Modesto Marathon set to return to city streets on Sunday
After two years of conducting the Modesto Marathon virtually, the race will return to the streets of Modesto on Sunday.
Race organizers are excited to welcome runners who will participate in 5-kilometer, 10K, half and full marathon races.
“We are so thrilled to finally be able to do an in person race,” Modesto Marathon race director Gabriela Guerrini said. “The energy an in-person race has, there’s no comparison. You’re sitting there at the start line, ready to go, getting your adrenaline working.”
Those looking to participate can still register online at modestomarathon.com.
The Modesto Marathon is once again a Boston Marathon qualifier. One of the many benefits of having the race back in person is that participants can aim to qualify for what many believe is the pinnacle of marathon races.
The marathon and half marathon will start at 7 a.m., and the 5k and 10k start at 7:25 a.m.
The start line for all four races is at M and 11th streets, and the route will take runners through the Modesto Junior College neighborhood, down Ninth Street and over the Briggsmore Avenue overpass. Participants will cross the finish line at N and 11th streets.
Participants and their families will be able to enjoy the Finishline Festival, which features a beer garden for those 21 and older, and Food Truck Alley, which will have seven trucks. It also provides an ideal spot for spectators to watch runners cross the finish line.
“It’s always fun to cheer on the runners and see them come through the finish line.” Guerrini said.
There still will be a virtual aspect for those who find that format works best. Virtual participants will have until Saturday to submit their results and will be sent the race medal, shirt and swag bag.
The marathon continues its partnership with Teens Run Modesto, an organization that provides Modesto-area teens the opportunity to train for a half or full marathon.
Teens sign up in October and train by going on volunteer-led runs after school and on Saturday mornings. As they meet their individual goals, teens are gifted new running shoes and other incentives throughout their training.
“It teaches students that goals are long-term and not just (achieved) within a week or two,” Guerrini said. “These students have to sign up in October and commit to running this race in March. They have to work at it every single week until race day and then they get to run and achieve that goal that they’ve been working so hard for on throughout the year.”
Men’s runner CJ Albertson of Fresno and women’s runner Jonahmaria Weeks of Davis won the 2019 Modesto Marathon, finishing with times of 2 hours, 16 minutes and 45 seconds and 2:50:41, respectively.
This story was originally published March 22, 2022 at 8:49 AM.
