Modesto Marathon runners travel from downtown to historic, tree-lined college neighborhoods. After passing the Modesto Junior College west campus, they head into the countryside viewing the beautiful Diablo Mountain Range and passing the San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge. Runners then make their way back toward town, finishing near the …
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Modesto Marathon runners travel from downtown to historic, tree-lined college neighborhoods. After passing the Modesto Junior College west campus, they head into the countryside viewing the beautiful Diablo Mountain Range and passing the San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge. Runners then make their way back toward town, finishing near the start line. The flat, fast course will be open 7 hours, allowing adequate time for first-time marathoners.
Proceeds benefit the Teens Run Modesto program, which challenges area youth, especially those at-risk, to experience the benefits of goal-setting, character development, adult mentoring, and improved physical fitness through a structured training program culminating in the running and completion of the Modesto Marathon.
The Modesto Marathon is put on by the ShadowChase Running Club. ShadowChase Running Club is a non-profit organization that promotes running and fitness related activities in the greater Modesto area.
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Very Good Small Town Marathon
The course is harder than you think as it's slightly uphill on the way back and slightly downhill on the way out. My hamstrings really felt the slow l, gradual … MORE
The course is harder than you think as it’s slightly uphill on the way back and slightly downhill on the way out. My hamstrings really felt the slow l, gradual incline. The crowd support is really phenomenal for a race of this size. The weather is reasonably cool. And the course doesn’t have that many sharp turns. The expo was in a classic car Musuem, which was cool. The t-shirt, medal and water bottle give aways were nice. The registration fee is affordable. Though not a fan of having to pay to drop down in distances, which this race (and a lot of other Northern California races) do(es). Overall, I’d run this again, especially if I could get into shape to run the full.
Flat fast course
The course is flat, fast, well paved roads and contains long stretches of straight roads. Only two noticeable elevation gains are one bridge (come and go), totally manageable. Also like … MORE
The course is flat, fast, well paved roads and contains long stretches of straight roads. Only two noticeable elevation gains are one bridge (come and go), totally manageable.
Also like the size of the match, it is small sized, 2024 there are ~ 800 half marathoners. I ran most of the time with the 1:30 pace cohort of only 6 runners.
In 2024 race, the weather is perfect: <10kmh wind, ~10C weather, overcast.
Most of all, the race is well organized, the t-shirt and the medal are of very high quality (they even include a medal hanger!). After race event / food is good. And photos are free!!!! A big big plus.
I pr’ed this time and I love this race.
Home of American Graffiti
This is a great mostly flat course. One overpass to run over out and then back. Run through some nice neighborhoods out into the beautiful orchards and finish near downtown. … MORE
This is a great mostly flat course. One overpass to run over out and then back. Run through some nice neighborhoods out into the beautiful orchards and finish near downtown. Great swag especially since they paired with the Graffiti part of the city. Boston qualifier for full
BQ course for sure
One of my favorites....flat, fast, scenic and first-timer friendly. Well organized, nice swag, and beautiful medals for all distances. Volunteers galore. What more can you ask for? MORE
One of my favorites….flat, fast, scenic and first-timer friendly. Well organized, nice swag, and beautiful medals for all distances. Volunteers galore. What more can you ask for?
Great Relay with my son!
I participated in the Half Relay with my then, 13 year old. The relay has an easy exchange point and is flat and fast minus "Mt Modesto"-LOL. As long as … MORE
I participated in the Half Relay with my then, 13 year old. The relay has an easy exchange point and is flat and fast minus “Mt Modesto”-LOL. As long as you remember that you must provide your own relay exchange transportation it is super easy! I say that because alot of people stress over relay exchanges–this one was amazingly easy. Have fun!
