Rim To Rim Trail Run Race Information
The Rim To Rim Trail Run consists of a half marathon, marathon, 50k, and 50 mile trail race event all taking place on the trails of Upper Bidwell Park in Chico, CA. The race start times are:
- 50 mile – 6:00 am
- 50k & Marathon – 7:00 am
- Half Marathon – 8:00 am
Bidwell Park
All the trails for this race lie within the boundary of Bidwell Park in the City of Chico. Participants are asked to obey all posted park rules and regulations. Additionally, the park is open to the public and some number of other runners, mountain bikers, and horseback riders are to be expected. Please be friendly and courteous to everyone you meet. We want to make this race a regular event and that requires the goodwill and support of the community and the City of Chico. Runners are the ambassadors of this event and you can make a difference out on the trail.
Location
The Rim To Rim Trail Run starts and finishes at the Five Mile Recreation Area, located at 326 Centennial Avenue in Chico, CA (map). Five Mile is grassy and shaded, and has restrooms, drinking fountains and picnic tables. If the afternoon sun gets too warm, Big Chico Creek is available for a cool afternoon dip.
Event Parking
There is parking available at the Start/Finish area, but it will fill up quickly. Some overflow parking is available on Centennial Avenue, with additional parking at Hooker Oak Park (map). Follow the paths around the softball fields across Big Chico Creek to Five Mile Recreation Area (approximately 1/3 mile).
Weather
Weather in Chico in early June is usually warm, but still perfect for a day on the trails. The average daytime high is 85 degrees, with no average rainfall. Runners should still be prepared for any conditions, however. The record daytime high is 103 degrees, and the record overnight low is 45 degrees, any of which will make for a much different race.
Travel
Anyone from Ashland, OR to San Francisco, CA is a relatively short drive away from Chico. For those with a longer way to travel, Chico does have a small airport, but you may be better served by flying into Sacramento (SMF) and taking a leisurely drive up Highway 99.
Lodging
More information on lodging deals and discounts coming soon.
Thank you to all our 2016 runners. Stay tuned for more updates on our 2017 event!
Check-in
More information on pre-race packet pickup on Friday will be coming soon.
If you can’t make it on Friday, don’t worry. We’ll do check-in on the morning of the race starting 45 minutes before each event (5:15am for the 50 mile, 6:15am for the marathon and 50k, 7:15 for the half).
Cut-off Times
The Half Marathon, Marathon, and 50k events are not subject to cut-off times. However, for the safety of runners and volunteers, strict cut-off times will be enforced for the 50 Mile event. Any runners not meeting the cut-off times will not be allowed to continue on past the aid station.
Drop Bags & Pacers
Runners in the marathon, 50k, and 50 mile events may elect to have drop bags at the Start/Finish area and the Green Gate Aid Station. Drop bags should be labeled with your name and bib number and be no larger than 12″ x 18″. Runners should not leave any valuables including keys, cell phones, etc. in your drop bag. The race organizers are not responsible for the loss of any drop bags.
All drop bags must be retrieved at the Start/Finish area on the day of the race. Unclaimed drop bags will be donated to charity following the race. We will not mail drop bags after the event.
Pacers are not allowed at the Rim To Rim Trail Run, but family and friends are welcome to run with their runner for the last 1/2 mile. Join your runner at Parking Area B on Wildwood Ave and spur them on to a strong finish!
Crew, Friends, & Family
Bidwell Park is a public space and anyone is welcome to cheer their runners from any spot in the park that their feet can take them. Family and friends wishing to hoot, holler, and clap for their runners without having to run themselves can do so at the Start/Finish at Five Mile Recreation Area, the Bear Hole Aid Station, or the Green Gate Aid Station. Please note that parking at all aid stations is limited. The easiest parking for Five Mile will be at Hooker Oak Park (map). For Bear Hole Aid Station, please park at Bear Hole/Parking Area K. Please help make things as easy as possible for the race organizers and volunteers.
We would like to ask that anyone who is not a crew member refrain from visiting the Green Gate Aid Station. Access to this aid station is right on Highway 32 and a high number of people pulling in and out and trying to park could create an unsafe traffic situation.
Crew access for runners is limited to the Start/Finish at Five Mile, Bear Hole Aid Station, and Green Gate Aid Station. As noted above, parking for Five Mile is available Hooker Oak Park, and for Bear Hole Aid Station at Bear Hole/Parking Area K. Green Gate Aid Station parking is available for crew members. Important: Even though the course is open to the public, runners may not receive aid from crew at any other point on the course. Failure to comply with this requirement could result in disqualification, so make sure all crew members understand this policy.
Crew Driving Directions
Start/Finish at Five Mile to Bear Hole/Parking Area K
Thank you to all our 2015 runners. Stay tuned for updates on our 2016 event!
Gifts & Awards
Awards will be given for top 3 overall men & women at each distance. More information on finisher goodies and the award ceremony will be coming soon.
Festivities
All event finishers will have access to food and drink at the Start/Finish Area. More information on post-race food, drink, and festivities will be coming soon.