Plan your next running vacation in California, one of the most popular destinations in the United States. The state is focused on active living and hosts many running races, making it a paradise for many athletes.
“You are nearly guaranteed to enjoy perfect weather – an advantage that can’t be overstated – as well as beautiful surroundings. Lush, hilly trail races; flat and fast oceanside marathons; themed events where runners dress like their favorite characters – there’s really something here for every sort of aspiring athlete,” says Jessie Sebor, who oversees many Competitor and Women’s Running magazines as Vice President of Media at Competitor Group, Inc.
In this blog post, you’ll find the best 10 California running races.
1. Carlsbad 5000
March, Carlsbad
Distances: 5K, kids race, “All Day 5K”
The Carlsbad 5000 is one of the most important races in California and the U.S. It has returned following the pandemic and hosts more than 6,000 runners.
The co-owner of the race, Meb Keflezighi, is a San Diegan and Olympic marathoner. He is the only male runner to win an Olympic medal, the Boston Marathon, and the New York City marathon. After that, he chased the 5K American record, finishing in 13 minutes 34 seconds twice in two years.
World records have been achieved at Carlsbad 5000 due to its flat course along the coast in northern San Diego county. Runners can challenge themself even more with the “All Day 5K” — run four back-to-back 5Ks with breaks. After the 5K, enjoy a relaxing beach vacation.
2. Big Sur International Marathon
April, Big Sur
Distances: 3K, 5K, 12K, 11 miles, half marathon, 21 miles, marathon
Runner’s World has called Big Sur International Marathon the “most scenic race on the continent,” and we agree. Rugged cliffs, beautiful sequoias, and the turquoise Pacific Ocean line in this point-to-point course from Big Sur to Monterey.
One of the interesting things about this California run is that you have options ranging from 3K to the marathon. However, if you run the 3K or 5K, you’ll miss one of the course highlights – a grand piano player at mile 13.
The Big Sur Marathon has a 6-hour time limit and officially ends at 1 pm when the road reopens to regular traffic. There won’t be any support on the course (aid stations, medical, communications, etc.). Those who don’t reach marathon mile 15 by 10:30 am or mile 21.2 by 11:50 am won’t be able to proceed and will be provided transportation to the finish line. There are no finish medals or official times for those who finish after 1 pm.
3. Bay to Breakers
May, San Francisco
Distance: 12K
Bay to Breakers is a really spectacular event with more than 50,000 costumed athletes running through San Francisco. This annual event was founded over 100 years ago and is not a serious race but more a “costume party”. Casual runners, elite racers, and a competitive “centipede” category (13 or more people attached by a cord of some sort) enjoy the local race. Ill-conceived costumes make running a 12K more difficult in places like Hayes Hill at mile 2, which boasts an 11 percent elevation. The race finishes in Golden Gate Park, where the celebrating continues.
Course
The Bay to Breakers 12K race runs west through the city and finishes at the Great Highway along the Pacific Coast’s Ocean Beach. Athletes run up the scenic Hayes Street Hill, along the Panhandle, and through Golden Gate Park while the people of San Francisco cheer them on.
Timing
All participants will be provided with bibs with timing chips. Your race number must be worn on the front of the shirt to ensure that it all works properly. The USATF Rules require that overall awards be determined by gun time while age group awards are determined by chip time.
Minimum Pace
The route will close on race day at 12:30 pm at the intersection of JFK and Chain of Lakes in Golden Gate Park. Runners who haven’t passed this intersection by 12:30 pm will not have the opportunity to cross the Finish Line. The Finish Line closes at 1:00 pm.
4. Avenue of the Giants
May, Weott
Distances: 10K, half marathon, marathon
Avenue of the Giants Marathon is one of the most scenic races in the world and is perfect for those who love a peaceful run under a canopy of giant redwoods. It is located in Southern Humboldt County (45 miles south of Eureka). You can choose distances to explore groves of old-growth coast redwoods on foot, and less than 3,000 runners compete in total, so you can enjoy the forest. The average temperature in May is 45 to 62 degrees, perfect for running.
5. Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego
June, San Diego
Distances: 5K, half marathon, marathon relay, marathon, dog walk
The Rock ‘n’ Roll series was founded in 1998, and the event continues to be the best for runners who like to visit the coastal city of San Diego. The route goes through some of San Diego’s hippest neighborhoods and museum-filled Balboa Park before finishing downtown.
Many consider this race to be one of the best half marathons in California. It’s a Rock ‘n’ Roll series, so you can expect live music along the route and a finish line party with the headliner. Runners who take part in three out of four Rock ‘n’ Roll races in one year can celebrate with a special “Cali Combo” medal.
6. The Dipsea Race
June, Mill Valley
Distance: 7.5 miles
The Dipsea Race is the oldest and most challenging trail race in Marin County, California. Only 1,500 participants can compete on the 7.4 miles of stairs and steep single track, making this race truly one of a kind. The application process involves physically mailing in paperwork. The oldest and youngest athletes start first, followed by the rest of the field in one-minute increments, and the first person to reach the top wins.
7. Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon
July, Napa, and Sonoma
Distance: 5K, half marathon
Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon is for wine drinkers who love California runs. You will run a scenic route through some of Napa and Sonoma’s most beautiful vineyards before you end in historic Sonoma Plaza. As a special treat, finishers get a wine glass to taste wines from more than 20 wineries.
8. Disneyland Super Heroes Half Marathon Weekend
November, Anaheim
Distances: Spider-Man 5K, Thor 10K, Half Marathon
Disneyland Super Heroes Half Marathon Weekend is a themed run giving you a brand new view of the park before it opens. In addition to the Super Heroes weekend, you can run the Star Wars Half Marathon in January, Tinkerbell Half Marathon Weekend in May, and the Disneyland Half Marathon Weekend in September.
9. Silicon Valley Turkey Trot
November, San Jose
Distance: 5K, 10K, kids race
The Silicon Valley Turkey Trot is the largest Thanksgiving weekend race in the United States. With more than 25,000 runners in the annual event, it helps 5 different charities. The race features different competitions, including a “Can Do” food drive, a costume contest, and a “Mayor’s Cup” for civic leaders.
10. California International Marathon
December, Sacramento
Distance: 5K, marathon relay, marathon
For the past 38 years, the California International Marathon has followed the same net downhill route, making it one of the fastest marathons in the US and providing over 100,000 runners of all speeds – from first-timers to the fastest – the opportunity to achieve their marathon goals.
Bib Number
All runners must wear a bib on the front of the shirt. Numbers must be fully visible and cannot be cut or folded. Athletes who run without a properly attached or displayed bib risk not being listed in the results.
An awards ceremony will be held at the finish line to honor the top finishers at approximately 11:00 am. Division awards and relay awards will be mailed 8 weeks following the event. Medals are provided only to finishers.
