Venice Beach Half Marathon and 5k

About the Event

The Venice Beach Half Marathon and 5k is a vibrant coastal athletic event scheduled for Sunday, May 17, 2026, in Venice, California. Starting in the early morning, the event serves as a significant community fundraiser, specifically supporting the School Fund to benefit local educational initiatives. The races offer a variety of distances suitable for all ages, with the iconic Venice Beach Boardwalk and the historic "Venice" sign serving as central landmarks for the course.

Event Wave	Start Time	Distance / Age Group
Half Marathon	7:00 AM	13.1 Miles
5k Course	8:00 AM	3 Miles
Junior Dash	8:30 AM	~1 Mile (Ages 10-18)
Family Dash	8:35 AM	~1 Mile (All Ages)
Kids Grunion Run	10:00 AM	Windward Circle Loop

The event heavily emphasizes local school involvement, with active fundraising teams representing institutions such as Mark Twain Middle School, Broadway Elementary School, and Westminster Elementary. This collective effort fosters a strong sense of community spirit, bringing together students, parents, and local residents to support neighborhood schools. The race provides a unique opportunity for participants to engage in healthy competition while contributing to the academic success of the region's youth.

Participants in the Half Marathon and 5k will experience the unique, eclectic atmosphere of Venice Beach, passing by landmarks such as Muscle Beach, the local skate park, and the various street performers that define the area's culture. The finish line for the youth-focused "Grunion Run" is particularly noteworthy, concluding directly under the historic Venice illuminated sign at Windward Avenue. Dedicated fundraisers and top donors play a crucial role in nearing the event's overall financial goals for the year.

The event is professionally timed and managed through the Race Roster platform, ensuring a seamless experience for all athletes. In addition to the physical races, the event provides various engagement options including volunteer opportunities for those who wish to support the cause without running. For those traveling to the event, the start location on Garfield Ave is situated just blocks from the main beach thoroughfares, providing a picturesque start to a morning of fitness and philanthropy.

Races Offered

Half Marathon

May 17, 2026

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Distance — 21.1K

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Type — Running

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07:00

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$150.00

5k Course

May 17, 2026

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Distance — 5K

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Type — Running

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08:00

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$55.00

Junior Dash (ages 10 - 18)

May 17, 2026

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Distance — 1mi

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Type — Running

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08:30

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$25.00

Family Dash (Run or Walk)

May 17, 2026

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Distance — 1mi

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Type — Running

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08:35

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$25.00

Weather Overview

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for May in Los Angeles.

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

thermostat 13.2° / 24.4°

wb_sunny 12.6° / 22.3°

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

air 8.1 /

water_drop 68.9%

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

thermostat 13.2° / 24.4°

wb_sunny 12.6° / 22.3°

air 8.1 km/h

water_drop 68.9%

About Los Angeles

Learn more about the host city, Los Angeles.

Frank Lloyd Wright is said to have quipped, "Tip the world over on its side and everything loose will land in Los Angeles," a quote that has since been repeated both by those who love and hate L.A. The "City of Angels" is home to people who hail from all parts of the globe and an important center of culture, business, media, and international trade. However, it's most famous for being a major center of the world's television, motion picture, and music industry, which forms the base of the city's status and lures visitors for its show business history and celebrity culture. Visitors are also drawn to Los Angeles for its Mediterranean climate and numerous beaches, which gave birth to California's famed surf culture.