5K, 10K, Half & Full Marathons
- 5k races
Name City Date Website Golden Gate Bridge Run San Francisco 3 November 2019 motivrunning Malibu 5K Run Zuma Beach (Malibu) 3 November 2019 Malibu5K Color Run 5k LOS ANGELES 30 June 2019 TheColorRun Hip Hop Run San Jose 23 September 2019 HipHopRun Halloween Pumpkin Run San Jose 31 October 2019 SAN MATEO ROTARY FUN RUN San Mateo 20 October 2019 San Mateo Rotary The Thanksgiving Gobble Wobble El Sobrante 28 November 2019 Active Earth Day Run Union City 1 January 1970 Nhsfoundation Foam Glow Run Fresno 1 January 1970 Foamglow The Super Run SACRAMENTO 9 November 2019 Thesuperrun Life Run Los Angeles 1 January 1970 Laliferun Finish The Run Los Angeles 26 April 2020 Finishtheride Bubble Run Pomona 1 January 1970 Bubblerun Del Mar Race Corona Del Mar 1 January 1970 Cdmchamber Miles for Melanoma San Diego 2 November 2019 Cancerhealth San Diego Fire Rescue 5K San Diego 5 October 2019 sdfirerescue Foxy 5k San Diego 1 January 1970 dirtdevilracing Palo Alto Weekly Moonlight Run Palo Alto 11 October 2019 paloaltoonline Run For Great Schools 5K Cupertino 1 January 1970 ceefcares Anaheim Hills Firecracker 5K/10K Run/Walk Anaheim 1 January 1970 anaheimhillscommunitycouncil Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival 12K/5K Sonoma 29 September 2019 valleyofthemoonvintagefestival Brave 5K San Pedro 9 November 2019 brave5k Montclaire 5K Los Altos 29 September 2019 montclaire Survive and Thrive 5K Irvine 4 April 2020 surviveandthriverunwalk SOFITCITY: RUN TOWN 5K/10K/MASK-erade! Fairfield 13 October 2019 sofitcity The Newark Mile 4k Newark 21 September 2019 cxc4l Lake Forest Chamber 5K Elf Yourself Lake Forest 14 December 2019 Active Girls on the Run 5K of Sonoma County Rohnert Park 8 December 2019 gotrsonomacounty Piedmont Turkey Trot Piedmont 28 November 2019 piedmontturkeytrot Sundial 5k REDDING 20 January 2019 reddingmarathon Campus Life 5k Clovis 26 August 2018 yfcnow Superhero Run Lodi 6 October 2018 nochildabuse Lung Cancer walk/run San Francisco 24 September 2017 yournextstepisthecure Finish The Ride, Run, Walk N' Roll Griffith Park Los Angeles 29 April 2018 finishtheride Double Peak Challenge SAN MARCOS 29 September 2018 doublepeakchallenge Spartyka Wounded Warrior 5K Run/Walk San Diego 2 September 2018 spartyka Pardee Homes Carmel Valley 5K & Fun Run San Diego 25 March 2018 carmelvalley5k Alhambra Pumpkin Run 2017 Alhambra 28 October 2018 alhambrapumpkinrun San Mateo Rotary 10K / 5K Fun Run San Mateo 22 October 2017 sanmateorotaryfunrun Hope for Hearing Halloween 5K Sacramento 28 October 2017 hopeforhearinghalloweenrun Los Angeles Triathlon Series Event 1 San Dimas 11 October 2020 trievents Silicon Valley Turkey Trot San Jose 22 November 2018 svturkeytrot Murrieta Run Forrest Run 5K Murrieta 4 November 2017 murrietafieldofhonor Down by the Bay 5K Sunnyvale 12 November 2017 downbythebay5k Thanksgiving Day 5k Simi Valley 22 November 2018 thanksgivingday5k WRIGLEY RIVER RUN Long Beach 2 June 2018 wrigleyriverrun Run In The Dark San Francisco 5k and 10k Option San Franciso 15 November 2017 runinthedark Conquer Our Run - Turkey Quest 5K, 10K Manhattan Beach 18 November 2017 conquerourrun Hot an Dirty Mud Run - Mud Fest 5k Acton 16 June 2018 hotandirtymudrun Harvest Half Marathon 5k, 10k Van Nuys 23 September 2018 harvesthalf Bad Ass Beer Run Camino 28 April 2018 badassbeerrun Shasta Mud Run Redding 12 May 2018 shastamudrun KAMB Family Fun Run Turlock, CA 14 April 2018 Celebrationradio Laguna Hills Memorial Day Half Marathon Laguna Hills 28 May 2018 renegaderaceseries 2018 Laguna Niguel Triathlon Laguna Niguel, CA 28 January 2018 renegaderaceseries Catalina Island 5K Avalon, Catalina Island, CA 3 November 2018 renegaderaceseries LA Life Run Los Angeles, CA 6 May 2018 renegaderaceseries Laguna Niguel 5K Laguna Niguel, CA 28 January 2018 renegaderaceseries Awesome 80's Run - Pasadena Pasadena, CA 24 February 2018 awesome80srun.com Piedmont Turkey