4 running events in Watsonville, California

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].

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.