Join the Wrigley River Run this June in Long Beach, California. We strive to provide something for everyone and are proud to have become Long Beach’s Premier 5K & 10K and 10 mile road race. All the favorite race events will be back, including the Run/Walk 5K and 10K, the …
MORE
Join the Wrigley River Run this June in Long Beach, California. We strive to provide something for everyone and are proud to have become Long Beach’s Premier 5K & 10K and 10 mile road race.
All the favorite race events will be back, including the Run/Walk 5K and 10K, the 10 Miler, and the Half Marathon Combo, AND the Tadpole Trot for children ages 10 and under. All runners receive goodie bags, commemorative t-shirts and awards at the finish line.
The 10 Miler, 5K, and the 10K offer participants a very flat, fast, and scenic course, with ample water stations, multiple bands and entertainers and large, highly visible mile markers at each mile. In response to requests from participants, there is now a clock at the halfway point of the 10K route.
Time Limits
10 mile – course time limit two hours and forty minutes
10k – course time limit two hours and ten minutes
5k – course time limit one hour and 10 minutes
If you can finish the 10 miler in 90 minutes or less you would get back in time to run the 5K as well, giving you a half marathon on the day. If you do such a combo you will get three medals total.
LESS
Wrigley River - A nice race in the LBC
The Wrigley River Run offers a positive race experience with its urban neighborhood setting. The combination of street course, gravel pathway, and bike trail adds a touch of challenge to … MORE
The Wrigley River Run offers a positive race experience with its urban neighborhood setting. The combination of street course, gravel pathway, and bike trail adds a touch of challenge to the race, making it interesting for participants. The course is mostly flat with a few loop backs, providing an enjoyable and straightforward route. Watch out, the cost can be expensive if registered for last minute, but it’s very reasonable when purchased in advance. Overall, the Wrigley River Run is a well-executed event that offers a diverse course and a positive race atmosphere.
OK Local Race with Course Marking Issues
Pluses: Super nice, helpful, honest-to-goodness people running the race. A gear check...there for you if you need it. Pizza, tasty performance bars, watermelon, orange slices, and bananas at the finish...a … MORE
Pluses: Super nice, helpful, honest-to-goodness people running the race. A gear check…there for you if you need it. Pizza, tasty performance bars, watermelon, orange slices, and bananas at the finish…a great selection of post race eats. Good volunteers. Scheduling allows you to do both the 10 miler and the 5K if you are so inclined. Nicely designed finishers medals and additional medals available if you do both the 10 miler and the 5K. Beer glasses for age group champions…good awards for top finishers, including an awards ceremony.
Negatives: There were several forks in the road in the 10 mile course that were unmarked and unmanned. If you were unfamiliar with the course, you were left guessing which direction to go. When I brought this up with one of the organizers, she said that there were complaints about the lack of course markings during previous years. When I asked why something hadn’t been done about this, she didn’t really have a good answer for me. She wasn’t the head person in charge, so I don’t necessarily think this was her purview. Regardless, that’s not a great sign of a race that’s responsive to feedback. The issues with course markings aren’t anything that need a great deal of money to fix. More cones, more signs, and having the RD bike the course hours ahead to make sure that all forks are clearly marked is all that’s needed. Hopefully they will fix this, because I’m not sure I would necessarily recommend this race to my running friends unless I were to see a clear commitment to fix this issue. Runners should not have to memorize a course prior to running it. Markings should be clear enough so that all they have to do is run.
Great race with an impressive medal!
Great course, medal, and so generous to feed us pizza pre and post race what a pleasant surprise. And loved the shirt forest green soft material. Nice detail! MORE
Great course, medal, and so generous to feed us pizza pre and post race what a pleasant surprise. And loved the shirt forest green soft material. Nice detail!
Very Organized and Positive Experience
This was my first race. I found everything very well organized, with sign up, instructions, and course information. This race has been around and you could feel positive energy from … MORE
This was my first race. I found everything very well organized, with sign up, instructions, and course information. This race has been around and you could feel positive energy from participants, volunteers, and the community. It was also fun to receive a medal and tshirt. Also, there were runners of varying strengths. Some participants were very fast and some walked. There was no judgment about this, rather everyone encouraged each other, even strangers. Overall it was a positive experience that I would like to participate in again.
One of the best run ever. Every year I
Gavin.is a cool race director,no matter what distance you're doing you going to love it and come back next year.. yes... 🍕 is so good at the end . And … MORE
Gavin.is a cool race director,no matter what distance you’re doing you going to love it and come back next year.. yes… 🍕 is so good at the end . And the watermelon.