Trot Piedmont, CA 23 November 2017 piedmontturkeytrot Fitness Run For Fun La Palma, CA 4 July 2018 cityoflapalma Folsom Lake Sweet Water Trail Run Folsom, CA 27 January 2018 tctruns High Mountain Tri Mountain Center, CA 8 September 2018 highmountaintri Tinsel Triathlon Hemet, CA 9 December 2018 tinseltriathlon Jack O Smash Run Poway 28 October 2018 jack-o-smash Aloha Run - San Diego San Diego, CA 9 September 2018 thealoharun Mardi Gras Madness 5K/10K Valencia, CA 25 February 2018 mgm5k.weebly WetNWild 5K La Mirada, CA 11 August 2018 wetnwild5k Santa Rosa Marathon Santa Rosa, CA 26 August 2018 santarosamarathon ACT Today! for Military Families 5K/10K San Diego, CA 20 April 2019 act-today Pup Cup 5K-9 Orange County Huntington Beach, CA 28 July 2018 pastimewithpurpose Folsom Blues Breakout 5K Folsom, CA 21 October 2018 folsomblueshalf San Luis Obispo Marathon San Luis Obispo, CA 28 April 2018 slomarathon Veterans Honor Run Rocklin, CA 13 October 2018 jessup Palm Springs Health Run Palm Springs, CA 26 January 2019 palmspringshealthrun Komen San Diego Race for the Cure San Diego, CA 4 November 2018 komensandiego Look Good Feel Good Half Marathon San Leandro, CA 20 October 2018 divinemercyfamily Roar 5K Hemet, CA 21 April 2018 theseraphimproject.org Unicorn Dash 5K Placerville, CA 15 September 2018 goldrush1034 Moorpark Mammoth Run Moorpark, CA 7 October 2018 moorparkmammothrun Aut2Run for Autism Camarillo, CA 28 April 2019 aut2run Homeboy 5K Los Angeles, CA 22 September 2018 homeboy5k.rallybound Northgate Market Downtown Anaheim 5K Anaheim, CA 9 June 2018 anaheim5k About 5k races
A 5k is the shortest of the common running event distances researched on Runnerclick, consisting of 3.1 miles (5 kilometers). These runs in California can either be competitive or social, depending on the particular one you are looking into. They are the most popular of road running events because of their relatively short distance which allows not only the seasoned runners to run, but novice runners, joggers, and new-comers as well.
Read moreRead lessHow 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.
- 10k races
Name City Date Website LA Life Run Los Angeles 1 January 1970 Laliferun FINISH THE RIDE AND FINISH THE RUN Los Angeles 26 April 2020 Finishtheride Beach Blast Santa Monica 29 September 2019 Abetterworldrunning Hip Hop Run Oakland 1 January 1970 Hiphoprun Run for Kids Van Nuys 1 January 1970 Active Terrain Race San Jose 1 January 1970 Terrainracing Mother's Day Run Van Nuys 1 January 1970 Abetterworldrunning City Impact's 8th Annual Ventura Beachfront Run Ventura 1 January 1970 Cityimpact River Run Visalia 1 January 1970 Facebook/Visaliariverrun Hip Hop Run San Jose 23 September 2019 Hiphoprun Run the Rocks Agua Dulce 12 October 2019 Active Mental Health Run Orcutt 1 January 1970 Active Run to Remember 5k, 10k & Kid’s Fun Run Pleasanton 1 January 1970 Cpoa Lighting the Way Los Gatos 1 January 1970 aiducatenow Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot San Jose 28 November 2019 svturkeytrot Manhattan Beach 10K Manhattan Beach 5 October 2019 mb10k 10th Annual Wrigley River Run Long Beach, CA 1 January 1970 wrigleyriverrun Lions Turtle Bay Run Redding, CA 6 October 2019 reddingbreakfastlionsclub Presidio Coyote 10K Dash San Francisco, CA 1 January 1970 redrocketracing About 10k races
A 10k is one of the most common running event distances, consisting of 6.2 miles (10 kilometers). These runs in California can either be competitive or more for fun, depending on the particular one you are looking into. They are twice the distance of the 5k and still relatively short in distance. Fewer runners tend to participate then the 5k, but these runs in California still get a lot of not only seasoned runners but novice runners and joggers in attendance. If you're a novice, be sure to start some 10k training programs beforehand.
Read moreRead lessHow 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.
