5K races near Simi Valley

The Mean Girls 5K, 10K and Half Marathon transforms the LA River Path into North Shore High for a comedy-themed running event in Canoga Park. This race is part of Jed and Ted's Excellent Races, a San Fernando Valley series focused on '80s and '90s movie and TV themes, offering a relaxed, low-stress atmosphere rather than a large-city marathon feel. Participants can select a 5K, 10K, or half marathon, with the themed setup accommodating casual runners, local regulars, and those seeking a longer distance. The primary course begins in Canoga Park, following the paved LA River path. The 10K is an out-and-back covering approximately three miles of continuous path without any traffic crossings. 5K participants utilize a portion of this route, while half marathoners complete the course twice with an additional section. Refreshments are available at the start line and the 5K turnaround. The decorations are understated but align with the theme, the medals are unique to each race, and the finish area is relaxed, allowing runners to converse with race directors and begin recognizing other participants over time.

The Reyes Adobe Days “RAD” 5K is a short road race in Agoura Hills, California. The start and finish are at Whizin Market Square on Roadside Drive. It is paired with a kids’ mile, accommodating runners seeking a quick 5K and families with younger finishers. The 5K follows a flat, fast, previously certified course, suitable for pacing or aiming for a strong time. Age-group awards are presented three deep with custom medals. Kids’ mile finishers also receive custom medals, and a portion of the race proceeds benefits a designated charity.

The Back to the Future: 88 MPH Dash is a themed running event in Canoga Park, California, starting at 7:00 a.m. PST with three in-person distances: a 5K, 10K, and half marathon. Jed & Ted’s Excellent Races presents the series. Runners unable to attend in person may select a virtual option, the Multiverse Flux Capacitor Challenge. The race embraces Back to the Future and 1980s pop culture. The 5K is the 88 MPH Sprint, the 10K is the Twin Pines 10K, honoring the mall from the films, and the half marathon is the Enchantment Under the Run Half Marathon. The event acknowledges Back to the Future Day, plays 80s music, provides themed photo areas with futuristic props, and encourages period or character costumes.

Spooky Dam is a Halloween-season running series at Hansen Dam in Los Angeles, offering 5k, 10k, 15k, and half marathon distances. Races begin in the morning and are organized by A Better World Running. Costumes are encouraged, making it a more casual and playful event than a standard road race. The start and finish are located on the path opposite Hansen Dam Skate Park, with free parking available in a nearby lot. The course is an open out-and-back route where runners share the path with pedestrians, other runners, and cyclists. It's straightforward to navigate, featuring a single small hill around 0.6 miles from the start. An aid station on each loop provides water, Gatorade, and Gu gels. The 5k completes one loop, the 10k two, the 15k three, and the half marathon consists of three 4.36-mile loops. Participants receive custom medals, goodie bags, complimentary photos and videos, snacks, and results posted online within 12 to 24 hours.

The Sharsheret West Coast Dash offers a 5K and 10K run/walk at Dockweiler Beach in Los Angeles, with the race taking place at 12000 Vista Del Mar. The event is set for a Sunday morning in October. The 5K begins at 7:00 AM, followed by the 10K at 8:00 AM. The format allows participants to select either the 5K or 10K distance. Runners and walkers will assemble at a prominent Los Angeles beach location near Playa del Rey. Registration is managed via RunSignup. This event is part of the Sharsheret West Coast Dash series.

The Howl-o-ween Doggie Dash 5K is a run or walk for dogs and their handlers in Griffith Park, beginning at the Park Center Picnic Area at 8:30 AM. LA Frontrunners organizes this event to raise funds for Angel City Pit Bulls and The Rescue Train. The focus is on participants running with their dogs, as well as those aiming for a fast 5K time. The course consists of a single packed-dirt loop around the golf course via the Main Trail. Awards are presented to the top three overall teams based on the human runner's gender category. Pup divisions are determined by the dog's weight. A virtual option is available, with shirts and medals mailed to participants unable to attend in person. The event maintains records of past results, photos, and Griffith Park course records for both human-only and dog-and-human categories.

The Las Calaveritas 10 Miler is a road race in Los Angeles, located at Hansen Dam and scheduled near Día de los Muertos. Participants can choose from three distances: a 10-mile race, a 5-mile race, and a 5K run/walk. All races begin in the morning; the 10-mile event has a three-hour start window, while the 5-mile and 5K have two-hour windows. The race combines the Day of the Dead celebration with distance running, accommodating both competitive runners and those walking in remembrance. The estimated 500 to 1,000 participants position it as a mid-sized local event. While the 10 Miler is the main event, the 5 Miler and 5K offer accessibility to newer runners, walkers, and groups at the Hansen Dam course.

The Malibu Half Marathon begins and ends at Zuma Beach, with the primary race situated along Malibu’s Pacific Coast Highway. This event takes place over a weekend in November in Malibu, California. The main event is a half marathon, supported by a 5K, a children's run, and a combined option for participants wishing to compete in multiple events. The half-marathon course is USATF-certified, offering runners aiming for a specific time a validated 13.1-mile route. The half marathon follows an out-and-back path, with the ocean on one side and mountains on the other, featuring a total elevation gain of 378 feet. The 5K takes place before the half marathon, starting and finishing at Zuma Beach. The children's race is a half-kilometer run for participants aged 4 to 10. All finishers receive medals. Those completing the 5K and half marathon combo earn three medals. A VIP charity half-marathon entry allocates a portion of the fee to the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu. The event promotes itself as the first PCH Malibu running event, with the weekend focused on coastal running, wellness, and community, not solely on the half-marathon participants.

This annual event brings together hundreds of community members impacted by this disease. It's a chance to support the Race to Cure Sarcoma, raising awareness and funds for research. Together we can find a cure.

DoggieRun 4K/5K is a Los Angeles race series for runners accompanied by their dogs, offering 4K and 5K distances. The start line is at 4800 Griffith Park Dr in Griffith Park. This event is designed as a relaxed outdoor gathering for people and pets, attracting families, friends, dog owners, and runners who enjoy a short race with their canine partners. The race supports dog adoption efforts. Organizers partner with local shelters to promote adoption, and attendees may have opportunities to interact with or support dogs seeking homes. The event also emphasizes the bond between humans and dogs through shared exercise, outdoor activity, and a community of people motivated by their pets.

The Turkey Day Trot begins and ends at Crescent Bay Park on Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica. The event features a 5K Stride for Peace, a Family 1-Miler, and a Kids Dash on Thanksgiving morning. It is an untimed community run organized by the City of Santa Monica, emphasizing movement over competition. Check-in and bib pickup occur on event morning before the early start. The shorter distances are designed for children, grandparents, strollers, pets, walkers, and runners of all abilities. The route follows the Santa Monica Beach Path along the shoreline, offering ocean views. A water stop is located at North Beach Playground, with marked turnaround points before returning to Crescent Bay Park. All participants receive a finisher medal. The event also provides free photos, music, refreshments, and a festival at the finish line. The race collaborates with Merge Opportunities, a Long Beach nonprofit focused on employment, education, and empowerment, with an option for participants to donate during registration. The Stride for Peace also partners with Remembering Lala, an initiative that honors victims of domestic violence and supports awareness for survivors.