The Aquarium of the Pacific 5K is a great way to take part in the 2XU 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!
RUNNER PERKS
Aquarium-themed finisher medal
Premium event shirt
Long Beach Marathon tote bag
Finish-area refreshments
Adult 5K participants will have the opportunity to enter the Aquarium of the Pacific right after their race during 10:00am-12pm on October 10, 2026, for $29.95 general admission.*
Child (11 years old and under) 5K participants will receive entry for $9.95 into the Aquarium of the Pacific during the hours of 10am-12pm, valid only for the early access hours on race day. All children must be accompanied by an adult.*
* Discounted/complimentary access for adults and children to the Aquarium of the Pacific on race day must be secured online prior to race day. Registered participants should check their emails for a link to secure access prior to race day.
EVENT INFORMATION
Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Start Time: 6:50am
Start Location: in front of the Aquarium of the Pacific (100 Aquarium Way) in Long Beach, CA
Finish Location: in front of the Aquarium of the Pacific (100 Aquarium Way) in Long Beach, CA
5K participants are encouraged to visit the Race Expo on Friday to simplify their race morning. Long lines are expected for packet pick-up on race morning so arriving early is strongly encouraged!
Friday, October 9th
12:00pm - 6:00pm
Location: Marina Green, 386 E Shoreline Drive
Long Beach, CA 90803
Saturday, October 10th
5:15am - 6:30am
Location: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way
Long Beach, CA 90802
Starting at the Aquarium of the Pacific, you'll make your way around Shoreline Village Park taking in the spectacular views of Queensway Bay. After running past the lighthouse in ShoreLine Aquatic Park, participants will head over the Queensway Bridge with the Queen Mary in full view before turning around and running through the Aquarium of the Pacific's exhibits in a one-of-a-kind finish you can only find in Long Beach!
Parking for the Aquarium of the Pacific 5K is available in the
Aquarium of the Pacific Parking Lot
100 Aquarium Way
Pike Outlets Parking Garage*
65 Cedar Ave
* To avoid traffic congestion on Shoreline Drive coming from the 710-S freeway, participants are encouraged to exit the 710-S at 6th Street and use Magnolia Ave to W Seaside Way to access the Pike Outlets Parking Garage.
* Participants can also avoid traffic by using the Vincent Thomas Bridge via 110-S to access CA-47 N/Seaside Freeway and exiting Downtown. From there, participants can use Magnolia Ave to W Seaside Way to access the Pike Outlets Parking Garage.
Please note: the race does not validate parking. All parking rates are set by parking lot operators, not the race organizers.
Please find the approximate aid station location below:
Mile 1.5
Water is provided at all aid stations along the course.
Gear check is not available at this race. The Aquarium of the Pacific and Pike Outlets parking garage are adjacent to the start of the race and a short walk if you need to leave any items in your vehicle.
Participants can choose to pick up their race shirt after running their race to avoid holding items during the race.
The 5K has a course time limit of 1.5 hours. Due to the nature of the event, if a participant falls behind the established pace time, they may be asked to join the sweep vehicle to be moved ahead on course.
The top 3 male and female finishers in the Aquarium of the Pacific 5K will receive an overall award.
The top 3 male and female finishers in each age group in the 5K will receive an award. Please see the age groups below:
Under 15, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+
Awards must be picked up on-site from the Age Group Awards table in front of the Aquarium of the Pacific. Awards will not be mailed post-race.
There is no age minimum to participate in the Aquarium of the Pacific.
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS
