5K Races in California
California has 406 upcoming 5K races scheduled for 2026. The calendar runs year-round — busiest in June, July, and September, quietest in March through May. No single city dominates the calendar. Long Beach leads with 74 races, followed by San Diego (43), Los Angeles (42), and Sacramento (30). The remaining 53% of the calendar is spread across smaller cities.
5K races by month in California
Jul (66) · Jun (61) · Sep (53) · Oct (52) · Aug (46) · Nov (46) · Dec (38) · Feb (12) · Jan (11) · Mar (8) · May (7) · Apr (6)
Showing 24 of 406
Running
VIRTUAL 5K Race for Rewritten - An Annual Race for the Fatherless and Underserved
June 12, 2026
San Bernardino, CA
Running
Alive & Suffering Running Club's 5k Pride Run
Los Angeles, CA
Running
Alive & Suffering Running Club's 5k Pride Run
June 14, 2026
Los Angeles, CA
Running
Good Vibes Run – 5K, 10K, 10M, and Half Marathon
Long Beach, CA
Running
Good Vibes Run – 5K, 10K, 10M, and Half Marathon
June 14, 2026
Long Beach, CA
Running
Happy Father's Day 5k, 10k, 15k, Half Marathon
Van Nuys, CA
Running
Happy Father's Day 5k, 10k, 15k, Half Marathon
June 20, 2026
Van Nuys, CA
Top Cities for 5K Races in California
Frequently asked questions
How long is a 5K race?▾
A 5K is 3.1 miles (5 kilometers). It is the most popular race distance in the US and a great starting point for new runners. RACE lists thousands of 5K events across all 50 states.
What is a good 5K time for beginners?▾
A good beginner 5K time is 30-35 minutes. Many first-time runners aim to complete the distance without stopping. The average US 5K finish time is around 28 minutes.
How do I find a 5K near me?▾
Use the RACE search bar to enter your zip code or state and filter by distance. You can also browse by month to find races that fit your schedule. Turkey Trots in November and charity 5Ks are especially popular.
How long does it take to train for a 5K?▾
Most couch-to-5K programs are 6-8 weeks long with 3 runs per week. If you can already jog for 10-15 minutes, you could be ready in 4-6 weeks with consistent training.