Lace up those running shoes for the fourth Gateway to Yosemite 5K/10K on September 20, 2026! Fahrens Park offers a spacious area for spectators and amazing some amazing trails through the disc golf course and dog park with the 10K turnaround point at General Vang Pao Park.

This year's funds will go toward a new home for Elroy and his tortoise friends at the Merced Applegate Zoo. Proceeds will support the development of a new tortoise exhibit designed to provide a safe, comfortable, and engaging habitat for the zoo’s tortoises. The improved exhibit will also allow visitors to see and learn about Elroy and his friends throughout the year.

There is an early bib pickup Friday, September 18, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Merced County Office of Education Downtown Center at 501 W. Main Street, Merced. Bib pickup will begin at 6:30 a.m. on Sunday at Fahrens Parks Disc Golf Course.

Finishers in all races receive two custom medals.

Race schedule and other details:

• 7:55 a.m. – Brief remarks and National Anthem

• 8:00 a.m. – Parent and Me 1K in Fahrens Park

• 8:15 a.m. – 5K and 10K race begins

• If you have a stroller, please consider starting toward the back of the group and be mindful of your surroundings on the racecourse

• Please leave the furry friends at home or with a supporter on the sidelines so the racecourse is clear for runners

Participants 13 and younger must be accompanied by an adult on the race course.

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Distances

10K

1000 m