Willow Glen 5K Run/Walk for Education

About the Event

The Willow Glen 5K Run/Walk for Education is a premier community fundraiser scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026, in San Jose, California. This event features a flat, USATF-certified course that begins in the heart of downtown Willow Glen and traverses scenic residential streets. The race serves as a vital financial engine for local elementary school PTAs, with proceeds directly funding essential programs in arts, music, science, sports, and technology. Following the race, the Willow Glen Elementary school campus transforms into a massive community festival, offering participants and neighbors a pancake breakfast, live music, and a dedicated kids' fun zone.

Event Phase	Time	Activities
5K Run/Walk Start	9:00 AM PDT	USATF-certified flat course
Community Festival	9:30 AM – 12:00 PM	Pancakes, music, games, and booths
Awards Ceremony	9:45 AM PDT	Recognition for top finishers

Willow Glen is an affluent and historic neighborhood in San Jose, often referred to as "San Jose's Local Treasure," with a population of approximately 75,000 residents across the 95125 zip code. Known for its walkable downtown and distinctive architecture, the area maintains a strong community identity. The demographic profile is approximately 58% White, 26% Hispanic, 10% Asian, and 2% Black. The neighborhood is highly prosperous, with a median household income of roughly $185,000 USD. The race start at Lincoln and Minnesota Avenues places runners in the center of the district's vibrant commercial corridor, which is characterized by independent boutiques and family-owned restaurants.

Registration fees are structured to encourage family participation, with adult entry (ages 20+) currently priced at $50.14. Discounted rates are available for teens and youth at $28.74, while specialized pricing tiers exist for Willow Glen Elementary and Schallenberger students. To ensure accessibility, children aged 4 and under can participate for free if they do not require a T-shirt. Most paid tiers include a race T-shirt, a professional timing bib, and a race bag filled with local sponsor offers. Managed by Race Director Meggie Hollywood, the Willow Glen 5K remains a cornerstone event for South Bay families, blending athletic competition with a high-impact investment in local public education.

Races Offered

Adult (20+)

May 09, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5K

terrain

Type — Others, Running

timer

09:00

sell

$34.09

Adult (20+, no shirt)

May 09, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5K

terrain

Type — Others, Running

timer

09:00

sell

$28.74

Child (4 and under) with t-shirt

May 09, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5K

terrain

Type — Others, Running

timer

09:00

sell

$12.76

Schallenberger Student

May 09, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5K

terrain

Type — Others, Running

timer

09:00

sell

$12.69

Teen or Youth (5-19)

May 09, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5K

terrain

Type — Others, Running

timer

09:00

sell

$18.04

WGE Student (with t-shirt)

May 09, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5K

terrain

Type — Others, Running

timer

09:00

sell

$12.69

Weather Overview

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for May in San Jose.

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

thermostat 11.4° / 24.8°

wb_sunny 10.0° / 21.3°

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

air 8.7 /

water_drop 60.7%

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

thermostat 11.4° / 24.8°

wb_sunny 10.0° / 21.3°

air 8.7 km/h

water_drop 60.7%

About San Jose

Learn more about the host city, San Jose.

Often called "the capital of Silicon Valley", San Jose is the largest city in the Bay Area, 3rd largest in California, and the 12th largest city in the United States, with a population of over 997,000 residents as of 2024. It was named the 6th safest big city in the U.S. in 2015. This clean, sprawling metropolis has sports, beautiful vistas, and ethnic enclaves and bleeds into the greater Bay Area for travelers who want to take their time in Northern California.