16 Years of Running. One Classic Tradition!

Some races are about the miles. Others become part of the community.

Welcome to the 16th Annual Classic Half Marathon. . . a signature Fresno running experience that brings together runners, families, and the Central Valley running community for a race day unlike any other.

Choose your distance: Half Marathon, 10K, or 5K Run/Walk.

The Half Marathon and 10K take you through the incredible animal habitats of Fresno Chaffee Zoo, including Sea Lion Cove, African Adventure, and the New Kingdom of Asia. Then, bring it home with a grand finish at Chukchansi Park. The 5K Run/Walk takes you through the heart of iconic Downtown Fresno, finishing in grand style at Chukchansi Park.

From the first step to the final stretch, this is where the miles meet the memories.

One community. Three distances. One unforgettable CLASSIC!

THE CLASSIC EXPERIENCE

A race worth showing up for. . . and a finish line worth celebrating.

• Run through Fresno Chaffee Zoo on the Half Marathon and 10K courses
• Finish at Chukchansi Park in grand style
• Celebrate your finish with a post-race breakfast, a hot fudge sundae, refreshing iced coffee, and a celebratory beer (21+)!
• Enjoy DJ beats and a lively, iconic stadium atmosphere
• Connect with local vendors and running clubs (Interested in connecting and sponsoring? Email us!)
• Take home your Classic finisher medallion, event shirt, and Alligator collector pin

From first strides to finish-line goals, The Classic brings every pace, every purpose, and every kind of runner together for one unforgettable race day.

CHOOSE YOUR CLASSIC

HALF MARATHON | 13.1 MILES

The signature challenge.

Take on 13.1 miles, experience the zoo, and finish at Chukchansi Park. Half Marathon participants can take advantage of pace leaders and compete for overall cash awards.

A 20-point race in the CLASSIC Runner of the Year Series.

10K ZOO RUN | 6.2 MILES

A one-of-a-kind course with a wild beginning.

Start at Fresno Chaffee Zoo and run through incredible animal habitats before winding through Downtown Fresno to your finish at Chukchansi Park.

Includes bus transportation from Chukchansi Park to the zoo start line.

TRANSPORTATION:

• 10K runners will be bused from Chukchansi Park to Fresno Chaffee Zoo
• The 10K and Half Marathon will start at the same time, finishing together at Chukchansi Park

5K RUN/WALK | 3.1 MILES

Your Classic, your pace.

Join the celebration with a shorter distance that's perfect for runners, walkers, friends, and families. The 5K does not go through the zoo, but participants still receive the full set of race amenities.

YOUR RACE AMENITIES

The finish line is just the beginning.

All Half Marathon, 10K, and 5K participants receive:

• Chip timing
• Classic finisher medallion
• Gender-specific tech shirt
• Post-race breakfast
• Free photo downloads
• Text message results
• Participant tracking
• Collector pin
• Hot fudge sundae
• Beer garden access for participants 21+

Half Marathon Exclusives

• Overall cash awards
• Pace leaders

Come for the challenge. Stay for the celebration!

Although the 5K course does not run through the zoo, all participants receive the full set of amenities.

THE 10K ZOO RUN: A WILD START

The 10K offers a race experience you won't find on an ordinary city course.

Begin near Fresno Chaffee Zoo and make your way through Sea Lion Cove, African Adventure, and the New Kingdom of Asia. Then head into Downtown Fresno and finish alongside your fellow runners at Chukchansi Park.

10K Transportation & Start Details

• Buses depart from Chukchansi Park for the zoo start line beginning at 6:00 AM.
• The last bus departs at 6:45 AM.
• The 10K starts at 7:00 AM at Fresno Chaffee Zoo.
• There is no packet pickup at the zoo!

Important 10K Participant Note 

There will be no packet pickup at the zoo.

• If you need to pick up your packet on race morning, you must do so at Chukchansi Park
• After packet pickup, you will board the bus to the 10K start at Fresno Chaffee Zoo

Please plan accordingly to ensure a smooth race‑day experience.