5 running, walking, fun run, and other events in Watsonville, California
From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find running, walking, fun run, criterium, and cycling events and connect with the local endurance sports community.
Watsonville
5 events in Watsonville-
Sat, Apr 18, 2026 at 9:00 AM
Join us fore our annual run/ walk/ hike to celebrate Coco Lazenby’s birthday and fundraise to support more literacy in our community. It’s a free COlor Run and every kid who participates can take home a free book!
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Sun, May 10, 2026 at 7:45 AMSee full details
Celebrate Mom while making a difference!
Join the 42nd Annual Mother’s Day Run & Walk, benefiting Pajaro Valley Shelter Services, and enjoy a beautiful morning on the scenic trails of Pinto Lake County Park.
There’s something for everyone, including a 1K Kids Fun Run, a 5K run or walk, and a 10K run. Bring the whole family, honor the women who inspire you, and support vital services for families experiencing homelessness.
Move with purpose. Celebrate with heart.
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Sat, Jun 27, 2026 at 12:00 PMSee full details
Velo Promo, Golden Chain Cyclists Present
the 48th annual
Watsonville CRITERIUM
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Date: Saturday June 27, 2026
Under USAC rules and permit 2026-15957
Location: California at Brewington, Watsonville, CA
Registration: Opens at 11 a.m., closes 15 minutes before each race start. Registration on Brewington Ave, at 312 Brewington Ave, Watsonville, CA 95076.
Directions: Take Hwy 152 east from Hwy 1 or west from Hwy 101 (Gilroy) to the east side of Watsonville, where 152 is Lake Avenue. Turn north on Brewington, two blocks to the course.
Course: Same as in the past; a 0.75 mile loop of smooth pavement, with many turns, dips at the corners and a small hill to the finish line. Streets: Brewington, Cerritos, Rogers, Oregon, Hill, California, Brewington. Free Lap Rule in effect; Pit at Oregon & Brewington. Start on Brewington at California; Finish at top of hill on Brewington
Events: minutes places value fee start limit
Category 4& novice 50 6 $100 $50 12:00 50
Mstr50+ 1/2/3/4 50 6 $100 $50 1:00 50
Master 35+ 1/2/3 45 6 $100 $50 2:00 50
Local Kids Challenge*** 1 lap all 0 $0 3:00 50
Master 60+ 45 6 $100 $50 3:15 50
Wm 1/2/pro &3/4/5 &40+ 60 6 $200 $50 4:05 50
Cat 1/2/3P** 60 6 $200 $50 5:05 60
**Separate prizes for Cat 3
*** Parent/guardian signature required for all children participating in the free non-compe-
titive Local Kids Challenge. Helmets required.
Prizes: merchandise, gift certificates, cash and tee shirts. (40%+ cash in $100+ races)
How to Enter:
---via On-line at www.bikereg.com (https://www.bikereg.com/watsonville-criterium) from today to June 21, 2026 for above fees plus on-line surcharge. From June 22 to June 24 the fee on-line is $15 additional. No on-line entry after midnight PST Wednesday June 24. You may need to sign and date your entry form/release at race registration desk. Race Day registration will still be open, as long as the fields are not full.
---By Mail: You may still enter by mail, but if a group is filling, go on-line. By mail, send standard USAC entry form/release along with fee above (if Postmarked by Friday June 19 to Velo Promo/Watsonville, 19780 Soulsbyville Road, Soulsbyville, CA 95372. For those postmarked after, add $15. Note: indicate what category you are entering on check or form. Entries for several races in one envelope ok, but be sure to list race names on the outside. Envelopes without names of races on the outside may go to the wrong race. Mail in entries will not be processed until after the opening of online reg.
---At Race: You may enter at the race, provided your event is not filled, for the above listed fee plus $15.
----2^nd race available for $20
2026 USAC license required (available at race). One day licenses are available only for Novice riders . Entry fees include $3 NCNCA and $5.99 USAC insurance surcharges. Numbers will be provided.
