Mountain Family Circle puts on the best race in Northern California. There is a Marathon, Half Marathon and 10k distance available for all ages. There is no time limit for any of the races. The Marathon is a Boston Qualifier race. The overall number of participants for all 3 races is kept to a much smaller field than you will see elsewhere. Dogs are allowed to participate in any of the 3 distances along with their human counterparts. This race is a community event and it shows. The aid stations along the course are themed and staffed by fantastic volunteers that cheer for all the runners. The course is picturesque and mostly flat. My dog and I have run the Half Marathon the last 2 years and intend to keep coming back year after year in support of such a great cause. read more

Mountain Circle Family Services puts on an amazing fundraiser with their annual Running with the Bears Races. I've participated as a racer in both the marathon and half-marathon distances. The race course is picturesque and the support is unmatched by any other race I've done. Water stops hosted by community groups and a hoedown like no other add to the many other reasons why this is an amazing race and event. When you run this race, you become a part of something larger. A family of individuals sprinkled across the globe. You will get support well before you show up to pick-up your packet. Although this is a small town race, the various course options ensure there is something for everyone and racers of ALL calibers. Those who are looking for a challenge will definitely find one here if they go looking. Did I mention this is a Boston qualifier? If you are thinking about running a race, think no more, do this one. But hurry up and get your registration in. They tend to book up fast. read more

Running with the Bears - Races & Competitions Near Me - Chico, California

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Fun race for the most part but very disappointing and nearly dangerous lack of support at crucial times. When I was told "we're here until the last runner crosses the finish line" I foolishly assumed that meant food, snacks, and a photo at the finish. This was not the case. Even before 6 hours, a standard cutoff for other races, the snacks and photos were gone. There are volunteers there to cheer but that doesn't make up for a lack of support or clarity. I wasn't the last finisher but I was much slower than my usual pace because I was doing the event pregnant. My midwife cleared me (it was my 11th marathon and I was monitoring myself well) and the event staff knew I was pregnant. After talking to one of the race leadership folks I felt confident I'd have food and a photo of my finish. Not so! Had I known, I would have stashed more snacks from the last aid station. More importantly, my partner ran a different distance and at one point when he was alone on the road a car full of men shouting scary racist phrases began to harass him. He was an adult male with an 85lb dog at his side, I cannot imagine how scary this would be or how it could escalate if someone were a woman of color on one of the long lonelier stretches of the marathon. This was not the race staff and there was a bike on the road checking in with runners but this is the back country and there are plenty of times one is alone in the wilderness. I was broken hearted that my partner faced racist verbal abuse out on his run and that the finish line support left before 6 hours. Given the shuttle situation it took me a long time to get some much needed protein in my body post race. I will not be returning to run with the bears and will instead have my happy, healthy baby cheer me on at other locations that are safe and welcoming for people of color and runners at the back of the pack. read more

I was surprised in the value of the race. The venue was clearly thought out. The funds for the kids and the community coming together to provide this race was exceptional . The race is open long enough that a first time marathoner can reach their goal with full support . read more

Awesome for the community, foster families, and a lot of fun.