2026 Ruth McKenzie Preserve Half Marathon

The 2026 Ruth McKenzie Preserve Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at the Ruth McKenzie Table Mountain Preserve, located between Friant and Prather in Clovis, California. The event features a trail and mixed-terrain course through 2,960 acres of grassland and oak woodland, offering a scenic and challenging route. On race day, participants can expect mild to warm temperatures, with afternoon highs reaching around 68°F (20°C) and light winds. The course includes a mix of dirt roads, single track, and rocky terrain, with rolling hills and uneven surfaces that will test runners' endurance and agility.

What distances are available for this event?

• →Half Marathon
• →10K
• →5K
• →Kids Race

What is the schedule for the event?

• →Half Marathon & 10K: 8:00 AM
• →5K: 8:10 AM
• →Kids Race: ~10:15 AM

When is packet pickup available?

• →Saturday, April 11: 3:30–5:30 PM at Fleet Feet Sports ↗
• →Race Day (Sunday, April 12): 7:05–7:55 AM at the McKenzie Preserve

What kind of aid stations will be available during the event?

• →Water, Gatorade, Spring Energy Gels, and salty/sweet snacks
• →5K: Mile 1.8
• →10K: Miles 2.7 and 4.8 (turnaround)
• →Half Marathon: Miles 2.7, 4.8, 6.8, 9.2, and 11.1

How is the course marked?

• →Orange ribbon, orange flags, and directional arrow signs
• →Signs include the race distance, so pay attention to the correct markers for your race

What are the race awards?

• →All finishers receive a finisher's medal
• →Age group awards go 3-deep in 10-year brackets for both men and women
• →Overall Male & Female for each distance
• →Awards ceremony begins after the Kids Race

What is included in the post-race experience?

• →Water, Gatorade, beer (21+), snacks, and shaded picnic tables
• →Finisher's medal for all participants (Half, 10K, 5K, Kids Race)

What should participants know about the course?

• →The Half Marathon includes rolling hills along dirt roads with some single track, plus one tough climb to the top of Table Mountain
• →The 10K is primarily flat to rolling hills, less technical than the half
• →The 5K is flat to rolling hills, beginner-friendly terrain
• →The course includes rocky and rutted terrain, with uneven surfaces throughout

What is the Ruth McKenzie Table Mountain Preserve?

• →A 2,960-acre preserve featuring grassland, oak woodland, and basalt lava tablelands
• →Managed by the Sierra Foothill Conservancy ↗
• →Home to vernal pools in spring, which host rare plants and crustaceans
• →Race day memberships are available to support conservation of over 30,000 acres of preserved land

What should participants be aware of regarding race rules?

• →No trash on course — leave all waste at aid stations or risk disqualification
• →Parking is near the preserve entrance with volunteer guidance
• →The start/finish line is just up the dirt road from the parking area
• →Participants should arrive early to ensure a smooth race day experience