Countdown to the Finish takes place at 780 E Shoreline Drive in Long Beach, California on December 27, 2026. The event offers four distance options: 5K, 10K, 10-mile, and half-marathon, so you can choose based on your fitness level and race goals. Entry fees range from $24.50 to $42.50 depending on which distance you select. The race starts at 7:00 AM, giving you an early morning launch to your workout. If you're traveling to Long Beach for this post-holiday race, you'll want accommodation nearby that supports your pre-race routine and recovery needs.
From the Race Organizer
End your 2026 on a High Note with High Tides Runs! Race Details Start Location: Alamitos Beach, 780 E Shoreline Dr. Long Beach, CA Parking: Parking in the lot is $2/hour and starts at 8am, if you are running the Half/10m you can use the Passport app to pay for parking. Street parking is free. See map at the bottom of this email Event Schedule Saturday 1:00-3:00pm – Early bib pick-up on the 2nd floor at Sports Basement Long Beach (store discount sent via email the week of the event) Sunday 6:20am – Bib pick-up opens at the tables closest to Claremont Ave 7:00am – Half marathon & 10m start 7:30am – 5k & 10k start 7:35am – Registration & start line close 10:20am – Course closes (3 hours, 20 minutes for the Half and 10m) Early start of 6:30am may be pre-arranged for half marathoners, email your request to events@hightideruns.com. All early starters will not be eligible for awards. Out and Back Courses 5k & 10k: The 5k route is used for the 5k (one lap) and 10k (two laps) – 5k route 10m: The 5m route is used for the 10m (two laps) – 5m route Half: The 5m route is run twice and the 5k route is run once for the Half – 5m route and 5k route An early start of 6:30am may be pre-arranged for half marathoners and 10-milers, email your request to events@hightideruns.com. All early starters will not be eligible for awards. More about the Course The beach path is an open course, so you will encounter others using it. When we start the race, please stay on the right side of the beach path. The right side is for pedestrians and the left side is for cyclists. We will have tent set up west of the Finish Line for spectators to watch you run. See map at the bottom of this email. We do not have shade or seating in the festival area for them. On-Course Support A fully stocked water station is located at the Belmont Pier. The finish line will also have an aid station stocked with water, gatorade, gels, and fruit snacks. We have a first aid kit at each station and all High Tides Crew Members have received CPR training. The turns are clearly marked with chalk, a runner turn sign, and a flag Final Details Bib: Please wear your race bib on the front of your shirt so we can track your time and send your pics! Gear Check: You may leave personal items with staff at the registration tent. Please bring your own bag. Medals : All runners receive a finishing medal. 1st place medals are given to the overall 1st male and female in each distance Results & Photos: An email with race results and photos will be sent the day after the race and earlier on Instagram. Race photos are free! Join Us Again: Did you have a blast running with us at our low-pressure, high vibes race? We have themed races throughout the year in Long Beach, Santa Monica, and Fountain Valley. Register for multiple races at a time to earn a discount. Check our full schedule Have Another Question? Check our FAQ page , it's probably answered there!
Hotels Near This Race
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Countdown to the Finish – 5K, 10K, 10-Miler, Half Marathon 2026 — Long Beach, CA
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for December 27.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Long Beach, CA.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is Countdown to the Finish – 5K, 10K, 10-Miler, Half Marathon 2026 — Long Beach, CA?
Countdown to the Finish – 5K, 10K, 10-Miler, Half Marathon 2026 — Long Beach, CA takes place on December 27, 2026. The race is held in Long Beach, California.
Where is Countdown to the Finish – 5K, 10K, 10-Miler, Half Marathon 2026 — Long Beach, CA held?
Countdown to the Finish – 5K, 10K, 10-Miler, Half Marathon 2026 — Long Beach, CA is held at 780 E Shoreline Dr in Long Beach, California.
Where can I find hotels near Countdown to the Finish – 5K, 10K, 10-Miler, Half Marathon 2026 — Long Beach, CA?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Long Beach. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
