The Two Cities Marathon & Half, now celebrating its 17th year, will return to the Fresno-Clovis area on Sunday offering runners a scenic route through the heart of California’s Central Valley.

Presented by CalViva Health, the event features multiple race distances — including a full marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, and virtual run — with all courses beginning along the border of Fresno and Clovis.

Organizers promise a “world-class race experience” complete with technical shirts, hoodies, a hot post-race breakfast, a lively fitness expo, and a finish line celebration featuring live music and free beer for finishers.

The full marathon is USATF-certified and serves as a Boston Marathon qualifier.

Race start times are set for 6:30 a.m. for the full marathon, half marathon, and 10K, and 6:45 a.m. for the 5K events.

New 5K Enters the Festivities

This year’s 5K — officially named the Kaiser Permanente Gavin Gladding Run/Walk — introduces a new course beginning on Shepherd Avenue near Millbrook Avenue, with participants parking at Clovis West High School and finishing at Clovis Community College. A shuttle service will return 5K runners to their vehicles after the race.

All other races, including the JD Food Half Marathon and Kaiser Permanente 10K Run/Walk, will start and finish at Clovis Community College, 10309 N. Willow Ave., Fresno.

The weekend also includes the Iron Office Health and Fitness Expo, hosted at The Well Community Church in Clovis.

Click here to see the race maps.

Early registration prices range from about $72 for the 5K to $174 for the full marathon, with fees increasing after Thursday, Oct. 30. Virtual participation is available through Nov. 1.

Organizers say the Two Cities Marathon & Half offers a festive atmosphere, enthusiastic community support, and “an unforgettable event for runners of all levels.”

To sign up, click here.

Temporary Road Closures

Several streets in Fresno and Clovis will be closed Sunday morning for the race. Closures begin as early as 5 a.m. and will reopen throughout the afternoon.

• Behymer Avenue, from Chestnut to Willow avenues, will be closed from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Shepherd Avenue, from Friant to Willow, will be closed from 5 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Friant Road, from Audubon to Old Friant, will be closed from 5 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
• Peach and Alluvial avenues will be closed at Railroad Park from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Pollasky Avenue, from Sierra to Bullard avenues, will be closed from 6 a.m. to noon.
• Sierra Avenue, from Pollasky to Clovis avenues, will be closed from 6 a.m. to noon.

Drivers are advised to plan alternate routes and expect delays near the course area during the event.

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