FAQ

  • Saturday, January 10th, 2026

    8:30 AM

    Please arrive early and allow extra time for parking.

  • The course will start at San Carlos & 9th in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

    The course will finish at the bottom of Ocean Ave in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

    The start and finish line are within walking distance from one another via Ocean Ave.

  • General registration fee includes:

    • Race bib with professional timing service

    • Supported participation along our 3.1 mile course

    • Inaugural Carmel-by-the-Sea 5K t-shirt

    • Exclusive deals and offers from our local partners

    • Finish line treat

    Canine registration includes:

    • Official Race bandana

    • Supported participation along our 3.1 mile course

    • Finish line treat

  • Yes! Get ready for your next PR as you take on this predominately flat and fast course.

  • Yes, our 3.1 mile, 5K course will be professionally timed.

  • Registered runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are welcome to participate in the Carmel-by-the-Sea 5K.

  • Yes! Dogs can officially register to receive their very own race bandana and finish line treat. Please keep your furry friend under voice command and on lead during the event. Out of respect to our neighbors and city streets, please carry a doggie bag and pick up any mess that they may leave along the way.

  • Yes, strollers are permitted on course. When using a stroller, please yield to single runners in an effort to avoid collision. If you need to stop at any time, please veer to the side of the road to avoid injuring yourself and others.

  • Yes. In order to clear the city streets for our valued neighbors, we request that you aim to finish the course in under 3 hours. Roughly, 1 mile per hour.

  • The top male & top female finisher will be honored with an olive leaf crown and first place medal.

    The winning names and times will be added to our perpetual “winners cup” to be displayed locally for ultimate bragging rights.

    Winners are also given a chance to defend their title with complementary entry into next year’s race.

    Top awards will be given based on when the participants cross the finish line regardless of chip time.

    No other awards will be given at this time.

  • Registration is offered on a first come, first serve basis. If there is space remaining, we will allow for same day registration starting at 7:00 AM the morning of the event.

    The cutoff date to ensure proper shirt sizing is December 31st, 2025. Participant shirts and canine bandanas are not guaranteed after this date and may not be available for same-day participants.

  • Yes. We will have water stations available at the start and finish line as well as midway through the course.

  • Absolutely! There are many beautiful places to show support along the course. Please see event map to identify a spot that works best for you and your crew.

  • We will not be offering a bag check for this event. Safely store items in your car or with a trusted friend.

  • Yes! Please stick around and enjoy our local DJ, 360 photo booth, vendors and award ceremony. Spectators are welcome to enjoy the post race celebration with you.

  • Packet pickup will take place Friday, January 9th, 2026. Details regarding packet pickup will be sent to registered participants closer to this date.

  • Yes, please email carmel-by-the-sea-5k@gotrcentralcoast.org to confirm details.

  • Yes. Please email carmel-by-the-sea-5K@gotrcentralcoast.org to arrange transfer. For safety reasons, please avoid simply handing off your bib to a friend or family member.

  • Free, unlimited time parking is available at the following locations:

    • The Sunset Center north parking lot located on 8th Avenue between Mission and San Carlos Streets (closest to start line)

    • Vista Lobos public parking lot, located on Torres Street and 3rd Avenue 

    • Center median streets and curbside spaces on Junipero Avenue between 3rd and 5th Avenues.

    • Most residential streets outside the Central Business District.

    • The Del Mar parking lot, located at the base of Ocean Avenue near the beach, will host our end of race festivities. Limited parking available.

    Additional free 2-hour curbside parking is available on every block in the Central Business District.