New Sonoma County Chicken Run debuts May 1

Sonoma County 4-H is hosting a new event this year on the morning of its renowned “ChickenQue” chicken barbecue at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds on May 1.

Its inaugural Chicken Run 5K family fun run will take off at 10 a.m. at the Fairgrounds. The course is designed for all ages and winds through the fairgrounds property. Chicken-themed costumes are encouraged. Each entrance fee is a donation to support 4-H programs and projects. Each racer gets a bib sheet, T-shirt, medal, Chickenque ticket as well as chicken feed (Jelly Bellys) along the course. The cost is $40 for adults and $20 for those under 18.

The Chickenque will begin as the race ends. The annual barbecue is celebrating its 55th year and is now the largest single-day chicken barbecue west of the Mississippi River, say event organizers. The Chickenque serves a barbeque meal to over 4,000 people each year. A ticket to the lunch on its own is $10 per person.

Participants can also visit more than 20 club booths at the concurrent 4-H open house. Monies raised at Chicken Run will be donated to Sonoma County 4-H programs.

Register at chickenrun5k.com.