What race distances can I run in Oakland?
Oakland has 5K (4). The 5K is usually the easiest entry point if you are new, and the links above jump straight to each distance.
California · Race calendar
Running Races in Oakland, California
Upcoming running races in and near Oakland, California - 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons and more, with dates, pricing, finish-time stats, start-line maps, and local run clubs to train with.
6 upcoming races · 5 with finish-time stats
By the numbers
The Biggest and Longest-Running
The Oakland races that stand out on the numbers: the biggest field, and the longest unbroken run of editions.
Sat, Aug 15, 2026Redwood (Summer) Trail Run Oakland, CAFrom $60Details Sat, Sep 19, 2026Dash For De'Jah Annual 5K Oakland, CAFrom $75Register Sat, Oct 10, 2026East Bay Front Runners Pride Run and Walk Oakland, CAFrom $40Details Sun, Nov 1, 2026Oakland Tech 5km/1 mile Race/Run/Walk Fundraiser Oakland, CAFrom $30Details Thu, Nov 26, 2026Oakland Turkey Trot Oakland, CAFrom $20Details Sat, Mar 20, 2027Redwood (Spring) Trail Run Oakland, CAFrom $30Details
Train for it
Run Clubs in Oakland
The easiest way to a start line is a standing group run. These Oakland clubs welcome runners of all paces.
Browse all Oakland run clubs →How we calculate these stats: RunSesh calculates these figures from the most recent published results of past editions, sourced from RunSignup. We show aggregates only: field size, winning and median times, and the cutoff. We never publish individual finisher tables. Last updated Jul 27, 2026.
Common Questions About Racing in Oakland
When is race season in Oakland?
November is the busiest month for races in Oakland, with 2 of the 6. If you are flexible on the date, that is the quickest way to narrow things down.
How early should I register for a race in Oakland?
2 of the 6 races in Oakland already have a price increase scheduled, so entry gets more expensive the longer you leave it. Race pricing almost always steps up as the date approaches, and signing up early is usually the cheapest option.
Are Oakland races beginner-friendly?
Yes, for the most part. Across the 5 races in Oakland with published results, the typical median finish is around 40:06, which means half of every one of those fields came in slower than that. Recreational runners and walk-runners are the bulk of these fields, not the exception.
Where can I train for a race in Oakland?
Join a local run club. Oakland Beer Runners and others in Oakland welcome runners of all paces, and a weekly group run is the most reliable way to hold a training block together.
Are there trail races near Oakland?
Yes, 3 races around Oakland get you off the pavement: 3 are trail races. Surfaces are not always published, so it is worth checking a specific race before you register.