Cycling & running events in Merced, 2026

Merced Training Notes

Running: Merced locals run the flat stuff first, then make it longer along water and campus paths. Campus Parkway is a nice stretch and has a paved sidewalk from Coffee Street to UC Merced. East Bear Creek and McKee works when you want a simple out-and-back. Black Rascal Trail around Rahilly feels super long and connects into Bellevue Ranch, Bear Creek Trail, and Campus Parkway. UC Merced's Vernal Pool Trail gives a good green out-and-back. Merced Running Club runs from Rahilly Park every Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30 PM for 2-3 miles. Raz'N Health Fitness Festival and Hello Summer Run are the local anchor races.

Cycling: Roadies line up Saturday mornings near Chevron at Yosemite and G in the Raley's Parking Lot. Riders usually take an out-and-back to Snelling or a loop toward Planada and back. Tour de Friends keeps a big local Facebook group moving with rides of varying lengths and speeds. UC Merced's Cycling Club gives students a home base. The out-and-back to Snelling gives you 9 km with 187 m of ascent when you want real base miles. The route covers 7 miles on mostly rolling dirt road. Old Lake Road is the closest hill in town. Merced Falls Road gives a 5+ mile climb.

Season: May is the sweet spot for running and riding in Merced. Locals build Z2 and steady base miles before the heat settles in. Summer brings hot, dry days, and Merced averages 99.7 days with highs of 32°C or higher. Runners and cyclists shift intervals earlier and keep easy days honest. Winter stays mild and damp, so the roads, canals, and paved sidewalks keep working. Merced averages 27.8 days with lows of 0°C or lower, and winter turns Fall Fun Runs, Turkey Trot, Thanksgiving Day Fun Run, Christmas Lights Fun Run, and Christmas Eve Fun Run into useful anchors.