California Classic Half Marathon

Join us in celebrating our 15th year when we host runners in our Half Marathon, 10k and 5k Run as half and 10k participants run through Sea Lion Cove, African Adventure and NEW KINGDOM OF ASIA at Fresno Chaffee Zoo, with a grand finish at Chukchansi Stadium. Or choose our Rock and Run 5k, it doesn't go through the Zoo, but has all of the other benefits of the Half Marathon.

The Half Marathon is a 20 point race in the CLASSIC Runner of the Year Series!

The Rock n Run 5k is a family event and for those who aren't quite up to a 10k or half marathon but still want the run/party experience!   You will run or walk through Downtown Fresno and rock to the sounds of Rock n Roll. This event does not go through the Zoo but does Finish at Chukchansi Park. 5k finisher's will receive ALL the amenities that our half marathon and 10k participants receive including our custom finisher's medallion.
Grab your co-workers and create a team.

All finishers receive a finisher's medallion.  Overall Half Marathon awards are cash awards and will be mailed to winners one week after the event.  Any disputes must be made by email to Askccevents@gmail.com within 48 hours after the race.  After 48 hours all results will be official and no disputes will be accepted.  

Half-Marathon
CASH awards to Overall Winners Male & Female
$200 1st Place
$100 2nd Place     

Age Group Winners will receive an Award Coin in all Events:
19 & Under
20-24
25-29
30-34
35-39
40-44
45-49
50-54
55-59
60-64
65-69
70-79
80+

Frequently Asked Questions

Q - What is the minimum age to register for each event?
A-  Although there is no "standard" age at which a runner should get involved in the sport of running, we recommend runners be at least age 12 for the Half Marathon and 10k, and 10 years old for the 5K Fun Run. Ultimately, it is up to each parent or guardian to adjust our recommended age, higher or lower, depending upon their dependent's ability to participate in our event.

Q - Are dogs allowed on the run courses?
A - No. Pets, wagons, rollerblades, skateboards, scooters or bicycles of any kind are NOT allowed on the course for safety concerns.

Q - Are baby strollers allowed?
A - Yes, you are allowed to run with a stroller.  All strollers are required to start at the back of the pack, regardless of your speed.  

Q - Will there be race day registration?
A - There will be no race day registration.

Q - Will there be race day packet pickup available?
A - Yes. Starting one hour prior to the event.

Q - Will there be a bag drop off at the event?
A - Yes for the run events only. Sag trucks will be available at the starting line to collect your personal belongings and make them available for you to pick-up near the finish line.

Q - Can I run with an iPod/headphones?
A - Yes. USATF, the national governing body of the sport, recently amended its ban on headphones, iPods and similar devices. It is recommended that athletes keep only one ear bud in to be able to hear directions from race officials or emergency vehicles.

Q - How does the 10k work?
A - All 10k runners can park at Chukchansi Stadium and will be bused fee free to the Chaffee Zoo where they will start the 10k.  Runners will finish back at Chukchansi Stadium and their car.  10k runners can also be dropped off at the Chaffee Zoo, however, there is NO bus transportation back to the Chaffee Zoo. Only participants can ride the bus.  Late packet pickup is ONLY at Chukchansi Stadium there will not be any packet pickup at the Chaffee Zoo.

Q - What is the time limits for the Run events?
A - The run events have a 3.5 hour limit as our finish-line closes at 11:00am.   This is a 16 min per mile pace.

Q - Can spectators enter and cheer inside Chaffee Zoo?
A - No, Zoo security will not allow non-participants to enter Zoo.   

Q - How much is the cash prize purse?
A - Overall Male and Female winners in our Half Marathon, as determined by gun time, will be awarded 1st $200 2nd $100.  No cash awards will be awarded in our 10k or 5k events.

Q - Can I defer my registration to next year?
A - Yes, but the deadline to do so is prior to 2-weeks from event date.  .   

Are you interested in partnering with the California Classic Weekend as a sponsor.  We have several sponsorship levels available from our Title Sponsor to our Corporate Wellness Program.  If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or in the Corporate Wellness Program please email ccw.info@yahoo.com for more information.

Check out the training programs offered by Fleet Feet Fresno!  CLICK HERE!

Run VIP Treatment! ($60 per person)
If you are ready to enjoy one of Central Valley's premier running events NOW you have an opportunity to do it in style! We’re rolling out the red carpet for those who want a little more luxury from their California Classic Running experience.

Your VIP experience includes: 
· VIP Packet Pickup
· VIP Parking - Reserved parking close to the Start/Finish Line
· VIP Gear Check – Private area to hold your personal belongings
· VIP Lounge for your Post-race meal
· VIP Dedicated Massage Therapist
· VIP Private Beer Garden – No waiting in Beer line!

VIP registration is open to only 100 spots.
This program does NOT include run entry.

Option to purchase VIP Package will appear during Run registration, you will also have the ability to purchase VIP Packages for your guest at the same time. If you have already registered and would like to purchase a VIP entry please click HERE.

Map for Chaffee Zoo access

Half-Marathon, 10k and 5k Participants receive:

• Chip Timing Run

• Breakfast

• Gender specific Technical Shirts

• Free Photo Downloads

• Text Results

• Pacers for Half Runners (Pace Groups of 130, 140, 150, 200, 210, 220, 230)

• CASH awards for overall Half Marathon winners!

• Participant Tracking

• Finisher's Medallion

• Collector Pin
  

• Beer Garden (21 and over)

• Hot Fudge Sundae 

Although 5k does not run through the Zoo, all participants will receive all amenities.

2025 Finisher Medallion shown, 2026 coming soon!

This point-to-point 6.2 mile run starts right outside Fresno Chaffee Zoo, travels through the Zoo as it winds its way back through Downtown Fresno where you finish in grand-style at Chukchansi Park.  Yes all 10k runners will get to join the half marathon runners as they run in amazement through Fresno Chaffee Zoo and gaze at all of the beautiful animals!  

10k Runners will be bused from Chukchansi Park to the Zoo where they will start at the same time as the half marathon back at Chukchansi Park.

Each year we add a new Safari Animal Pin. In 2018 we featured the tiger, 2019 the Giraffe, 2021 was an elephant, 2023 was the Hippopotamus and 2024 was the Orangutan, 2025 was a cub lion.  If you haven't already, now is a good time to start a collection of animal pins!   All runners will receive our 2026 pin to add to their collection when they pick up their bib number, shirt, and other items. 

New 2026 PIN is Chaffee Zoo's kangaroo.

Friday April 24th
Packet Pickup
Fleet Feet Fresno at Riverview Shopping Center
2pm to 6pm
9447 N Fort Washington Rd, Fresno, CA 93730

Saturday April 25th
6:00 - 6:15am - 10K Runner's Buses leave for Chaffee Zoo
7:00am - Half Marathon will begin at Chukchansi Stadium 
7:00am - 10k Starts at Chaffee Zoo inside of Roeding Park
7:05am - 5k Run/Walk starts at Chukchansi Stadium
Location address: 1800 Tulare St, Fresno, CA 93721

10k Participants please note: There will be NO packet pickup at the 10k start at the Zoo. If you are needing to pickup your packet morning of event you must do so at Chukchansi Park and then catch the bus to take you to the 10k start-line at Roeding Park.

Event goes on Rain or Shine.  No refunds!