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The Best Ways For Sacramento To Get Moving In 2013

Ride, walk, run, hike, climb, ski, paddle and explore; the greater Sacramento area has it all, and the territory to do it in. The American River Parkway and Bike Trail cruises through 32 miles of urban and suburban wildlands. The majestic Sierra is just off to the the east and two great rivers run through it. The foothills offer a cornucopia of outdoor choices. With so many choices and so many places to be active, it's time to get outside and make 2013 the year to get moving.

(credit: komensacramento.com) (credit: komensacramento.com)
2013 Komen Sacramento Valley Race for the Cure
9310 Tech Center Drive, Suite 250
Sacramento, CA 95826
(916) 941-7981
www.komensacramento.org

Date: May 11, 2013

Runners have multiple opportunities throughout the year to pound the pavement in Sacramento. The Race for the Cure will blaze and stroll through Sacramento on May 11, 2013. It is considered a must-run event for every runner, jogger and walker who has been touched by cancer. The event draws thousands of participants, rain or shine. Teams and families run in memory of those they have lost and to support those in treatment. Survivors and friends enter because they can. The community shows up in big numbers for this event. Registration is open now.

(credit: tbfracing.com) (credit: tbfracing.com)
TBF New Year's Duathlon
60 Saxony Court
Roseville, CA 95678
www.tbfracing.com

Date: January 5, 2013

Start the new year off right. On Saturday, January 5, head to Folsom Lake and Granite Beach for a run-ride-run duathlon. The event starts at 9 a.m. with a 2-mile run, followed by a 6.5-mile road bike ride, then back to the 2-miler. The running part is on natural surfaces with a small section on asphalt. Cycling will take place on closed roads within the park area. The event is free. Donations are graciously accepted and will benefit Girls on the Run Sacramento. With aid stations, lots of friendly fun with other runners and riders, this is a fine way to get your head and body into position for an active and outside 2013. Register online for this duathlon.

Related: Best CrossFit Studios In Sacramento

(credit: eppiesgreatrace.com) (credit: eppiesgreatrace.org)
Eppie's Great Race
111 Howe Ave., Suite 140
Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 480-0270
www.eppiesgreatrace.org

Date: July 20, 2013

Just when things start getting toasty in Sacramento, along comes an over-the-top fun, home-grown, no-swim triathlon. Eppie's Great Race started in 1974 and has been pulling in the adventurous for summer fun ever since. The event starts out at the William Pond Recreation Area with a 5.82-mile run. At the Guy West Bridge, the bicycles take over and 12.5 miles later, into the water go the kayaks. Everyone finishes 6.35 miles later at River Bend Park. While there is a good deal of competition for the Iron Man/Woman title, the teams go out for the sheer fun of it all. It all happens on Saturday, July 20, 2013. Register online and do it early.

Apple Hill Blossom Trail Run
El Dorado Orchards
2881 N. Canyon Road
Camino, CA 95709
(530) 622-5522
www.eldoradoorchards.com

Date: April 27, 2013

What could be better than a springtime run in an apple orchard full of apple blossoms? Not much. Head up to the foothills and the beauty of Apple Hill in El Dorado County and indulge your need to continue being outside and active for 2013. On Saturday, April 27, you and your running shoes will hit the forested trails starting at 8:30 a.m. Choose from a 5k, 10k or 10-mile run. Feast your eyes on the views, treat your feet to the soft forest floor and float through aromas from the apple blossoms. Even better, proceeds from this outing will benefit Hope House, a transitional program for homeless women with children. This event is limited to 500 runners. Sign up early, pack your lunch and gear and head to the foothills.

flashing sirens of police car
flashing sirens of police car

Folsom Cyclebration
50 Natoma Street
Folsom, CA 95630
(916) 355-7366
www.folsomcyclebration.com

Date: September 6-8, 2013

You've made it through the first part of the year. It's time to re-energize your head and muscles for the rest of 2013. According to the Cyclebration Facebook page, the next event should be on September 6-8, 2013. The Folsom Cyclebration is about as family friendly as it gets with bicycles of all kinds, riders of all ages, multiple races and fun for everyone on a bicycle. The three-day span of this event, courtesy of the Folsom Parks and Rec department, provides an opportunity to ride for fun, or more competitively, for all ages. Mountain bikes, road bikes and kid bikes will be pedalled with purpose. Great food, fine company, vendors galore and good September riding weather makes the Cyclebration the best way to get geared up for a determined dash to the end of 2013.

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Charles Ferris is a freelance writer who has lived in the Sierra, halfway between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe, for the last 37 years. He retired from teaching after 36 years in 2010. He and his wife hike, kayak, cross country ski, snow shoe, ride mountain bikes and road bikes, year round. His work can be found at Examiner.com.

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