Boardwalk Fun Run 2026

The Boardwalk Fun Run takes participants through the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, beginning and ending at 400 Beach Street in Santa Cruz, California. This is a family-friendly race day offering two options: a 1K Kids Run for ages 2 to 12 and a flat 5K for runners aged 4 to 99. The kids race begins in the morning, with the 5K following shortly after. The course remains within the Boardwalk grounds, connecting the race to the arcade, rides, beach, and seaside amusement park. All finishers get a medal and a Boardwalk swag bag. Participants also receive up to two hours of free play in the Casino Arcade and a race-day discount on a ride wristband. The event encourages participants to trade flip flops for running shoes, then stay for games, rides, and the beach.