4 walking events in Santa Cruz County, California
From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find walking events and connect with the local endurance sports community.
Santa Cruz County
4 events in Santa Cruz County-
Sun, Mar 15, 2026 at 6:00 AMSee full details
The 2026 RUN FOR RIO 5k (3.1 miles) walk/run & Kids 1k (for 10 & under) is a fun community event for the entire family!
The event will be at Seascape Park (rain or shine!) and we will also have a 'virtual' option for those who don't live in town or would prefer to do it on their own. Sign up a family of 4 or 5 for the 5k and receive discount!
Our Presenting Sponsor this year is UBS Financial Services!
This event promotes good health & wellness, while also raising funds for Rio Del Mar Elementary School.
The race is hosted by the Rio Del Mar Parent Alliance in support of our amazing students and teachers!
Take advantage of our early bird pricing through Feb 28!
Fleet Feet gift cards & Rio gear will be awarded to the top 5 finishers (male/female) in both the 1k and 5k!
All participants will get a Fleet Feet coupon & we're giving ALL proceeds right back to Rio Del Mar Elementary school.
Martinelli's apple juice, Pacific Cookie Co cookies & a finishers ribbon will also be waiting for you at the finish line!
Thank you so much for your support & we hope to see you out there!
-
Sat, Jul 04, 2026 at 8:00 AMSee full details
Year 41 — and America's 250th Birthday!
This is the one you don't want to miss.
The Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Club is fired up to bring you the 2026 Firecracker — and this year is unlike any other. Our nation is celebrating its 250th birthday, and we're throwing the party Santa Cruz style: lace up your shoes, hit the pavement, and kick off Independence Day the way this community has for over four decades at Harvey West Park, Santa Cruz CA.
We're calling all runners, walkers, families, and friends — our goal is 1,000+ runners this year!
That's right. We want to make the 2026 Firecracker the biggest in our history. So grab your crew, sign up your neighbors, rope in your coworkers, and let's pack Harvey West Park on the Fourth of July. Whether you're chasing a PR or pushing a stroller, there's a course for you.
-
Sat, Jul 18, 2026 at 8:00 AMSee full details
Join us for another year of fun in the sun! At the Jolly10k you'll take a 10K or a 5K run or walk, through stunning Los Gatos mountain trails and arrive back at the finish line to enjoy fun, food and fellowship. We have informational booths, a variety of resource tables, CPR training and as always the Los Gatos Fire Dept. joins us for a group photo with the Fire Engine. We definitely have fun, but the reason we gather for the Jolly10k is to create a safe environment to have the difficult conversations about addiction and the deadly epidemic of Fentanyl that has flooded our country and stolen far too many young lives. But together, we can remember our loved ones and share life-saving information on how to prevent the next life lost from being someone in your family. Excercise, Information & Education!
-
Sun, Oct 04, 2026 at 8:00 AMSee full details
Run by the Sea returns to lovely Wilder Ranch State Park on Sunday, October 4th! This unique Half Marathon, 12K run, and 4K run/walk meanders along the gorgeous coastal bluffs of California's Central Coast in Santa Cruz and consists mostly of flat, packed dirt trails. Participants will enjoy scenic coastal views while passing along the bluffs and Wilder Ranch park trails. Get ready to take in the natural beauty of the Monterey Bay, the serene flats of Wilder Ranch's meadows, and maybe even catch a glimpse of some dolphins - no other race is quite like it!
Now in its 10th year, Run by the Sea is organized by the Santa Cruz Track Club and benefits the track club's youth program, Bike Santa Cruz County, and Santa Cruz Mountain Trail Stewards.
Race Headquarters and Parking
Image
4K Route
Image
12K Route
Image
Half Marathon Route