Venice Beach | May 17, 2026

Venice Beach Half Marathon

Get ready for an unforgettable race day filled with adrenaline, community, and unforgettable moments!

Packet Pick Up

Packet Pick Up on before Race Day is not mandatory but HIGHLY recommended. If you miss Packet Pick Up, you can also pick up your bib & chip in person at the Event.

For Packet Pick Up, please bring your confirmation email and one form of acceptable photo ID. Your confirmation email is sent to you when you register. We also allow individuals to pick up race packets for friends and family members. Please bring their confirmation email and copy or image of their identification.

BLANKSPACES

Date: TBD

hosted by BLANKSPACES Venice
Hours: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Where: BLANKSPACES Venice
Address: 606 Venice Blvd. Venice, CA 90291

Parking: Street parking (Free with time limits)Abbot Kinney Parking Lots (metered) BLANKSPACES ($20 for the day)

BLANKSPACES is a coworking and events campus in the heart of Venice. The gated compound of five buildings includes indoor and outdoor coworking space, private offices and suites, meeting rooms, a large event space, and onsite parking. Virtual office mailing addresses for both Venice and Abbot Kinney Blvd are available.

BLANKSPACES Venice is the perfect place for members to start and finish a run around the vibrant neighborhood. Learn about their flexible and affordable memberships at blankspaces.com. Schedule a tour or purchase a two-day coworking trial for just $30.

Start Line

Date: May 17, 2026

This race is Point to Point which means the Start Line is one mile away from the Finish Line. Don’t worry, it’s a quick walk down the boardwalk.

START LINE – Half Marathon, 5k and 1 Mile Dash BIB Pick Up (NO T-Shirts at this location)

** Bibs will be available for pick up prior to the race. Race T-Shirts will be available at the Finish Line Expo.** Hours: 6:00 AM – 8:30 AM

Where: Ocean View Park, adjacent to the Start Line
Parking: 2800 Barnard Way, Santa Monica, CA 90405

Finish Line

Date: May 17, 2026

FINISH LINE EXPO – Grunion Run & T-Shirt Pick Up
** In addition to Grunion Run packets, all other participants can pick up their race t-shirt if they haven’t already received their shirt **
Hours: 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Where: Windward Plaza, just past the Venice Sign
Address: 1 Windward Ave, Venice, CA 90291

Grand Park is very large. The EXPO is located across the street from City Hall.

6:00 A.M.
Packet Pick Up Opens
8:45 A.M.
Packet Pick Up Closes
7:00 A.M.
Wave 1 / Half Marathon
8:00 A.M.
Wave 1 / 5k
8:10 A.M.
Wave 2 / 5k
8:30 A.M.
Junior Dash (1.1 Mile)
8:40 A.M.
Family Dash (1.1 Mile)
10:00 A.M.
Kids Grunion run
8:30 A.M.
FITNESS EXPO at Finish Line Opens
11:00 A.M.
Course Closes
11:30 A.M.
FITNESS EXPO at Finish Line Closes
8:00 am
Morning Fun Run
In-person
Online
Charlie
Track
9:00 am
Team Relay Race
In-person
Diana
Stadium
10:00 am
Closing Ceremony Event
In-person
Eve
Arena
8:00 am
Yoga and Meditation
In-person
Online
Frank
Gym
9:00 am
Fitness Challenge Event
In-person
Grace
Field
10:00 am
Final Awards Ceremony
In-person
Hannah
Hall
Prepared

Update Your Race Day Info

Please take a moment to update your registration information to ensure that all details are current and accurate. This will help us provide you with the best possible service and keep you informed of any important updates. Thank you!

Course Maps

Ocean Front Walk, Muscle Beach, the Venice Canals, Venice High School, the original Venice Police Station and Fire Stations before a spectacular finish under the historic Venice Sign!

Parking & Road Closures

Please be mindful that the Start Line is approximately one mile from the Finish Line. Therefore, parking is available at either location.

Parking Options

Please be mindful that the Start Line is approximately one mile from the Finish Line. Therefore, parking is available at either location.

Parking near the Start Line:

2701 BARNARD WAY, SANTA MONICA, CA 90405

Located approx. 1 mile from the finish line.

Lots open at 5:00am and are cash only.

Parking Lots near the Finish Line:

Available online at PARKING LOTS & FEES – BEACHES & HARBORS.

