EVENT INFO
PLACE
Kit Carson Park (3333 Bear Valley Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92025)
The Kit Carson Park 5K offers a runner-friendly mix of approximately 50% trail and 50% paved sidewalk, creating a course that is approachable for newer runners while still giving experienced participants enough variety to keep things interesting. Running or trail shoes recommended
The 5K features approximately 161 feet of total elevation gain, with most of the climbing concentrated in one section of the course. The featured hill is only about ½ mile long, followed by the return downhill before runners reconnect with the flatter portions of the route. The 10K completes two laps of the 5K course for approximately 320 feet of total elevation gain.
Please note: we will be doing a staggered start at your respective event start time to ease the flow of traffic onto the trail, so be prepared for this
WHEN DOES THE EVENT START?
Saturday, December 19th
Kids Dash Run/Walk begins at 7:30AM
5K Run begins at 8:00am
10K Run begins at 8:45AM
5K Course Map (Sidewalk & Trail): Click Here or Scan QR Code Below
Distance: 3.1 miles
Terrain: Approximately 50% trail / 50% paved sidewalk
Elevation Gain: Approximately 161 feet
Main Hill: Approximately ½ mile of climbing
10K COURSE (Sidewalk & Trail, Double Loop of 5K): Click Here or Scan 5K Course QR Code Shown Above
Note: The 10K completes two laps of the 5K course for approximately 320 feet of total elevation gain.
SNOOPY KIDS DASH COURSE (short out and back): Click Here for Strava Map
**ACCESSIBLE / STROLLER-FRIENDLY EXIT ROUTE FOR 5K OR 10K** (Approximately 2.5 miles total on course if exit taken near finish, flat terrain...Scan QR Code Below for Map or Click Here):
The course was intentionally designed with an optional exit route for wheelchair participants, runners with strollers, or anyone who would prefer to avoid the primary uphill and downhill section.
Taking the exit route keeps participants on flat, groomed terrain and bypasses approximately 0.7 mile of the hill section. Participants using this option will complete an approximately 2.5-mile course instead of the full 5K.
Whether you're racing the full course, taking on two laps in the 10K, or utilizing the accessible route, the Kit Carson Park course was designed to provide multiple ways for runners and participants to be part of the event.
WHERE DO WE PARK?
Kit Carson Park has plenty of parking including accessible parking (handicap parking included) all nearby the start line including the adjacent Escondido Mall. See 'Course/Parking Map' for visual details. As always with any event, make sure to arrive a bit earlier than you think you need to so you ensure a smooth event day morning!
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE 5K/10K?
All ages can participate in the event. Strollers and walkers are also welcome, we just ask that you start in the back of the corral at your respective start time to allow runners to proceed ahead and remember to stay to the right at all times. All participants must finish within the 120 minute timeframe (20 min avg. per mile).
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE IN THE SNOOPY KIDS DASH?
Our Snoopy Kids Dash untimed fun run/walk is limited to children 12 and under. One parent or guardian may escort the child through the route, but it is not required. Strollers are allowed. Older children will be put in the front, and strollers are to be in the back. We ask if you are pushing a stroller you be cautious of other children around you as you pass them. We will determine the exact distance of this fun run when we have the average age of all of our kid participants (older the average, farther the distance and vice versa).
PARTICIPANT GIVEAWAYS
All 5K/10K Race Participants Receive: Participant Bib (Timed), Performance Blend T-Shirt, Finisher Medal
All Snoopy Kids Dash Participants Receive: Participant Bib (Untimed), Performance Blend T-Shirt, Finisher Medal
Please Note: All 5K/10K Bibs have an RFID tag located on the back of the bib for tracking on the course. Please leave this tracking in place centered on the front of your shirt to accurately time/track your participation.
PACKET PICK-UP:
Packet pickup dates/times are listed below at our official packet pickup partners (Road Runner Sports on Thursday 12/17 & Dick's Sporting Goods on Friday 12/18)
Day #1: Thursday, December 17th (11am - 6pm) @ Road Runner Sports, 5553 Copley Dr. , San Diego CA 92111
Day #2: Friday, December 18th (1pm - 6pm) @ Dick's Sporting Goods, 1200 Auto Park Way, Escondido, CA 92029
Note: Please limit your pickups to four (4) total packets, including yourself. If you have a large group to pickup, contact us via email.
