Run for the Beads - Mardi Gras 5K, 10K, Half Marathon
Sunday, February 15th
5100 E Ocean Blvd (Granada Beach)
Long Beach, CA 90803
Let the Good Times Run!
Countdown to the Beads!
Events
Half Marathon
Event Description
🎭 Run for the Beads: Mardi Gras 5K • 10K • Half Marathon
📍 5100 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90803 – Granada Beach
📅 Sunday, February 15th
✨ Let the Good Times Run!
💜 Event Overview
Get ready to let the good times roll at the Run for the Beads!
This Mardi Gras-themed celebration brings the color, energy, and spirit of the season straight to the beach. Whether you’re chasing a new PR or just running (or walking!) for the fun of it, you’ll enjoy a vibrant course, festive music, and beads galore!
So grab your friends, dress in purple, green, and gold, and join us for miles of smiles, energy, and coastal charm.
💚 Event Highlights
🎷 Beads & Bling: Snag your Mardi Gras beads as you dash along the course!
🎶 Finish Line Festival: Celebrate your finish with live music, festive treats, and of course — King Cake!
📸 Epic Photo Ops: Pose with colorful backdrops featuring crowns, masks, and beads for your perfect race-day shot.
🎊 Festive Atmosphere: Music, decorations, and energy that make every mile feel like a parade!
🏅 Finisher Medals: Every participant earns a finisher medal!
💧 Bead & Water Stations: Stay hydrated and keep the beads flowing every 2 miles!
🎭 Costume Contest: Show your Mardi Gras flair — prizes for Most Festive, Best Group, and Wildest Spirit!
💛 CaliFlow Experience
🌊 Professional Chip Timing – Accurate results for all distances
🎶 Live DJ & Finish Line Festival – Music, celebration, and good vibes
📷 Free Race Day Photos – Capture your Mardi Gras magic
🥇 Overall & Age Group Awards – Celebrate your speed (and style!)
👟 Stroller & Walker Friendly – Everyone’s welcome to roll, run, or stroll
🏁 Fully Marked Coastal Course – Flat, fast, and full of fun energy
🕕 Bib Pick-Up & Start Times
📦 Bib Pick-Up: 6:00 AM to 7:35 AM (Race Ready Athletics Tent)
🏁 Half Marathon Start: 7:00 AM
🏁 5K & 10K Start: 7:30 AM
⚠️ No late starts — make sure you’re ready to roll when the beads start flying!
🛍️ Pre-Race Packet Pick-Up
📍 Lululemon – 6460 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Unit 115, Long Beach, CA 90803
🕓 Thursday | February 12th 4 PM to 7 PM
Free 90-min garage parking (bring ID if picking up for someone else).
🚗 Event Day Parking Information
🅿️ Beach lot parking available – rates $2:00 Per Hour
💳 Pay at the machine or use Passport APP
☀️ Weather & Safety
This is a RAIN or SHINE event — because Mardi Gras doesn’t cancel for clouds!
(Only postponed for tidal waves, tsunamis, or zombie parades 🧟♀️🎭 — we’ll notify you by email if that happens.)
🎉 Join the Movement
Tag your moments with @CaliFlowRuns and #CaliFlowRuns for a chance to be featured!
Follow us for weekly giveaways and #FreeEntryFriday fun.
🎭✨ Run. Revel. Repeat.
Let the beads fly and the good times roll — only with CaliFlow Runs!
🏁 Race Start Times:
🌅 7:00 AM: Half Marathon Runners
⏱️ Course Cutoff: 3 hours and 20 minutes
🏃♂️ 8:00 AM: 5K & 10K Runners
🏅 9:50 AM: Awards Pickup Ceremony - Costume
Contest After Awards
Be ready to run, have fun, and soak in those 80s vibes! 🌴🌊✨
"Not Just a Race — It’s a CaliFlow Experience."
Califlow Runs hosts 50 Plus Events Annually
🏃 Community Vibes, Epic Runs
At CaliFlow Runs, we believe running should be more than just miles — it should be an unforgettable experience. Our races bring together runners of all levels, from first-timers to seasoned athletes, in a welcoming, fun, and high-energy atmosphere.
📊 Accurate Results, Synced to Athlinks
Every race is professionally chip-timed, with your results instantly synced to Athlinks. Track your progress, chase PRs, and proudly showcase your race history.
📸 Free Race Photos, Always!
We capture your best race moments and give you FREE downloadable race photos — because your finish line smile deserves to be shared.
🌴 Scenic Coastal Courses
From the sandy shores of Venice to the stunning paths of Long Beach, our courses are designed to showcase the best of Southern California’s iconic beaches.
🏅 Epic Medals & Custom Swag
Each race features custom-designed medals, vibrant bibs, and exclusive CaliFlow gear you’ll actually want to wear.
🎶 Finish Line Festivals
We keep the energy going with our finish line festivals — complete with a live DJ, photo zones, games, and so much more. It’s not just a race; it’s a vibe.
💧 We’ve Got You Covered
Stay hydrated with multiple water stations, and cool off at the finish line with frozen treats, fresh fruit, and plenty of post-race refreshments.
🌟 A Race for Everyone
Whether you’re chasing a PR, walking your first 5K, or just soaking in the coastal views, CaliFlow Runs is for YOU. Our events are designed for all paces, all ages, and all levels.
👟 Year-Round Events
From holiday-themed runs to our Full Moon Series, we keep the good times (and good vibes) rolling all year. Find your next favorite race and join the movement.
Pro Race Day Photo Tips
📸 Want to look like a legend in
your race photos? Here’s how to nail it
🖼️ Find the Lens
If you see Nina — smile, pose,
or throw your hands up like you just
crushed the finish line. Don’t be shy!
🙌 Celebrate That Finish
Throw up peace signs, arms overhead,
or hit your signature pose.
You earned that moment!
😅 Keep Running Through the Shot
Don’t slow down before the camera.
Keep that stride strong until you're
past the lens trust us, it makes a difference.
🎭 Photo-Friendly Style Tips
Let your outfit shine! Bright colors,
fun accessories, and bold
expressions make for unforgettable pics.
🧽 Wipe the Sweat... Or Don’t
Want to look fierce and gritty?
Rock that sparkle-sweat. Prefer
a polished look? Give yourself a quick swipe before the lens.
💁 Remember: It’s Free
All race photos are 100% free and
posted after the event. So go big,
go silly, go full Energy
Have Questions?
We’ve got answers to just about everything you could ask! 🎟️✨
Click the link below to visit our FAQ page and find all the info you need before race day — from parking to packet pick-up and everything in between.
Any questions? Contact us today!
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
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