The 11 Best Races to Run in Long Beach
Updated: May 19
Long Beach, California has a vibrant and active community, and there's no shortage of opportunities for runners to get out and explore the area on foot. From scenic waterfront routes to challenging courses with stunning views, Long Beach offers something for every type of runner.
Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or a novice looking for a fun run, Long Beach has a variety of races to choose from throughout the year. In this blog post, we'll take a look at the 11 best races to run in Long Beach and what makes each one unique. So, lace up your running shoes, and let's dive in!
Cat in the Hat Run - Long Beach
Race Date:
Sat March 4, 2023
Location:
5400 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90803
Race Options:
About 'Cat in the Hat Run':
Celebrate National Cat in the Hat Day! Dress up like any Dr. Suess character to enter the costume contest. Boutique events that remove barriers and help individuals to connect and achieve their goals. Signing up for one of our run/walk events won’t break the bank. Our low-cost races are cozy and intimate, where you can get to know your fellow runner and your race director if you like. If you don’t want to chat or make new friends but prefer to put in your earbuds and get lost in the ocean breeze, that is totally fine as well.
More info and sign up at: https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/LongBeach/CatintheHatRun5K10K15KandHalfMarathon
Bayshore Triathlon - Long Beach
Race Date:
Sat March 11, 2023
Location:
5415 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90803
Race Options:
half iron, sprint triathlon, 13.1M run, 4M run
About 'Bayshore Triathlon':
The Bayshore 70.4 Triathlon was formed after a few beers at Rileys back in early 2008. Mike: "Do you want to do Ironman Arizona next year, Barry?" Barry: "uhhh, sure!" Now what the heck do we do? ! With no local races on the calendar for early in the year, Mike & Barry decided to build a race that would help locals get their season started in a casual and fun environment. Thus, the Bayshore 70.4 was formed.
A decade later, our race leaders have evolved and we are still having a ton of fun getting locals ready for their seasons. For the past few years, the team of Michele, Brent, Erin, and Barry has been fielding the question "Can we have a beginner event to learn more about the sport". The answer is YES!! This year we are fired up to host our first Sprint Triathlon. This is ideal for newbies who need some guidance and have some fun swimming, biking, and running.
More info and sign up at:
http://www.bayshoretriathlon.com/
Rockin Shamrock Half Marathon - Long Beach
Race Date:
Sat March 11, 2023
Location:
5398 E. Ocean Blvd. Long Beach, CA 90803 (off of Claremont Place and Ocean Blvd.)
Race Options:
About 'Rockin Shamrock Half Marathon':
Started by two runners who want to make a positive impact on the consciousness of humanity by spreading the love and joy of running to all. Their mission is to share the love and joy of running with each other with small, friendly, affordable, high-energy, FUN races and runs! To uplift humanity one run, one race at a time.
More info and sign up at:
https://www.abetterworldrunning.com/
Leprechaun Chase Half Marathon - Long Beach
Race Date:
Sat March 18, 2023
Location:
5400 E. Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA US 90803
Race Options:
About 'Leprechaun Chase - Half Marathon':
Boutique events that remove barriers and help individuals to connect and achieve their goals. Signing up for one of our run/walk events won’t break the bank. Our low-cost races are cozy and intimate, where you can get to know your fellow runner and your race director if you like. If you don’t want to chat or make new friends but prefer to put in your earbuds and get lost in the ocean breeze, that is totally fine as well.
We will take care of you. Let us worry about the water and fuel you need to finish your distance so you can do you. You decide what feels right for you that day.
You have the flexibility to sign up for any of at least four different distances at every one of our friendly gatherings. No hassle and no penalty fee is involved if you want to change to a shorter distance on race day. Small events mean not having to get to the event hours before the start or sitting in a line of cars forever to get out of the parking lot.
More info and sign up at:
https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/LongBeach/LeprechaunChase5K10K15KandHalfMarathon
Saints Run 5K - Long Beach
Race Date:
Sat March 18, 2023
Location:
200 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA US 90802
Race Options:
About 'Saints Run 5K':
St. Anthony High School College Preparatory invites you to our 14th Annual SAINTS RUN 5K. All proceeds from the SAINTS RUN 5K go to our financial aid program providing over $1 million in tuition assistance annually to underserved, low-income families who would not otherwise be able to afford a quality, Catholic, college preparatory education. Every student at SAHS benefits from this program as it allows our tuition to remain as low as possible! You won’t want to miss this scenic race, starting at Shoreline Aquatic Park, featuring the lighthouse and Queen Mary with stunning views of the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Fun for the whole family.
More info and sign up at:
https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/LongBeach/SAINTSRUN?aflt_token=vkmwDmweQ4iCYn8otSOOnKQ3vCO8buOw
Grand Prix 5K - Long Beach
Race Date:
Sat April 2, 2023
Location:
300 East Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA US 90802
Race Options:
About 'Grand Prix 5K':
This spring, racing fans and runners of all skill levels and ages will have the opportunity to “run the course” at the 5th Annual Grand Prix Foundation of Long Beach 5K on April 2, 2023, which will benefit local charities through the Grand Prix Foundation of Long Beach.
Participants will run a two-lap tour of the world-famous Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach racecourse including Pine Avenue and Seaside Way, with the finish at the official Grand Prix start/finish line on Shoreline Drive. Kids 12 and under can get in on the action with the Kids’ Turbo 1K, which will take place after the main races on a portion of the regular racecourse. The other two races will be the Elite/Pro 5K (those who can finish the race in under 25 minutes) which will start at 7:00 a.m. and the run for the general public, beginning at 7:30 a.m.