Awesome beginner race for my first half
This was my first half ever that I completed this year. I signed up to do the full marathon next year. It was convenient for me because I only live … MORE
This was my first half ever that I completed this year. I signed up to do the full marathon next year. It was convenient for me because I only live 20min away but it’s also a Boston qualifier.
bq & pr w/perfect race day conditions!
after the months of hard training & early morning wake up calls, running in the cold, heat, wind, rain, on pavement, on gravel, in mud (when it rained), all of … MORE
after the months of hard training & early morning wake up calls, running in the cold, heat, wind, rain, on pavement, on gravel, in mud (when it rained), all of my efforts paid off in modesto on march 11, 2018.
note that the modesto marathon isn’t just a marathon, it offers several distances, something for everyone:
1. full marathon
2. half marathon
3. half marathon relay
4. 5k
what i liked about this race:
-reasonable race entry fee, i paid $112 (incl. taxes) for the full marathon, and this was just 11 days before race day (late entry fee)
-pre race expo the day before, allowing runners to pick up their bibs, shirts, etc and figure out where to eat pre-race & post-race meals
-weather was perfect, about 43 & foggy at the start, no wind, and somewhere in the mid 50s & sunny when i finished (much warmer for others who finished later)
-dedicated pacers for most boston qualifying times (marathon), and common goal times (half marathon)
-mid-sized event, with ~600 marathoners & ~1200 half marathoners toeing the start line together
-course was pancake flat, with just 1 uphill & downhill ramp (which we had to cross twice, near mile 4 and again at mile 24)
-very accurate distance, according to my garmin, i ran 26.26mi which is pretty much spot on for the official marathon distance
-plenty of aid stations along the way
-friendly volunteers
-quite a few cheer stations, folks dressed up in costume, spectators cheering their loved ones, and even farmers who came out and shook their cow bells at us!
-a bright red, technical fiber short-sleeve t and a black fleece-lined zip hoodie
-the finisher medal was about 5 1/2″ long, which was the largest medal i’d ever received for completing a race!
-for those who bq’d (qualified for boston), we earned a fluorescent yellow tshirt with “I BQ’d at the Modesto Marathon” on the back and a bumper sticker
-since i placed 2nd in my age group, i was also awarded an insulated coffee cup…this was a complete surprise since i never expected to place at a large event!
what i did not like about this race:
-the course was not very scenic, and near the turnaround point (mile 14), it was actually quite boring, just looking at farm after farm
-would have liked more music along the course, especially after the full & half marathon split and the course emptied out a bit…there were a couple of music stations, but not many, and i would only hear the music for 5-10 seconds at a time
-average post-race food spread. i saw only some bars, mini-boxes of raisins, chocolate milk, clementines, and water (which was given out right after the finish arch). would have liked some heavier carbs, especially for the full marathon finishers…maybe bagels and bananas?
-there was electrolyte fluid (powerade/gatorade) available at the medical tent, which was inside and shaded, but i didn’t see any electrolytes at the finisher food area…this would have been helpful especially given the rising temps and hot sun
despite the minor shortcomings, i really enjoyed this event, and it will always hold a special place in my heart and my running career b/c i will remember modesto as the place where i qualified for the boston marathon, also known as the holy grail of marathons, the biggest/grandest of the world major marathons.
if you’re looking for a race to run a personal best or qualify for boston, look no further….sign up for the modesto marathon! 2019 is their 10yr anniversary which is sure to be the best yet!
Open agriculture field to embrace spring
Throughout most of 2017 I was quite bothered by Achilles bursitis and plantar fasciitis. I signed up for Modesto 2017 but had to change to the half marathon one week … MORE
Throughout most of 2017 I was quite bothered by Achilles bursitis and plantar fasciitis. I signed up for Modesto 2017 but had to change to the half marathon one week before the race. It has always been on my mind that I need to complete this race. Finally this year I got to do it but I was not in my best shape in terms of training (still bothered by the bursitis somewhat). But since the temperature on the race day is the right, not too high, and the course is flat so I decided to give it a try. And I am glad that I made the decision.
Definitely not my best performance, as I tried not to re-injure myself. I decided to enjoy the scenery and the cheering crowd. Oh boy I opened my senses and enjoyed the view of the wide open field, quite a contrast to the busy and crowded landscape of the Bay Area where I am from. I also feel the genuine hospitality of the local folks and students working at the aid stations.
