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Early bird fun run registrants will receive Almond Blossom shirt
ABF fun run
Runners taking part in last year’s Almond Blossom Fun Run got settled in at the starting line.

One of the fun yet challenging activities of the upcoming Almond Blossom Festival is the Fun Run.

The Ripon Chamber of Commerce, serving as both host and grand marshal of the 61st annual event, is conducting registration for the 1-mile and 8K races of the Almond Blossom Fun Run scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 25.

From now through Monday, Feb. 6, those signing up before the deadline date can receive a commemorative T-shirt as part of the cost.

Pricing for 1-mile or 8K is $20 for those age 12 and under, and $35 for adults.

Cost to participate in both races is $30 for youth 12 and under, and $50 for adults.

On race day, the 41st annual Almond Blossom Fun Run is set to begin at 8:30 a.m. for the one miler, and 9 o’clock for the 8K at Mavis Stouffer Park, 1000 Stouffer St.

Registration will also be held on race day morning, from 7 to 8:15.

The course is described as flat with paved streets and along country roads in the area surrounding Mavis Stouffer Park.

For those running the 8K, they’ll be served water midway through the race.

Refreshments and light snacks will be served for all participants at the start / finish line.

Awards will be given to the first-place male and female overall winners of both the mile and 8K along with three places deep – both races – in all age divisions, both male and female.

The age group divisions are as followed:

·         1-Mile – 8 & under, 9-13, 14-18, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, and 80 & older.

·         8K – 12 & under, 13-18, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, and 80 & older.

The Almond Blossom Festival will again include the carnival and vendor fair at Mistlin Sports Park along with the Fun Run, the Main Street parade, and the Diaper Derby.

Hours are Friday, Feb. 24, from 4 to 10 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 25, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 26, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The carnival is open Thursday, Feb, 23, from 5 to 10 p.m.; Friday, Feb. 24, from 4 to 10 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 25, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 26, from 11 .m. to 5 p.m.

There is community stage entertainment on the Saturday and Sunday, a teen night with live music at the park on that Friday.

On the weekend local groups stage various breakfasts, dinners, dance, and even bake sales throughout the community.

 

For more information, log on to www.riponchamber.org.