• 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, 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 are interested in attending JUST the horse races, and not the 5K, you can book tickets here 

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 (Women’s Size Small is no longer available due to a supplier inventory issue), Medium, Large, X-Large, XX-Large and XX-Large.  
• Men's or Unisex (higher neck, 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.

If you made a typo in your email address during registration, you can update it with these steps:

1. Log in to your RunSignUp account and click on your profile.
2. Under Upcoming Events, select Manage Registration.
3. From the Race Menu, click Participant Info.
4. Update the email address and any other necessary information.
5. Click Save 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, there is not gear check available. Since the race starts in the parking lot, we suggest you leave your belongings in your vehicle.

The Santa Anita Derby Day starts after the 5K is finished, at 12:00 pm.  To check on the full racing schedule, visit SantaAnita.com  You can purchase tickets on the Santa Anita website.  You can not add horse racing tickets during the registration process.  You need to purchase them separately.  

You can visit the Santa Anita website and purchase tickets to the horse races

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.

*NEW: Runner Drop-Off Zone

Avoid the congested parking lot! For runners being dropped off at the event, please use the new Drop-Off Zone located ON eastbound Huntington Drive. This area is a 1-minute offloading zone - have runners exit quickly! No parking will be allowed, and Arcadia Police will be monitoring this area.

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

Kids under 3, who will be in a stroller do not need to have a paid registration.  However, kids over 3 and/or those who will be walking or running must register for liability purposes. Only registered participants with a race bib will receive a medal and t-shirt. 

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.

The event happens rain or shine. Depending on the rain severity, there may be a rain detour.

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!  You can email us at info@derbyday5k.com for specifics! 

While there is ADA parking, the start and finish line are .3 miles away from each other.  The best case scenario is to get dropped off at the start line, and have your driver park in Lot A, which is 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! 

For all current and future sponsorship inquiries, please reach out to info@derbyday5K.com

Please click here to register to become a Derby Day 5K expo exhibitor!

Please reach out to info@derbyday5K.com for media details.

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.