For the Love of the Bay 5K/10K

Back for its 4th year, better than ever!! The Love Of The Bay 5K/10K isn't just a run—it's a celebration of Oakland, community and health. Set in the heart of Oakland, this flat and fast course loops around scenic Lake Merritt, making it perfect for personal records or first-time runners and walkers. Whether its the 5K (3.17 miles) or the 10K (6.21 miles) it's time to use this event as the motivation needed for an active summer!!

Whether you're racing, walking, dancing, or just cheering friends adding to the vibe—everyone belongs at this starting line. 510 has changed the game for local run events over the past few years. Inspiring starting lines for runs in the Bay Area to look more colorful and inclusive. We are not just a run, we are a health event, a party and a place to enjoy the morning with the best of the Bay. A breathe of fresh air in a time when, we can all use one. Official timing, chipped chrono-track run bibs, mile markers, and age group prizes for men and women, 18-39, 40-56 and 57 and above will be handed out and announced. All kids registered under 18 will receive special swag along with prizes for both the boys and girls division!!

Why You'll Love It:

🏞 Scenic lakefront course around Lake Merritt

🎽 Race shirt and finisher medal for all participants

🎶 Live music and hype energy at the start and finish lines

🎉 Legendary post-race raffle and community celebration

🧊 Cold plunge challenge, health booths and post run line dancing, and more surprises!

👣 Separate start corals for 5K/10K runners and walkers

🏃‍♀️ All ages and abilities welcome – from elite runners to families and first-timers. 

Cost is NOT the reason why families do not come out. Please message us direct if cost is an issue. We have lowered the barrier cost wise to help this be an event all can attend and enjoy. Whether its getting your feet wet on your first 5K or you are a seasoned 10K master, we want these events to be open to everyone!!

Packet Pickup:

Wednesday, October 23 – Sports Basement Berkeley (off Milvia)
• 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Includes optional group shakeout run starting from Sports Basement.

Race Day Morning:
• 7:15 AM – 8:00 AM (sharp!) at the actual event (we will have tables set up for bib and shirt pickup). 

Plenty of post run refreshments will be available. We make the best post run hydration around!! Stay after the run for FREE photos we take of all the runners with medals. Come for the run, the walk, the soul, the people, the diversity. 

ALL donations will go to cover the cost of the run and our yearly toy drive with the Emeryville Fire Department where last year alone we handed out 200 plus toys to kids in need of Holiday love.

Getting There:

We encourage participants to take BART and use the 0.8-mile walk to the start as a warmup.

Parking is available:Inside the Lake Merritt parking lot
On surrounding streets

500 runners in 2024!! Let's make it 510 plus this year!!! 

Race Director Nicholas Collins was raised in and by Oakland. Ran the lake countless times growing up and has used this event to especially help those who are new to running and want run events to be fun and memorable without having to spend an arm and leg to do it!!!