Running Races in California | Top Running Events Across the State
Running Races in California attract runners from around the world with their scenic routes and energetic race-day atmosphere. From iconic events like the Los Angeles Marathon to coastal and countryside courses, California offers diverse running experiences for every level.
Participants can run through vibrant city streets, along oceanfront paths, or across rolling hills, all while enjoying supportive crowds and well-organized events. Many marathons also include half marathons and shorter distances, making them accessible to a wide range of runners.
Whether you’re chasing a personal best or running for fun, California’s marathons provide an unforgettable mix of challenge, scenery, and community spirit.
Featured Events
The Diversity of California Races
California’s races reflect the state’s incredible geographic and cultural diversity. You can find:
- Road races: Marathons, half marathons, 10Ks, and 5Ks on paved courses
- Trail races: Challenging events on dirt paths through mountains, forests, and deserts
- Fun runs: Festive, non-competitive events for families and casual runners
- Charity runs: Fundraising events for worthy causes
- Theme runs: Color runs, mud runs, and other creative concepts
This guide covers major races throughout the state, from north to south, road to trail.
Major Marathons and Road Races
California hosts some of the most prestigious marathons in the world.
Los Angeles Marathon
The LA Marathon is one of the largest and most famous marathons in the United States. The course winds through the city’s diverse neighborhoods, from Dodger Stadium to Santa Monica. It typically takes place in March.
- Location: Los Angeles (Starts at Dodger Stadium, finishes in Santa Monica)
- Distance: Marathon (26.2 miles)
- Typical Date: March
- Field Size: Over 20,000 runners
Course Highlights: Dodger Stadium start, Chinatown, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Westwood, Santa Monica Pier finish.
Long Beach Marathon
This popular marathon offers a flat, fast course along the coast. It typically takes place in October.
- Location: Long Beach
- Distances: Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K, Bike Tour
- Typical Date: October
- Field Size: Thousands of runners
Course Highlights: Oceanfront running, Belmont Shore, Cal State Long Beach, Queen Mary finish.
Orange County Marathon (Newport Beach)
This marathon offers beautiful coastal views. It typically takes place in May.
- Location: Newport Beach
- Distances: Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K
- Typical Date: May
- Course Highlights: Pacific Coast Highway, Back Bay, coastal views.
Pasadena Marathon
This marathon runs through the streets of Pasadena, including the Rose Bowl. It typically takes place in March.
- Location: Pasadena
- Distances: Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K, Bike Tour
- Typical Date: March
- Course Highlights: Rose Bowl, Colorado Boulevard, historic neighborhoods.
San Diego Marathons
Held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, this marathon offers beautiful coastal views. It typically takes place in June.
- Location: Del Mar
- Distances: Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K
- Typical Date: June
- Course Highlights: Coastal bluffs, Del Mar Fairgrounds, ocean views.
Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon
This popular music-themed marathon features live bands along the course. It typically takes place in June.
- Location: San Diego
- Distances: Marathon, Half
- Marathon, 5K
- Typical Date: June
- Course Highlights: Balboa Park, downtown San Diego, Mission Bay.
Carlsbad Marathon
This flat, fast marathon along the coast is popular for personal bests. It typically takes place in January.
- Location: Carlsbad
- Distances: Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K
- Typical Date: January
- Course Highlights: Coastal views, Carlsbad village, flower fields.
America’s Finest City Half Marathon
This popular half marathon runs from Cabrillo National Monument to Balboa Park. It typically takes place in August.
- Location: San Diego
- Distance: Half Marathon
- Typical Date: August
- Course Highlights: Harbor views, downtown San Diego, Balboa Park finish.
Silver Strand Half Marathon
This flat, fast course runs along the Silver Strand between Coronado and Imperial Beach. It typically takes place in November.
- Location: Coronado/Imperial Beach
- Distance: Half Marathon
- Typical Date: November
- Course Highlights: Beach views, Naval Amphibious Base, Silver Strand.
Surf City Marathon (Huntington Beach)
This popular marathon runs along the coast through Huntington Beach. It typically takes place in February.
- Location: Huntington Beach
- Distances: Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K
- Typical Date: February
- Course Highlights: Pacific Coast Highway, beach views, Huntington Beach Pier.
Laguna Hills Half Marathon
This challenging half marathon features hills and beautiful scenery. It typically takes place in May.
- Location: Laguna Hills
- Distance: Half Marathon
- Typical Date: May
- Course Highlights: Rolling hills, Orange County scenery.
San Francisco Marathon
This world-famous marathon runs across the Golden Gate Bridge and through the city’s iconic neighborhoods. It typically takes place in July.
- Location: San Francisco
- Distances: Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K, Ultramarathon
- Typical Date: July
- Field Size: Over 20,000 runners
Course Highlights: Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, Presidio, Golden Gate Park, Embarcadero.
California International Marathon (CIM) (Sacramento)
CIM is one of the fastest and most prestigious marathons in the country. It runs from Folsom to Sacramento and is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. It typically takes place in December.
