Half Marathon races near Thousand Oaks

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.

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 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.

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.

Turkey Trot Chicago is a Thanksgiving race series in Chicago offering four distances: 5k, 10k, 15k, and a half marathon. It is structured as a holiday race day, allowing participants to select a distance ranging from a short, family-friendly run to a more challenging half marathon. The event features a kids run, integrating it into the Thanksgiving traditions for families alongside adult runners. The race day embraces the holiday theme with a festive atmosphere and a post-race gathering, giving it the feel of a seasonal event rather than a standard road race.

The Holiday Half Marathon & 5K takes place over a weekend in December at Marine Stadium in Long Beach, California. The schedule features a half marathon, a Christmas Light or Glow 5K, and the Penguin Waddle Kid's Run, catering to those seeking a longer race and families wanting a shorter holiday activity. The event is in its 18th year and recently relocated to the Marine Stadium site. Participants completing multiple races receive a Golden Snowflake Medal. The Christmas Light 5K received positive comments during its initial year, and the organizer emails race photos once results are published.

The Ventura Marathon guides runners from Ojai to Ventura along California’s coast, offering full and half marathon distances designed for fast, downhill running. The full marathon begins in Ojai and concludes in Ventura, descending approximately 900 feet. The half marathon starts south of Ojai, drops over 500 feet, and finishes in Downtown Ventura. Both races cater to participants aiming for a personal best or a Boston qualifying time. The half marathon incorporates roads and the Ojai-Ventura bike path, while the full marathon follows a consistent downhill point-to-point course to the beach. The half course is USATF certified. The race weekend is based in Downtown Ventura, featuring a festival with exhibitor booths, waffles, craft beer, and proximity to local businesses. Ventura’s association with the X-Games contributes an additional element of sports culture to the event.