1K and 5K
Saturday, March 23, 2024
Boardwalk Fun Run
Swap out your flip flops for running shoes and join the fun with this family-friendly race through the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk!
1K- Ages 12 and Under
5K- Ages 4 and Up
Thank you for making the 2023 Boardwalk Fun Run a successful event!
Check back soon for 2024 race information!
Boardwalk Fun Run
Swap out your flip flops for running shoes and join the fun with this family-friendly race through the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk!
1K- Ages 12 and Under
5K- Ages 4 and Up
Celebrate your accomplishment with:
- Finisher medal
- Boardwalk treats
- Up to 2 hours of free-play in the Casino Arcade
- $15 Off Ride Wristband for race day
Continue the fun after the race is over! Go on rides, play games and enjoy the beach!
This year a portion of the proceeds will benefit Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services.
Online registration ends March 22, 2024. LIMITED onsite registration available on event day from 7am-8am at the Season Pass/Group Services Office. Availability not guaranteed.
Race Info
- 6:30am: Race Registration and Bib Pick-Up
- 7:30am: Warm-up led at Colonnade Stage
- 8am: 1K Race Starts
- 8:30am: 5K Race Starts
- 8:30am -10:45am: Free-Play in arcades for participants with event bibs (kids under 12 with bib can have one non-participant adult chaperone)
- 8:45am – 9:30am: DJ Entertainment on Colonnade Stage
- 9:30am: Course Closed
- 10:30am: Awards at Colonnade Stage
- 11am: Boardwalk Rides Open
1K– Start on the Boardwalk Colonnade, run out the Main Entrance, down the outside of the park and back through the park, finishing near the Pirate Ship.
Click map to enlarge.
5K– Start at the Boardwalk Colonnade, run out the Main Entrance, go up Beach Street towards West Cliff Dr, run West Cliff Dr foot path, around the lighthouse, and back through the park, finishing near the Pirate Ship.
Click map to enlarge.
Pick up your bibs at the Season Pass/Group Services Office (located near the Main Entrance).
Please bring your photo ID.
- Friday 3/22/24 – 8:30am-5pm
- Saturday 3/23/24 – 6:30am-8am
Frequently Asked Questions
This is a non-competitive race that you can experience with friends and family. Every finisher gets a medal! Run, jog, or walk along the course.
1K- Every finisher gets a medal PLUS top finishers from each category get $25 MyBoardwalk card.
| Top Male | Top Female |
| Ages 0-4 | Ages 0-4 |
| Ages 5-6 | Ages 5-6 |
| Ages 7-8 | Ages 7-8 |
| Ages 9-10 | Ages 9-10 |
| Ages 11-12 | Ages 11-12 |
5K- Every finisher gets a medal PLUS top finishers from each category get two Boardwalk Rides Wristbands.
| Top Male | Top Female |
| Ages 4-8 | Ages 4-8 |
| Ages 10-14 | Ages 10-14 |
| Ages 15-19 | Ages 15-19 |
| Ages 20-24 | Ages 20-24 |
| Ages 25-29 | Ages 25-29 |
| Ages 30-34 | Ages 30-34 |
| Ages 35-39 | Ages 35-39 |
| Ages 40-44 | Ages 40-44 |
| Ages 45-49 | Ages 45-49 |
| Ages 50-54 | Ages 50-54 |
| Ages 55-59 | Ages 55-59 |
| Ages 60-64 | Ages 60-64 |
| Ages 65+ | Ages 65+ |
Yes, we are happy to offer the option to register as non-binary through RunSignUp.com. Please note, there will be no awarding in the non-binary category. If you identify as non-binary, but would like to compete for place awards we ask that you sign up for your birth gender pool.
Parking is available in the Boardwalk’s various parking lots for $25. Street parking is also available.
Starting line is at the Boardwalk Main entrance.
Yes, stick around and enjoy the park! Once you register you will be given a discount code for $15 off All-Day Rides Wristbands for race day.
Yes, strollers are allowed.
Yes, we are pleased to offer BibChip timing with a shotgun start.
The event will be held rain or shine. Sorry, we cannot issue refunds. Registrations are non-transferable to another person.
This year a portion of all registrations will go to Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services.
Jacob’s Heart provides family-centered care that addresses the emotional, practical and financial struggles for families of children and teens during treatment, families experiencing anticipatory grief and those who are bereaved. They provide support for Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Benito, and South Santa Clara Counties in California.
No, for the safety of all participants, we do not allow animals at our race.
2023 Race Photos and Results
Thank You Sponsors!