Please review ROAD CLOSURES as access to these lots will be impacted.

Road Closures

Please see the preliminary timeline for estimated time of closure and re-opening. Roads will re-open after the last runner or walker has cleared a major intersection and LADOT has approves. Please defer to LAPD if you are driving in the area. They can provide directions.

  • S. Venice Blvd (Ocean Front Walk to Sepulveda) 4:00am – 10:30am
  • North Abbot Kinney (Venice to Main St) 4:00am – 10:45am
  • South Abbot Kinney  (Venice to Garfield Ave) 4:00am – 9:00am
  • Garfield Ave (Abbot Kinney to Grandview) 4:00am – 9:00am
  • Main St (Windward to Rose) 4:00am – 11:00am
  • Rose Ave (Main St to 5th Ave) 4:00am – 11:00am
  • Windward Circle  4:00am – 12:00 noon

Roads Impacted

Vehicles cannot cross VENICE BLVD. while the event is occurring. If you need to travel North or South of VENICE BLVD, please take Rose, Washington or Ocean Park EAST to Sepulveda Blvd, to cross Venice Blvd. If you need to cross VENICE BLVD on Sunday, May 18, please do before 6:30am and after 10:30am. LAPD will not make any exceptions.

No Parking Zones

No Parking Zones will be marked as “No Parking – Tow Away Zones” along the route. The No Parking Signs may have times longer than the actual road closure – so please the times that are posted on the NO PARKING SIGNS. *** Please adhere to the dates and times posted. ***

Ocean Front Walk Residents North of Windward and South of Rose

Vehicles have unobstructed access at ROSE/PACIFIC and ROSE/MAIN. If you live in this area, just drive NORTH on Pacific and you will turn RIGHT on ROSE, then LEFT ON MAIN ST. Please follow LADOT officers as they will assist you!

Abbot Kinney & Rialto Neighborhood

Please see the map below for access to Abbot Kinney and the original canal streets of Rialto and Windward.

Metro Bus & Rail

Road closures along the route will impact bus METRO bus routes.
For more detailed routing information please visit metro.net or call (323) 466-3876.

The Venice Beach Half Marathon will take place Sunday, May 18, 2025. Street Closures will begin 05:00 until 14:00. As a result Line 1, 3, 14 and 18 will be on detour. The detours will operate as follows:

Big Blue Bus Routes & Detours

Line 1 – (WB) to Venice

Continue on SB Main St. to Ocean Park Blvd., then

(R) Ocean Park

(L) Neilson Way

(L) Marine to temporary layover

Missed Stops: SB Main St. @: Ocean Park, Hill, Marine, Rose, Sunset, Brooks, Westminster & Venice Way WB Grand Blvd. @: Riviera

Line 1 – (EB) to UCLA

Ahead Marine St., then

(L) Main to regular route

Missed Stops: NB Main St. @: Market, Westminster, Abbot Kinney, Sunset, Rose & Marine

Line 3 – Service North of Venice

Continue on SB Lincoln Blvd. to Superba Ave., then

(L) Superba

(R) Penmar

(L) Victoria

(R) Walgrove

(R) Venice

(R) Lincoln to temporary layover

Missed Stops: SB Lincoln Blvd. @: Superba, Venice & Coeur D Alene

Line 3 – Service South of Venice

Continue on NB Lincoln Blvd. to Maxella Ave., then

(R) Maxella

(L) Glencoe

(L) Washington

(L) Lincoln to temporary layover

Missed Stops: NB Lincoln Blvd. @: Washington

Line 14 – Service North of Venice

Continue on SB Centinela Ave. to Charnock Rd., then

(L) Charnock

(R) Grandview

(R) Venice

(R) Centinela

Missed Stops: SB Centinela Ave. @: Venice

Line 14 – Service South of Venice

Continue on NB Centinela Ave. to Washington Pl., then

(L) Washington Pl.

(R) Wasatch

(R) Pacific

(R) Centinela

Missed Stops: NB Centinela Ave. @: Barbara & Venice

Line 18 – WB to Marina del Rey

Continue on EB Rose Ave. to Lincoln Blvd., then

(R) Lincoln

(R) California

(R) 7th St. to Broadway for Temporary Layover

Missed Stops: SB 7th St. @: Sunset & Broadway WB California Ave. @: Shell & Electric SB Abbot Kinney Blvd.: Venice & Marr WB Washington Blvd. @: Abbot Kinney, Oxford, Wilson,

Line 18 – EB to UCLA

Continue regular route from NB 7th St. and Broadway.

