Gateway to Yosemite 5k/10k
- Date Sun 20th September 2026
- Time 8:00AM PDT
- Location Merced, California
- Price $16.90 - $43.40
- Races 3 races
- Distances 5km, 10km, 1km
Event summary
Get ready for an unforgettable day of fitness and fun at the fourth annual Gateway to Yosemite 5K/10K on Sunday, September 20, 2026, in the beautiful city of Merced, California! Set against the scenic backdrop of Fahrens Park, this exciting event features both a 5K and 10K race, taking participants through picturesque trails that wind around the disc golf course and the nearby dog park, with the 10K turning around at General Vang Pao Park.
This year, participants will not only enjoy a fantastic running experience but also contribute to a noble cause, as proceeds will go towards creating a new home for Elroy and his tortoise companions at the Merced Applegate Zoo. The funds will support the development of an engaging tortoise exhibit that will enhance the animals' habitat and allow visitors to connect with these fascinating creatures throughout the year. Don't miss the early bib pickup on Friday, September 18, and be sure to arrive bright and early on race day, with bib pickup starting at 6:30 a.m. Join us for a morning filled with community spirit, fitness, and a shared love for wildlife—sign up today and make a difference while having a blast!
This year, participants will not only enjoy a fantastic running experience but also contribute to a noble cause, as proceeds will go towards creating a new home for Elroy and his tortoise companions at the Merced Applegate Zoo. The funds will support the development of an engaging tortoise exhibit that will enhance the animals' habitat and allow visitors to connect with these fascinating creatures throughout the year. Don't miss the early bib pickup on Friday, September 18, and be sure to arrive bright and early on race day, with bib pickup starting at 6:30 a.m. Join us for a morning filled with community spirit, fitness, and a shared love for wildlife—sign up today and make a difference while having a blast!
Organiser's Description
RACE LOCATION
FAHRENS PARK DISC GOLF COURSE
3400 SAN LORENZO WAY
MERCED, CA 95348
*Participants who sign up after Sept. 11 are not guaranteed a shirt*
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 zoos 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.*
FAHRENS PARK DISC GOLF COURSE
3400 SAN LORENZO WAY
MERCED, CA 95348
*Participants who sign up after Sept. 11 are not guaranteed a shirt*
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 zoos 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.*
Races
-
5k Run/Walk
Incl. $3.10 Fee & T-Shirt
Sun 20th September 2026 (8:00AM PDT)
$38.10
CLOSEDhttps://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/5921181088 -
10k Run
Incl. $3.40 Fee
Sun 20th September 2026 (8:00AM PDT)
$43.40
CLOSEDhttps://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/6575768411 -
Parent and Me 1K
Incl. $1.90 Fee
Sun 20th September 2026 (8:00AM PDT)
$16.90
CLOSED
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3400 San Lorenzo Way, Merced, 95348, CA, United States
Gateway to Yosemite 5k/10k