Each runner will receive a finisher medal, an official G&M Grand Prix Foundation 5K t-shirt, post-race refreshments, and two complimentary Friday general admission tickets to the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, a $68 value. There will also be photo ops and activities in the 5K festival area at the conclusion of the run.
More info and sign up at: https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/LongBeach/LongBeachGrandPrix5K?aflt_token=vkmwDmweQ4iCYn8otSOOnKQ3vCO8buOw
Happy Easter Half Marathon - Long Beach
Race Date:
Sat April 8, 2023
Location:
5400 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90803
Race Options:
13.1M, 15K, 10K, 5K run
About 'Happy Easter Half Marathon':
It's time for the Happy Easter 5k, 10k, 15k, and Half Marathon! This is a fun run that is clock-timed (not chip timed).
More info and sign up at:
https://www.abetterworldrunning.com/happy-easter-4-8-23-lb
Running off the Crazy Full Moon Run - Long Beach
Race Date:
Sat April 16, 2023
Location:
5400 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90803
Race Options:
13.1M, 15K, 10K, 5K run
About 'Running off the Crazy Full Moon Run':
Run off the crazy before nightfall. The full moon is rising and what better way to celebrate than running and earning this super cute werewolf medal! Boutique events that remove barriers and help individuals to connect and achieve their goals.
Signing up for one of our run/walk events won’t break the bank. Our low-cost races are cozy and intimate, where you can get to know your fellow runner and your race director if you like. If you don’t want to chat or make new friends but prefer to put in your earbuds and get lost in the ocean breeze, that is totally fine as well. We will take care of you. Let us worry about the water and fuel you need to finish your distance so you can do you. You decide what feels right for you that day.
You have the flexibility to sign up for any of at least four different distances at every one of our friendly gatherings. No hassle and no penalty fee is involved if you want to change to a shorter distance on race day. Small events mean not having to get to the event hours before the start or sitting in a line of cars forever to get out of the parking lot.
More info and sign up at: https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/LongBeach/RunningofftheCrazyFullMoonRun5K10K15KandHalfMarathon?aflt_token=vkmwDmweQ4iCYn8otSOOnKQ3vCO8buOw
Running off the Crazy Full Moon Run - Long Beach
Race Date:
Sat April 16, 2023
Location:
5400 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90803
Race Options:
13.1M, 15K, 10K, 5K run
About 'Running off the Crazy Full Moon Run':
Run off the crazy before nightfall. The full moon is rising and what better way to celebrate than running and earning this super cute werewolf medal! Boutique events that remove barriers and help individuals to connect and achieve their goals.
Signing up for one of our run/walk events won’t break the bank. Our low-cost races are cozy and intimate, where you can get to know your fellow runner and your race director if you like. If you don’t want to chat or make new friends but prefer to put in your earbuds and get lost in the ocean breeze, that is totally fine as well. We will take care of you. Let us worry about the water and fuel you need to finish your distance so you can do you. You decide what feels right for you that day.
You have the flexibility to sign up for any of at least four different distances at every one of our friendly gatherings. No hassle and no penalty fee is involved if you want to change to a shorter distance on race day. Small events mean not having to get to the event hours before the start or sitting in a line of cars forever to get out of the parking lot.
More info and sign up at: https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/LongBeach/RunningofftheCrazyFullMoonRun5K10K15KandHalfMarathon?aflt_token=vkmwDmweQ4iCYn8otSOOnKQ3vCO8buOw
Crazy Hat Run - Long Beach
Race Date:
Sat April 23, 2023
Location:
5400 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90803
Race Options:
13.1M, 15K, 10K, 5K run
About 'Crazy Hat Run':
Wear a crazy hat to be entered into the crazy hat contest! Winners will receive a target gift card. Boutique events that remove barriers and help individuals to connect and achieve their goals.
Signing up for one of the run/walk events won’t break the bank. These low-cost races are cozy and intimate, where you can get to know your fellow runner and your race director if you like. If you don’t want to chat or make new friends but prefer to put in your earbuds and get lost in the ocean breeze, that is totally fine as well.
More info and sign up at: https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/LongBeach/CrazyHatRun5K10K15KandHalfMarathon?aflt_token=vkmwDmweQ4iCYn8otSOOnKQ3vCO8buOw
Super Hero Dash - Long Beach
Race Date:
Sat April 30, 2023
Location:
5400 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90803
Race Options:
13.1M, 15K, 10K, 5K run
About 'Super Hero Dash':
Calling all Superheroes and Villains! Are you faster than a speeding bullet? Stronger than a locomotive? Test your super skills by running a 5k, 10k, 15k, or Half Marathon at this super fun event! Prizes will be awarded to the best-dressed hero and villains. Boutique events that remove barriers and help individuals to connect and achieve their goals.
Signing up for one of the run/walk events won’t break the bank. Their low-cost races are cozy and intimate, where you can get to know your fellow runner and your race director if you like. If you don’t want to chat or make new friends but prefer to put in your earbuds and get lost in the ocean breeze, that is totally fine as well.
More info and sign up at: https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/LongBeach/SuperHeroDash5K10K15KandHalfMarathon?aflt_token=vkmwDmweQ4iCYn8otSOOnKQ3vCO8buOw
In conclusion, Long Beach is a fantastic destination for runners of all skill levels. With its breathtaking waterfront views, diverse neighborhoods, and vibrant local culture, there's no better place to lace up your shoes and hit the pavement. Whether you're looking to challenge yourself with a half or full marathon, or simply want to enjoy a fun run with friends, Long Beach has a race for you.
So why not take the leap and sign up for one of Long Beach's top races? Not only will you have the opportunity to test your limits and achieve your personal best, but you'll also get to experience all that this amazing city has to offer. We hope this guide has inspired you to explore the Long Beach running scene and discover your next favorite race. Happy running!
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