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News

Endurance Challenge Prep Runs Are Back!



CRC has started our Fall Classic Endurance Challenge training group runs.
When: Saturday Mornings at 7:30am
Where: We will set off from Five Mile Recreation Area in Bidwell Park in Chico. We’ll gather at the Chico Canyon Trailhead on Centennial Drive (map) for a loop of the Annie B trail, Yahi Trail and Upper Park Road.

5 Week Prep Schedule:
Saturday September 13th
Saturday September 20th
Saturday September 27th
Saturday October 4th
Saturday October 11th

Sunday October 19th: Fleet Feet Fall Classic
Half Marathon & 4mi x 8hr Endurance Challenge (Register) 

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2025 Run Strong Scholarships


Pictured Above: Striders Danny Dimeo with Run Strong Scholarship Recipients Holly Alchin and Grady Denman

On Saturday July 26th Chico Striders, Chico Running Club, and our wonderfully enthusiastic running community came together to celebrate the next generation of runners—those amazing student athletes who still have functioning knees. We were proud to be part of awarding $5,000 in scholarships to local youth runners—made possible through the generosity of the Striders and with support from longtime community partners, including CRC.
For 50 years, Chico Running Club has championed running—not just as a sport, but as a lifestyle. From cheering at finish lines to lacing up with friends at dawn, CRC has been here promoting health, grit, and joyful suffering in the name of cardio. And yes, we’ve also been proud to support youth runners with scholarships across those decades.
And here’s the truth: it’s easy to support athletes when they’re already pros—when the medals are won, the headlines are written, and everyone’s trying to get in the photo. But the time to support them is now—when they need the belief, the encouragement, and yes, the funding to keep chasing their dreams.
Because this is when it matters most. So they can go on to do great things, keep Chico on the running map, and someday, come back to keep that legacy going.
That’s why we’re here today. And we’re proud to keep showing up.
This isn’t just a scholarship check and a handshake. It’s a whole extended community turning out to say, “We believe in you.” From seasoned marathoners to early-morning joggers and folks who just come for the coffee and cowbells, this is what showing up for the next generation looks like.

To the young runners honored today: You’ve already inspired us. Keep going. Keep grinding. We’ll be at the finish line—and every water station along the way— cheering you on. And to everyone who’s donated, volunteered, or shouted encouragement from a folding chair on the sidelines: this is your win too.

Go get ’em!

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Don’t Miss Our Free One Mile Race August 9th

Are you ready to experience the smooth perfection of the new Petersen Memorial Drive! Join Chico Running Club as we break in the new road with The Perfect Pavement Mile, a free race on August 9th. Register on RunSignUp

When: Saturday August 9th, 2025 at 7:30am

Where: Bidwell Park- One Mile Sycamore Pool on the Vallombrosa Avenue Side. (Google Map)

What: Free timed one mile race on the new black top of the North Park drive. Bibs will be assigned and the CRC race clock will out!

Food: Refreshments to follow the race.

Donations: The race is free and everyone is welcome! Donations to CRC are much appreciated! Help support our local community non-profit as we celebrate our 50th year! You can donate using RunSignUp.

Course: Will be a one half mile out and back from the gate at One Mile on Petersen Memorial Drive (Strava Course Map)

Register on RunSignUp

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News

2025 Run Like a Hero: 4th of July 5k Results

Thank You Chico!
We are so humbled by your support for this year’s race. This race was a fundraiser for Chico Striders Run Strong scholarship fund and a partnership between Chico Striders and Chico Running Club. We surpassed our goals for funding this year’s scholarship awards with this outstanding turnout, your donations and support! Our running community is one of the best in the North State! Thanks for spending a little bit of your Independence Day morning with us.

2025 CRC Run Like a Hero- 4th of July 5k Results (PDF)
2025 RunSignUp Results

Videos and Race Photos: Check out all the cool media from this year’s race.
– Action News Now: Race recap
– A great Facebook video by local Douglas Keister
– Facebook Photos on the Strider’s page
– Danny with more about Chico Striders Scholarship Program

Shout out to this year’s scholarship sponsors: Chico Striders, Chico Running Club, Fleet Feet, and The Original A Team.


Pictured above – A first place tie between three Butte College teammates!
Great running everyone!