Missed Stops: SB Via Marina @: Admiralty, Panay Way, Marquesas Way NB Via Dolce @: Dell Alley EB Washington Blvd. @: Via Marina, Wilson, Mildred NB Abbot Kinney Blvd. @: Washington, Boccaccio, Venice EB California Ave. @: Abbot Kinney & Shell

For more information

Contact us for alternate directions at info@runvenicebeach.com

Overall Top Three Awards

The top three overall male and female winners of the Half Marathon, 5k Run and One Mile Dash will be available to pick up at the Awards tent in the Finish Line Expo. These Winners will also be announced on stage by the emcee.

Age Group Awards

Age Group Awards for the Half Marathon and 5k run for male and female divisions will be available to pick up at the Awards tent in the Finish Line Expo. * There are no Age Group Awards for the One Mile Dash or Grunion Run (but everyone does get a medal)!

Finisher Medals

All finishers will receive a soft cotton race t-shirt and finisher medal.

Race Day FAQs

What is the date?

The event is scheduled for May 17, 2026. Make sure to mark your calendars! We look forward to seeing you there.

Where will it be?

The event will take place in Venice, CA. It is centrally located for easy access. Check our website for directions.

How do I register?

You can register online through our website. Simply click on the registration link. Early bird discounts are available!

Is there parking available?

Yes, there is parking available. We recommend arriving early to secure a spot and read about Road Closures in our Parking & Road Closures section. Public transportation options are also nearby.

Who can I contact?

For any inquiries, please reach out to our support team via the contact form. We are here to help!

Rules

Check out WWW.USATRIATHLON.ORG for more info

Race Etiquette:

Observe all race rules at all times.

Don’t use a radio headset during the bike or run.

Don’t place your bike and equipment on top of someone else’s in the transition area.

Respect the athlete’s space and equipment.

If you are a slower rider stay on the right side except when passing. Keep a straight line when riding. Only discard your water bottles and trash at an aid station. If you have to discard a bottle, make sure your throw it away from the other athletes.

There is no littering on the race course.

If you have mechanical problems, pull off the course on the right. Always let the rider ahead know you are passing on the left. And above all obey all safety rules on the course.

Keep your pets at home if you are racing. Do you really need another distraction?

The swim is always tough, but I’ve seen athletes actually push and crowd others away from their start positions. Don’t grab, push or pull others during the swim. It’s not combat swimming!

During the run keep to the right except to pass. When you do pass someone or see them at the turnaround offer a word of encouragement.

Be careful at the aid stations. This is usually the area where most of the items like gel packs and bottles are dropped and the pavement can be extremely slick. There is plenty to drink for everyone. Give each other room to drink and go.

After the Race:

When you cross the finish line, don’t be dramatic. You did a good job by finishing, now remove your chip or number, get a drink and move away from the finish chute without a lot of drama!

Treat the finish line workers with respect. Your day is over they still have a lot to do.

After you recover a bit, cheer on the other competitors and talk with the athletes. Pat all the youth on the back and offer words of encouragement when they finish!

If you stick around for the awards then wait until all the awards are given out. I know it is tough at times but support the other competitors till the end.

Good or bad race – “Be your own HERO!” after the race. Smile, hold your head high and take pride inside. You stepped up to the start line and you did it, you put yourself in the heat of competition and you finished even if the only person you were competing with was yourself!

Check out WWW.USATRIATHLON.ORG for more info

Relay Team Rules:

All rules applying to individual competitors apply to relay competitors except where such rules conflict with specific relay rules.

Relay teams can be composed of 2-3 three athletes – one swimmer, one cyclist and one runner. Team members can be either the same gender or any combination of male/female. The minimum age of a participant is 16 years old.

The relay team ‘chip transfer’ area must be within the marked Relay Team Area in the transition area. There will be a Relay Team Referee overseeing the ‘chip transfer’ of each team member. If a ‘chip transfer’ happens outside of the Relay Team Area, the team will not be included in the official results.

Any relay team interfering with an individual competitor or any way placing an individual competitor at a competitive disadvantage will be disqualified.

