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10k Runs in California
10k (or 6.2 mile) races are a more challenging prospect for beginners than 5k events, but they maintain the friendly atmosphere. While staying friendly, they can be a bit a more competitive, as regular runners will want to push under 40 minutes and hit a new PB. The 10k distance is also a great stepping stone towards harder 10 mile races or half marathons. In California, many of these events take place in the major cities and along the famous coastlines, but there are also a range of options which explore beyond the cities, into the stunning landscapes that the Golden State has to offer. The coastlines, National Parks, mountains and deserts of California provide an endless variety. 10k races are often part of larger running festivals. For example the Avenue of the Giants has a 10k option, allowing family members to get their running fix before relatives take on the longer half-marathon or marathon distance options.
Friday, Aug 19, 2022
Big Bear Ultra Trails
Big Bear Lake, California
half marathon, 10k
Friday, Aug 19, 2022
Kodiak Ultra Marathons
Big Bear Lake, California
ultramarathon, half marathon, 10k
Saturday, Aug 20, 2022
Sly Park Lake Trail Run (Summer)
Pollock Pines, California
5k, 10k, half marathon, marathon, ultramarathon
Sunday, Aug 21, 2022
XTERRA Lake Tahoe 5k and 10k
Incline Village, Nevada
10k, 5k, olympic, sprint
Saturday, Aug 27, 2022
Almaden Hills Trail Run
San Jose, California
10k, ultramarathon, 5k, half marathon, marathon
Saturday, Aug 27, 2022
America’s Toughest Mudder West – NorCal
Sonoma, California
10k, 5k
Saturday, Aug 27, 2022
Santa Cruz Trail Run
Felton, California
10k, half marathon
Sunday, Aug 28, 2022
Cal Tri Big Bear
Big Bear Lake, California
5k, 10k, sprint, olympic
Sunday, Aug 28, 2022
Big Bear Triathlon & Duathlon/Aquathon & 5k/10k
Big Bear Lake, California
5k, 10k, olympic, sprint
Monday, Aug 29, 2022
Wildcat Half Marathon, 10k & 5k
El Sobrante, California
5k, half marathon, 10k
Saturday, Sep 10, 2022
Mendocino Running Festival
Fort Bragg, California
10k, half marathon
Saturday, Sep 17, 2022
Shaver Lake Mile High Triathlon, Duathlon, Aquabike, 5k & 10k
Shaver Lake, California
10k, 5k, olympic, sprint
Saturday, Sep 17, 2022
Devil After Dark Marathon, Half Marathon, 10k & 5k
Las Vegas, Nevada
marathon, half marathon, 10k, 5k
Saturday, Sep 17, 2022
China Peak Running Festival
Lakeshore, California
ultramarathon, 10k
Saturday, Sep 17, 2022
Pacifica Summit Run 10k, Half Marathon & 30k
Pacifica, California
half marathon, 10k
Sunday, Sep 18, 2022
SoCal's Tiki Beach 5k & 10k Run/Walk
Orange County, California
5k, 10k
Sunday, Sep 18, 2022
SoCal’s Tiki Beach 5K & 10K Run/Walk
Huntington Beach, California
5k, 10k
About 10k events in California
Very much like in 5k events, the large running festivals often have their own 10k event to participate in. This creates a great opportunity for friends and family of different running abilities to take part in the same race weekend and compare their swag and medals at the finish.
What are the best 10k events?
Though technically not a 10k, the Bay to Breakers, at 12k, is one of the biggest running events of the year in Cali. With 50,000 costumed competitors cruising through central San Francisco it's definitely a memorable race. It's also one of the oldest races, as it's been going for over 100 years. Watch out for the infamous Hayes Hill on mile 2; this isn't the easiest run we've come across. If fun and fancy dress sounds like your thing, but you'd prefer a less challenging course, the Silicon Valley Turkey Trot might be worth a pluck.
How long will it take to run 10k?
Regular competitors at these events might expect to finish in around an hour (or better). However, if it's your first time, you might want to take a little longer, but be aware that some events have a cut off time - usually around 3 hours.
If you're into your trivia, or fancy yourself as the next winner of the Cali Beach Blast, then perhaps you'll be interested in the road racing world records. These stand at 26:44 and 29:43 minutes for men and women respectively, held by Leonard Patrick Komon and Joyciline Jepkosgei (who also holds the record for the women's half marathon).
How do you train for a 10k race?
Training for a 10k involves starting small and building up, regardless of your fitness level. Check out our 6 weeks to 10k training plan which will help you choose your starting point depending on your base fitness and goals. Following a plan helps to minimise the risk of injury, and you give the best start on race day. Check out our half marathon and marathon event calendars if you're feeling ready to expand your running horizons.