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New 4th of July 5k Course

We have a new course for the 4th of July 5k. Due to the repaving work on Petersen Memorial Way the new course will feature a loop at Cedar Grove and finish back at Sycamore field.
A water station and course monitors will be set-up at the turn for the Cedar Grove loop.

Revised 5k Course
Start Line: South Park Drive near Sycamore Field
1st Leg: Up South Park Drive to Cedar Grove
Cedar Grove Loop: 1/3 of a mile on dirt through Cedar Grove
2nd Leg: Back down South Park Drive, splitting off after the underpass at the pathway to the North of Caper Acres
Finish: Back at Sycamore field

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News

Cedar Grove Scamper Results 5-17-25

We’re so grateful for all the runners who came out on Saturday to The Cedar Grove Scamper.
This was our first race in a while and we’re so pleased with the participation, energy, and support of everyone this year.

You can view the results of this year’s race on RunSignUp or in the tables below.

 

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Run Like a Hero: Independence Day 5k

Join us for a 4th of July celebration, the Run Like a Hero 5k presented by Chico Striders and Chico Running Club. Race proceeds benefit Chico Striders Run Strong Scholarship presented to graduating high school senior athletes. Our theme this year is Run Like a Hero- wear your favorite hero costume or best Independence Day attire!
Register Here on RunSignUp

Date: Friday July 4th, 2025 @ 8am
Location: Sycamore Field, Bidwell Park – (Google Map)
Parking: At One Mile Sycamore Pool, CARD HQ on Vallombrosa Ave or Woodland Ave

Course: The race will use a modified 5k course due to Petersen Memorial Drive repaving work.
Revised 5k Course
Start Line: South Park Drive near Sycamore Field
1st Leg: Up South Park Drive to Cedar Grove
Cedar Grove Loop: 1/3 of a mile on dirt through Cedar Grove
2nd Leg: Back down South Park Drive, splitting off after the underpass at the pathway to the North of Caper Acres
Finish: Back at Sycamore field (Course Map)

Bibs and Timing: Bibs will be given to all race entrants. Packet pick-up will be at Fleet Feet prior to race day. Bib pick-up can also be done the day of the race at Sycamore Field, starting at 7:00am. Timing will be performed by Chico Running Club.

Giveaways: Registrants will receive a custom race hero cape, so you can run like a hero!

Discounted Registration: Chico Striders and Chico Running Club Members receive $10 off race registration, select the Striders/CRC option. Please do not register for the discounted race fee if you are not a member.

Refreshments: Drinks and snacks will be provided after the race. Please stay after completing the race to cheer on other participants as they cross the finish.

Volunteers: Not ready to participate? Volunteers are needed and welcome for this race. Please click on the volunteer tab in the RunSignUp menu to sign up.

Sponsors: Would you like to sponsor this event? We have Cape Giveaway, Refreshment, and Event Sponsor tiers. Email us for more info.

Race Insurance: Is provided by a RunSignUp partner. Chico Running Club does not provide or administer race insurance should participants elect to purchase it.
Register Here on RunSignUp

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News

Building a Shoe Rotation

By Mike O’Connell, CRC Vice President

My daughter makes fun of me, “What, another pair of shoes dad?” Yes, I have caught the shoe bug, but as I log more miles I seem to burn through pairs with increasing speed. I have a bad habit of browsing my favorite websites for the latest deals and shoe clearance items. For my latest purchase, I got sucked into the hype, I bought the Asics Superblast 2. I am training for my first marathon this fall and figure the new shoes will serve me well in the training block leading up to the race. Here is my current shoe rotation:

– Asics Superblast 2: My newest pair, this super trainer is supposed to handle it all, from speedwork to long runs. So far I like it, but they do seem a bit on the firm side. I hope they continue to improve as they break in.
– Saucony Endorphin Speed 3: A generation old now, I picked up the Speed 3 on a good clearance and it has been my up tempo training and race day shoe, helping me on a streak of half marathon PRs. I appreciate the more pronounced rocker in this shoe and the light overall weight. These Sauconys feature a nylon plate, which is less aggressive than a full carbon plate, but still gives that extra pop.
– Hoka Speedgoat 5: My newest trail shoes, these Goats are nice and cushioned, have aggressive Vibram tread and great color options. Plus they were just on great clearance recently if you can still find a pair.
– Asics Novablast 4: The baby brother to the Superblast, these Asics are a great daily trainer, more affordable and less aggressive than their cousin.
– Altra Timp 5: Another trail shoe here, I wore these in training and for the Double Dipsea race last year. They are a solid shoe, not quite my favorite.
– Hoka Mach 5: The older generation of the Mach, these were my first Hoka pair and found them super comfortable and great for everything from faster short runs to longer efforts. Durability was a little less than I hoped for however with an all foam sole.

