The Santa Anita Derby Day 5K is a family-friendly running and walking event held at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, CA. Participants enjoy a scenic course through the Los Angeles Arboretum and a finish on the legendary horse track, plus kids’ races, post-race festivities, and admission to Derby Day horse racing.

The Santa Anita Derby Day 5K takes place on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 8:00 AM, in conjunction with the prestigious Santa Anita Derby horse races. On race day, please plan for heavy traffic and arrive at least 1.5 hours before the start.

Santa Anita Park is conveniently located in Arcadia, California – just east of Pasadena, off the 210 Freeway.

Funds raised through the Santa Anita Derby Day 5K support local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that benefit the greater San Gabriel Valley and strengthen our community.

👉 Learn more about our beneficiaries here
👉 Make a donation here

Book That Event, LLC is a full-service event management company specializing in endurance events, community festivals, and charity fundraisers. With decades of experience, our team handles every detail—from permitting and logistics to sponsorships and participant experience—so organizations can focus on their mission while we deliver safe, memorable, and impactful events.

Beat the race day rush and pick up your materials before the race! If you can’t make it to the PreRace Packet Pick Up, you can send a friend or family member to pick up your race day necessities – as long as they come armed with a copy of everyone’s ID.

Yes, they need to bring a copy of your ID (or a photo on it on your phone) .

• Exciting start through the authentic Santa Anita Race Track horse racing gate.
• Custom medal
• Finisher t-shirt!
• 2 Complimentary beers for participants 21+
• Free ticket to the annual Derby Day horse races and 1 free ticket for a future visit 
• Chronotrack timing on the back of your bib with live results.

Registration fees increase as race day gets closer, so register early to lock in the best price! All prices include the race entry fee and required processing fees. Click here to see pricing and dates of pricing increases.

*Make sure to Event Details arrow to see the details.

If you'd like to take a moment to verify your registration and/or family registrations or find your bib number, click on Find a Participant. From there, input your name and you can see if you are registered.

Bib numbers will be available closer to the event. 

You can change your bib number until March 15, 2026.
To do so, simply follow these steps:

1. Log in to your RunSignUp account.
2. Click Profile.
3. Under Upcoming Events, click on Manage Registration.
4. On the menu bar across the top, click Questions.
5. The next screen will show your current bib name/phrase. Make any necessary changes, then click the orange button to save your updates.

Please note: You will NOT receive an email confirmation confirming the change, but you can view the current bib # on the screen.  

No, mail-in registration is not available. You can register online, in person at packet pick-up on Friday, April 3 (2:00–6:00 PM at The Shops at Santa Anita), or on race morning by the start line at Santa Anita Park

Age based discounts are automatically applied based on your age.  You will see the reduced price on the last screen at check out! 

Yes, for military pricing, please register as normal, selecting 5K.  During the registration process there is a question that asks if you are active military, please check yes, which will take $5 off your registraiton fee. 

Unfortunately, your registration is non-refundable and non-transferable.  However, during the registration process, you can opt to purchase race insurance for a nominal fee.

The Derby Day 5K t-shirts are available in:

• Women's (smaller, more fitted at waist): Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large and XX-Large.  
• Men's or Unisex (straight cut; not tapered at waist): Small, Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large and XXX-Large.
• Youth: Small, Medium and Large.

Yes, you can change your T-shirt size until March 27, 2026.

1. Log in to your RunSignUp account and click profile.
2. Under Upcoming Events, select Manage Registration.
3. On the menu across the top, click Giveaway.
4. Choose your correct shirt size, then click Continue and Confirm Changes.

Yes, you can change your team, join a team, or remove yourself from a team until March 27, 2026.
To do so, simply follow these steps:

1.  Log in to your RunSignUp account.
2. Click Profile.
3.  Under Upcoming Events, click on Manage Registration.
4. On the menu bar across the top, click Team.
5. The next screen will show your current team, as well as options to Join Existing Team or Create a Team.
   Make the appropriate selection and click the orange button to save your changes.

Yes, you can add 1+ carnival wristbands until March 27, 2026.
To do so, simply follow these steps:

1. Log in to your RunSignUp account.
2. Click Profile.
3. Under Upcoming Events, click on Manage Registration.
4. On the menu bar across the top, click Add-Ons
5. The next screen will show your the price and quantity.  Enter the quantity of wristbands, and click the orange button to continue. 
6. Enter your credit card information and the orange confirm payment. 
7. Your wristbands will be stapled to your bib number upon pick up. 

No, since the race starts in the parking lot, we suggest you leave your belongings in your vehicle.

Parking is free until 9:00 AM. Please use Santa Anita Park’s parking lot, entering through Gates 3, 5, or 8, and follow signs to race parking. Note: Gate 8 closes at 7:30 AM — after that time, enter through Gate 3 or 5.

If you leave after the race and return later for the horse races, regular parking fees will apply.

Please see the gate map here.

Santa Anita Park is conveniently located in Arcadia, California – just east of Pasadena, off the 210 Freeway.

Yes!  However, due to the size of our event, strollers are ONLY allowed under the following conditions:

1. Running with strollers is NOT allowed in the 5K. Only walking with a stroller.
2. Strollers in the 5K MUST line up in the final two waves, on the right hand side, as strollers do not fit through the starting gate.
3. Please be prepared as the last section of the course is on the race track!  Think thick dirt!

We thank you in advance for your cooperation. The policies are in place to ensure the best and safest experience for all participants

Yes the overall course time limit is 1 hour and 15 minutes.  Participants need to be out of the LA Arboretum (Mile 2) by 9:15 am, which allows for 25 minute miles.  If participants aren’t at the turn to go into the Arboretum by 8:50 am, then they will be diverted and skip that section of the course.

While we love our four-legged friends, dogs are not allowed due to the size of the event and running thru the Arboretum (where peacocks and other wildlife live). Please leave them at home race morning.

While we love our four-legged friends, dogs are not allowed due to the size of the event and running thru the Arboretum (where peacocks and other wildlife live). Please leave them at home race morning.

Most of the event is wheelchair accessible.  However, please keep in mind is that the last 1/5 mile is on the track, which is made of a thick, sandy, man-made recycled material. It can be challenging to push a wheelchair or stroller, especially with standard wheels. The track is rolled to help smooth it out, but if the wheelchairs are toward the back of the pack, it may still be uneven. If you wish to pull off the course once you go through the tunnel, please let us know and we can show you where to go! 

While there is ADA parking, the start and finish line are .3 miles away from each other, so if you can get dropped off at the start line, and are later picked up, make sure that the driver parks closer to the finish line. 

Yes, there is a water station and portable toilets in the entrance to the Los Angeles Arboretum.  Runners/walkers will cross it twice, at approximately .8 Mile and Mile 2.

Results will be posted on the results page:

There is no prize money/purse this year.  However, first place in each age-group will receive an item to be revealed soon!

Congrats! We will post information on how to claim your awards after the race! 

No problem!  Email us at info@derbyday5k.com!