Smokey Bear Run


Smokey Bear Run / Walk Information

The Smokey Bear Run / Walk is an annual event held in the transition period between Summer and Autumn, at Recreation Point, 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.) and races for children.

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 our Local Volunteer Fire Departments, Madera County Search & Rescue, Madera County Sheriff Explorer's Post 104, and the Yosemite High School (YHS) Cross Country Teams.

Our History

The first Smokey Bear Run / Walk 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, as in 2002, several friends and runners decided to revive the Smokey Bear Run /Walk after the original organizers no longer wished to operate such a time-demanding event. So after a couple years' absence, the new committee took on the organization of the 15th Smokey Bear Run / Walk 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). In addition, to the California Highway Patrol, California Land Management, Citizens on Patrol and Madera County Sheriff's Department.

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

We are proud Smokey Bear has lent his name to our race and we will continue to stress fire safety at every event. As representatives of our mountain community, and because we have the benefit of using the good name and outstanding reputation of “Smokey Bear,” we stay committed to stressing 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 line is at Recreation Point. The course is on pavement and hilly out and back. The 2-mile run/walk turn-around is 100 yards south of Pine Slope Campground. The 10K run turn-around is a tenth of a mile past the Lakeside Picnic/Day Use Area.

The races take place at an elevation of 3,300 feet with weather mostly clear and comfortable. Mornings tend to be chilly, however.

DOWNLOAD: Race Entry Form Here

CHECK-IN & REGISTRATION: Between 6:45 a.m. - 7:45 a.m. at Recreation Point to receive race bibs and each participant receives a T-shirt.

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: $20 for pre-registration or $25 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

    First race begins 7:45 a.m. sharp

  • 7:45 a.m. Kids Race 1/2 mile (Ages 9-12)
  • 7:55 a.m. Kids Race 1/4 mile (Ages 5-8)
  • 8:05 a.m. Kids Race 1/8 mile (Ages 2-4), parents allowed
  • 8:15 a.m. 2 mile Run / Walk
  • 8:30 a.m. 10K Run (NO WALKERS)
  • Wheelchairs will start one minute ahead of runners
Packet Pickup Locations:
  • Mountain Area
    Friday 9/16/11 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
    Miller's Mountain Sports
    40343 Highway 41, Oakhurst
    559-683-7946

  • Mountain Area
    Tues 9/20/11 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
    Thurs 9/22/11 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.
    Sierra Telephone
    49150 Road 426, Oakhurst

  • Valley Area Packet pick-up
    Saturday 9/17/11 Noon - 5:00 p.m.
    Sierra Running Company
    9447 N. Fort Washington #106
    Fresno, CA
    559-433-6750

Note: Smokey Bear is a trademark and service mark
of the U.S.Forest Service and may not be used without
applying for a license from USFS. See USFS Website for details.