Ok, so that is a lot of shoes, some of which are nearing retirement at 400-500 miles. Do you absolutely need that many shoes or a shoe rotation? Not really, a great all round daily trainer will serve you well and then you can always add trail shoes or more aggressive race shoes if desired. A couple of pairs are nice to rotate and can help increase longevity by giving the foam and shoes a chance to rest between workouts.

Learn more:
– Run Repeat: Online tester, they cut shoes in half and perform lots of technical testing.
– Ben Parkes: More on YouTuber Ben Parkes below, he has some good shoe reviews of many of the most popular styles.
– Kofuzi: Another YouTuber, lots of interesting reviews and comparisons here too.


Video of the Month
Speaking of shoe rotations, this month’s video from is from Ben Parkes giving his tips on the perfect shoe rotation.
Ben does some cool unbiased reviews on shoes he purchases with his own money.

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CRC Tuesday Pub Runs- Spring Kick-off!!


Join us at Allies Pub this coming Tuesday March 18th for the kickoff our popular pub run series for 2025. Allies has a beautiful patio, tasty food, non-alcoholic drinks, and their own traditional style craft beers. We meet the first and third Tuesday of the month at 6pm downtown, then do a 5k or 5 mile loop into the park, returning for refreshments and food afterwards. Cheers!
Visit the Group Runs Page for more information

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Upcoming Race- The Cedar Grove Scamper 5-17-25

Join us for our spring 4 mile race- The Cedar Grove Scamper

 

Join us for Chico Running Club’s Spring 4 Miler, the Cedar Grove Scamper. This year’s four mile race brings a twist on some of our past events with an Open Division (all ages) and a Master’s Division (age 40+). Race proceeds benefit Chico Running Club, celebrating our 50th year in 2025. Our programs include our scholarship fund and our non-profit mission to support running events and local runners in Chico and the North State.
Register here on RunSignUp

Date: Saturday May 17, 2025 @ 8am
Location: Cedar Grove Picnic Area in Bidwell Park, Chico – (Google Map)
Parking: At the Cedar Grove dirt lot, or overflow on East 8th Street

Course: A beautiful 4 mile loop through lower Bidwell park, the course starts and ends at Cedar Grove picnic area. Surfaces are pavement and dirt trail. The course begins at South Park Drive and quickly crosses the Forest Avenue bridge to the North side of Big Chico Creek. From there it runs up Peterson Memorial drive then doubles back on the Vallombrosa dirt trail. It proceeds until turning back on South Park Drive after the Highway 99 over-crossing to return to Cedar Grove. (Course Map) 


Divisions: There are two race divisions- enter either the Open Division (all ages) or the Master’s Division (ages 40+). Prizes will be given to the top finishers in each division.

Bibs and Timing: Bibs will be given to all race entrants. Bib pick-up will be day of the race only, starting at 7am. Timing will be performed by Chico Running Club.

Aid Stations: No aid stations on the course will be available for the race. Please carry any water or food needed during the race. Water and snacks are available at the finish, park bathrooms are available at Cedar Grove.

Give Aways: The deadline for T-Shirt orders was 4/27. The base registration fee does not include a shirt (additional $15).

Discounted Registration: To celebrate our 50th anniversary Chico Running Club Members receive 50% off race registration. You can join the club at our website. Please don’t select member registration unless you are signed up as a member.

Refreshments: Drinks and snacks will be provided after the race. Please stay after completing the race to cheer on other participants as they cross the finish.

Volunteers: Not ready to participate? Volunteers are needed and welcome for this race. Please click on the volunteer tab in the RunSignUp menu to sign up.

Sponsors: Would you like to sponsor this event? We have T-Shirt, Refreshment, and Event Sponsor tiers.

Race Insurance: Is provided by a RunSignUp partner. Chico Running Club does not provide or administer race insurance should participants elect to purchase it. 
Register here on RunSignUp

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