- Half marathons
Name City Date Website Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon Napa 18 July 2020 Motivrunning Healdsburg Half Marathon Healdsburg 17 May 2020 Runwinecountry Santa Barbara Half Marathon Santa Barbara 1 January 1970 Sbhalfmarathon Ventura Half Marathon Ventura 19 October 2019 Ventura Marathon Oakland Half Marathon Oakland 22 March 2020 Oakland Marathon Golden Gate Half Marathon San Francisco 3 November 2019 Runsf Santa Rosa Half Marathon Santa Rosa 29 August 2020 Runwinecountry Malibu Half Marathon Malibu 3 November 2019 Malibumarathon Livermore Half Marathon Livermore 15 March 2020 runsignup San Diego Half Marathon San Diego 15 March 2020 Sdhalfmarathon Los Angeles Half Marathon Los Angeles 8 March 2020 Lamarathon Rock and Roll Half Marathon San Diego 30 May 2020 Runrocknroll Napa to Sonoma Half Marathon Napa 18 July 2020 motivrunning LA JOLLA HALF MARATHON & SHORES 5K Del Mar 26 April 2020 Lajollahalfmarathon Surf City Marathon & Half Marathon Huntington Beach 2 February 2020 Runsurfcity Disney Half Marathon Anaheim 31 October 2019 Rundisney Two Cities Marathon Fresno 3 November 2019 twocitiesmarathon SPACEROCK Trail Race Dulce 12 October 2019 spacerocktrailrace.com San Diego Holiday Half Marathon San Diego 21 December 2019 sandiegoholidayhalf The Buffalo Stampede 10-Mile Run/Walk Sacramento 8 September 2019 buffalostampederun SPACEROCK Trail Race Dulce 12 October 2019 spacerocktrailrace SUGAR DADDY HALF MARATHON Santa Clarita 1 January 1970 sugardaddymarathon Lake Balboa Half Marathon 5k 10k Van Nuys 31 May 2020 lakebalboahalf Arroyo Creek Half Marathon 5k 10k Simi Valley 28 June 2020 arroyocreekhalf Harvest Half Marathon 5k, 10k Van Nuys 22 September 2019 harvesthalf Surfer's Point Marathon Harbor Blvd 10 November 2019 surferspointmarathon Griffith Park Trail Half Marathon Los Angeles 9 November 2019 griffithparktrailruns 2018 VALENCIA Trail Race Santa Clarita 28 March 2020 valenciatrailrace.com Irvine Half Marathon Irvine 11 January 2020 irvine half America's Finest City Half Marathon San Diego, CA 16 August 2020 inmotionevents Folsom Blues Breakout 13.1 & Relay Folsom, CA 20 October 2018 folsomblueshalf About Half marathons
A Half Marathon event consists of running 13 miles (21 kilometers) and as the label suggests, is half of a standard Marathon which is a total of 26 miles. The popularity, participants of the half marathon distance and its events have significantly grown since the early 2000s and they continue to do so, with massive events popping up all over the states. The growth rate of participants for the half distance is currently higher than that of the full.
Read moreRead lessHow 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.
- Marathons
Name City Date Website Mountains to Beach Marathon Ojai 24 May 2020 Mountains2beachmarathon Surfers Path Marathon Santa Cruz 23 February 2020 Runsurferspath Oakland Marathon Oakland 22 March 2020 Oaklandmarathon Catalina Island Marathon Catalina 14 March 2020 Spectrumsportsevents Napa Valley Marathon Calistoga 1 March 2020 Napavalleymarathon Los Angeles Marathon Los Angeles 8 March 2020 Lamarathon Rock N' Roll Marathon & 1/2 Marathon San Diego San Diego 30 May 2020 Runrocknroll Reebok Ragnar So Cal San Diego 4 April 2020 Runragnar ALASKA AIRLINES BAY TO BREAKERS San Francisco 31 May 2020 Baytobreakers Badwater 135 Furnace Creek & Lone Pine 6 July 2020 Badwater THE 2018 DREAM MILE!! San Jose 1 January 1970 Thedreammile Surf City Marathon & Half Marathon Huntington Beach 1 January 2020 motivrunning The San Francisco Marathon San Francisco 26 July 2020 Thesfmarathon OC Marathon Costa Mesa 1 May 2020 Ocmarathon JetBlue Long Beach Marathon Long Beach 3 October 2020 Runlongbeach Two Cities Marathon Fresno 3 November 2019 Twocitiesmarathon Bakersfield Marathon Bakerfield 17 November 2019 Runsignup California International Marathon Sacramento 8 December 2019 Runsra About Marathons
Marathon events consist of 26 miles (42 kilometers) and the courses are typically laid out through roads. Starting in the Olympics in the early 1900s, marathons have quickly picked up in popularity and most long-distance runners subscribe to this distance. In 2017 there are currently more than 800 runs in California being held, and that number is consistently growing.
Read moreRead lessHow 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.
- Ultra Races
Name City Date Website SLO Ultra Trail Races San Luis Obispo County 24 October 2020 sloultra - Other Races to Consider
Name City Date Website The Paiute Meadows Trail Run Susanville 9 May 2020 paiutemeadowstrailrun 2018 VALENCIA Trail Race Santa Clarita 28 March 2020 valenciatrailrace Griffith Park Trail Marathon Relay & 8K Old Zoo 1 January 1970 griffithparkmarathonrelay San Diego Holiday Half Marathon San Diego, CA 21 December 2019 sandiegoholidayhalf AIDS Walk and Run San Diego San Diego, CA 1 January 1970 events.thecentersd