5K races near Encinitas

San Diego Donut Dash offers a post-race spread that can exceed 1,000 donuts. This running event, centered around donuts, takes place in the San Diego area. Its primary 5K is held at Kit Carson Park in Escondido, with a race schedule that includes a Kids Dash, a 5K, and a Donut Mile. The atmosphere leans towards a community gathering rather than a competitive race, though participants receive a proper 5K, a donut-themed finisher medal, and a custom event shirt. The 5K course winds through the park via sidewalks and trails. The Donut Mile follows a quarter-mile loop at the El Arroyo picnic area near the duck pond. Local donut shops and bakeries provide complimentary donuts for attendees and participants. The Donut Mile stands out as a unique tradition: a sweet take on a beer mile, designed for those who appreciate a humorous challenge as much as speed. San Diego's donut-run offerings also feature the GiGi's 5K at Crown Point in Mission Bay, which supports fundraising for free programs for individuals with Down syndrome, and allows participants to run, walk, roll, or use strollers.

The Hoag OC Marathon Running Festival is a road-race weekend in Orange County, California, featuring a sunset 5K on Saturday and the half marathon and full marathon on Sunday. The longer races begin at Fashion Island, the outdoor shopping mall in Newport Beach, with the 5K starting and ending at the OC Fair & Event Center. The event, held annually, originated from an Orange County marathon that offered equal prize money for its first male and female winners. The half and full marathon course departs from Newport Beach onto Pacific Coast Highway, proceeds through Corona del Mar, passes Newport Bay, and then heads inland along residential streets near Upper Newport Bay. The half marathon diverts towards the OC Fair & Event Center around the 12-mile point, while the marathon continues through Costa Mesa, passing the Orange County Museum of Art, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, and South Coast Plaza, before entering Santa Ana and returning south on the Santa Ana River Trail to the fairgrounds. The 5K route remains closer to Costa Mesa, passing Orange Coast College.

The ERS Season Pass is a trail-running registration package for Endurance Race Series events in the Colorado and San Diego areas. It functions as a season-long VIP pass: runners register for every ERS race in their selected market through a single transaction and package price, rather than entering each event individually. The Half Marathon Package is priced at $400 and includes six Southern California races: Carmel Valley 10 Mile, Black Mtn Half, Dixon Lake 10 Mile, Del Dios Half, SPV Half, and Coast to Crest 10K. Pass holders receive a VIP goodie bag, and participants completing five of the six races earn a Season Pass medal and an ERS-branded gift. The package also includes entry into the Legacy Program and the Championship Series, making it suitable for individuals intending to compete in the entire series rather than just one race.

The Carmel Valley Trail Race guides runners through Gonzales Canyon Open Space, with the start and finish at Solana Ranch Park in San Diego’s Carmel Valley. This is a small annual trail event limited to 300 participants, offering 5K, 10K, and 10-mile distances. The 10K and 5K also function as championship qualifying races. The course starts and finishes on level terrain. However, the middle portion includes sufficient elevation gain to make the longer distances feel like a mountain race. Participants in the 10K and 10-mile races will encounter a section known as Puke Hill. The 5K route remains flat for those seeking a trail environment without significant climbing. This race is noted as San Diego’s sole trail race crossing Gonzales Canyon Open Space.

The Lake Hodges Trail Festival is an annual trail running and trail duathlon event. It takes place at the Piedras Pintadas Trailhead in San Diego, California, with the start and finish located at the trailhead. The event offers a 50K, 25K, 15K, 10K, 5K, Stroller Trail 5K, a 1 Mile Kid's Fun Run, and a run-bike-run Trail Duathlon. This festival is part of the Elevation Culture Race Series. The 50K serves as an entry-level ultramarathon. The 10K covers 1,000 feet of elevation gain, reaching Bernardo Mountain Peak. The 5K route runs along the Lake Hodges shore. The Kid's Fun Run is untimed and intended for children aged 10 and under. Participants include runners, duathletes, teams, families, and children. The event is cupless, requiring participants to provide their own hydration containers. All finishers get shirts and handcrafted wooden medals, with 10K Bernardo Challenge runners also receiving a summit coin.

SeaWorld San Diego hosts the Howl-O-Sprint 5K, an early morning Halloween run within the park. The primary event is a 3.1-mile run or walk, complemented by a Kids Fun Run for younger participants. Both races are in their second year. Participants receive a race shirt, a timed bib, a finisher medal, and are eligible for awards. The course winds through the park grounds as SeaWorld is decorated for its Halloween festivities. The route features themed photo opportunities, Halloween surprises, and costumed characters. Costumes are encouraged; masks are not permitted. The top three finishers in Male, Female, and Nonbinary categories will receive a Road Runner Sports shoe certificate and two SeaWorld admission tickets. Additional SeaWorld tickets are awarded to top age-division finishers.

Crown Point Relay Runs takes place on a morning at Crown Point Park in San Diego, offering 5K, 8K, half marathon relay, and marathon relay options. The relay races begin early, followed by the 8K and then the 5K. This schedule means the longer team events are underway within the park before the shorter races commence. Relay teams consist of 2 to 5 runners; the half marathon relay spans 5 laps and the marathon relay covers 10 laps. The course follows a paved bike path alongside the calm waters of Mission Bay. It features a flat, fast profile with broad bay views. The course suits walkers, newer runners, club runners, and teams aiming for a fast finish. However, the relay format lends a more social atmosphere than a typical road race. Teams receive a picnic area, chipped timing, shirts, medals, and overall and age-group awards. Active and veteran military or service members are eligible for a registration discount.

The Thrive San Diego Half Marathon & 5K takes place in November at Ski Beach in Mission Bay, San Diego. All courses begin and end at this location. The primary event is a 13.1-mile half marathon, with additional options including a 5K, a two-person half marathon relay, charity entries, and virtual half marathon and 5K races. This marks the series' tenth year. The morning begins with the half marathon and relay, followed by the 5K. The half marathon course is a loop starting on Ingraham Street, proceeding along Mission Bay, and returning to Ski Beach. It features flat, fast sections, bay views, and ocean breezes, avoiding significant hills or complex terrain. Relay participants cover approximately 6.5 miles each over the 13.1-mile distance. The race benefits Make-A-Wish San Diego and promotes community well-being through activity, healthy eating, and charitable contributions.

MUDGIRL San Diego is a 5 km mud-and-obstacle run in San Diego, with the event village at Bates Nut Farm. The race is built around a women-focused field, and participants are invited to bring a “girl squad” of friends, family, or colleagues. The course is about 3 miles of mud, obstacles, and inflatable challenges rather than a standard road race. Women of different ages and fitness levels line up together, and the event uses its Pink Army theme to tie the day to a cause and a wider community feeling.