5K Races in California
California has 379 upcoming 5K races scheduled for 2026. The calendar runs year-round — busiest in August through October, quietest in May through July. No single city dominates the calendar. Long Beach leads with 71 races, followed by Los Angeles (42), San Diego (36), and Sacramento (28). The remaining 53% of the calendar is spread across smaller cities.
5K races by month in California
Sep (66) · Oct (66) · Aug (61) · Nov (59) · Dec (45) · Jan (22) · Feb (21) · Mar (12) · Apr (11) · May (9) · Jun (5) · Jul (2)
Showing 24 of 379
Running
Tiki Time Run: Paradise Run 5K, 10K, & Half Marathon by Califlow Runs
August 1, 2026
Long Beach, CA
Running
Splash and Dash 5K GP and JGP Event #2
Goleta, CA
Running
Splash and Dash 5K GP and JGP Event #2
August 6, 2026
Goleta, CA
Running
Sundae Funday - Ice Cream Run 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon by Califlow Runs
August 9, 2026
Long Beach, 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.