Orange County 5Ks, 10Ks, Fun Runs & Races 2026–2027

This calendar starts with the next race on the schedule and runs into 2027. Thanksgiving week is the busiest stretch: there’s a turkey trot almost every morning from Nov 21 to Nov 29, then December brings the Santa runs and jingle dashes. Races that haven’t posted a 2027 date say TBA, and we update them when registration opens. Race details can change, so check the linked organizer before you register. Jump to: Obstacle & Themed Runs | Virtual Races

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Obstacle, Mud & Themed Runs

Bubble Run - Racers make their way through a family-friendly 5K course while they're showered with foam, and passing four colorful bubble cannon stations. Join the bubblefest at the after party for more bubbles!

The Color Run - Just like Color Vibe, runners get splashed with color during and after the race. There's an after race Finish Festival with music, dancing, photo ops, activity booths, vendors, and more.

Foam Glow - These after-dark family friendly events splash foam and color over races along the 5K course. End the race with activities, music and dancing for a fun after party. Foam Glow is a go-at-your-own-pace event, not a competitive race.

Muddy Dash - A family friendly mud run with obstacles like walls, ropes, monkey bars, and plenty of mud. Held at Oak Canyon Park, you'll run, walk, crawl, wade, slip, and slide through the course with Mud Experts leading the way. This is a fun run and not a timed race. Costumes are welcome. Must be 7 or older to participate.

Mud Girl Run - Aimed at women, the Mud Girl Run is a three mile race with obstacles and fun. There are over 17 obstacles to challenge your physical strength including mud, slides, climbing, agility courses, water, and more.

Spartan Races - Spartan Races are some of the most challenging obstacle races, but they are totally worth it for those who enjoy a challenge. There are different levels of challenges depending on the race you sign up for. The Stadion is one of the most common - it is a 5K with 20 obstacles including the gauntlet, air bike, rolling mud, and more.

Virtual Races

Virtual races and app-based challenges let participants complete a chosen distance on their own schedule and location. Availability varies by organizer, but these resources can help you find virtual challenges as well as additional in-person races:

Active - Find runs, biking events, and activities for the whole family including virtual races. Plus keep an eye out for in-person activities as they are updated.

Run Guides - Find local (and not-so-local) virtual runs to join, and get the scoop on in-person races as they are added.

The Conqueror Virtual Challenges - Choose a challenge and log your progress through the app or automatically track with your smartwatch. Earn medals, join teams, and connect with other racers in the Conqueror community.

Orange County Race FAQs

Which Orange County turkey trots are on Thanksgiving morning?

Seven races in the table above are on Thursday, Nov 26: Dana Point, OC/Irvine (Irvine Valley College), Turkey Trot OC in Tustin, Turkey Trot On The Ranch, Turkey Wobble in Huntington Beach, Plymouth Rock n Run at Yorba Regional Park and the Kindness Matters Walk in Fullerton. If you’d rather skip Thursday, Seal Beach is Nov 21, Anaheim is Nov 22, and there are Saturday and Sunday trots on Nov 28 and 29.

Is there a free 5K in Orange County?

The Brea Reservoir parkrun is listed as a free 5K, held Saturdays at 7:30 AM. For everything else, the race link will have registration and pricing.

Which races have a kids’ run?

The Healthy Kids Running Series in Laguna Niguel is built around kids, and the OC/Irvine Turkey Trot has a Kids Gobble Wobble at 9:10 AM. In December, the Jingle Bell Run and the Jingle Bell Dash both list kids’ events, and Run For A Claus has a 1-mile run/walk. Check each organizer for age limits.

Are there trail races in Orange County?

Yes. Into The Wild’s 28K in Fremont Canyon is Dec 5 and the Crystal Cove Trail Run is Dec 12. Caspers Trail Races and several other Into The Wild runs are waiting on 2027 dates.

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