2026 Ruth McKenzie Preserve Half Marathon

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