The Aquarium of the Pacific 5K is a great way to take part in the Long Beach Marathon weekend and is the perfect distance for all abilities! Run or walk the 5K with friends and family, use it as a shakeout run for Sunday’s races, and enjoy the Aquarium of the Pacific’s exhibits, mascots and staff and volunteers cheering you on!

You can see the Pacific Ocean for 90% of the half marathon course! The half marathon course combines spectacular oceanfront views, charming seaside communities, and the metropolitan feel at the start and finish. The highest elevation on the course is 45 feet. Starting on Shoreline Drive, the course passes the new Pike at Shoreline Village, crosses the Queensway Bridge and runs to the bow of the Queen Mary, circles back around the Aquarium of the Pacific, the Lighthouse at Rainbow Harbor, then back by Shoreline Village before heading down the beautiful beach path. You’ll close out your race running above the ocean along the bluff before closing out downhill into a cheering final straight of fans.

Challenge yourself to 26.2 miles and look forward to a fast and flat course at sea level elevation. Starting in Downtown Long Beach, runners head towards the historic Queen Mary and then through Shoreline Village. After running next to the Pacific Ocean on the flat beach path, marathoners head through Belmont Shore toward Marine Stadium. Runners then complete a 5K loop around the California State University, Long Beach campus and with 6.2 miles to go, runners head back towards Ocean Boulevard for a fast finish and Finish Line Festival celebration! Enjoy the oceanfront, marina, neighborhoods and monuments that make truly unique and race with perfect Southern California weather and fast and flat courses.