38th Annual Almond Bowl

November 4, 2012

BENEFITS STUDENT ATHLETES

A substantial portion of the race entry fees go to the local high school running programs. When you participate in the Almond Bowl, you are supporting local student athletes.

NEW INFORMATION FOR 2012

The Almond Bowl is part of:

The Chico Running Club is excited to announce the addition of a half marathon relay to the existing 5K marathon and half marathon,at the Almond Bowl.
We will no longer host the 10K race.

A 2-Person Half Marathon Relay has been added to the Almond Bowl lineup!  Click here for important information regarding the relay.

START TIMES

5K run/walk: 8:00 a.m.
Marathon & Half Marathon: 8:10 a.m.

REGISTRATION

Registration for this year's Almond Bowl is available through our the Chico Running Club's online registration or you may register at Active.com.
-Note that Active.com charges a processing fee in addition to the basic entry fee, however online registration with Chico Running Club is free of any additional charges.

Online registration closes Wednesday, October 31 at 11:59 p.m. Registration is only available online. Need to Register by October 20 to guarantee yourself a shirt.
A limited number of shirts will be available as supplies last to those who register in person at Fleet Feet after October 20.

There is no race day registration. The last day to register is Saturday, November 3, at Fleet Feet Chico, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

ENTRY FEES

Pre-registered by September 30:
Marathon: $80
Half Marathon: $45
Half Marathon Relay: $60
5K: $35
Children 13 & Under: $15 for each distance

Register During the month of October:
Marathon: $85
Half Marathon: $50
Half Marathon Relay: $65
5K: $40
Children 13 & Under: $15 for each distance

Register November 1st to November 3:
Marathon: $95
Half Marathon: $60
Half Marathon Relay: $75
5K: $50
Children 13 & Under: $15 for each distance

CRC and SWEAT members receive a $5 discount.

CRC members must be active for the 2012-2013 season to receive the discount.

Need to Register by October 20nd to guarantee yourself a shirt. A limited number of shirts will be available as supplies last to those who register in person at Fleet Feet after October 22nd.

Entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.

If you need to start or renew a CRC membership, please fill out and send in this form.

Event t-shirts guaranteed only to those who register by October 20. A limited number of shirts will be available as supplies last to those who register in person at Fleet Feet after October 20.

COURSE CERTIFICATION AND MAPS

5K: Flat, fast loop through beautiful lower Bidwell Park. Course is free of traffic.

Half Marathon & Marathon: The course begins on south park drive and heads towards Manzanita Avenue. Runners will go UNDER Manzanita (there is a new path that goes under the road along the creek) and come out on the other side going toward 5-Mile. They will follow the green path (it is parallel to Centennial Avenue) to the levee where they will turn left and continue on the levee until it comes out at Wildwood Rd. At Wildwood Rd. runners will turn right and stay on the road (which turns into Upper Park Rd.) all the way back to Day Camp (approximately - we are still fine tuning!). Day Camp is the turn around point. Runners will head back exactly the same way they came until they get back to lower park. When runners go back under Manzanita (headed to lower park) they will turn right at the pedestrian bridge and then turn left onto North Park Drive (North Park Drive is parallel to Vallombrosa) and continue toward the pool at 1-mile. Runners will then continue on Vallombrosa Way and go behind the CARD building and then out around onto Mangrove (they will follow the sidewalk) back into lower park. If you are doing the marathon you will do the loop two times. If you are doing the half marathon you will only do one loop.

Half Marathon RelayThe first leg will be approximately 7 miles, the second a little over 6 miles. Each runner will receive a long sleeve technical shirt and finisher’s medal. Relay teams are responsible for:

• Arriving on time to the transition area. We recommend that the second runner be at the transition area by 8 a.m.
• Transportation to and from the transition area
• The second runner will wear the timing chip, both runners wear a bib number

Relay transition area will be at the Chico Rod and Gun Club parking lot in Upper Bidwell Park after the turn around. This is a site of an aid station so volunteers will be present.

Click here for 5K and Half and Full Marathon course maps.

PACKET PICKUP

Avoid race day crowds by visiting Fleet Feet on Friday November 2 & Saturday, November 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Fleet Feet Chico is located at 241 Main Street, between 2nd and 3rd Streets in Downtown Chico. You can pick up your race number, goody bag, and t-shirt (if pre-registered or if supply is still available). November 5th is the last opportunity to register for the race.

Or wait until race day, November 4th, at Bidwell Park.
Packets available prior to race between 6:30 and 7:45 a.m. You must be registered to pick up your packet as there is no race-day registration.

DIRECTIONS AND PARKING

To the course:
Enter Chico via Highway 99 either from the north or from the south. If you are coming from the north on 99, take the Highway 32 offramp and turn right at the first intersection. If you are coming from the south on 99, take the 32 offramp and turn left at the second intersection. Now you're heading west on 32 (East 8th St). From here,

• Take 8th St just under a half-mile, then turn right on Sycamore St.
• Sycamore St runs a few blocks into Woodland Ave, which runs parallel to the park. The park itself will be closed to vehicle traffic on race day, so find a parking spot on or near Woodland Ave. Please be courteous and park legally. Do not park in a way that blocks local residents' entry to or exit from their homes.
• There are several entrances to the One Mile Recreation Area from Woodland Ave. For race-day packet pickup, look for the sign marked Pre-Registered. If you need to check clothing prior to your race, look for the Sweat Check. For any other assistance, make your way to the Information booth.

Here's a map.

To Chico Rod & Gun Club:
Chico Rod & Gun Club indoor range is located in Upper Bidwell Park between Horseshoe Lake & Bidwell Golf Course. Take East Ave to Manzanita Ave and turn into upper Bidwell Park on Wildwood Ave (at the roundabout by the firehouse #5), turn right on Upper Park Rd. the range is on the left side (big brown building with green roof). Follow this link for a map.

To Fleet Feet packet pickup:
As above, from Highway 99 head west on Highway 32 (East 8th St). From here,

• Take 8th St about a mile then turn right on Main St.
• Drive north on Main St. Fleet Feet is located between 2nd and 3rd Streets. Fleet Feet's phone number is 530 345-1000.

Here's a map.