So don't let that concern drive your decision to participate in the either race - the walkers' course - if you are a runner. All courses are open until Noon, so you have more than enough time to finish. But even after the courses closes (meaning cyclists can use the bike trail), if you are out on any of the courses - keep going. Your finish will be recorded as official, even if you finish after 12:00 P.M.
Can I bring my four-legged running/walking partner to the race?
Unfortunately, no. While we love our four-legged friends, there are so many factors to consider that it's best to leave them at home.
Otter Dash FAQ
Where is the Otter Dash Start Line and How do I get there from the Parking Areas?
The Otter Dash starts at William Pond Park - using the same start line as the Parkway Half Marathon and 5K! Because you will be parking in the William Pond Park area or surrounding neighborhood, give yourself and the kids about 10-12 minutes to get to the start line.
Go to the Otter Dash Course link below for a map of the location.
Do the Otter Dash finishers get medals?
Yes. And after the race, stop by the rock-painting table where the kids can color rocks!
Parking
Car Transportation
Following are highlights of the parking logistics. Please note, it is very important that each of us do his or her part to make this plan work for everyone.
William Pond Park Parking - Starting at 6:15AM to approx. 7:00AM. For those early birds, you have the choice to park inside the park or in the surrounding neighborhood. The park will be open for parking until 6:45AM or when full, whichever comes first.
Surrounding Neighborhood Parking - Starting 6:15AM. Once the park fills up, you can park in the surrounding neighborhood - but please adhere to all parking restrictions. But if you want to park there earlier, no problem - just be mindful of your surroundings as some of the neighbors may be sleeping and we don’t want to wake them.
Dropping off Participants - If you are planning to be dropped off, you must be dropped off outside the park and walk in. Dropping off inside the park is not permitted and the flow of traffic will not allow for turning around.
Family and Friends Arriving Later - If you have family and friends who are arriving later to watch the race and meet you, they are advised to park in the surrounding neighborhood and walk into the park. Again, please follow all parking restrictions.
PLEASE NOTE: There is no race parking at Riverbend Park
Bike Transportation
We encourage biking to the race and have set up a special corral area to park your bike, along with security to watch over your machine while you're out racing.
REMEMBER - The bike check is at the finish line in Riverbend. So before the race, ride over to Riverbend, park your bike, and then you'll need to walk (or run) over the footbridge to the start line at William Pond Park. Click here to view exact location of the Bike Corral.
Other Important Stuff
Gear Check
For your convenience, we have a gear check area with drop bags provided. Our volunteer staff will ensure that your drop bag will be safe and secure.
Drop bag check-in area is located near the start line at William Pond Park.
Drop bag pick up is located near the finish line at Riverbend Park.
We do ask that you please mark your bag with your name and bib number and NOT leave anything valuable in your drop bag. Race Management is NOT responsible for stolen or missing items. But we will take credit for anything good that happens!
Information Booth/Lost and Found
This is the central nervous system of the entire operation. This booth is located in the finisher/vendor pavilion. If you have any questions, concerns, or a great joke, this is the place you want to go to. Also, if any of you kids lose your parents, most likely we'll have them here.
Race Day: Start-line Information
Start Line Processionals
The Walkers' Half Marathon officially starts at 7:30AM. The Walkers' Half Marathon marks the official start of the day's events! And to kick things off, the Parkway bagpipe band will perform for the walkers, followed by the singing of the national anthem. The walkers will then head downstream where they will be met by a plethora of aid stations and live music.
The Runners Half Marathon - official start at 7:30AM. This is the largest of our race events for the day with over 1200 half marathoner runners. We'll start with the bagpipe band processional and conclude with the singing of the National Anthem. And within minutes of starting, the runners will encounter the beating drums of the Taiko Band, followed by an interspersion of bands that will entertain through the entire action-packed 13.1 miles, which includes a trip through the famed "Enchanted Forest."
The 5K Footrace - official start at 7:45AM. The 5K course will travel downstream along the bike trail to Harrington Way and then back and over the Richey Footbridge to finish in Riverbend Park.
The Otter Dash 1/2 Mile Race - official start at 8:30AM. This race starts in William Pond Park and travels across the foot bridge to Riverbend Park, where kids will travel with their parent along the course and to the and finish, where a medal and a picture will be waiting!
The Courses
Runners' Course Link
Walkers' Course Link
5K Course Link
Otter Dash Course Link
Aid Stations
As you progress through your race, we have lots of on-course amenities for you. The Walkers' and Runners' Half Marathon will feature 8 aid station stops, respectively. Each aid station will have a choice of ice-cold water or ice-cold Gatorade.
Musical Groups
To entertain you as you travel the course, we have an assemblage of bands interspersed along each half marathon route.
Race Day - Finish-Line Information
The Finish Line
Be sure to smile for the camera as you cross the finish line to capture you at your moment of glory! Then move forward to collect your well-deserved medal. With medal in hand, take a quick moment to catch your breath, because the post-race festivities await you!
Post-Race Lunch
After your race, you’ve no doubt worked up an appetite. And do we have something to satiate your taste buds and tummy!
First, you'll get an ice-cold water as you queue up for your food.
Moving down the line, Sacfit has teamed up with California Fish Grill to provide a first-class and very tasty Parkway wrap (Thai Chicken or Vegan).
To balance out the wrap, we have a bounty of fresh strawberries from the famous Charles Okui farms and transported to our race by Sacramento's General Produce Company.
Finally, the finishing touch to your lunch - the big cookie! And why not? You've earned it!
Post-race Festivities
So, now that you have your food, beverage (and medal!), take a load off your feet and relax. There is plenty of lush green lawn to picnic and enjoy the fun and full sound of our feature band - the Los Gallos Mariachi Band.
Interactive Booths
Once you finish lunch, take a tour of the finisher’s pavilion. We have a number of partner race events that may interest you, as well as endurance-sport related outfits, including MacPerformance Physical Therapists, and KIME PT, and community organizations related to the Parkway and other charitable endeavors.
Beer & Wine Garden
Join us for a cold one after the race! Beer and Wine provided by Sacfit. We'll have a wide variety of beers or wines to choose from.
Race Results and Awards
Don't forget to check out your race time at our race results and awards booth.
We also have age-group winners from 12 to 85+ in 5-year increments. But ya gotta visit to the awards booth at the race to get your award because we won't mail them.
Okay, I think that about sums up how the day should go. We look forward to seeing you!