The FresYes Guide to Races, Runs & Walks in March

Each month, FresYes aims to inspire folks to get off the couch, lace up those running shoes, and participate in a local walk or run.

There’s a whole lot of walking and running going on in our community. Many races are fundraisers for causes related to health and education, among other worthwhile causes. From flat roads to trail runs, there’s something for all levels of ability.

With spring in the air, March is a wonderful time to be outdoors and soak up all the beautiful blossom colors. So, whether it’s your first run or your hundredth, we hope this list pushes you to get up and move! Here’s your guide to races, runs and walks in March.

Sanger Blossom Trail 10K Run/Walk and 2 Mile Run/Walk

When: Saturday, March 4

Cost: $30 (Prices increase March 3)

Sign-up: RunSignUp.com

The 20^th annual Sanger Blossom Trail race celebrates the Fresno County Blossom Trail. The 10K flat course takes racers through downtown Sanger and into the countryside where the blossoms overflow. There’s a huge festival happening that day which I recently wrote about. In addition to the 10K, there’s a 2-mile race, and a variety of kids’ races.

San Joaquin River Trail Half Marathon & 10K

When: Saturday, March 4

Cost: Half – $80, 10K – $40

Sign-up: RunSignUp.com

This race takes place in Auberry and is a trail run with about 2,500 feet of elevation gain. It’s limited to 200 participants. The 10K is limited to just 50 runners. Finishers will receive a custom medal. Post-race food will be provided by Benaddiction.

Fresno St. Patrick’s Day Run

When: Saturday, March 11

Cost: $30 (Prices increase after 2/28)

Sign-up: RunSignUp.com

Support the American Heart Association while sporting green! This four- and two-mile run through Woodward Park is sure to be a blast. Participants will receive a Leprechaun finishers’ medal, green goodies, and green beer, for those 21 and over.

CASA of Tulare County Superhero Run 5K

When: Saturday, March 11

Cost: $30, $10 (Kids under 13)

Sign-up: RunSignUp.com

This event takes place in Visalia and raises awareness for Blue Ribbon Month and supports CASA of Tulare County (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children).

Heavenly Half-Marathon

When: Sunday, March 12

Cost: $100 (prices increase 3/11)

Sign-up: RunSignUp.com

This is a fast race! The course is in Pine Ridge, near Auberry, and is almost all downhill. Finishers will receive a medal and a hot breakfast at Cressman’s General Store.

Spring Fling Duathlon and 5K Run

When: Sunday, March 19

Cost: Duathlon – $85, 5k – $25

Sign-up and info: SierraCascades.com

This race at Woodward Park in Fresno features a mountain bike and road bike duathlon. That’s a mix of bike riding and running. There’s also a separate 5K run set to take place if you want to do the run only.

Second Wind 5K

When: Saturday, March 25

Cost: $25 (Price increases 3/7)

Sign-up: SecondWind5k.com

Head over to the Madera Speedway for this race that supports the Madera Rescue Mission and Madera County Food Bank. The course starts and finishes on the speedway and goes through the Madera District Fairgrounds.

Superhero Heart Run 5K

When: Saturday, March 25

Cost: $25, $10 (Kids 2-12), Free (Heart Heroes CHD)

Sign-up: SuperHeroHeartRun.com

Put on that commemorative superhero heart run cape and race through Fresno’s Woodward Park. For the second year in a row, this family-friendly race benefits Mended Little Hearts of Fresno and Heart Heroes, Inc.