SeaWorld Fins & Flippers 5K and Kids Run

The SeaWorld Fins & Flippers 5K and Kids Run is scheduled for Sunday, April 19, 2026, at SeaWorld San Diego in San Diego, CA. This 2nd annual event features a shark-themed twist this year to celebrate the spring debut of the all-new Shark Encounter. San Diego is a major coastal city with a population of approximately 1.38 million. The city's demographic profile is diverse, consisting of approximately 42.1% White (non-Hispanic), 30.7% Hispanic or Latino, 17.5% Asian, and 6.1% Black or African American. The race provides a unique "land meets sea" experience, taking participants through the park's scenic grounds and past various marine animal exhibits with views of Mission Bay.

Course Experience and Prizes

The 3.1-mile route guides runners and strollers through the park's interior, featuring ocean-inspired surprises, aquatic photo ops, and interactions with sea-inspired characters. Costumes are highly encouraged—think fins, flippers, and oceanic attire—though masks are strictly prohibited for safety. The competitive stakes are high for enthusiasts, as the top three male and female finishers in each age division will receive two single-day tickets to SeaWorld San Diego. All finishers across both races receive an official race shirt and a unique finisher medal to commemorate their oceanic adventure.

Registration and Logistics

Registration fees are all-inclusive of mandatory charges and items. The 5K Run is priced at $62.48, while the Kids Run is $29.49. For dedicated fans, a "Bundle" option is available for $100.98, which includes entry to both this event and the Howl-O-Sprint 5K scheduled for October 18, 2026. Packet pickup begins early on race morning at 5:30 AM. Participants are encouraged to arrive early to soak in the atmosphere and prepare for the 7:00 AM sharp start time for the 5K.

Impact and Contact

By participating in the Fins & Flippers event, guests engage with SeaWorld’s mission of marine education and conservation in a high-energy, athletic setting. The event serves as a major community gathering for local San Diegans and tourists alike, blending fitness with the park's entertainment offerings. For technical support or specific inquiries regarding the course through the animal exhibits, the primary contact is SeaWorld Guest Relations. The race concludes before the park opens to the general public, providing an exclusive "behind-the-scenes" look at the facility at sunrise.