I feel the event is very well organized, definitely no complaint. I appreciate the often sight of medical staff who checked back and forth along the course to see if anyone needs help. It gave me great peace of mind as I was not sure whether I would be able to finish the 26 miles when I started.
The trial KT tape given as part of race packet was very helpful. I used it to secure my Achilles tendon area and it worked perfectly.
Will I come back to run again? Definitely. The course, scenery and people that I met have helped my mood quite a bit. It lifted my spirit (yeah I am back in marathon!) . Since the course is flat, I also want to set a PR here one day.
Great production and race!
First time running the Modesto Marathon and my second marathon. I heard good things about the production and swag, so i decided to check it out. Race communication was great. … MORE
First time running the Modesto Marathon and my second marathon. I heard good things about the production and swag, so i decided to check it out.
Race communication was great. The expo and bib/shirt/jacket pick up location and process was very easy. Half marathoners, relay runners, and marathoners received a very nice hooded zip-up jacket. Next year is the 10th anniversary and they are already planning on giving away a duffel bag.
The race itself started at 7am for half, relay, and marathoners. I enjoyed the course. Runners travel from downtown to the historic, tree-lined college neighborhoods. After passing the Modesto Junior College west campus, they head into the countryside viewing the beautiful Diablo Mountain Range and passing the San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge. Runners then make their way back toward town, finishing near the start line. This course is flat except for the overpass that they named Mt. Modesto. that measure 113′ 4″. It was very funny to see the sign. The course is an out and back. Timing mats are at 7 mi, 13.1 mi, 14.1 mi, and 20 mi to keep the cheaters from cutting the course, like that has happened in the past. The 14.1 mat keeps people from doing this. All the orchard trees were in bloom and looked pretty. You are running in the country and there are some country smells. Nothing to keep you from running this race, though There are ample aid stations and the locals had tables set up with bottled water, food bars, and fruit, too.
I set a PR at this race. I finished in 5:53:12 and when I came across the finish line, there were still people there to cheer for me. It was nice. The medal was awesome. It was 5.5″ and weighed 10 oz. They did a super job with it this year.
I will definitely run Modesto again. I would probably do the half, just to try something different, but definitely give the marathon a run, if you’ve never done it before.
Hometown Run, Always Fun
This is my third year running this race with my cousin, and we already signed up for next year, along with my parents up for the 5k. It's always great … MORE
This is my third year running this race with my cousin, and we already signed up for next year, along with my parents up for the 5k. It’s always great coming home from LA and running through downtown and then through the orchards. This year the flowers were in bloom so it was exceptionally beautiful, it looked like snow on the ground. I tried to take it easy since this is the first long run that I’ve done since tearing my calf muscle last year, so I’m glad there were a lot of watering stations and a first aid car driving around, just in case.
Everything always runs smoothly at the expo and the race. The lines for the bathrooms were more efficient this year as well.
There is a mountain in the course that is crossed twice, Mt. Modesto, but it’s a great overpass with a lot of room for the runners.
I also appreciate all of the people cheering and volunteering. They’re all wonderful. Especially the orchestra that always plays every year in the park. Those kids are troopers for playing out in the early morning cold.
Because of this race I was planning to do others around the area, but this is the only one on a Sunday, so it’s the only one I can do. Oh well.
I Love Modesto. ^^
Great flat, fast course; BQ for sure!
Ran this race since 2014 and has never disappointed - BQ’d every year except this year...IT band issue mike 21, and even then was only a few minutes from qualifying. … MORE
Ran this race since 2014 and has never disappointed – BQ’d every year except this year…IT band issue mike 21, and even then was only a few minutes from qualifying.
Went from 2:58 Nov ‘13 to 2:44 in Mar ‘14. Flat course, plenty of aid/water stations throughout. Swag and finisher medals are always great, beer garden is great, community feel for this race is very uplifting and inviting. Will continue to do this race.
