Course
Runners: learn the course for an optimal race. Spectators: find the best places to enjoy the race.
Race Weekend Overview
Join in the weekend of activities from the Expo to race day. We have all kinds of fun things lined up for the whole family to enjoy.
- Golden Valley Health Centers Fitness Expo with many great vendors offering running apparel and supplies
- CrossPoint Church Kid Zone for the whole family to enjoy
- Free race photos
- Finish medal engraving with your personal race time
- Michelob Ultra Beer Garden (21 and over)
- Barefoot Wine Garden (21 and over)
- Food Truck Alley
- Recovery Lounge Area with a stretching & rolling area and free massages
Start Times
7:00AM – Marathon, Half Marathon & Relay
7:25AM – 5K
7:25AM – 5K Walkers & Kids Under 12
Start and Finish Locations
Certified Boston & New York Qualifier Course
USATF Sanctioned Event
Full:CA13027RS Half:CA13006RS 5K:CA13026RS
Race Photos
Captivating Sports Photo’s will be taking pictures at the event and will also use a back drop at the finish line. All photo’s are free and can be downloaded.
Additional Photos
On top of Captivating Sports’ race photos, our Marathon photographer was taking photos all day. View the photos on our Facebook page.
Race F.A.Q’s
I signed up to run. What do I get?
All participants will receive a short sleeved technical shirt, a cool custom medal & an awesome swag bag filled with tons of goodies.
Full, Half & Relay participants will also receive a custom running jacket.
What do I need to have to pick up my race bib?
You need to have your ID to pick up your race bib.
Will there be race day bib pickup?
Yes, bibs can be picked up starting at 6:00AM on race morning. View map to see where to pick up your bib.
What is the typical temperature on race day?
Race day weather conditions have varied greatly from year to year. Such is the case with most Spring marathons.
For March, the average high in Modesto is 69 degrees. The average low is 46 degrees. Average rainfall is 2.05 inches.
What is the policy on wearing iPods on the course?
We certainly understand your desire to wear an iPod as many ShadowChasers enjoy the same. Choosing to use an audio device will NOT result in disqualification, but you may compromise your safety and that of others by wearing a headset.
In accordance with the guidelines set by USATF and the Road Runner’s Club of America, we recommend that you do not use iPods or other audio devices during the events. If wearing an iPod or other audio device results in you being unable to hear verbal instructions or commands, or approaching vehicles or course marshals on bicycles, you may be asked to relinquish the device.
We ask that you take responsibility and use good judgment if you opt to wear an audio device. Happy running!
Are jogging strollers allowed during the run?
For the 5K, it would probably be OK if you lined up in the back with the jogging stroller. For the half and full marathons, it seems like a long time to have a baby in a stroller, not knowing the weather and such. However, you are the parent and know your child best. If you do choose to push your child in the longer races, we ask that you stay in the back of the pack at the start so you do not interfere with those who are trying to qualify for Boston or going for a personal record.
Do you have to run the entire half marathon or can you walk parts?
The half marathon is completely “walker friendly,” meaning you may walk the entire course if you so choose, as long as you can complete the 13.1 miles in 7 hours or less. In fact, the ShadowChase Running Club sponsors a walking group. The 5K (3.1-mile) course is also walker friendly. We do not recommend walking the entire full marathon course as it may be difficult to complete in 7 hours. One would need to walk at a 16 minutes per mile pace to complete the course in the allotted time. Many runners, however, DO incorporate walking into their runs in both the full and half marathon races. Good luck!
What happens if I try to run/walk the full marathon course and cannot complete it in 7 hours?
Permits require that we reopen streets by stated times, which may make it unsafe for slow runners and walkers. Also, aid stations have been set up with 7-hour maximum staffing expectations, and volunteers may close up stations before stragglers reach them. With that in mind, we will have a “sag wagon” to safely transport those who are lagging behind the cutoff time to complete the generous 7-hour finish.
Where do I put my race bib?
Make sure your race bib is safety-pinned to the FRONT of your shirt or shorts and visible!
Will there be a place for drop bags?
Yes, we will have a drop bag area near the starting line.
Will there be childcare available?
