Shown are volunteers ahead of the 34th annual Smokey Bear Run including representatives from CAL FIRE, Madera County Sheriff’s Office, United States Forest Service Citizens on Patrol and Smokey Bear, himself.
It’s time once again to grab your running shoes and buddies to join in the fun as the 39th annual Smokey Bear Run/Walk returns to Bass Lake on Saturday, Sept. 19.
The event raises funds that directly benefit the community. This year’s recipients are CAL FIRE and USFS Fire Prevention Programs and the Madera County Sheriff’s Office volunteer programs.
Everyone is invited to celebrate with opportunities appropriate for all ages and skill sets including a 10K run, a two-mile run/walk, an eighth-mile Kids’ Race (ages 2-4 with parents allowed), a quarter-mile Kids’ Race (ages 5-8) and a half-mile Kids’ Race (ages 9-12).
And there’s a Smokey Bear Virtual Race if you can’t be there in person.
Festivities are traditionally kicked off with the special event known as Clancy’s Run.
Clancy’s Run is an accessible special event/wheelchair race named in honor of long-time Smokey Bear participant Clancy Shea-Schweikert. He was born in 2002 and diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 18 months. Clancy passed away in 2014 and is remembered for his charm and zest at every Smokey Bear run since.
The start and finish line is at Recreation Point on the south shore of Bass Lake and the race course is on pavement with a hilly out and back.
The first Smokey Bear Run was held on May 17, 1986, at the Pines Resort in Bass Lake.
The original organizers were four U.S. Forest Service employees:
Brian Curtis, Craig Pinkerton, Danny Jones and Patrick Lyng. The race was to promote fire safety and awareness with the help of Smokey Bear.
The Sierra Track Club was formed to coordinate the event and all proceeds at the time went back into the race, directed by Ken Takeuchi of ProRace Group in Fresno. Takeuchi continued to direct the race until his passing in 2019.
Organizers today continue to partner with USFS and CAL FIRE, along with the California Highway Patrol, California Land Management, Madera County Sheriff’s Office and their Citizens on Patrol.
Organizers say to come early for the Smokey Bear Run/Walk event as Road 222 along the lake toward The Forks Resort and Miller’s Landing will be closed for about three hours starting at 7:15 a.m.
For anyone who must leave early, they suggest parking on the north end of Bass Lake, as this will allow for a means to exit prior to the road reopening.
Smokey Bear plans to share the spotlight on Sept. 19 with hundreds of happy participants and, the organizing committee said, he is hoping you will join him.
Pre-registration is through Sept. 18.
Races will take place at Recreation Point at Bass Lake Location located at 39900 Road 222.
For more information and registration forms, visit www.smokeybearrun.com
Forms may be completed online or on race day from 7:15-7:35 a.m.
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