La Jolla Shores 5K
The La Jolla Shores 5K takes runners along a mostly downhill course that showcases the final 3.1 miles of the La Jolla half marathon route. Every step offers sweeping ocean views, gentle sea breezes, and the unmatched beauty of San Diego’s coast.
This 5K Run San Diego event is perfect for new runners, experienced athletes, or anyone who wants to experience Southern California’s coastal magic at an easygoing pace.
Picture miles of sun-drenched shoreline, the sound of the Pacific, and thousands of energized runners moving together toward the finish. With its combination of perfect weather, breathtaking views, and lively atmosphere, the La Jolla Shores 5K stands out as one of the best 5K races in San Diego.
Whether you’re running your very first 5K or aiming for a personal best, this course delivers inspiration at every turn.
La Jolla Shores 5K Course Map & Details
The La Jolla Shores 5K starts at the corner of La Jolla Shores Drive and Horizon Way and follows a scenic coastal through La Jolla Shores. The course runs along North Torrey Pines Road, Prospect Avenue, and Coast Boulevard, finishing at La Jolla Cove the same iconic finish line as the La Jolla Half Marathon.
With ocean views from start to finish, this 5K run in San Diego captures the best of Southern California’s coastline in just 3.1 miles.
Race Day Details
Date: May 15, 2027
Arrive by: 6:00 a.m.
Start Time: 6:30 a.m.
Start Line: La Jolla Shores Drive and Horizon Way
Finish Line: 1100 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Time Limit: 1 hour
Course Support
You’ll find two aid stations along the course stocked with water, electrolytes, and portable restrooms.
If you need assistance during the race, head to the nearest aid station. A medical representative will be called to help you right away.
Gear Drop-Off: Available at the start line only.
Post-Race Recovery
After your run, head to the Finish Line Festival at La Jolla Cove. Recovery specialists will be available offering:
- Sports massage
- Stretching
- Physical therapy
- Cold plunges
All recovery services are free for registered runners.
Medical
If you experience a medical issue on the course, visit the nearest water station for help. If you can’t finish the race, shuttle transportation to the finish area is available from every station. Race Guards trained in CPR and first aid will be on the course to support runners.
At the finish line, you’ll find a medical tent inside the secure chute and a self-serve ice tent in the festival area.
Safety
Most of the course takes place on open city streets with normal traffic. For your safety, stay inside the coned lanes at all times and follow directions from course marshals and volunteers.
Discarded Clothing
If you need to remove any clothing during the race, please do so only at water stations. All discarded clothing collected at these stations will be donated to local shelters.
La Jolla Shores 5K Course: Route and Elevation
RACE & EVENT INFO
Saturday, May 15, 2027:
6:00 am – Take your place on the start line
6:30 am – 5K
The finish line is located at Ellen Browning Scripps Park, 1100 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037
After you cross the finish line, keep moving forward through the fenced area. Volunteers will hand you your finisher medal, along with a banana, protein bar, chocolate milk, pretzels, cookie, and a food bag.
For safety reasons, the finish area is limited to runners only. Family and friends can meet you just outside the exit area.
Please don’t stop for selfies at the finish line. Stopping can block other runners who are still finishing. You’ll find plenty of photo opportunities throughout the festival, including new backdrops for this year’s event. Thank you for helping keep the finish line clear and safe for everyone.
All participants must be able to complete the course in 1 hour. This means you must maintain a 19:21 minute mile pace or faster.
You can pick up your bib number and race t-shirt at the Expo before race day.
If you can’t attend, you may authorize someone else to pick up your items. They must bring a photo or electronic copy of your ID to verify your registration.
If you prefer, you can pick up your 5K bib on race morning at the start line beginning at 5:30 a.m. There is a $25 late fee for race-day pick-up.
Race shirts will be available at the T-Shirt Tent.
Expo Details
Expo Date: Friday, May 14, 2027
Time: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Location: 1100 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037
You can drop off your gear at the start line only. After the race begins, staff will transport all checked bags to the finish line for pick-up. There is no gear pick-up available at the start area.
The cinch bag you receive with your bib also serves as your gear drop-off bag. Each bag is numbered to match your bib, so please use only the official event bag.
Do not bring backpacks or duffel bags. Any bag that doesn’t fit into the event-supplied cinch bag cannot be taken on the shuttles.
Please leave valuables at home. The event is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Any gear left at the start line, along the course, or unclaimed from the Gear Pick-Up Tent on race day will be donated. Unattended bags will be removed by security.
