PHOTO FOCUS: Runners hit the streets for 49th annual Pear Blossom Run and races

Published 9:41 am Sunday, April 13, 2025

By ANDY ATKINSON / for the Rogue Valley Times

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The start of the Pear Blossom 10-mile run in Medford Saturday morning. Andy Atkinson / for the Rogue Valley Times

The 49th annual Pear Blossom Run and races saw thousands pounding the pavement Saturday in Medford for a good cause. The runs, presented by Asante, are the biggest fundraiser of the year for Rogue Valley YMCA.

The event brought together runners and walkers alike from near and far to participate in the 5K, 10-mile and Mayor’s Cup Fun Run.

The 5K kicked off running events at 7 a.m., with the 10-mile Pear Blossom Run starting at 8:20 a.m. at Oakdale Avenue and West 8th Street before heading down Main Street and diverting to Hanley Road and back. The Mayor’s Cup Fun Run race offered two start times: 7:50 and 8:30 a.m.

Logan Jones won the men’s 10-mile race in 52:46.9, and Marci Klimek won the women’s 10-miler in 1:00:25.9.

The first Pear Blossom Run held in 1977 was won by Frank Shorter, Olympic marathon gold and ailver medalist.

For all race results, see rvymca.org/pearblossomrun.