What race distances and categories are available?

• →Half Marathon: A long-distance road race starting in Santa Monica.
• →5K: A road running event along the Ocean Front Walk.
• →Junior Dash & Family Dash: A 1.1-mile event featuring shorter loops or segments of the boardwalk corridor.
• →Kids Grunion Run: A short, kids-only run held at the Finish Line Festival area.

What is the course layout like?

The event utilizes a point-to-point format. The Half Marathon and 5K routes run along the Ocean Front Walk (boardwalk), passing landmarks such as Muscle Beach, the Venice Canals, Venice High School, and the original Venice Police and Fire Stations. The course concludes at Windward Plaza, just past the main Venice Beach entrance, under the historic Venice Sign. The start line in Santa Monica is approximately one mile away from the finish line in Venice.

When and where can I pick up my race packet?

There are two primary options for packet and bib collection:

Pre-race Pick-up (Recommended):

• →Date: May 16, 2026
• →Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• →Location: Blankspaces ↗ (606 Venice Blvd, Venice, CA 90291)
• →Requirements: Participants must bring their own confirmation email and one photo ID. For friends or family, you must bring their confirmation email and a copy or image of their photo ID.

Race Day Pick-up:

• →Half Marathon, 5K, and One Mile Dash: Bib pick-up is available from 6:00 AM – 8:35 AM at Ocean View Park, located adjacent to the start line (2800 Barnard Way, Santa Monica, CA 90405).
• →Kids Grunion Run: Bibs and race T-shirts are distributed at the finish line area (Windward Plaza) between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM.

What is included with my registration?

• →All participants collect their race T-shirts at the Finish Line Festival area.
• →Specifically for the Kids Grunion Run, bibs and T-shirts are distributed at the Windward Plaza location.

What activities are happening at the finish line?

The Finish Line Festival is held at Windward Plaza under the Venice Sign.

• →Fitness Expo: Features various vendors, swag, and post-race activities from 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM.

When does the course close?

• →The race course officially closes at 11:00 AM on May 17, 2026.