BASS LAKE — For the 30th year, beautiful Bass Lake is the setting for the annual Smokey Bear Run/ Walk, happening this Saturday, Sept. 23. There are races for the entire family to come out and enjoy.
Race day features all types of activities for everyone’s fitness level. There is a 2-mile walk, a 2-mile run, a 10K run (6.2 mi.), and races for kids.
This year’s proceeds will benefit Cal Fire and the United States Forest Service (USFS) Fire Prevention Programs, and the Madera County Sheriff’s Office.
Race Chairman, Sheriff Jay Varney, invites everyone to join in the celebration as runners and walkers of all ages gather at Recreation Point, where all the day’s races will start (see map below).
Participants can register online up until Sept. 22. Click here for registration information. However, if you don’t get your registration completed by the deadline, you can still participate by showing up and registering on race day between 6:45 — 7:45 a.m. at Recreation Point. All racers will need to arrive during this time frame to check in.
For serious runners, this is a 30-point race that is part of 15 races in the Valley Runner of the Year Series.
Adult entry fee is $30 Early Bird, $35 pre-registration, and $40 on race day. Kids entry fee is $7 pre-registration, and $10 on race day.
For more information and registration forms log onto the website at www.smokeybearrun.com or call 559-683-1770.
“If you are joining us for the upcoming event, we know you will feel the personal gratification that comes from contributing to your community,” say organizers. “That is one of the purposes of our event; the other is your good health.
“We are proud that Smokey Bear has lent his name to our race and we will continue to stress fire safety at every event. As representatives of our mountain community, and because we have the benefit of using the good name and outstanding reputation of Smokey Bear, we stay committed to stressing fire safety and awareness.”
Clancy Shea
Clancy was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 18 months of age, and lived a full and joyous life as an inspiration to all who knew him. He loved participating in the race and a supportive team rose around him. The Smokey Bear Run/Walk continues to have a special event-wheelchair race in honor of Clancy.
Everyone is urged to please come early, as Road 222 will close to all vehicles at 7:15 a.m. and reopens at 9:40 a.m. from Road 432 to The Forks. If you must leave the race early please park on the north end; this will allow you a means to exit prior to the road reopening.
