The annual Otter Dash is a free race for the kids of Rancho Cordova. The race features a fun course and spectacular finish line, with a finishers' medal and shirt for each child.
After the race, there is a live Mariachi Band, and a special kids' zone, where they can create art with rocks as their canvas, as well as jump around at the bounce house.
The Otter Dash is held in Riverbend park and is part of the larger Parkway Half Marathon and 5K race.
The Parkway Half Marathon was the first and, for nearly a decade, the ONLY race event to donate 100% of its proceeds to benefit the American River Parkway. Our latest milestone: to date, we have donated over $400,000 in proceeds! These donations have helped fund Parkway enhancements such as habitat restoration, invasive plant removal, trash clean up, kids’ interactive nature trails, and our latest project - four new drinking fountain installations to date, with a fifth for this Spring 2026!
But inasmuch as the Parkway Half and Otter Dash serve as an important financial benefit to the Parkway, this race is mostly about getting outside and having fun with family and friends along our most beautiful local recreational treasure.
And with the scenic course, friendly volunteers, talented musicians, and a bag pipe processional to start the morning, it's a great way to celebrate a day on the Parkway. 
Come on out for the race, stay for the party, and support your Parkway along the way!
Event Information
The Parkway Half Marathon is the first, and still only race with two separate race courses - one just for runners and one just for walkers.
Both courses have a flat, fast, and shady profile and travel along the American River Parkway through old-growth oak forests, lush green meadows, and pristine riparian habitat, making it the perfect race for a PR if so inclined, and a scenic journey for everyone!,
To help make your journey successful and safe, each course not only features the most aid stations than any other half marathon (8 for the runners; 9 for the walkers), but ice-cold water and Gatorade at each aid station.
For your entertainment (as you check off the miles), we have over a dozen live bands along both courses! And when you cross the half marathon finish line, you are given a bottle of ice-cold water and personalized medal to transition from racing to celebrating.
The final touches of the race include a hearty lunch featuring a meat or veggie Parkway Wrap, fresh fruit, and big cookie, and a relaxing finishers' area, where you can eat your lunch and reflect with family and friends, while listening to a lively Mariachi Band to accent your experience.
Registration fees
Where pricing applies, shown amounts include mandatory charges, items, and fees.
Kids' Otter Dash
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Register for Kids' Otter DashFreeAug 31 - Apr 25
Event schedule
- Thu, April 23, 2026 4:00 PM - Packet Pickup @ Fleet Feet Sacramento
- Fri, April 24, 2026 10:00 AM - Packet Pickup @ Fleet Feet Sacramento
- Sat, April 25, 2026 6:00 AM - Packet Pickup on Race Day
- Sat, April 25, 2026 7:15 AM - Walker's Half Marathon
- Sat, April 25, 2026 7:45 AM - Runner's Half Marathon
- Sat, April 25, 2026 8:00 AM - 5K Run/Walk
- Sat, April 25, 2026 9:00 AM - Kids' 1k Otter Dash
Contact information
- Event contact
- Ken Press
- Phone
- 916-212-9925
