Running With The Bears™ Begins New Chapter in Chico in 2022

April 20, 2021

Boston Qualifying event with a flat fun course, Annual Fundraiser for Region’s Foster Children and Youth

Chico, CA – April 20, 2021 – Running with the Bears™ announces the 10th anniversary 2.0 and it’s official move to Chico, California. Runners re-launch on March 12, 2022!  The long-standing Boston qualifier will offer a full marathon and half marathon. Both distances feature a scenic route through Chico’s famous almond orchards, blanketed by spring blossoms and an energizing atmosphere.

“This event will have the same family feel of the last ten years. I am so excited to see what Chico and Patrick Ranch have to offer our runners.  It is so important to grow so we can help more foster youth, ” said Dr. Shauna Rossington, DBA, LMFT, Executive Director, Sierra Nevada Connections.

This month, Running with the Bears™ event organizers, Sierra Nevada Connections, decided to move the Greenville, California event to Chico, CA to March, 2022, offering runners an early season marathon and half marathon. The start/finish line will be at a historic Chico landmark, Patrick Ranch Museum and will showcase Durham, Chico and Butte County, its active running community and vibrant cultural city center.

“It has been my pleasure to get to know Sierra Nevada Connections, and I am beyond excited to welcome all Running with the Bears athletes and volunteers to Chico/Butte County.  I look forward to welcoming this annual event to the City of Chico and helping to make it an amazing success while supporting foster youth in our community.” — Kasey Reynolds, Vice Mayor, City of Chico.

Organizers are anticipating keen interest in the event as it will be one of the first qualifying marathons for Boston 2023 and what could be one of the faster courses.

“California spring time provides cool weather and ideal running conditions.We anticipate this to be a fast route, it is 90 percent flat with only one slight incline, but worth the view at the top. This course will be spectator friendly, super fun and yet forgiving with lots of volunteer support. It’s an ideal event for your first marathon or to go for your PR,” said Joe Coddington, Event Director.

The event is the largest fundraiser for Sierra Nevada Connections, a non-profit organization helping foster children, youth and families across California and Nevada. With more than 65,000 children and youth currently in foster care in California alone the funds raised from this event greatly support the programs Sierra Nevada Connections provide to this critical population.

“It’s more than just a marathon,” added Coddington. “This is about creating connections in the community, mentoring foster youth and establishing opportunities for families to grow”.

The event traditions of the last 10 years will remain including the aid station competition, post-race party with live entertainment, delicious local flavors, great local and regional craft beer. Also featured will be an educational expo featuring regional businesses and a host of other unique suppliers and brands.

“I’m excited to welcome runners from all over the world to Butte County for the Running with the BearsBoston Marathon qualifying event. Starting at the historic Patrick Ranch and winding through the beautiful orchards of our community this race will be an excellent opportunity to highlight the natural beauty and hospitality of the place we call home. More and more event planners are recognizing that Butte County is a prime venue for cycling, running, and other large-scale sporting events. I look forward to joining you on March 12, 2022.”  — Supervisor Tod Kimmelshue, Butte County Supervisor

The event will again offer a VIP Charity Runner category to encourage runners to become involved in the support of foster children and youth in a bigger way. These elite runners go the extra mile by raising additional funds to support leadership programs, such as Powderquest. Charity Runners will be specifically recognized, have exclusive VIP access, as well as other bonus perks to be announced.

Running with the Bears™ was run virtually in 2020 due to COVID-19, rather than hosting another virtual event in 2021, the focus has been shifted to  the 10th anniversary 2.0 re-launch on March 12, 2022.

Some Information on Chico

Chico, a university town, historic community and craft beer pioneer, is Butte County’s largest city. One of California’s most distinctive small cities, Chico blends the energy of a contemporary college town and a long history as a hub for the surrounding farming communities of Butte County.

About Sierra Nevada Connections

Sierra Nevada Connections is a non-profit community-based organization with a mission statement of being committed to ensuring stability and life-sustaining changes for foster and adoptive children. Since 1986, Sierra Nevada Connections has been providing quality and innovative family placements by matching a child to a home; regardless of ethnicity, age, special needs or unique circumstances. SNC is passionate about finding loving foster and adoptive homes where children can grow, flourish, and reach their highest potential. Sierra Nevada Connections is proud to showcase two annual fundraising favorites – Running with theBears™ and the Bear Growl Gravel Grinder. With offices in Chico and Reno, Sierra Nevada Connections services families and children throughout California and Nevada. For More Information or to donate, visit www.SierraNC.org

Sponsorship Inquiries for Running with the Bears™
Joe Coddington, Event Coordinator jcoddington@sierranc.org

Media Inquiries for Running with the Bears™

RESONATE PR
Pam Devaney | 760.846.4640 | pam@resonatepr.com
Kelly Reed |   303.859.4981  |  kelly@resonatepr.com