Nice flat course and well organized
If you're trying to qualify this would be a good race to train for as a qualifying course. I'll definitely be training for this race in 2019 so hopefully i … MORE
If you’re trying to qualify this would be a good race to train for as a qualifying course. I’ll definitely be training for this race in 2019 so hopefully i win this entry. 🙂
The race with a hometown feel
This race event means so much to me. I remember my first halfarathon was this race back in 2015. I was 182 pounds and remember finishing 3hrs and 9 minutes; … MORE
This race event means so much to me. I remember my first halfarathon was this race back in 2015. I was 182 pounds and remember finishing 3hrs and 9 minutes; averaging a 14:00 min/mi. That was a struggle for me and I remember wondering if I was going to be able to do ish the race. Hearing the crowds cheering you along the corner and pushing you to finish helped me finish my 1st half. I ran it again in 2016 with a time of 2hrs 20 min and 40 pounds lighter. As I registered and trained myself for 2017 to possibly achieve another PR, I was forced to defer my entry to 2018 due to my diagnosis with stage 2B cancer. I was determined in 2018 to continue to move forward and run the whole thing. I did!…and finished with a time of 2hrs 18 minutes. This is the only race that my mother comes to watch and support me as her medical conditions limit her to travel far (she lives in turlock) and I live south of Fresno. This event means so much to me, the hometown feel of everyone there cheering; the packers pushing you all the way to the finish line; the personable and friendly volunteers and directors that work behind the scenes, is why I return year after year!.
Fun, very organized race
This was a very flat course with only one tiny hill ( freeway overpass actually). I was pleasantly suprised with the scenery! This was also one of the most organized … MORE
This was a very flat course with only one tiny hill ( freeway overpass actually). I was pleasantly suprised with the scenery! This was also one of the most organized races I have been to & the volunteers were very helpful.
Thanks to all the Helpers
This is why this is a great race for beginners. It is my 9th Modesto Marathon. I am a turtle runner. Last year, A car stopped in front of me … MORE
This is why this is a great race for beginners. It is my 9th Modesto Marathon. I am a turtle runner. Last year, A car stopped in front of me on a pedestrian crossing when I was on a cross training bike ride Halloween Morning, and I broke my Pelvis and Right arm. So Training was sadly interrupted.
My Orthopedic Dr had given me permission to run as I healed well.
The last 6 miles I started to be Nauseated and found it very hard to continue, Thanks to the volunteers and onlookers, Aid Stations, Apricot Beer at the home made brewery, chairs and encouragement I did get to the finish line. Although 45mins late with 2 people behind me, we were allowed an early start, there were still people to cheer us over the line.
Nice small race to enjoy
Completely flat course. Surrounding is surprisingly clean and neat. People are in general very friendly. Half and full Marathon starts together, making the initial several miles a bit crowded. MORE
Completely flat course.
Surrounding is surprisingly clean and neat.
People are in general very friendly.
Half and full Marathon starts together, making the initial several miles a bit crowded.
Flat and Fast
I loved the swag and Modesto puts its hard work to make this race better each year! It was a wonderful experience for me personally! Can’t wait for next years … MORE
I loved the swag and Modesto puts its hard work to make this race better each year! It was a wonderful experience for me personally! Can’t wait for next years run.
Great race! Will run again next year!
Best place to run to attempt BQ! There’s only one bridge loop at about 4 miles point, other than that it’s about flat. Being flat but not boring. MORE
Best place to run to attempt BQ! There’s only one bridge loop at about 4 miles point, other than that it’s about flat. Being flat but not boring.
flat fast course with great support
flat course starting in the college neighborhood and running through orchards and dairies the on course support is great lots of well stocked aid stations and nice engagement with the … MORE
flat course starting in the college neighborhood and running through orchards and dairies the on course support is great lots of well stocked aid stations and nice engagement with the fans on the course around mile 21 a great group supporter have a beer stop with some great tasting micro brews
I like this race
You can find support all long the race, volunteers and family and friends are the best! The Finish line is very good organized. The last runner receicived a lot of … MORE
You can find support all long the race, volunteers and family and friends are the best! The Finish line is very good organized. The last runner receicived a lot of love and support as the very first one.
Note: Medal: Smaller and delicated one is much better than bigger, just saying
No elevation on the course.
Good for Boston Qualifying.