Palo Alto Weekly Moonlight Run & Walk

40th Annual Palo Alto Weekly Moonlight Run & Walk | Friday, September 20, 2024

A benefit event for local nonprofits supporting kids and families

All proceeds from the Moonlight Run go directly to the Palo Alto Weekly Holiday Fund, which raises money to support non-profits serving families and children in the Palo Alto area.

This year, perhaps more than ever, your registration fees and fundraising efforts will be critical in helping us answer the needs of the more than 100 local organizations that request grant money from the Holiday Fund.

The nonprofits use these grants, which generally range from $5,000 to $30,000, to tutor low-income students, provide grief support to children and adults in their native language, offer legal assistance to struggling East Palo Alto renters, feed local seniors daily healthy meals, and so much more.

Help us say yes to their calls for support. Register today. Note: No processing/transaction fees to register! 

Start Times

• 5:30 p.m — Venue, sponsor booths and registration open
• 7:00 p.m. ⁠— 5K Walk
• 7:30 p.m. ⁠— Half Marathon
• 8:15 p.m. — 5K Run
• 8:25 p.m. — 10K Run

Water Stops

• 5K — at mid-point
• 10K — at miles 2 and 4.5
• Half Marathon — at miles 2, 4.5, 7 and 9.5

Course Maps: View on MapMyRun.com:

• 5K course map
• 10K course map
• Half Marathon course map

Results & Awards

Medals for first-, second- and third-place finishers in each division will be handed out on race night after all races have finished, or arrangements may be made to pick them up at the Palo Alto Weekly office after Sept. 29th by emailing moonlightrun@paweekly.com.

Virtual Option Available

This year's Moonlight Run will be offered in person and virtually! For more details on the virtual option, click the link in the sidebar named "Virtual Race."
 

General Information

No Refunds

As a charity event, we are not able to give refunds. However, if your plans change, you may transfer your registration to a friend or family member. The deadline to gift your entry to a friend or family member is September 17th. To do so, follow these steps: (1) log in to your runsignup account (or click on "manage my entry" on your confirmation email) (2) within your account, navigate to your race entry/manage registration (3) select 'transfer to another runner' and fill in the required info of the recipient (first name, last name, email address). There is both a written and video tutorial for this process posted here.

Changing Your Race Distance

If after registering, you would like to change your race distance (e.g. from the 10K Run to the 5K Run), you may make this adjustment within your runsignup account. To do so, follow these steps: (1) log in to your runsignup account (or click on "manage my entry" on your confirmation email) (2) within your account, navigate to your race entry / manage registration (3) select 'Transfer to Another Event" and then select the new event. There is both a written and video tutorial for this process posted here.

The deadline to make adjustments is September 17th at 11:59 pm. After this time, adjustments must be made on race night at the Problems and Solutions / Information tent. 

Moonlight Run Shirts

Each registration includes a free long-sleeve Moonlight Run shirt (while supplies last) and race bib, both of which can be picked up at check-in on the day of the event. Shirt sizes and availability are not guaranteed, and we encourage you to arrive early on race night for the best selection. 

Safety Protocol

Headlamps are highly recommended for all runs.

Parking and Logistics

Race check-in, sponsor and race headquarter booths, first aid and food/water are on the infield of the Baylands Athletic Center, located at the end of Geng Rd.

We recommend arriving at least an hour before your event. Police and volunteers will direct you to parking in nearby business lots off Embarcadero Rd. and E. Bayshore Rd. Please do not park in the Stanford Eye Clinic lot.

Limited checking of small personal bags & backpacks is available.

Dogs are permitted on the 5K walk but not on the runs. No retractable leashes. Bring your own clean-up bag. Jogging strollers are welcome on the 5k walk or at the back of the runs.