- Location: Folsom to Sacramento
- Distance: Marathon
- Typical Date: December
- Course Highlights: Rolling hills, American River bike trail, state Capitol finish.
Big Sur International Marathon
This stunning marathon along the Big Sur coast is one of the most beautiful in the world. It is also one of the most challenging due to hills. It typically takes place in April.
- Location: Big Sur
- Distance: Marathon
- Typical Date: April
- Field Size: Approximately 4,500 runners (very competitive entry)
Course Highlights: Pacific Coast Highway, Bixby Creek Bridge, Hurricane Point, coastal views.
Napa Valley Marathon
This scenic marathon runs through wine country. It is popular for its beautiful setting and personal best potential. It typically takes place in March.
- Location: Napa Valley
- Distance: Marathon
- Typical Date: March
- Course Highlights: Vineyards, rolling hills, wine country scenery.
Avenue of the Giants Marathon (Humboldt County)
This unique marathon runs through ancient redwood forests. It is a bucket-list event for many runners. It typically takes place in May.
- Location: Weott (Humboldt County)
- Distance: Marathon
- Typical Date: May
- Course Highlights: Redwood trees, Avenue of the Giants, forest scenery.
Santa Cruz Marathon
This marathon offers beautiful coastal and forest scenery. It typically takes place in September.
- Location: Santa Cruz
- Distances: Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K
- Typical Date: September
- Course Highlights: Coastal views, redwoods, West Cliff Drive.
Berkeley Half Marathon
This popular half marathon runs through Berkeley and along the bay. It typically takes place in November.
- Location: Berkeley
- Distance: Half Marathon
- Typical Date: November
- Course Highlights: UC Berkeley campus, Telegraph Avenue, Bay views.
San Jose Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon
This music-themed half marathon runs through San Jose. It typically takes place in October.
- Location: San Jose
- Distance: Half Marathon
- Typical Date: October
- Course Highlights: Downtown San Jose, Japantown, Happy Hollow Park.
Avila Beach Half Marathon
This scenic half marathon runs along the coast near Avila Beach. It typically takes place in October.
- Location: Avila Beach
- Distance: Half Marathon
- Typical Date: October
- Course Highlights: Coastal views, Bob Jones Trail, Avila Beach finish.
Morro Bay Marathon
This marathon runs along the coast with views of Morro Rock. It typically takes place in April.
- Location: Morro Bay
- Distances: Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K
- Typical Date: April
- Course Highlights: Morro Rock, coastal views, Embarcadero.
Santa Barbara International Marathon
This marathon runs from Santa Barbara to Carpinteria and back. It typically takes place in December.
- Location: Santa Barbara/Carpinteria
- Distances: Marathon, Half Marathon
- Typical Date: December
- Course Highlights: Coastal views, butterfly beach, Carpinteria State Beach.
Pismo Beach Half Marathon
This popular half marathon runs along the coast in Pismo Beach. It typically takes place in January.
- Location: Pismo Beach
- Distance: Half Marathon
- Typical Date: January
- Course Highlights: Coastal views, Pismo Beach Pier, ocean bluffs.
Major Trail Races
California’s mountains and deserts offer world-class trail running.
Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run
This is the oldest and most prestigious 100-mile trail race in the world. It runs from Squaw Valley to Auburn, through the Sierra Nevada. Entry is extremely competitive, requiring a lottery or qualifying races.
- Location: Squaw Valley to Auburn
- Distance: 100 miles
- Typical Date: June
- Field Size: Approximately 400 runners
Course Highlights: Sierra Nevada mountains, canyons, rivers, historic mining towns.
Lake Tahoe Marathon Week
This week-long event includes multiple races around Lake Tahoe, including a marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, and ultra distances.
- Location: Lake Tahoe area
- Distances: Various, including marathon, half marathon, 10K, 5K, ultra
- Typical Date: October
- Course Highlights: Lake Tahoe views, mountain scenery, forest trails.
Tahoe Rim Trail Endurance Runs
This event offers 50-mile, 50K, and marathon distances on the Tahoe Rim Trail.
- Location: Lake Tahoe
- Distances: 50 miles, 50K, marathon
- Typical Date: July
Course Highlights: Lake Tahoe views, mountain trails, high altitude.
Donner Lake Marathon
This challenging marathon runs around Donner Lake and through the mountains. It typically takes place in July.
- Location: Truckee
- Distances: Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K
- Typical Date: July
- Course Highlights: Donner Lake views, mountain scenery, Donner Pass.
Mammoth Marathon
This high-altitude marathon runs in the Mammoth Lakes area. It typically takes place in August.
- Location: Mammoth Lakes
- Distances: Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K
- Typical Date: August
- Course Highlights: Mountain lakes, Sierra scenery, high altitude.
Catalina Island Marathon
This unique marathon runs across Catalina Island, from Two Harbors to Avalon. It is challenging due to hills and trail surfaces. It typically takes place in March.
- Location: Catalina Island
- Distance: Marathon
- Typical Date: March
- Course Highlights: Island scenery, ocean views, rugged trails.
Santa Barbara Red Rock Trail Run
This event offers multiple distances on trails in the Santa Barbara backcountry.