SWIM
Relay swimmers will start in the second wave Long Course Wave or the First Sprint Course Wave.Relay runners will start in the relay team wave (see schedule above).

BIKE
All relay bikes must be placed in the designated bike racks in the Transition Area. Team bikes must not be removed from the designated bike rack until AFTER the timing chip has been passed onto the team cyclist.

After receiving the timing chip the cyclist must WALK/RUN their bikes through the transition area to the MOUNT LINE. At this time cyclists may mount their bike and depart on the bike.

Upon completion of the bike and arrival at the Transition Area, cyclists must dismount at the DISMOUNT LINE and WALK/RUN their bike back to the designated bike rack. Once the cyclist has entered the marked Team Relay Area, they may hand off the timing chip to the runner. Once the runner has attached the timing chip, he/she may depart to the run course. Cyclists must re-rack their bike on the designated bike rack.

RUN
Relay runners must turn in their timing chip at the designated timing table behind the finish line immediate after crossing the finish line. Any team failing to turn in its timing chip will not be considered an official finisher.

TECHNICAL RULES & REGULATIONS:

SWIM COURSE – 1500m or 500m

• No swim fins, hand paddles or any swimming aids are allowed (snorkels are allowed).

• Athletes must wear XTERRA swim caps provided at body marking;

• BRING YOUR WETSUIT TO RACE START—wetsuit use determined by water temperature on race morning.

TRANSITION AREA

• You may not mount your bicycle before the exit of the transition area and you must dismount your bike before entering into transition. Riding your bicycle in transition will result in a 2 minute penalty.

• ATHLETES OR REPRESENTATIVE MUST PRESENT RUN RACE NUMBER AT TRANSITION TO PICK UP BIKES AND GEAR AFTER THE RACE.

BIKE COURSE – 25k or 16k

Outside assistance: Limited outside assistance is allowed from another athlete competing in the same event or a race official. No outside assistance is allowed from any person not competing in the event. These include but are not limited to spectators, friends, family, volunteers, photographers, or police.

• Assistance is limited to tools, tubes or any item that would be used to repair a faulty part or damaged bicycle or water, food, or first aid. Exchanging bikes is not allowed.

• The only permitted bicycles are mountain bikes and gravel bikes. Bicycle must have 26″, 27.5” or 29” wheels and hand brakes. Bar extensions or grips off the handlebars may not exceed 5”.

• Drafting is allowed.

• Competitors must display the front number plate at all times. No advertising stickers, writing or alterations of the number plate are allowed.

• Approved helmets must be worn at all times while on the bike.

RUN COURSE –  10K or 5k

• Competitors must display their run number on the front of their body. No advertising stickers, writing or alterations of the race number are allowed. Number holders are permitted.

• Competitors may not use inline skates or other devices, human or otherwise powered, to assist them in running. Headphones are not permitted.

AWARDS: Top 3 in each division. Sorry-we do not mail awards.

TRANSITION SETUP/BODY-MARKING/SWIM CAP/TIMING CHIP: Race day body marking, timing chip and official swim cap distribution will take place at the swim start at

RESULTS: Results will be posted on the notice board in the finish area as soon as they are available. Results will be posted to XTERRALagunaBeach on race night.

GENERAL RULES:

• Cutting the Course: Short-cutting and/or cutting trail switchbacks on course is not permitted and may result in disqualification. All athletes are required to stay on the designated trail that is marked as the race course. It is the athlete’s responsibility to know the designated race course. Lack of tape or barriers on the course will not constitute an excuse for cutting the course.

• Protests of any nature must be submitted within one hour of the finish time of the person lodging the protest. Protests must be submitted in writing and signed by the accuser. Saying somebody cut the course is not good enough – it must be written and described as accurately as possible. All protests will be investigated. Because of the nature of XTERRA, it is not always possible to see infractions. XTERRA is in the woods, out of sight and marshalled only where necessary. In every case there will need to be verification of the infraction. Officials will not be drawn into a “hear-say” argument.

• No headphones of any kind are permitted while competing.

NOTICE: WHAT IS PUBLISHED HERE ARE PARTIAL RULES AND ITEMS SPECIFIC TO THIS EVENT. IT IS THE ATHLETE’S RESPONSIBILITY TO KNOW THE RULES.

Join Us for an Unforgettable Experience!