American River Parkway Half Marathon

The American River Parkway Half Marathon is an annual spring race along the American River Parkway in Carmichael, California, just outside Sacramento. Now in its second decade, it was the first half marathon on the Parkway's paved recreation trail and remains the only race to donate 100% of its net proceeds — over $400,000 to date — to the nonprofit American River Parkway Foundation for trail maintenance, restoration, and improvements like new drinking fountains along the corridor. The flat, shaded course starts and finishes at William B. Pond Recreational Area and winds through old-growth oak forest, riparian meadows, and wildflower-lined trail with views of the American River; the runners' half marathon route is USATF certified. A companion 5K run/walk and a 1K Kids' Otter Dash round out race day, with parents free to join their children at no charge. Finishers earn a tech shirt and medal, and the morning wraps up with a post-race lunch, live music, and beer and wine at the finish area.