- Location: Santa Barbara
- Distances: 50K, 25K, 10K
- Typical Date: November
- Course Highlights: Red rocks, chaparral, mountain views.
Montaña de Oro Trail Run
This event runs through Montaña de Oro State Park near Los Osos. It offers beautiful coastal and mountain scenery.
- Location: Los Osos
- Distances: 50K, 25K, 10K, 5K
- Typical Date: October
- Course Highlights: Coastal bluffs, mountain trails, wildflowers.
Pfeiffer Ridge Trail Run
This event runs through Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park and the surrounding Los Padres National Forest.
- Location: Big Sur
- Distances: 30K, 15K, 5K
- Typical Date: October
- Course Highlights: Redwoods, coastal views, Big Sur scenery.
Javelina Jundred
This famous 100-mile trail run takes place in the Sonoran Desert near Phoenix, but it draws many California runners. It is known for its Halloween theme and festive atmosphere.
- Location: Fountain Hills,
- Arizona (near Phoenix)
- Distance: 100 miles, 100K
- Typical Date: October
- Course Highlights: Desert trails, saguaro cacti, Halloween theme.
Cuyamaca 100K
This challenging ultra runs through Cuyamaca Rancho State Park near San Diego.
- Location: Julian area
- Distances: 100K, 50K, 25K
- Typical Date: October
- Course Highlights: Mountain trails, pine forests, Cuyamaca Peak.
Anza-Borrego Desert Half Marathon
This unique half marathon runs through Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. It typically takes place in winter to avoid extreme heat.
- Location: Borrego Springs
- Distances: Half Marathon, 10K, 5K
- Typical Date: January or February
- Course Highlights: Desert scenery, wildflowers (spring), badlands.
Death Valley Marathon
This extreme event runs through Death Valley National Park. It is held in winter to avoid deadly summer heat. It is challenging due to the remote location and extreme environment.
- Location: Death Valley National Park
- Distances: Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K, 5K
- Typical Date: December or January
- Course Highlights: Desert scenery, badlands, lowest point in North America.
Themed and Fun Runs
California hosts countless themed runs for casual participants.
Color Run
This popular event douses runners with colored powder at various stations. It is non-competitive and family-friendly. Multiple locations throughout California.
- Location: Various cities
- Distances: 5K
- Typical Date: Throughout year
- Theme: Color, fun, non-competitive.
Electric Run
This nighttime run features glow sticks, neon lights, and electronic music. Multiple locations.
- Location: Various cities
- Distances: 5K
- Typical Date: Throughout year
- Theme: Lights, music, nighttime.
Mud Runs
Events like Tough Mudder, Warrior Dash, and Spartan Race feature obstacles and mud. Multiple locations throughout California.
- Location: Various (often at ski resorts or fairgrounds)
- Distances: Various
- Typical Date: Throughout year
- Theme: Obstacles, mud, challenge.
Turkey Trots
Thanksgiving morning 5Ks and 10Ks are a tradition throughout California. Major cities host large events.
- Location: Statewide
- Distances: Mostly 5Ks, some 10Ks
- Typical Date: Thanksgiving morning
- Theme: Holiday, family, pre-feast exercise.
Jingle Bell Runs
December holiday-themed runs with costumes and festive music.
- Location: Statewide
- Distances: 5Ks
- Typical Date: December
- Theme: Holiday, costumes, fun.
Santa Runs
Runners dress as Santa Claus for these festive December events.
- Location: Various cities
- Distances: 5Ks
- Typical Date: December
- Theme: Santa costumes, holiday fun.
Charity Runs
Many California races are major fundraising events.
Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
Breast cancer awareness runs in multiple California cities.
- Location: Various (Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, etc.)
- Distances: 5K
- Typical Date: Throughout year
- Cause: Breast cancer research and support.
American Heart Association Heart Walks
Fundraising walks for heart disease research.
- Location: Various cities
- Distances: 5K walk
- Typical Date: Throughout year
- Cause: Heart disease research.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s
Fundraising walks for Alzheimer’s research and support.
- Location: Various cities
- Distances: Walk
- Typical Date: Throughout year
- Cause: Alzheimer’s research.
Team in Training Events
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s endurance training program participates in many major marathons.
- Location: Various
- Distances: Various
- Typical Date: Throughout year
- Cause: Blood cancer research.
Small Community Races
Every weekend, small towns throughout California host local races.
- Small Town 5Ks: Most communities have annual 5Ks supporting local schools, charities, or festivals. Check local event calendars.
- Park Runs: Free, weekly, timed 5K runs in parks throughout California. Locations include San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, and many others.
- Firecracker Runs: July 4th morning races in many communities.
- Pumpkin Runs: October races with fall themes.
- Valentine’s Day Runs: February races with romantic or heart themes.
From Coast to Coast, Track to Trail | Races Across California
Whether you are chasing a personal best, seeking a new adventure, or simply enjoying a fun day out with family, California’s races deliver. The state’s diverse landscapes, perfect climate, and passionate running community create unforgettable experiences.
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