Your 2019 Guide to San Diego’s 5Ks

5Ks are a fun, accessible way to bond with family and friends while pounding the pavement through America’s Finest City! They take an hour or less to complete and are perfect for nearly all fitness levels and ages.

Whether you’re a seasoned 5K participant or you’re thinking about signing your family up for their very first run, we’ve highlighted the best 5Ks in San Diego throughout 2019.

February

Mermaid Half Marathon, 10K & 5K – Family Pick
Date: Saturday, February 9, 2019
Location: Mission Bay
The Mermaid is a flat course with gorgeous views that’s ideal for both runners and walkers. Plus, there’s a 1.5 mile Mermaid Dash for kids ages 6-12!

Awesome ’80s Run – 10K & 5K
Date: Sunday, February 24, 2019
Location: Downtown San Diego
Don your flashiest, coolest ‘80s garb and get moving!

March

San Diego Half Marathon & Padres 5K – Family Pick
Date: Sunday, March 10, 2019
Location: Petco Park
Kick off the MLB season two weeks early with a scenic race for all ages and abilities. There’s an incredible finish inside Petco Park!

Hot Chocolate 15K & 5K Run
Date: Sunday, March 24, 2019
Location: Petco Park
Chocolate, t-shirts, prizes and camaraderie. What better way to spend a Sunday!

April

Superhero 5K Race for Autism – Family Pick
Date: Saturday, April 6, 2019
Location: Balboa Park
Dress up like your favorite superhero for this race where all proceeds go to the National Foundation for Autism Research (NFAR)! It features a 5K run, 5K walk and a 1 mile family fun walk.

La Jolla Half Marathon & Shores 5K
Date: Sunday, April 28, 2019
Location: La Jolla Shores
Get your blood pumping with stunning views of the pristine La Jolla coastline.

May

Pizza Run 5K – Family Pick
Date: Saturday, May 4, 2019
Location: Cathedral Catholic High School
Combine your love of America’s favorite food with America’s finest city for a great cause! All proceeds benefit Kathy’s Legacy Foundation, supporting victims of domestic violence. Pizza tastings await participants at the end!

Night Nation 5K Run
Date: Saturday, May 11, 2019
Location: Del Mar
The world’s first live music running festival at night with glow sticks!

June

San Diego Rock ‘n Roll 5K
Date: Saturday, June 1, 2019
Location: Balboa Park
Rock out while you run through the historic streets of Bankers Hill, Hillcrest and Balboa Park.

Marine Corps Mud Run – Family Pick
Date: Sunday, June 9, 2019
Location: Camp Pendleton
Support our Marines by splashing through the mud with this 5K family run and 2K kids run! There’s also a kids fun zone, tasty food and drink and unique vendors from across the county.

July

Cabrillo Sunset 5K
Date: Saturday, July 20, 2019
Location: Cabrillo National Monument
Dodge the heat and enjoy a mild sunset run through the natural beauty of Cabrillo National Monument in Point Loma.

Joggin’ For Frogmen 5K – Family Pick
Date: Saturday, July 27, 2019
Location: Liberty Station
Bring the whole family over to the Naval Training Center Park in Liberty Station for a family-friendly 5K and kids’ 1-mile Tadpole Trot that supports the Navy SEAL Foundation.

August

Great Inflatable Race
Date: Saturday, August 3, 2019
Location: SDCCU Stadium
This exhilarating novelty 5K fun run will make you feel like a kid again as you run through inflatable obstacles that you can jump, dive, slide and bounce on!

America’s Finest City Half Marathon & 5K
Date: Sunday, August 18, 2019
Location: Harbor Island
Take in the panoramic views of America’s finest city along San Diego Bay, past the Star of India, through downtown San Diego to Balboa Park.

September

Aloha 5K Run – Family Pick
Date: Sunday, September 8, 2019
Location: Tecolate Shores Park
Can’t take the family to Hawaii this year? Then the Aloha Run might be the next best thing! This luau- and lei-themed run guarantees a day of laughter, exercise and fun for the whole family.

October

Fit Foodie 5K
Date: Saturday, October 12, 2019
Location: Liberty Station
This one’s for all you purveyors of culinary delights! You get bites along the course, access to the post-run Food and Fitness Festival and a goodie bag with gifts from health and wellness brands.

Blacklight Run 5K – Family Pick
Date: Saturday, October 26, 2019
Location: North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre, Chula Vista
The “brightest, most fun 5K out there” is wonderful family event with lots of glowing fun, music and memories. Before the race begins, put on some UV Glow Powder and watch yourself turn neon under the blacklights as you complete the race!

November

Susan B. Komen 5K Race For The Cure
Date: Sunday, November 3, 2019
Location: Balboa Park
All ages and abilities are welcome to join this walk to help end breast cancer. To give an opportunity for the breast cancer community to come together and celebrate their shared experience, there is no time limit on the race.

Run For The Hungry – Family Pick
Date: Thursday, November 28, 2019
Location: Horton Plaza
This turkey-themed 5K, food drive and volunteer event is a wonderful opportunity for the whole family to give back to the community and those in need on Thanksgiving Day. All ages, strollers and dogs on leashes welcome!

December

Santa Run – Family Pick
Date: Saturday, December 14, 2019
Location: Pacific Beach
The most hilarious, festive fun run of the season gives all 5K participants a Sunny Santa Suit: hat, short sleeve jacket, shorts, belt and beard! Kids 12 and under can run the Santa’s Elves Mile and will receive a Santa hat and sunglasses.

Keep moving and stay healthy with Scripps Affiliated Medical Groups’ excellent tips for active lifestyles here in San Diego.