5K races near Ojai

The Ojai Family Fund Turkey Trot is a 3-mile fun run at Nordhoff High School in Ojai, beginning at 8 a.m. This Thanksgiving community race allows participants to compete seriously or to jog and walk for enjoyment. The event benefits the Ojai Family Fund, supporting low-income families within the Ojai Unified School District and promoting educational equity. Costumes are encouraged, allowing for a mix of competitive runners, families, and individuals enjoying a relaxed holiday morning.

Santa To The Sea begins its half marathon at the giant Santa along Highway 101 in Oxnard, California, sending runners toward the coast in December. The race weekend features a half marathon, quarter marathon, 5K, Kids 1K, and a separate Diaper Dash, functioning as a family event as much as a road race. The half marathon is open to runners age 11 and older, while the shorter events offer options for children and newer runners. The race originated from a toy drive marking the relocation of the world’s largest Santa Claus from Carpinteria to Oxnard. This origin remains significant: Santa To The Sea is a nonprofit event that gathers toys for underprivileged children in Ventura County and raises scholarship funds for Oxnard College students. Its scholarship program, in partnership with Gene Haas and the Oxnard College Foundation, awards $500 scholarships to local high school students and adults pursuing further education.

The Jingle Bell Jog at Dos Vientos is a timed 5K and 10K run-walk held at Dos Vientos Community Park in Newbury Park, California. The course utilizes the streets in and around Dos Vientos. The 5K is a relatively flat route suitable for families, walkers, and runners seeking a less challenging option. The 10K presents a more demanding course, incorporating several moderate climbs. Awards are given to the top three male and female finishers in each distance. All participants receive a race T-shirt and a custom 24-ounce Specialized water bottle. Parking and restrooms are available at the park. Dogs are not permitted at the event.

The Mountains 2 Beach Marathon and Half begins with a straightforward concept: run from inland Ventura County to the Pacific Ocean. The full marathon starts in Ojai, at just over 700 feet above sea level, while the half marathon begins in Oak View, nearer to the coast. The race weekend also offers a 10K, Beachfront 5K, Kids 1K Fun Run, and Combo Challenge for participants aiming to run a 5K on Saturday followed by a longer distance on Sunday. Both the marathon and half are point-to-point road races, with a USATF-certified course that qualifies runners for the Boston Marathon. The marathon descends gradually toward sea level over approximately 22 miles, tracing the Ventura River Valley before concluding near the Ventura Pier and Historic Downtown Ventura. The half marathon merges from the full course's midpoint, continuing downhill to the same beachfront finish. The 10K commences near mile 20 of the marathon route, then proceeds into Downtown Ventura and along the beach. The 5K follows the bike path and promenade adjacent to San Buenaventura State Beach Park. The finish line festivities are situated near the surf, dining, and shopping areas, and the event consistently sells out months in advance. Charity partners concentrate on children's health and wellness, with volunteers staffing aid stations, road crossings, course setup, and finish-line assistance.