Wednesday May 21, 2014
Young salmon and steelhead from Big Chico Creek must swim an impressive distance of nearly 250 miles to reach the ocean on their spring outmigration. On Saturday, May 24, FISHBIO will host Chico’s first 5K Salmon Fun Run & Walk to celebrate this epic journey and highlight the challenges facing salmon and other migratory fish. The date marks the first annual World Fish Migration Day, an international event intended to raise awareness about open rivers and migratory fishes.
The Salmon Run will cover a scenic 5-km (3.1-mile) loop through Bidwell Park, and passes by Big Chico Creek, an important local fish migration corridor. Check-in begins at 1-Mile Recreation Area at 7:15 a.m., and the run/walk will begin at 8 a.m., rain or shine. Prizes will be awarded to the fastest runners in a range of categories, and free activities for kids will take place throughout the morning. All registered participants will also be entered in a raffle for prizes.
Registration is $25 for adults and $20 for youths 18 and under. Advance registration is encouraged, and participants can register online, at Fleet Feet Sports at 241 Main Street, or at FISHBIO’s office at 180 East 4th Street, Suite 160. Registration includes race participation, race timing, and a raffle ticket. Participants who register at least one week before the race will also be guaranteed a custom designed T-shirt.
As part of World Fish Migration Day, FISHBIO has also launched the Three Rivers Education Program, a cross-cultural program that connects classrooms in California and Laos, and helps students appreciate the importance of fish and rivers in their communities and abroad. FISHBIO has presented lessons and hosted a letter exchange for classrooms in grades 2–6 in Chico, Oakdale, and Modesto, California, as well as international schools in Vientiane, Laos. More information about the program will be on display at the Salmon Run.
We hope to see you on Saturday!