5K Races in California
California has 398 upcoming 5K races scheduled for 2026. That is the 5th-highest event count for 5K races of any state. The calendar runs year-round — busiest in August through October, quietest in April through June. No single city dominates the calendar. Long Beach leads with 76 races, followed by Los Angeles (46), San Diego (40), and Sacramento (30). The remaining 52% 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) · Jul (21) · Mar (12) · Apr (11) · May (9) · Jun (5)
Showing 24 of 398
Running
LBC - Good Vibes Run 5K, 10K, & Half Marathon by Califlow Runs
Long Beach, CA
Running
LBC - Good Vibes Run 5K, 10K, & Half Marathon by Califlow Runs
July 25, 2026
Long Beach, CA
Running
LBC - Good Vibes Run 5K, 10K, & Half Marathon by Califlow Runs
July 25, 2026
Long Beach, CA
Running
BOO-gie Glow Run 5K 10K Half Marathon - SummerWeen Series by Califlow Runs
July 26, 2026
Long Beach, CA
Running
ONETrack International 5K
San Diego, CA
Running
ONETrack International 5K
July 26, 2026
San Diego, CA
Running
3rd Annual TRANS PRIDE 5K
Los Angeles, CA
Running
3rd Annual TRANS PRIDE 5K
July 26, 2026
Los Angeles, 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.