Events

Brian Sturgeon St. Patrick's Day Run

When: Saturday

Where: Woodward Park

One of the region's oldest (and most popular) running events returns for its 34th year benefiting United Cerebral Palsy of Central California. And 61-year-old Brian Sturgeon still leads the 2-mile walk (8 a.m.).

The 4-mile main event (7:55) is worth 30 points in the 2013 Valley Runner of the Year Series, and organizers have added a 5-mile walk at 7. Three kids races are scheduled in between. Race day registration is $30 for adults, $10 for kids 9 and under. Details: briansturgeonrun.com

Spring Fling Duathlon

When: Sunday

Where: Woodward Park

You'll need both running shoes and cycling cleats to run for 2 miles, ride for 12 and then run for 2 more. Road and mountain bikes are placed in separate categories.

The race begins at 8 a.m. with late registration and packet pickup starting at 6:15 at the compass near Friant & Fort Washington. Details: sierracascades.com.

News & notes

-- Federal budget cuts could delay the opening of Yosemite’s Tioga Road. Details: news.fresnobeehive.com.

-- Even though it's been 80 degrees, the calendar still says winter -- at least until Wednesday. The region's two ski resorts, China Peak and Badger Pass, are running at full capacity after last week's storm dropped nearly a foot of snow. China Peak (skichinapeak.com) is hosting the finals of the Andy Finch Invitational on Saturday and the finals of the Central California High School Ski and Snowboard Series on Sunday. Badger Pass (badgerpass.com) has base depths of 48 inches; cross-country ski tracks were set out to Glacier Point on Friday and Bridalveil Campground on Monday.

-- From backpacking trips to the Lyell Glacier to photography seminars taught by noted experts, the Yosemite Conservancy has unveiled its lineup of 2013 Outdoors Adventures. It's a great way to experience Yosemite's wilderness, geology, art and culture in a friendly group setting. Go to yosemiteconservancy.org/adventures or call (209) 379-2646, ext. 10.

-- Learn all about the natural history of the McKenzie Preserve outside Auberry during a Saturday hiking seminar hosted by local biologist Rodney Olsen, geologist Craig Poole and anthropologist Allen Beck. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and fees are $15. Register at sierrafoothill.org or by calling (559) 855-3473. Bring lunch and water.

-- While riding my bike out of Lost Lake Park last weekend, a kit fox darted across the road just a few feet ahead of my front wheel. Yep, it's that time of the year for wildlife sightings.