Modesto Marathon is back, with a ‘classic’ twist. Here’s what to know about Sunday’s race
Nearly 2,000 participants will fill Modesto’s streets Sunday morning for the 12th Modesto Marathon, sponsored by Sutter Health’s Memorial Hospital.
This year’s course will have some added flair.
The race, which features an American Graffiti theme for the first time, will have a number of old-school cars lined along the course for runners to admire, making the race noticeably more “Modesto.” Some might blast inspirational music to participants as they run by.
“This theme brings the race to Modesto,” race director Bree Fitzpatrick said. “Graffiti is our culture. … I was trying to brainstorm ideas to get more people out and excited about the race. There’s nothing to look at. There’s pastures, cows and trees. I just wanted to give something else to the course.”
Graffiti Hall of Fame car club the Faros, the Modesto Area Street Rod Association, the Modesto area classic Thunderbird Club and the Latina Classic Car Club all are signed up to attend. Individuals will have cars that line the course. To sign up to have your classic car featured along the course, email info@modestomarathon.com.
Recognitions and the national anthem begin at 6:45 a.m. Marathon and half marathon start times are 7 a.m., and the 10-kilometer and 5K will begin at 7:25 a.m.
The events are popular with runners, walkers and wheelchair users. Those looking to participate still can sign up at modestomarathon.com. Race Day signups will also be available.
Those not running but still looking for a way to be involved can sign up as volunteers at modestomarathon.com/volunteers. Course monitors are especially needed between 6:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.
A free race expo is open to marathon participants and community members from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 25, at the Graffiti Car Museum, 610 N. Ninth St.
Once again, the Modesto Marathon is a Boston Marathon qualifying race and was dubbed a top 30 “Most Likely to Qualify” course by MarathonGuide.com. Runners who make age-based specified times will qualify for the 2024 race.
In its second year back after missing two in-person races due to COVID-19, race organizers are encouraged at the turnout. As of Thursday morning, 1,958 participants had signed up — nearly 300 more than last year’s turnout.
“We’ve been at about 300 over last year’s number since we started,” Fitzpatrick said. “I think people are wanting to come back to race and be out there with people.”
Each race will pass through the Modesto Junior College area. The full and half marathon courses split off near Griswold, heading out Princeton to Ninth Street, over Briggsmore, then out past MJC West Campus into the country and back. The 10K and 5K will stay in downtown and college areas.
The race’s Finish Line Festival’s Food Truck Alley will feature Paul’s Rustic Oven Wood Fired Pizza and Flip N Fry, as well as barbecue and taco trucks.
The yearly partnership continues with Teens Run Modesto, an organization that guides Modesto-area teens through training for a full or half marathon.
Teens sign up and train by going on volunteer-led runs after school and on Saturday mornings. As they meet their individual goals throughout their training, teens are gifted new running shoes and other incentives. Around 105 Teens Run Modesto students and 21 Discovery Challenge students will participate.
Schools represented at Sunday’s race will include Central Valley, Ceres, Downey, Enochs, Gregori, Johansen and Modesto high schools, Great Valley Academy, Hanshaw Middle School, Prescott Jr. High, Cesar Chavez Jr. High, Hart Ransom Jr. High and Discovery Challenge Academy.
“We are super excited to be able to partner with them so that we can keep our kids in programs where they are part of a team.” Fitzpatrick said.
Fresno native CJ Albertson won last year’s race, after initially being disqualified because he was led an extra 400 meters by a police motorcycle officer who was leading the runners. He ran the marathon in 2 hours, 12 minutes and eight seconds, which shattered his previous course record. He also finished first in 2019.
The women’s 2022 marathon winner, Julie Baker of Sonora, finished in 3:11:35.
