5K races near Berkeley

The Bay Front Run begins and ends on Bayfront Boulevard in Hercules, California, adjacent to the Bay Front Trail. This yearly community race offers a 5K, 10K, 1 Mile Run/Walk, and a Kids Fun Run. The main races commence in the morning, with children’s races scheduled for later. The 5K and 10K are chip-timed and scored, while the shorter distances accommodate walkers, families, and young children. The course proceeds from Sanderling and Bayfront along Bayfront Boulevard to the Bay Trail entrance at John Muir Parkway. It then follows the trail through Hercules towards Rodeo before a turnaround at the Bay Trail's terminus. The 10K covers this course twice. The event benefits the Hercules Education Foundation. Following the run, the Bay Front Festival features music, food trucks, local businesses, entertainment, and community organizations. Participants registering early receive a race shirt, the first 350 finishers get a medal, and top male and female runners in the 5K and 10K receive awards.

Coffee enthusiasts! This Coffee Lovers Run is about good vibes. No timing chips, just a stress-free setting to achieve your goals. Your swag, including a medal and shirt, ships direct to your address. Log miles after the race and we'll donate $1 for every mile you do.

The SKECHERS Wicked Wine Run Napa Valley Fall Date is a running and walking event at Sunrise Ranch Winery in American Canyon, near the southern end of Napa Valley. The options are a 5K Wicked Wine Run, a 1K Wine Walk, or a combined option for those wanting to do both. It suits runners seeking a short race and walkers primarily there for the vineyard setting and wine stops. The courses utilize vineyard properties, with the 1K routed around four wine sampling stations from partner vineyards. The 5K provides finishers a complimentary glass of wine at the finish line. Afterward, the event includes a party with a live DJ, food trucks, additional wine for purchase, and games. Wicked Wine Run organizes it, and participation also supports charity partners.

The Reservoir Dogs Trail Run is an October trail race held at San Pablo Reservoir, located near Orinda in the East Bay. All race distances commence and conclude at the San Pablo Reservoir Visitor Center. Participants can select from 5K, 10K, half marathon, or 35K distances. The event has a participant cap of approximately 300 individuals across all races. Inside Trail Racing organizes this event. The longer distances feature a 6.5-hour time limit, maintaining the structure of a genuine trail race as opposed to a casual reservoir run. The course's distinctive feature is its complete circuit around Briones Reservoir using EBMUD trails, incorporating segments typically accessible only with permits. Expect a mix of moderately technical dirt paths, open fire roads, undulating hills, wooded single-track, winding single and double-track sections, exposed ridgelines, and expansive vistas of the watershed. The 10K, half marathon, and 35K races involve less elevation gain compared to many other Inside Trail events, allowing for faster times while still providing road runners with a true trail challenge. Aid stations are equipped with gels, trail mix, salty snacks, fruit, Coke, and Stroopwafels; however, participants must carry their own water between stations. Finishers receive a tech shirt and a medal, age-group victors are awarded trophies, and one participant receives the unique "Dead Last Finisher" award. Notably, dogs are prohibited despite the race's name.

The Run for Education is a spring 5K, 10K, and Kids Fun Run held in El Segundo, California. Its purpose, reflected in the name, is to raise funds for the city’s K-12 public schools. The El Segundo PTA Council organizes the event, which is now in its fourth decade. The 5K and 10K courses are USATF-certified, winding through downtown El Segundo and adjacent neighborhoods. These routes offer a measured course for competitive runners and a straightforward local path for casual participants. The field comprises competitive racers, joggers, walkers, families, and children. Age-group medals are awarded to the top three finishers in the 5K and 10K, with medals given to all participants who finish a race.

Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Run sends runners onto the Coastal Trail with a pumpkin waiting for them at the end. It is a race weekend event in Half Moon Bay, California, tied to the Annual Art & Pumpkin Festival, with a Kid's Fun Run, 5K, 10K, and half marathon based around Hatch Elementary School and the Pacific-side trail. Senior Coastsiders hosts it, and the proceeds support programs for local older adults. The route follows coastal paths overlooking the ocean, with rolling but generally fast, flat terrain that works for beginners, fun runners, and people chasing a personal best. The half marathon starts early and has a 3.5-hour cutoff, while the 5K and longer races include chip timing and finisher medals unless runners opt out. The festival side adds the Great Pumpkin Parade, live music, pie-eating contests, costume contests, giant pumpkin displays, and free admission on historic Main Street in the self-styled World Pumpkin Capital.

The Donut Fun Run is a timed, donut-themed 5k at Alameda Point, starting from the Seaplane Lagoon Promenade. It is open to all ages and abilities, accommodating families, casual walkers, first-time 5k runners, and people who still want an official time. The race is in its fourth annual edition, with the setup favoring a community morning and a finish-line party over a competitive racing event. After the 5k, participants enter a Finish Line Festival centered on donuts and local vendors. The festival features a donut eating contest, donuts from Donut Petit, live music, food and beverage booths, Bay Area craft vendors, a health and wellness expo, and beer and wine for guests over 21. A specific local highlight is The Dancing Donuts, a group from Alameda's Dance/10 studio, performing at the festival and available for photos.

The San Mateo Rotary hosts a Halloween-themed 5K and 10K run on flat paved paths in Seal Point Park, San Mateo. Both distances utilize the park setting near 1901 J Hart Clinton Drive. The event includes kid-focused activities alongside the main runs, such as a 50-yard dash where children receive medals. Runners also receive a goody bag, and the event features raffle prizes, giving it the feel of a local community run rather than a competitive road race.

The USS Hornet Halloween 5k is a 6:30 PM run held during the Halloween season at the USS Hornet Museum in Alameda. It begins after sunset, requiring participants to bring headlamps; lights will also be placed along the course. Costumes are encouraged, and the race supports the museum. The course is a flat loop around Alameda Point, beginning and ending at the pier. It runs along the estuary shoreline, passes Spirit Alley, and offers views across the bay toward San Francisco. Post-race activities include a beer garden, food, music, and age-group awards. Parking is available at the Hornet and around Alameda Point.