The Cinco de Mayo Run Festival brings a festive, high-energy race weekend to Huntington Beach, with a post-race fiesta featuring live music, food trucks, and a beer garden right on the sand.

Course Description

All three distances start near the Huntington Beach Pier and run along the paved beach path. The 5K is an out-and-back along the bike path; the 10K and Half Marathon extend further south toward Huntington State Beach before turning back, staying flat and fast the entire way.

Elevation Profile

Elevation profile graphic coming soon — course is described qualitatively above.

Parking

Parking is available in the Pier Plaza structure and the Main Street public lots. Expect $15–$20 event-day parking rates; ride-share drop-off is available at Pacific Coast Hwy & Main St.

Packet Pickup

Packet pickup: Saturday, May 2 from 11am–5pm at the HB Pier Plaza expo tent, and race morning from 6am–7:15am at the same location.

Aid & Water Stations

Aid stations every 2 miles for the 10K and Half Marathon (water + electrolyte drink), one water stop for the 5K. A hydration and fruit table is also available at the post-race fiesta.

Medical

Medical tent stationed at the Pier Plaza finish area, with lifeguard and medical bike support along the beach path course.

Awards Ceremony

Awards presented at the post-race fiesta stage starting at 9am — top 3 overall per distance/gender, plus age-group awards 5 years deep.

Volunteers

Volunteer shifts available for packet pickup, aid stations, and the fiesta zone. All volunteers get a festival t-shirt and fiesta wristband.

Race Day Schedule

6:00am – Packet pickup & parking opens
7:15am – Half Marathon & 10K start
7:30am – 5K start
9:00am – Awards & fiesta begins
11:30am – Fiesta ends

FAQ

Is there a costume contest? Yes! Best Cinco de Mayo-themed costume wins a free entry to any 2027 Caren Ware Events race.
Is the fiesta included in registration? Yes, all finishers get one free food truck voucher and fiesta wristband.

⭐ This race has an average post-event rating of 4.9/5 from finisher surveys.