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Modesto Marathon
Race Details:
- Location: Modesto, CA, USA
- Race Date: 04/04/2027
- Race Distances: Full Marathon, Half Marathon
What This Race Counts Toward:
Boston: Yes
World Marathon Majors: No
Modesto Marathon Description
The Modesto Marathon takes runners through California’s Central Valley each spring, pairing a flat, fast course with four distance options: full marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K. The route winds from downtown Modesto through tree-lined, historic neighborhoods and past Modesto Junior College before opening into countryside views of the Diablo Mountain Range. It’s earned a reputation as one of the more reliable Boston and New York Marathon qualifiers in Northern California, drawing first-time marathoners and seasoned qualifiers alike. Organized by the nonprofit ShadowChase Running Club, the race also supports Teens Run Modesto, a local youth running program.
Always check the official race website for the most accurate and up-to-date race information and logistics.
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Modesto Marathon Additional Details:
Race weekend begins the day before, with packet pickup and a race expo at the Graffiti USA Classic Car Museum in downtown Modesto. On race morning, the marathon and half marathon start at 7:00 a.m., followed by the 10K and 5K at 7:25 a.m., with the course staying open for seven hours to accommodate first-time finishers. Aid stations are spaced roughly every two miles along the marathon and half marathon routes, stocked with water, sports drink, and medical support. Runners finish downtown to a Finish Line Festival featuring food trucks and a beer garden from Blaker Brewing, with the course closing at 2:00 p.m. For visitors, Modesto sits within easy driving distance of both San Francisco and Sacramento, making race weekend easy to pair with a longer Central Valley trip.
Course Information
Profile: Very Flat
Type: Out and Back
Surface: Road/Pavement
Pace Groups: Yes
Time Limit: Unknown
# of Finishers
Half Marathon: 750+
Marathon: 400+
Elevation Details
Elevation Gain: Unknown
Elevation Loss: Unknown
Average Temperature
- Low: 45°F
- High: 68°F
Train Smarter for Race Day
A great race starts long before the starting line. Whether you’re chasing your first finish or hunting a new PR, a structured training plan takes the guesswork out of race prep — building your fitness, your confidence, and your mileage at the right pace for you.
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Things to Do in Modesto, CA, USA
Make the most of race weekend — here’s how to fill the time before and after you cross the finish line.
Food & Drink
Modesto Certified Farmers Market
Downtown Modesto’s farmers market on 16th Street, running Thursdays and Saturdays from March through November, with 40+ years of fresh produce, baked goods, and local crafts. A relaxed, low-impact stop for race-day fuel or a post-race treat.
Museums & History
McHenry Museum
A free local history museum in downtown Modesto, open Friday through Sunday, tracing the city’s growth from farm town to Central Valley hub. A quiet, low-impact stop while resting your legs pre-race.
Landmark
Knights Ferry Recreation Area
About 30 miles northeast of Modesto: river trails, a historic flour mill, and a visitor center on the area’s Gold Rush history. Note: the landmark covered bridge is currently closed for repairs.
Outdoors & Trails
Dos Rios State Park
California’s newest state park, about 20 miles west of Modesto at the meeting point of the Tuolumne and San Joaquin Rivers. A restored floodplain with easy trails and wildlife viewing if you have an extra day.
Sports & Entertainment
Modesto Roadsters at Modern Woodmen Field
Catch the Modesto Roadsters, the city’s new Pioneer League baseball team, at Modern Woodmen Field downtown. About as low-impact as race weekend gets — sit back, watch a game, and stay off your feet.
Outdoors & Trails
Tuolumne River Regional Park
Riverfront trails and green space along the Tuolumne River in Modesto — a scenic, flat walk for cooling down after you cross the finish line.
Zoos, Aquariums & Gardens
Micke Grove Zoo
About 30 miles north in Lodi: a small zoo with native and exotic species, including several endangered animals. Open Wednesday through Sunday — a good half-day, low-impact option if you’re bringing family along for race weekend.
Arts & Culture
Gallo Center for the Arts
Downtown Modesto’s performing arts venue, hosting live theater, concerts, and touring shows year-round. An easy, low-impact evening out the night before your race, with minimal walking required.
Shopping
Downtown Modesto
Modesto’s walkable one-square-mile downtown district — boutiques, galleries, and the historic State Theatre packed into blocks easy to stroll without much time on your feet.
Hotels & Lodging Near the Modesto Marathon
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