The annual Redding Marathon of 2014 will join a handful of Marathons across the country to be named a Boston Qualifier race for 2015. Now runners from all over the world gathering for The Redding Marathon on January 19, 2014 have an added incentive to participate. The race starts at the Shasta Dam Visitors Center with shuttles running from the Redding Visitors Center to the start line. Runners who want to utilize the convenient shuttle need to park at Turtle Bay so that when they finish the race, their vehicle is there waiting for them.

At 8:00 a.m., runners will begin their 26.2-mile journey along the Sacramento River taking in the breathtaking scenery and wildlife including bald eagles, osprey and other creatures. From there, runners will travel down-stream on paved running trails over the Shasta Dam, through an old railroad tunnel and across the historic Diestelhorst Bridge, the Ribbon Suspension Bridge and finally onto the Sundial Bridge for the finish line. The race time limit is seven hours.

Those not ready for a marathon can still join in the fun. There’s a special relay race and a short fun run called the “Sundial 5k” on the same day. Runners must have a team of three to participate in the relay. Starting at 8:00 a.m., the first leg begins at the Shasta Dam to Keswick Boat Ramp. The second leg of the journey goes from the boat ramp to South River Trailhead via Middle Creek. Leg 3 picks up there and goes to Ribbon Bridge and Sundial Bridge. The “Sundial 5k” begins at 9:00 a.m. at the Sundial Bridge. Weather permitting, the start and finish lines will be on the north side of the bridge. There will be food, music, awards and fun while Relay and 5k participants await the first marathon finishers.

One of America’s most spectacular and remote locations for outdoor activities is home to the Redding Marathon. At the northeast corner of northern California, this spectacular region offers visitors every outdoor adventure imaginable from snow shoeing to paddle boarding, and is known for fishing adventures, hiking, mountain biking and more.

For more information, visit www.sweatrc.com, www.VisitRedding.com.

Image courtesy Visit Redding