The Palm Desert 1/2 Marathon & 5K will take place on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

The event will have a 1/2 marathon, 5K and 1K kids run.

• 1/2 Marathon: 7:30AM
• 5K: 7:30AM
• Kids Run: 10:00AM

The event takes place at Palm Desert Civic Center Park, 13900 San Pablo Avenue, Palm Desert CA

USATF sanctioned events such as the Palm Desert 1/2 Marathon & 5K do not permit animals to participate in their races unless they are designated as a service animal. If your dog is a service animal and will be running with you, you must keep your dog on a leash at all times and line up at the back of the start chute before your chosen distance.

Yes, you can run with a stroller. Please line up at the back of the start chute before your chosen distance. Your child does not need to be registered, but they will not receive a t-shirt, medal or bib. If you would like them to receive their own medal when finishing, please register them for the event as well.

You can pickup your bib at Palm Desert Civic Center Park during the following times:

• Saturday, February 14, 2026: 10AM - 4PM
• Sunday, February 15, 2026: 5:30AM - Race Start

Yes. CLICK HERE and follow the directions to defer your registration to 2027. After completing the deferral process and paying a $15 deferral fee, you will be given a code to enter for next year when 2027 registration opens. Deferrals are available up to one week before the event. Please follow all instructions to ensure you complete the deferral process for next years event to be properly registered.  You will NOT automatically be registered for the following year and must complete the registration process again for 2027, using your deferral code.

Yes. Instructions on how to pick up a packet for another runner will be available closer to the event date.

Yes. Music devices with headphones are permitted for use on the course; however, participants must be alert to their surroundings at all times and must pay attention to important announcements made in Palm Desert Civic Center Park and along the course. 

No, there is no time limit for any of the distances. At 10:30am, we are required to open all streets on the 1/2 marathon course other than Magnesia Falls. If you are still on the 1/2 marathon course at that time, you will be asked to move onto the sidewalk and follow all traffic signals to complete the event.

Parking is available at Palm Desert Civic Center Park. In the unlikely event the parking lots are filled, participants will be directed to overflow parking.

Yes.

Gear check will be available at packet pickup starting at 5:30am on Sunday, February 15.