OAKHURST — In preparation for the 32nd-annual Smokey Bear Run/Walk, a group of participants gathered Wednesday afternoon at Cal Fire Station #12 for a pre-race photo op.
This year’s Smokey Bear Run/Walk will take place at Bass Lake on Sept. 21.
The event, which kicks off at 7:45 a.m., includes a 10K run, a two-mile run/walk for adults and children as well as separate 1/2-, 1/4- and 1/8-mile races for children ages 2 to 12.
The start and finish line is at Recreation Point and the race course is on pavement with a hilly out and back.
The 2-mile Run/Walk turn-around is 100 yards south of Pine Slope Campground. The 10K Run turn-around is a tenth of a mile past the Lakeside Picnic/Day Use Area.
The Smokey Bear Run/Walk is a popular fundraiser for the local community. This year’s proceeds will benefit Cal Fire and USFS Fire Prevention Programs, Madera County Search & Rescue, Madera County Sheriff Explorer’s Post 104 and the Yosemite High School (YHS) Cross Country Teams.
Surrounding Smokey in this week’s photo are some of his good friends who compete in Clancy’s Run, the first race of the day, which is held in honor of Clancy Aiden Shea, who passed away in 2014, just two days shy of his 11th birthday.
Clancy Aiden 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.
For more information about the event, go to https://www.smokeybearrun.com/raceinfo.html.