Pre-Event Shuttle:
Complimentary shuttles will run from the finish area at La Jolla Cove to the La Jolla Shores 5K start line at La Jolla Shores Drive and Horizon Way between 4:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.
A food truck will be onsite at La Jolla Cove offering coffee and light breakfast items before the race.
Post-Event Shuttle:
There are no return shuttles from the finish line back to the start area after the 5K.
Parking
Street parking is available near La Jolla Cove on Draper, Eads, Fay, Girard, Herschel, and Ivanhoe Streets.
Please park only in marked spaces and observe all No Parking signs.
Vehicles that block emergency access, double-park, or park in restricted areas will be towed at the owner’s expense.
Expo Parking
Free street parking is available south of Prospect Street, but spots fill quickly. Parking near the Pacific Ocean is always limited, so plan to arrive early.
Several paid underground garages are also located on and around Prospect Street for convenient access to the Expo.
Race Day Parking
Parking near the 5K start area is very limited, so please allow extra time to park and walk to the start line.
There are no shuttles from the finish line back to the 5K start area after the event.
If you’re being dropped off, use the intersection of La Jolla Shores Drive and North Torrey Pines Road (near the west side of UCSD). From there, it’s a short half-mile walk to the start line at La Jolla Shores Drive and Horizon Way.
Drop-Off and Access Information
There will be no access to race parking between 6:15 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.
If someone is dropping you off at the start line, they must enter through the main participant parking area. Follow the directions of parking staff to the unpaved lot and continue to the passenger drop-off area located at the entrance to the pedestrian tunnel.
Your bib number will have a timing chip affixed to the back of the number which will capture your start and finish as well as split times. Please wear your number visibly on the front of your body. Do not crumple, fold or block your chip (such as arm blocking bib over the start/finish/split mats while stopping your watch) to ensure your time is tracked. Results at https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/116383.
Results will be posted online at https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/116383 during the race, and in the Finish Line Festival where participants will be able to print off their results.
Live Tracking App Available:
Participants can setup GPS tracking for friends and family to follow along. Friends and family can follow participants in real-time with live splits, pace tracking, course maps, and race replays. Download the app below!
How It Works: Getting started takes less than a minute
For Spectators:
- Open the app or visit competitivetiming.com
- Find your event and tap into a distance
- Search for your runner by name or bib number
- Tap the follow button to track them — their updates appear on your Tracked Participants screen
- Open the course map to see all participants’ estimated positions in real time
For Participants:
- Download the app and tap “I’m a Participant”
- Create an account or sign in
- Find your registration by searching for your event and selecting your name
- GPS tracking starts automatically about 15 minutes before gun time — no action needed on race day
- Disable GPS tracking at anytime — you’re always in control
Available on iOS and Android.
Powered by Competitive Timing
Registered participants over 21 who display their bib numbers and proper IDs are invited to visit the beer garden at the Finish Line Festival to receive a complimentary post-race beer (limited to three per person while supplies last). While in the beer garden, relax and enjoy the DJ. Runners are also encouraged to bring guests. A $20 guest entry fee can be purchased through RunSignUp (as an add-on) or at the entry gate. There is an International and Ambassador Section, and dancing is encouraged 😎.
All runners can view and download race photos at no charge. Photographers will be along the course to take your picture. Once the race is over, we will send you a link to view and download your race photos.
PLEASE NOTE: The La Jolla Half Marathon & 5K does not guarantee that every participant will be photographed.
We will present the 5K awards from the main stage at 8:15 am.
Age Group Awards:
17 & under
18-24
25-29
30-34
35-39
40-44
45-49
50-54
55-59
60-64
65-69
70-74
75-79
80+
Top Three Race Purse: the following prize money distribution is for the top 3 overall male and female finishers:
1st Place – $400
2nd Place – $250
3rd Place – $100
Please note that we do not provide a shuttle service from hotels to the start or finish line.
We do not offer refunds or transfers to other runners. We want you to enjoy our race in person, yourself, even if it’s in a future year!
Coastal Views
From start to finish this race offer runners a chance to experience the coast like never before.
Great Swag
All runners get a collectible dry tech race shirt, a finisher medal, and a goodie bag with tons of running gear.
Big Celebration
After the race, join family and friends for a celebratory beer in the beer garden while soaking in the sunshine.
Your Ticket To Inspiration
La Jolla Shores 5K
Prepare to take a scenic journey on this 3.1 mile course where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of waves crashing on the shoreline, surfers in the water, and thousands of inspired runners on the road. If you are looking for 5K races in San Diego, registration is your ticket to inspiration.
