California Dreamin’ Evening 5k (Sponsored by AREC) 2026 — Long Beach, CA

We've got another Thursday night 5K race for you! Did you know that California became a state on September 9th, 1850? We want to celebrate our September anniversary! Your $25 entry fee will get you this incredible CALIFORNIA medal! We think it's our best medal yet! A little bigger than some of our other ones, it's got all the California highlights and even has some sparkly glitter on it! How can you say no to a medal that features a surfing bear?! In addition to the finishers medal, we will also have additional medals for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place male and female to finish and other goodies. There's also a 'stroller' division and will give out 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place medals for our top-three stroller pushers! If you've run any of our races, you know exactly what’s in store! This is an out-and-back course right on the beach boardwalk alongside the sand and surf. The views are absolutely beautiful. We’ll meet right by the Belmont Brewing Company in Long Beach, at the start of Veterans' Pier, and head out on the beach path for a 5k. Bib pickup is between 6 pm and 6:30 pm. Afterwards, runners will head inside BBC for food, drink, and laughter. Results will be posted online within 36 hours of the event. This event counts for your Century Club totals, if you're a member of AREC.