5K races near Palm Springs

Cahuilla Rez Ultra offers multiple trail and road running distances on the Cahuilla Indian Reservation in Anza, California. Options include a Tribal Member 5k and half marathon, plus 6-hour, 12-hour, 24-hour, and 100-mile formats. This event takes place in a mountain desert environment and benefits the Cahuilla Band of Indians, with all proceeds after operational costs directed to the tribe's Youth and Family Committee. The race incorporates cultural and educational components about the Cahuilla people, connecting the event directly to the reservation. The primary ultra course is a 2-mile loop on a double-track dirt road, with approximately 170 feet of elevation gain per lap, totaling around 8,500 feet over 100 miles. The half marathon course covers 13 miles on reservation roads, featuring about 1,500 feet of climb and four aid stations. A main aid station at the softball field provides hot and substantial food choices, along with access to permanent restroom facilities. Camping and crew support are available for longer races, including tent camping on the softball field, car camping in a nearby dirt lot, and limited free RV spots. Participants completing 100 miles receive a buckle, all finishers get a medal, top finishers are awarded handcrafted prizes, and the Tribal Member 5k offers a buckle instead of a shirt.

Martha’s Village & Kitchen Thanksgiving Day 5K is a family-friendly run/walk fundraiser in Palm Desert, California, held each Thanksgiving. It is designed for those seeking a short holiday race instead of a formal, runners-only competition. Over 4,000 people participate, including runners, walkers, spectators, and volunteers. The event raises awareness for Martha’s Village & Kitchen and supports its efforts against hunger and homelessness in the Coachella Valley.

The Palm Springs Wild Turkey Trot 5K begins at 100 N. Palm Canyon in downtown Palm Springs, sending runners and walkers out on Thanksgiving morning. It is a certified 5K with a fast, flat course, suitable for those aiming for a personal best or simply earning extra pie before the holiday meal. The route starts and finishes downtown on Palm Canyon, keeping the event centered in the heart of Palm Springs. Palm Springs Marathon Runners organizes it, and the event has supported local causes since 2011, including the Palm Springs Police Department, the Mizell Senior Center Meals on Wheels Program, and Guide Dogs of the Desert. Participants can enter solo, walk, run, form a team, or choose a virtual option with race goodies mailed within the continental U.S.

Santa Runs Palm Springs is a 5K in Palm Springs with a simple twist: registered participants receive a full Santa suit to wear on the route and keep afterward. The race begins at 8:30 AM, covers 3.1 miles, and is designed for those who prefer to run, walk, or stroll over chasing a fast time. The event was previously named Santa Paws 5K, and that older name still suits the participants: dogs are welcome, and strollers may join. Children 10 and under receive a special offer, making the day lean family-friendly, with the main tradition being a field of Santas moving through the same short course.

The Jingle Paws 5K is an annual holiday-season 5K run/walk that raises money for the Helotes Humane Society in the San Antonio area. It is designed for runners, walkers, families, and dog owners, with well-mannered, leashed, vaccinated dogs invited to join the course. The race embraces the season: participants are encouraged to wear holiday outfits, and many dogs appear in festive gear. Santa and Mrs. Claus have cheered runners on, and the results include dog-specific awards such as fastest dog teams and a holiday spirit/costume award for dog-and-owner pairs. The event is one of the Helotes Humane Society’s largest fundraisers, so the day is as much about animal rescue as it is about finishing a 5K.

The Palm Desert 1/2 Marathon & 5K provides the Coachella Valley with its sole half marathon. A shorter 5K, suitable for runners and walkers, takes place on the same February race weekend. The 5K course is flat and fast, making the event appropriate for those seeking a quick short race or for individuals progressing to the half marathon distance. Additionally, a 1K kids run is available for children up to age 13. Half marathon and 5K participants receive timing, an official race shirt, a finisher medal, and post-race food. Kids run participants are also given their own medal and food upon finishing.

The NATRO Native American Trail Marathon Championship is a trail running race series focused on increasing Native runner participation on trails. Its first sponsored event, NATRO@Soboba, took place in La Jacinta, California, on the Soboba Indian Reservation. This event offered 25-kilometer and 5-kilometer races, deviating from a marathon-only format. Participants could register in either Open or Native divisions, accommodating Native competition while also welcoming the broader trail running community. The series originated from the Native American Trail Running Organization, established by Sheldon Subith with assistance from Native race directors. Subith contributes a runner's and coach's perspective to the initiative; he is a skilled masters trail runner and coaches cross country at Noli Indian School in San Jacinto. NATRO@Soboba also connected the race to youth running, allocating a portion of the proceeds to Noli Indian School’s cross country and track programs. The initial development was practical and community-focused from the outset; Subith mentioned NATRO began as a concept and required more time than anticipated to reach its inaugural Soboba race.

Bedrock Valley Trail Runs is a spring trail race series in Hemet, California, held around Diamond Valley Lake. All courses are on unpaved trails. The series includes a full marathon, half marathon, 15K, 10K, Stroller 5K, and a 1 Mile Kid's Fun Run, catering to trail runners and families, not just long-distance racers. The race begins early and maintains a small field with a 400-participant limit and no prize money. The location has a unique history: the lake area is situated on bedrock where remains of hundreds of mastodons and other prehistoric animals were discovered. The event has been held annually since 2012 as an American Trail Running Association member race.

Run on Memorial Day on a flat, fast, out-and-back course near Diamond Valley Lake. This race is for everyone, from seasoned runners to beginners, and the whole family. Finishers receive custom medals and technical shirts. The course is near Southern California wineries and Old Town Temecula.