Child care will NOT be available. Please do not leave child unattended! There will be a family play area for children hosted by CrossPoint Church with a bounce house, climbing wall, slide, obstacle course and an art center to make signs for friends and family running the marathon.
Are dogs allowed on the course?
No dogs are allowed on the course unless they are service dogs.
Will there be a photographer on the course?
Yes! There will be professional photographers on the course snapping memories for our runners. Be sure to pick up your FREE photos at the finish line booth or download later online.
Will wheelchair athletes and assisted teams be allowed to compete?
Yes, we will have divisions for wheelchair athletes and assisted teams. They will be starting at 6:55AM.
Race Day F.A.Q’s
What time does the race start?
Race time is 7 a.m. for the full, half and half marathon relay; 6:55 a.m. for wheelchair and assisted teams; 7:20 a.m. for the 5k; 7:25 a.m. for 5K walkers & kids under 12.
Where does the race start?
The start line is located on M Street, between 10th and 11th streets.
Where does the race finish?
The finish line is one block over from the start on N Street. View Finish Line Festival map.
How long is the course open?
The course is open for 7 hours, closing at 2 p.m.
How does the relay work and where is the exchange area?
The first leg is 7 miles and the second leg is 6.1 miles. There is a Relay Exchange tent on North Avenue, just before Finney Road, where relay partner #1 will receive a medal, water and finisher’s food. Relay partner #2 starts from this point and will receive a medal, water and food at the finish line. There are no shuttles. Teams must provide their own transportation. There is ample parking at North & Finney in the Sierra Vista Elementary parking lot.
Download the Relay Exchange Map.
Where can I park?
There are two nearby city parking lots. One is at the corner of 11th & L streets (entrance on L Street) and one at the corner of 11th & K streets (entrance on L Street). Parking is $1 per hour from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and $5 per hour from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. There is also ample nearby street parking near the race start and Expo hall.
Where will the awards ceremony be?
No. After race results are official, awards and prizes will be mailed out to the top 3 overall winners in each race.
Where can age-group winners pick up their awards?
Age-group awards can be picked up at the awards booth at the Finish Line Festival.
I qualified to run the Boston Marathon. Where do I get my shirt or license plate frame?
The free BQ shirts and frames will be at the Awards Booth at the Finish Line Festival.
What drink will be served on the course?
Electrolyte drink (TBD) will be served on the course. Aid stations for the full marathon are located at 1.55 (water only), 3.8, 5.5, 7.6, 8.5, 9.8, 12.1, 14.1, 16.2, 18.4, 20, 20.7, 21.9, 23.8, and 25.2 miles. Half aid stations: 1.55 (water only), 3.8, 5.5, 7.6, 8.8, 10.7, and 12.1 miles.
Will gels be available on the course?
PowerBar gels will be at mile 7.6, 12.1, 16.2, & 20.7 for the full marathon and mile 7.6 for the half marathon.
Where can spectators view their runners?
Every participant will have a map in their swag bag with the race course as well as spectator access points. Some maps will be available at the Expo. Course access map and street time closures are also online at: http://modestomarathon.com/
Are dogs allowed on the course?
No dogs are allowed on the course unless they are service dogs.
Can a family member ride a bike alongside me?
No. Only official vehicles are allowed on the course for runners’ safety, unless pre-approved by race officials.
Where do I get my free photos?
Photographers will be wandering around the start and Finish Line Festival areas, as well as at points along the course and at the finish line. Photos are free courtesy of our photo sponsor, Sutter Health/ Sutter Gould Medical Foundation/ Memorial Medical Center. We encourage you to seek out the photographers for group photos. You may visit the Captivating Sports Photos booth at the Finish Festival to find prints or download them for FREE after the marathon. Please allow 1-2 weeks for photos to be sorted and posted. We will post on social media and the website when photos are done.
What’s at the Finish Line Festival?
There will be free massages courtesy of Massage Envy, food from Save Mart Supermarkets, Gatorade, a Kid Zone courtesy of CrossPoint Church, and a Beer & Wine Garden featuring Michelob Ultra and Barefoot Wine. There will also be food trucks with everything from BBQ to Mexican food to kettle corn for sale.
When is the 2017 Modesto Marathon?
The 2017 Modesto Marathon will be held Sunday, March 19, 2017.
Special Thanks To Our Sponsors
