TRI for Real Triathlon #1

Immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of California’s Capital, the "Farm-to-Fork" capital of the world and a burgeoning center for professional sports and outdoor adventure. From the historic Gold Rush roots of Old Sacramento to the modern energy surrounding the Golden 1 Center, Sacramento is a city that values community and hard-earned success. With over 250 days of sunshine and the scenic American River as a backyard, it is the ultimate setting for athletes who appreciate grit and a post-race celebration of local culture.

The NorCal DEKA FIT Weekend takes place at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center, a newly transformed, state-of-the-art facility in the heart of downtown. This action-packed two-day event kicks off on Day 1 with individual Age Group waves and the heavy-duty Ruck category, followed by the lightning-fast Elite heats and the collaborative energy of 2-Person Teams. The momentum carries into Day 2, the lightning-fast 4-Person Teams competition alongside the weekend’s ultimate endurance test: the DEKA FIT Ultra. The weekend wraps with a second opportunity to Earn Your Age Group DEKA FIT Mark, providing the perfect opportunity lock in a PR early in the 2026 season.

ATHLETE JUDGE PROGRAM

DEKA is truly a fitness movement we all created together. To ensure a professionally judged racing experience for all athletes, we ask all registered athletes to participate in the DEKA Athlete Judge Program at DEKA FIT events.

How it works:

If you are registered to race this event, please use the NorCal DEKA FIT Athlete Judge Sign-up Form to select your preferred Athlete Judge time.

Within 1 hour of finishing your race (or anytime before your race), make your way to the Athlete Judge check-in area at Zone 1 to begin your 60 minute volunteer judging time.

We can’t thank you enough for your support as we continue our mission of creating an epic opportunity for ALL levels to celebrate fitness together.

GIVEAWAY SHIRTS

Those who registered early and were among the first 1,000 to earn the exclusive DEKA giveaway shirt will receive an email with instructions on how to claim your reward. Please keep an eye on your inbox and email cs@deka.fit if you have any questions.

This annual community race event has achieved many milestones over the past 19 years, including the distinction as the first half marathon along the American River Parkway and the first Spring-time half marathon in the Sacramento region.

Also, it was the first and, for nearly a decade, the ONLY race event to donate 100% of its proceeds to benefit the American River Parkway. Our latest milestone: to date, we have donated over $400,000 in proceeds!

These donations have helped fund Parkway enhancements such as habitat restoration, invasive plant removal, trash clean up, kids’ interactive nature trails, and our latest project - four new drinking fountain installations to date, with a fifth for this Spring 2026!

But inasmuch as the Parkway Half serves as an important financial benefit to the Parkway, this race is mostly about getting outside and having fun with family and friends along our most beautiful local recreational treasure.

And with the scenic course, friendly volunteers, talented musicians, and a bag pipe processional to start the morning, it's a great way to celebrate a day on the Parkway.

Come on out for the race, stay for the party, and support your Parkway along the way!

CANCELLATION POLICY

Per the running industry policy, all entry fees are non-refundable. Once we receive and accept your entry, you will not receive a refund if you cannot participate.

But, not per the running industry policy, entries are transferable! All you need to do is go into your account and follow the prompts and/or buttons to transfer your entry to another friend or family member. There is a small transfer fee, but better than no option at all!

This policy applies to all entrants and is in effect whether you are injured, have an unexpected family/business emergency, have a medical emergency, etc.

Registration and Processing Fees

Pursuant to California Senate Bill 478 - Fee Transparency Law, all our listed event registration fees also include Race Roster processing fees and charges. Race Roster processing fees are a separate charge from the Parkway Registration Entry Fee, but are bundled together as a total fee. This statement, provided pursuant to the transparency law, is effective July 1, 2024

🍩🏃‍♂️🍩🏃‍♂️🍩🏃‍♂️

Running for donuts is worth the pain. You'll get a run for donuts shirt to show off what you run for.

Get ready for a sweet race! Gather your friends and lace up for our annual Donut Run, where you’ll run a beautiful course and be greeted at the Finish Line with... donuts! Enjoy a fun-filled day of running, laughter, and Community.

