With nearly 100 signups already, registration is still open for the third Gateway to Yosemite 5K/10K on Sept. 21.
The annual event will once again be held at Fahrens Park where both races follow trails through the Disc Golf Course and Merced Dog Park with the 10K turnaround at General Vang Pao Park in Bellevue Ranch. New this year is a children’s 1K fun run around the Disc Golf Course immediately before the 5K/10K.
Register by Sept. 7 to secure your shirt size; shirts are not guaranteed for those who register after this date. All finishers will receive a custom Gateway to Yosemite medal.
Proceeds from this run will be dedicated to inclusive playground amenities at the all-new Aletha June Playground, being constructed at General Vang Pao Park later this year. Children with specific needs often face barriers to play at traditional playgrounds, from the mulch used for surfacing to the narrow planks or stairs used to enter playgrounds. Aletha June Playground will be focused on inclusion to ensure youth of all abilities can access safe spaces to play.
General Vang Pao park will showcase Merced’s first all-inclusive playground and highlight the cultural significance and impact of General Vang Pao and the Hmong Community in Merced. The park will also serve as a trailhead along beautiful Fahrens Creek, offering runners, walkers and bikers the opportunity to enjoy native plants and neighbors in nature while traversing Sunset trail.
The event is hosted by the Merced County Office of Education and City of Merced Parks and Community Services, with sponsorship from the Central Valley Opportunity Fund and Creative West Graphic Solutions.
Celebrate accessibility for all at this year’s Gateway to Yosemite 5K/10K!
Registration is open for all three events online at mcoe.org/run.