Smokey Bear Run


Smokey Bear Run Walk Information

The Smokey Bear Run  Walk will be held on Saturday September 22, 2007 at Recreation Point on Bass Lake.


We have all types of activities that will fit you or your family’s fitness level. There is a 2-mile walk, a 2 mile run and a 10K run (6.2 mi.) There are races for children, as well.

The Smokey Bear Run  Walk is a fundraiser that has healthful benefits not only in the race itself, but the practice leading up to each year's event. This year's proceeds will benefit Madera County Search and Rescue teams, Madera County Sheriff Department, Explorer post 104, and Local Volunteer Fire Departments.

Our History

The first Smokey Bear Run was held on May 17, 1986, at the Pines Resort-Bass Lake. The original organizers were four US Forest Service Employees, Brian Curtis, Craig Pinkerton, Danny Jones and Patrick Lyng. The race was to promote fire safety and awareness with the help of Smokey Bear. The Sierra Track Club was formed to handle the monies and coordinate the event. At that time, all proceeds went directly back into the race. Ken Takeuchi of Prorace Group in Fresno was the race director then and still is today.

For the past six years it has been our privilege to host the Smokey Bear Run Walk when, in 2002, several friends and runners decided to revive the Smokey Bear Run after the original organizers no longer wished to operate such a time-demanding event. So after a two year absence - our new committee's first year - we took on the organization of the race, at the time the 15th Smokey Bear Run at Bass Lake. We have been fortunate to continue partnering with USFS (United States Forest Service) and Cal Fire (formally California Division of Forestry CDF). Thanks to Smokey Bear and the United States Forest Service!In addition, the California Highway Patrol, California Land Management, Citizens on Patrol and Madera County Sheriff Department.

If you are considering joining us for the upcoming event, we know you feel more the personal gratification that comes from doing service for others and contributing to your community. That is one purposes of our event. Another is your good health.

We are proud Smokey Bear has lent his name to race, and we will continue to stress fire safety at every event with fire safety and prevention material available to everyone at every race. We feel, as representatives of our mountain community, and because we have the benefit of using the good name of “Smokey Bear,” committed to stress fire safety and awareness.

Map of Bass Lake showing location of Run Walk

LOCATION & COURSEGetting to Bass Lake

The Smokey Bear 10K and 2 Mile Run/Walk takes place along the south shore of beautiful Bass Lake, about 50 miles north of Fresno, California.

The start and finish are in the parking lot of Recreation Point. The course is on gentle rolling hills out and back. The turn-around is just before The Forks restaurant for the 2 Mile Run Walk, and at Lupine Campground for the 10K.

The course is entirely on pavement and almost entirely under a canopy of large pines. The races take place at an elevation of 3,300 feet with weather mostly clear and comfortable. Mornings tend to be chilly, however.

CHECK-IN: Between 6:45 a.m. - 7:45 a.m. at Recreation Point to receive race bibs and each participant receives a beautiful long sleeved shirt. Registration for race day entrants is also between 6:45 a.m. and 7:45 a.m.

RACE DIRECTOR: Ken Takeuchi, 559-275-6318

ALLOW SUFFICIENT TIME: for parking and packet pick up.

INFORMATION: 559-683-1770 or write

Adult entry fee:$18 for pre-registration or $20 on race day. Kids entry fee:$7 for pre-registration or $10 on race day. Registration:6:45 a.m.-7:45 a.m. at Recreation Point/Bass Lake

  • 8:00 a.m. sharp: First race begins
  • 8:00 a.m. Kids Race ½mile (Ages 7-12)
  • 8:05 a.m. Kids Race ¼mile Ages (0-6)
  • 8:15 a.m. 2 mile Run Walk 8:30 a.m. 10k Run
  • Wheelchairs will start one minute ahead of runners.