5K races near Tulare

Runners cross the dry bed of Kaweah Lake at this trail race in Three Rivers, California. The race takes place in the fall and offers two straightforward distance options: a 5K (3.1 miles) and a 10K (6.2 miles). It begins and ends on Sierra Drive. With limited parking, it has the feel of a small local event rather than a large city race. The course’s main appeal is its unique surface and location: instead of running around the lake, participants run across the exposed lake bottom. The first race sold out two weeks before the event, and participation is capped. Finishers receive a Lake Bottom t-shirt, a custom wood medal, complimentary race photos, and chip timing. The finish area provides food, music, and camaraderie. Proceeds benefit St. Anthony Retreat and Conference Center.

The SHAY 5K Run/Walk is a community 5K in Delano, California, held at La Vina Middle School on Browning Road. It takes place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, a shift from its earlier Thanksgiving morning schedule. Participants may run or walk the 5K distance, with age-group awards for timed runners. Children 10 and under receive a reduced registration fee, and individuals can register or form teams. The event commemorates Shaylyn Anela Pinoliar and is organized by Spreading Help Around You, a nonprofit established in her memory. This organization assists families coping with the loss of a loved one, educates them on preparedness for such events, serves the local community, advocates for pedestrian safety, and manages the SHAY Scholarship Program. Race-day features include event shirts, finisher medals for the first 150 participants, race bibs, awards, and raffle announcements.

The Corporal Javier Bejar Memorial Run is an event in Reedley, California, organized by the Reedley Police Department. It honors Corporal Javier Bejar, a Reedley police officer and Marine Corps veteran who died in the line of duty. The event includes a 10K run, 10K walk, 5K run/walk, 5K walk, and a virtual run/walk. In-person events begin at G Street and 10th Street in Reedley. The race is designed for both runners and walkers, with separate start times for each group on race morning. Race day starts with late packet pickup and a ceremony before the first 10K runners begin. Participants get a commemorative shirt and finisher medal inspired by Corporal Bejar's life and sacrifice. Medals are guaranteed for the first 350 runners, and shirts are not guaranteed for those who register late. Packet pickup takes place at the Reedley Police Department Annex Building on G Street, reinforcing the event's connection to the department and the community it remembers.