While there will be event day packet pickup if you selected the $5 convenience fee during registration, there will not be any gear check available on site. We strongly encourage participants to plan an early arrival to find parking and wait in any potential lines there may be to receive your packet. Packet Pick-Up on event day will conclude promptly at 10K event start time (8:45am).
EVENT DAY DETAILS:
Please Note: Details below are subject to change leading into event week/day. Check back periodically and prior to event for any updates made.
Parking
Kit Carson Park has plenty of parking including accessible parking (handicap parking included) all nearby the start line including the adjacent Escondido Mall. See 'Course/Parking Map' for visual details. As always with any event, make sure to arrive a bit earlier than you think you need to so you ensure a smooth event day morning!
Gear Check
There will be no event day gear check. Please securely store your belongings in your vehicle or leave at home. Note that this is a public parking lot, so treat it as you would if you were parking elsewhere to avoid any potential theft issues.
Start Line
Follow the 'Course/Parking Map' in section above on this page to the start line area. Everyone starts and finishes under an inflatable start and finish line in our staging area on the north side of the park.
Strollers / Wheelchairs
Both are welcome, but please be aware this course has rolling hills throughout, especially between miles 1-2 on the dirt trail that may be difficult for some.
Mile Markers
Mile markers will be at each mile.
Water Stations
Water station will be available at mile #2 on the route and water will also be available near the start/finish.
Medical Assistance
We will have a medic on-site in our start/finish area & at mile 2 near the water stop for any medical needs that may arise.
Post-Run Refreshments
After you have completed your run/walk, the fun continues! Swing by our post-race hospitality area near the start/finish line for refreshments and visit some of our local vendors tents!
Race Day Photos
Photographers will be on hand to provide high quality, free photos of your participation in the event. Your photos will be posted within a week after the event and you can search for your photos by your last name or your bib number directly on our results tab in the website menu.
Tips for better race photos:
· Wear your bib on the front of your shirt.
· Pin all 4 corners of your bib.
· Pull your cap/hat away from your face.
· If running with a friend/family, run shoulder to shoulder while your photos are shot.
· Smile
Participant Awards
This will be a 'friendly' competition across multiple categories, including:
Fastest Overall 5K/10K Male & Female
5K/10K Male & Female 1st Place Age-Group Winners: 14 and Under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75+
Disclaimer Regarding Awards:
If, upon verification, the Race Directors find discrepancies, the winning individuals will not be eligible for an award. All awards will be distributed to the winners following the conclusion of the event.
Course Etiquette
Please keep "Rules of the Road" in mind when running. If walking during the event, start at your respective time at the back of the corral and stay to the right of the street at all times. Pass on the left when possible. Please be courteous of other participants. For competitive participants, please remember this is a 'friendly' competition. Safety first!
Due to insurance restrictions, animals, skates or other vehicular apparatus are not allowed by participants on the race course.
Headphones are not recommended during the race, but not prohibited. Please stay aware and in-tune with your surroundings.
Are there refunds, exchanges, or transfers?
Because of significant upfront costs, all registrations are non-refundable and non-transferable, consistent with industry standards. Once your entry has been received and accepted, no refunds will be issued.
This policy also applies if the event is cancelled on race day or race weekend due to weather, Acts of God, public emergencies, or other circumstances outside of our control. If you are unable to participate for any reason, your registration cannot be deferred, transferred, sold, or given to another participant.
The person-to-person sale or transfer of race registrations and bibs is strictly prohibited under our race rules. Please do not purchase registrations or bibs being offered by individuals on social media, Facebook groups, marketplaces, or other third-party platforms. Fraudulent registration and bib-sale transactions do occur, and we cannot verify or honor registrations purchased from another individual. The only valid registrations are those obtained directly through our official registration process.
We appreciate your understanding. These policies allow us to apply the same rules fairly and consistently to all participants while ensuring the safety and integrity of the event
