5K, 10K, Half & Full Marathons

How did we choose the best 5k events in California? 

We checked what events runners looked for the most and we compared statistics on how many runners held interest in any given runs in California. Feedback left by runners who participated in the runs in California was also considered. Other factors include how long the course has been around, the bling and medals, what runners thought of them and how scenic the runs in California are.

What are the best 5Ks in the bay area?

There are many runs in California to choose from here as the Bay Area is host to many 5k races throughout its many cities and communities. Some of these runs in California are charity events for fundraising, some fun runs, and other racing events but it all comes down to the runners.  Some of the notable 5k running events include the Divas 5k, Halloween 5k, Moon Joggers event, Bubble Run, Color Run, and  Hip Hop Run. Other runs in California include Brisbane's Awesome 80s Run, Fremont's Breast Cancer Run, SF's Aloha Run, and Mermaid Run. There are many other Bay Area 5k runs. These are just a few runs in California.

5Ks in Sacramento:

In terms of popularity, your best 3 bets would be the Super Run, the Color Run, and the Foam Glow 5k.

5Ks in Oakland:

In terms of popularity, your best 3 bets would be the Hip Hop Run, The Towns Half Marathon/5k, and the Oakland Fun Run.

5ks in San Jose:

In terms of popularity, your best 3 bets would be the Bubble Run, Color Run, and Halloween 5k.

5ks in Los Angeles:

In terms of popularity, your best 3 bets would be the Finish The Run event, Life Run 5k, and Music Run.

5Ks in San Diego:

In terms of popularity, your best 3 bets would be the Warrior Run 5k, Carmel Valley 5k, and San Diego's River Run 5k.

Things not to forget

For any race of any type, be sure to stack up on the right running gear. And that includes:

1. Good running socks
2. The right running shorts
3. The best running tights for the upcoming weather
4. Good running tops that will protect you in the longer races
5. Good running gloves for colder races
6. Best running hats to protect you from the sun
7. The right running jacket for the upcoming weather conditions
8. A good sports bra
9. The right hydration equipment. So, either sports bottles, hydration packs, hydration vests or hydration belts.

Remember that not all shoes can be used by both men and women. So, be sure you check out our guide on running shoes for women.

How did we choose the best 10k events in California? 

We checked what runs in California runners looked for the most and we compared statistics on how many runners held interest in any given event. Feedback left by runners who participated in the course was also considered. Other factors include how long the course has been around, the bling and medals, what runners thought of them and how scenic the course is.

What are the best 10Ks in the bay area?

There are many runs in California to choose from here as the Bay Area is host to many 10k races throughout its many cities and communities. Some of these are charity events for fundraising, some fun runs in California, and other racing events but it all comes down to the runners.  Some of the notable 10k running events include the Hip Hop Run, Terrain Race, Earth Day Run, Chasing Cupcakes 10k, Dream Mile and those presented via San Francisco's City Running Tours. There are many other Bay Area 5k runs. These are just a few runs in California.

10Ks in Sacramento:

In terms of popularity, your best 3 bets would be the Capital City Classic, Resolution Run and Wounded Veteran Run.

10Ks in Oakland:

In terms of popularity, your best 3 bets would be the Hip Hop Run, Moon Joggers 10k and Color Run.

10ks in San Jose:

In terms of popularity, your best 3 bets would be the Terrain Race, Hip Hop Run, and Dream Mile 10k.

10ks in Los Angeles:

In terms of popularity, your best 3 runs in California would be the Life Run 10k, Walk N Roll event, and Los Angeles River Run.

10Ks in San Diego:

In terms of popularity, your best 3 runs in California in California would be San Diego's City Running Tours, Girls on the Go 10k and Peace Run.

How did we choose the best Half Marathon events in California? 

We checked what runs in California runners looked for the most and we compared statistics on how many runners held interest in any given event. Feedback left by runners who participated in the course was also considered. Other factors include how long the course has been around, the bling and medals, what runners thought of them and how scenic the course is.

What are the best Half Marathons in the bay area?

There are many to choose from here as the Bay Area is host to many Half Marathon races throughout its many cities and communities. Some of these are charity events for fundraising, some fun runs, and other racing events but it all comes down to the runners.  Some of the notable Half Marathon running events include the Super Hero Half Marathon, Divas Half Marathon, Oakland Half Marathon, Golden Gate Half Marathon, and Dream Mile.  There are many other Bay Area Halfs. These are just a few events.

Half Marathons in Sacramento:

In terms of popularity, your best bet would be the Shamrock Half Marathon.

Half Marathons in Oakland:

In terms of popularity, your best bets would be the Oakland Half Marathon and The Town Half Marathon.

Half Marathons in San Jose:

In terms of popularity, your best bets would be the Dream Mile and SJ Rock N Roll Half.

Half Marathons in Los Angeles:

In terms of popularity, your best 3 bets would be the Los Angeles Half Marathon, LA Rock N Roll Half and Long Beach Half Marathon.

Half Marathons in San Diego:

In terms of popularity, your best 3 bets would be the SD Rock N Roll Half Marathon, San Diego Half Marathon and the AFC Half Marathon.

How did we choose the best Marathon events in California? 

We checked what events runners looked for the most and we compared statistics on how many runners held interest in any runs in California. Feedback left by runners who participated in the course was also considered. Other factors for those runs in California include how long the course has been around, the bling and medals, what runners thought of them and how scenic the course is. Many runners also expressed interest in the "goodies" and sponsorship gifts at the finish line when attending to the runs in California. This can vary from resistance bands, headphones to top running shoes from sponsors and much more.

What are the best Marathons in the bay area?

There are many to choose from here as the Bay Area is host to many Marathon races throughout its many cities and communities. Some of these runs in California are charity events for fundraising, some fun runs, and other racing events but it all comes down to the runners.  Some of the notable Marathon running events include the Surfers Path Marathon, Oakland Marathon, Bay To Breakers, SJ Dream Mile and San Francisco Marathon to name a few.

Marathons in Sacramento:

In terms of popularity, your best bet would be the California International Marathon.

Marathons in Oakland:

In terms of popularity, your best 3 bets would be the Oakland Marathon and the Oakland Running Festival & Marathon.

Marathons in San Jose:

In terms of popularity, your best 3 bets would be the Dream Mile and the SJ Rock N Roll Marathon.

Marathons in Los Angeles:

In terms of popularity, your best 3 bets would be the Los Angeles Marathon, Surf City Marathon, and Long Beach Marathon.

Marathons in San Diego:

In terms of popularity, your 3 runs in California would be the Ragnar Relay Marathon, San Diego Marathon, and SD Rock N Roll Marathon.