Overview:

Run will sell-out QUICK! We will close off waves the moment they fill up. If waves are sold out, you can sign-up for the virtual run option or wait list.

This is a smaller, private group run with a cap per wave.

All paces and ages (under 18 with guardian) are welcome - Run or Walk!

There's no equipment or setup, this is a pure run with our coordinators to support you in a warm, stress-free setting!

When you sign-up, we give you the support you need to help you achieve your goals and fitness. We also invite you to be part of our local run clubs that supports your fitness journey.

Timing:

• Timing is Optional: You may track your time on an app (Strava, RunKeeper, Nike Run, etc) and submit your times with our easy form to be posted online. Or you can ask our coordinators to help keep track of your time.

• No timing chips (This is a stress free run to support you in achieving your goals)!

What You Get (Swag Bag):

• Running T-Shirt (Shipped to the address you register with - US only)

• Finisher's Towel or Giveaway

• Finisher's Medal!

• Digital Training Pack

• Online Results & Certificate of Completion

• Invitation to Join one of our Local Running Clubs

• We now have Technical Running Shirts (Optional). These lightweight, moisture wicking shirts can be upgraded for just $5 more.

Packet Pickup:

No hassle of picking up packets required!

-Swag shipped direct to your address (Please make sure you provide your full, correct US mailing address including apartment number and check spelling)

• Race bibs are provided on race day

When will I get my Swag?

You will get your shirt at your mailing address the week of your race.

Race Updates:

We will email you a final update the Wednesday before the race with final details and course maps.

Do you accept last minute registrations? (For those signing up 2 weeks before the race)

Yes, but please note that it takes time for us to ship your shirt. Your shirt will likely arrive after the run. You can wear any shirt you find appropriate to run the race!

Wave Times: (Email Us Your Desired Wave Time: info@thebestraces.com)

(Waves filled on a First Come, First Serve Basis)

Wave A: 7:30AM

Wave B: 8:00AM

Wave C: 8:30AM

Late runners can run upon arrival (Please note our coordinators stay 3 hours after the first wave)

Are there any other Questions we missed?

https://www.thebestraces.com/faq/

Virtual Run Option:

• Our Virtual Run uniquely offers a Training Pack with Digital Tools to support your run.

Virtual runs can be done any time and place of your choosing using any tracking device (optional). After you finish, you can submit your results to info@thebestraces.com to receive your medal!

Race Bundle:

Sign-up for more races and get a discount!

Sponsorships & Promoting your Business:

If you're looking to become a sponsor, we'd love showcase your business!

https://www.thebestraces.com/events

Team Glo Volunteers:

If you're interested in helping put on runs for the Community and helping people achieve their goals, we invite you to join our team of volunteers, fill out the form here: https://www.thebestraces.com/volunteer-form/

Be part of the Journey!

Our Charity Initiatives. Find out more @ www.thebestracesjourney.com

Keep running. Every mile you log after the race, we'll donate $1 to one of the charities we work with! (Note that Fundraising is Optional)

The annual Otter Dash is a free race for the kids of Rancho Cordova. The race features a fun course and spectacular finish line, with a finishers' medal and shirt for each child.

After the race, there is a live Mariachi Band, and a special kids' zone, where they can create art with rocks as their canvas, as well as jump around at the bounce house.

The Otter Dash is held in Riverbend park and is part of the larger Parkway Half Marathon and 5K race.

The Parkway Half Marathon was the first and, for nearly a decade, the ONLY race event to donate 100% of its proceeds to benefit the American River Parkway. Our latest milestone: to date, we have donated over $400,000 in proceeds! These donations have helped fund Parkway enhancements such as habitat restoration, invasive plant removal, trash clean up, kids’ interactive nature trails, and our latest project - four new drinking fountain installations to date, with a fifth for this Spring 2026!

But inasmuch as the Parkway Half and Otter Dash serve as an important financial benefit to the Parkway, this race is mostly about getting outside and having fun with family and friends along our most beautiful local recreational treasure.

And with the scenic course, friendly volunteers, talented musicians, and a bag pipe processional to start the morning, it's a great way to celebrate a day on the Parkway. Come on out for the race, stay for the party, and support your Parkway along the way!