Credit for another VP race will be given if you follow the below procedure by 5 pm Wednesday 7/2 letting us know that you can't compete. No credit issued if you plan to enter another race instead; no cash refunds. No substitutions (transferring to another rider) for cancellations. Procedure: Go to "Edit My Entry" link on the BikeReg.com registration page, in your confirmation email, or in your BikeReg account to access this credit system.
Champion Discounts: Champions pay normal fees up front; Current NorCal/Nevada District Criterium Champions and National Criterium Champions will get a refund at the reg desk of all but $9 per day if 1) their entry is received by the deadline above (otherwise they pay full fee, including late fee) and 2) they ride in the category they won the championship in (Master Champions may ride down in age, and ride for $9, and Juniors may ride up. District jersey is not required
Further Info: Velo Promo, (209) 604-1354; [email protected] (best) www.velopromo.com https://www.facebook.com/VeloPromo?ref=nf
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Sat, Aug 01, 2026 at 8:00 AMSee full details
The 5th annual Strawberry Jam 1K/5K Fun Run/Walk coordinated by the Friends of Watsonville Parks and Community Services will kick-off the Watsonville Strawberry Festival on Saturday August 1, 2026. The Jam begins and ends at the temporary location, Landmark Elementary School in Watsonville while Ramsay Park is being renovated. This is an easy and fun course that includes Watsonville's beautiful slough system with an out and back section on Ohlone Parkway. See photo of course. No dogs please, but families and strollers are welcome. Register on Active.com. Races will be coordinated by the Santa Cruz Track Club.
The Jam is being held in conjunction with The Watsonville Strawberry Festival, held on Saturday, August 1, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday, August 2, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in historic downtown Watsonville. https://www.watsonville.gov/1117/Watsonville-Strawberry-Festival
Contact: [email protected] for any questions.
Event details and schedule
Check-in on race day begins at 6:45 am at Landmark Elementary School parking lot. The Kids 1K Fun Run/Walk begins promptly at 7:45 am. Parents are welcome to join and guide their kids through the 1K run. The 5k Fun Run/Walk will follow for those of ages 12+ starting at 8am. There will be portable restrooms and water stations available on day of race. Look out for designated guides who will be stationed at various points throughout the race to ensure the designated course is easy to follow. Costumes are encouraged!!
Parking:
There is limited parking at Landmark Elementary School. Experienced Runners are encouraged to warm up by parking at the Ramsay Park Nature Center Parking Lot at on HARKINS SLOUGH ROAD and warming up for .5 miles on the path to race. There will be an attentent at the parking lot to help direct runners. Please see map for pathway from Nature Center to Landmark Elementary School.
Registration Fees are as follows:
Kids 1K (Ages 12 and under): $10
5K (Ages 12+):
$40 until 07/30/2026
$45 After 7/30 and Day of Event for Cash and Card Payments
Prizes:
Ribbons will be awarded to top 2 in each category.
Strawberry-themed socks will be given to all pre-registrants over age 12. Socks may be available on race day but are not guaranteed for day-of-race registrants.
Divisions:
Male and Felmale Categories
19 and Under
20-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60-69
70-79
80+
Contact: [email protected].
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Sun, Aug 30, 2026 at 8:15 AMSee full details
The inaugural Apple City 5k!
Come run fun easy trails and be a part of the Watsonville community!
Going back to the roots of farming in Watsonville, the Apple City 5k at Pinto Lake County Park is a dedication to agricultural history and life of the Pajaro Valley.
Participants will experience the scenic meadows and trails of the county park, with gentle trails circling the whole park.
The kids 1k will go around the soccer fields near the starting/finish line.
This race is hosted by the Santa Cruz Track Club Fall Race series with 50% of funds going to the Pajaro Valley Education Foundation to support the students of the Pajaro Valley.
Local Clubs & Organizations
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Event Organizer1 event831-402-3712
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Club
USA Swimming Club. 19 members.
[email protected] +1 530-410-3450