Have you ever enjoyed a run, ride, walk, or kayak trip on the American River Parkway?

If so, you know how important the American River Parkway is to the Sacramento area. It is referred to as Sacramento’s “crown jewel,” a “blueprint for urban parks,” and the greatest recreational asset to our community. The Parkway makes our region an ideal place to live, work, and play.

The Parkway Half Marathon benefits your Parkway!

Over the past 10 years, the Parkway Half Marathon and Sac fit have generated revenue for the Parkway in excess of $300,000, all of which contributed to the operation, maintenance, restoration,and beautification of the American River Parkway.

Have you ever wondered who takes care of the Parkway?

Sacramento County Department of Parks and Recreation, along with thousands of volunteers from various organizations, including Sacfit and the Parkway Half Marathon, care for and support the American River Parkway each year. These public and private organizations work to support the conservation and enjoyment of the American River Parkway by fostering environmental, education, and stewardship for projects, such as:

• parkway pass program
• running trail maintenance
• trash clean-up
• burn-site restoration
• planting of native flora and trees

Fun Facts – What does it really take to run the Parkway?

Each year, the American River Parkway sees 8 million visits for activities such as running, walking, horseback riding, cycling, kayaking, and fishing. The Parkway is 23 miles long and expands over 4,800 acres of land and water. And it takes a lot of resources and volunteers to keep the Parkway open.

The American River Parkway Half Marathon returns for its 11th anniversary and continues its distinction as the only half marathon in the world for both runners and walkers!

Not just one course for both disciplines mind you. We're talkin' two separate, fully supported, USATF certified courses - one just for runners and one just for walkers!

The Parkway Half Marathon also features a total of 20 bands along the courses (ten on each), ice-cold water and Gatorade at each of the eight aid stations on each course, a full-color tech-fiber commemorative race jersey, a bling-worthy full-color medal for every half marathon finisher, a great lunch for all finishers featuring a meat or vegan wrap, fruit, cookie and beverage, and tons of fun things for the kids and family to do while waiting for their loved one to finish!

All in all, a great day for the entire family, training.