Gare di 5K vicino a Lakeside

Il Hoag OC Marathon Running Festival è un weekend di gare su strada a Orange County, California, con una 5K al tramonto il sabato e la half marathon e la full marathon la domenica. Le gare più lunghe partono da Fashion Island, il centro commerciale all'aperto a Newport Beach, mentre la 5K inizia e finisce all'OC Fair & Event Center. L'evento, che fanno ogni anno, è nato da una marathon di Orange County che dava lo stesso premio in denaro ai primi classificati, uomo e donna. Il percorso della half e della full marathon parte da Newport Beach e si immette sulla Pacific Coast Highway, passa per Corona del Mar, costeggia Newport Bay e poi si dirige verso l'interno lungo strade residenziali vicino a Upper Newport Bay. La half marathon devia verso l'OC Fair & Event Center intorno al 12-mile point, mentre la marathon continua attraverso Costa Mesa, passando per l'Orange County Museum of Art, il Segerstrom Center for the Arts e South Coast Plaza, prima di entrare a Santa Ana e tornare a sud sulla Santa Ana River Trail fino ai padiglioni della fiera. Il percorso della 5K rimane più vicino a Costa Mesa, passando per l'Orange Coast College.

The Awesome 80's Run is a San Diego 5K and 10K held at Ruocco Park on Harbor Lane, with both races beginning in the morning. The shorter race is the Radical 5K Run/Walk, and the longer is the Tubular 10K Run, suitable for those aiming to race hard or those who prefer to walk or jog with friends. The course details are straightforward in the race materials, with the event focusing on all-level routes and an 80s theme rather than a technical challenge. Participants are encouraged to wear neon leggings, sweatbands, leg warmers, and other retro costumes, with 80s music playing throughout the event. Finishers receive a themed medal, and the day concludes with a post-race party featuring more 80s music. A virtual option is available for those who want the theme without attending in San Diego.

San Diego Donut Dash offers a post-race spread that can exceed 1,000 donuts. This running event, centered around donuts, takes place in the San Diego area. Its primary 5K is held at Kit Carson Park in Escondido, with a race schedule that includes a Kids Dash, a 5K, and a Donut Mile. The atmosphere leans towards a community gathering rather than a competitive race, though participants receive a proper 5K, a donut-themed finisher medal, and a custom event shirt. The 5K course winds through the park via sidewalks and trails. The Donut Mile follows a quarter-mile loop at the El Arroyo picnic area near the duck pond. Local donut shops and bakeries provide complimentary donuts for attendees and participants. The Donut Mile stands out as a unique tradition: a sweet take on a beer mile, designed for those who appreciate a humorous challenge as much as speed. San Diego's donut-run offerings also feature the GiGi's 5K at Crown Point in Mission Bay, which supports fundraising for free programs for individuals with Down syndrome, and allows participants to run, walk, roll, or use strollers.

La Carmel Valley Trail Race ti fa correre dentro Gonzales Canyon Open Space, con partenza e arrivo a Solana Ranch Park, nella Carmel Valley di San Diego. È un evento trail annuale, con un massimo di 300 partecipanti, che offre distanze da 5K, 10K e 10 miglia. Le 10K e le 5K sono anche qualificanti per i campionati. Il percorso è pianeggiante in partenza e arrivo. Però la parte centrale ha un dislivello sufficiente a far sembrare le distanze più lunghe una corsa in montagna. Chi si cimenta nelle 10K e 10 miglia troverà un tratto conosciuto come Puke Hill. La 5K invece resta piatta, perfetta per chi cerca un ambiente trail senza salite importanti. Questa è l'unica gara trail di San Diego che attraversa Gonzales Canyon Open Space.

Allora, il Lake Hodges Trail Festival è un evento annuale, fanno trail running e anche un trail duathlon. Si svolge al Piedras Pintadas Trailhead a San Diego, California, con partenza e arrivo proprio lì al trailhead. Propongono un sacco di distanze: 50K, 25K, 15K, 10K, 5K, una Stroller Trail 5K, una 1 Mile Kid's Fun Run e poi c'è pure un Trail Duathlon run-bike-run. Questo festival fa parte della Elevation Culture Race Series. La 50K la presentano come una ultramarathon per chi inizia, un entry-level insomma. La 10K ha 1,000 feet di dislivello positivo e arriva fino al Bernardo Mountain Peak. La 5K invece corre lungo la riva del Lake Hodges. La Kid's Fun Run non è cronometrata ed è pensata per i bambini fino ai 10 anni. Ci sono corridori, duatleti, team, famiglie e bambini. L'evento è cupless, quindi bisogna portarsi i propri contenitori per l'idratazione. Tutti quelli che arrivano al traguardo prendono maglietta e medaglia di legno fatta a mano, e chi fa la 10K Bernardo Challenge riceve anche una summit coin.

SeaWorld San Diego hosts the Howl-O-Sprint 5K, an early morning Halloween run within the park. The primary event is a 3.1-mile run or walk, complemented by a Kids Fun Run for younger participants. Both races are in their second year. Participants receive a race shirt, a timed bib, a finisher medal, and are eligible for awards. The course winds through the park grounds as SeaWorld is decorated for its Halloween festivities. The route features themed photo opportunities, Halloween surprises, and costumed characters. Costumes are encouraged; masks are not permitted. The top three finishers in Male, Female, and Nonbinary categories will receive a Road Runner Sports shoe certificate and two SeaWorld admission tickets. Additional SeaWorld tickets are awarded to top age-division finishers.

Crown Point Relay Runs takes place on a morning at Crown Point Park in San Diego, offering 5K, 8K, half marathon relay, and marathon relay options. The relay races begin early, followed by the 8K and then the 5K. This schedule means the longer team events are underway within the park before the shorter races commence. Relay teams consist of 2 to 5 runners; the half marathon relay spans 5 laps and the marathon relay covers 10 laps. The course follows a paved bike path alongside the calm waters of Mission Bay. It features a flat, fast profile with broad bay views. The course suits walkers, newer runners, club runners, and teams aiming for a fast finish. However, the relay format lends a more social atmosphere than a typical road race. Teams receive a picnic area, chipped timing, shirts, medals, and overall and age-group awards. Active and veteran military or service members are eligible for a registration discount.

The Thrive San Diego Half Marathon & 5K takes place in November at Ski Beach in Mission Bay, San Diego. All courses begin and end at this location. The primary event is a 13.1-mile half marathon, with additional options including a 5K, a two-person half marathon relay, charity entries, and virtual half marathon and 5K races. This marks the series' tenth year. The morning begins with the half marathon and relay, followed by the 5K. The half marathon course is a loop starting on Ingraham Street, proceeding along Mission Bay, and returning to Ski Beach. It features flat, fast sections, bay views, and ocean breezes, avoiding significant hills or complex terrain. Relay participants cover approximately 6.5 miles each over the 13.1-mile distance. The race benefits Make-A-Wish San Diego and promotes community well-being through activity, healthy eating, and charitable contributions.

MUDGIRL San Diego is a 5 km mud-and-obstacle run in San Diego, with the event village at Bates Nut Farm. The race is built around a women-focused field, and participants are invited to bring a “girl squad” of friends, family, or colleagues. The course is about 3 miles of mud, obstacles, and inflatable challenges rather than a standard road race. Women of different ages and fitness levels line up together, and the event uses its Pink Army theme to tie the day to a cause and a wider community feeling.