Smokey Bear Run Returns to Bass Lake for 39th Year

A morning run or walk along Bass Lake will help support fire-prevention and sheriff volunteer programs when the Smokey Bear Run/Walk returns Saturday, Sept. 19.

Organized by Mountain Area Runners, the 39th annual event will take place at Recreation Point, 39900 Road 222. Organizers say proceeds will benefit CAL FIRE and U.S. Forest Service fire-prevention programs, along with Madera County Sheriff volunteer programs.

Participants can choose a 10K run, a two-mile run or a noncompetitive two-mile walk. The courses follow Road 222 along the lake, taking runners and walkers over rolling hills with lake views.

The 10K begins at 8:30 a.m., followed by the two-mile run and walk at 8:35 a.m. Children have their own shorter races earlier in the morning:

• Ages 9–12: Half-mile race at 7:45 a.m.
• Ages 5–8: Quarter-mile race at 7:55 a.m.
• Ages 2–4: Eighth-mile race at 8:05 a.m.

Adult entry is $55 through Friday, Sept. 18, increasing to $60 on race day, according to the event announcement. Children’s entry is $25. Online processing fees are additional.

Participants can pick up race packets locally Friday, Sept. 18, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Claiborne, Lavoie and Associates, 40327 Road 425A in Oakhurst. Race-morning packet pickup begins at 7:15 a.m. at the event site.

The event announcement lists race-day registration from 7:15 to 7:35 a.m. It also advises of a Road 222 closure from 7 to 11 a.m. Drivers should check with organizers about access to Recreation Point and nearby destinations before traveling.

Registration and additional race details are available on the Smokey Bear Run registration page. For more information, call 559-683-1770.