Top of my 5 Favorite Races in CA
What incredible race,this is My 3rd year doing this race and I am excited to return Next Year.I convinced my Mom to this race this year and she had a … MORE
What incredible race,this is My 3rd year doing this race and I am excited to return Next Year.I convinced my Mom to this race this year and she had a blast.From the swag,amazing course and Awsome Medal.I convinced friends to come to see and they are planning to do it Next.If u haven’t done this course,definitely put it on your bucket list u wont regret it.🙂💪
Great Event
This was my second year running this event after running the 10 miler last year. This year I also ran the 5k to earn the half-marathon combo medal. The race … MORE
This was my second year running this event after running the 10 miler last year. This year I also ran the 5k to earn the half-marathon combo medal. The race is very well organized. I look forward to running this race annually. My one complaint is the awards ceremony. The 10 miler was the first race of the day, but when it came to awards time, the awards for another race (I believe the 5k) were given first. My race started around 7:00, but the awards were not given out until close to 11:00.
Small local run
I ran this event for the first time, although it has been on my radar for a couple years. The course would be a nice change from the usual community … MORE
I ran this event for the first time, although it has been on my radar for a couple years. The course would be a nice change from the usual community “run through town on closed streets” course as much of it is along one of our concrete river beds.
Parking was easy on race morning across the street in a grocery store lot; I arrived at 6 when packet pick up opened. No wait for the bib, assigned at pickup and the shirts were the only other stop (note: there are women’s and men’s styles, they run small).
The 10 mile race started first, on time at 7AM. After about 1/2 mile on neighborhood streets, we went up a ramp, turned, up another ramp onto the river “trail”. There were a few down, off the trail and back on in the first couple miles, then we were on the river trail for most of the remaining miles. There are no spectators along this part of the course and I was glad to have run many times along this type of trail as you must be aware of the cyclists using the same space. Stay right!!
If you want scenery and views, this is not the race for you. You are, however, able to run without worrying about intersections, traffic, or poor road conditions. There is nothing to really look at on a concrete river bed trail, in fact at one point I realized I could actually close my eyes for a few seconds and not worry about hitting anything. Now, you might wonder why anyone would do that….but it was so smooth and so straight I just got the urge to do it!
There are just enough curves to avoid the mental zap that comes from seeing how far you still have to go. There is a section of the course that is on dirt, but it is good, solid pack. While advisable to watch your footing, there really isn’t much to trip on and its a good break from the monotony of the asphalt stretches.
The 10k crew merged with the 10 milers around mile 7. The last 1.5 miles were through the neighborhood again. Be aware these streets have “dips” at all the intersections, so watch your footing. You turn a corner at 9.8, sort of like “left on Boylston” and you can sprint to the finish. There was a feel of camaraderie among the finishers near me that I don’t experience in larger races; I felt like a member of the neighborhood.
Note: there are NO potties along the course; there were 5(?) water stops, one with gels about mid-way. If I was a local, I’d probably offer to sponsor their water cups. They used Styrofoam, (maybe to cut costs) but that is a lot of Styrofoam going in the trash and possibly thrown down into the riverbed.
I hadn’t done much speed work as I’ve been in rebuilding phase, but decided to push it a little on this race; if you get the course record for your age group, you run for free the next year. The prior record in my AG was more than 30 minutes slower than I knew I could run the 10 miles, but I guess someone else figured that out and I placed second….But I was thrilled to have broken my goal time of 1:30 by 2 minutes, with no speed work in the last few weeks.
With most of the top 3 in each AG finished by 8:30, it was too bad awards were not being handed out until 9:45. There were computers set up to check your time/place. I decided not to hang around for the “custom glassware” award. There really isn’t anything to do at the start/finish. It is in a neighborhood church parking lot. There was pizza and fruit, and a few vendor tables; I decided to walk about 1/2 mile to a breakfast spot I found on my phone to kill time but it was not what I expected, so I just left for home. I heard from another runner later that they still had not gotten to the 10 mile awards by 10:45! That is probably my only gripe about the whole event. There really was no reason other than trying to keep people there for the kids’ tadpole trot. My finish time was award enough; this is the second race this year that I have left without my AG award. It is just too much waiting when our weekend time is so limited!
The Wrigley River Run is a 5k/10k/10 miler for the Long Beach and South Bay running community. While fairly well organized, this is not a race I’d travel far to run. Glad it is checked off the list and I was able to test my current fitness level. I made a few potential coaching connections, too. All Good!
A River Runs Through It..
Fun, local, community race in Long Beach! Very well organized with a good amount of local vendors in the expo plus yummy pizza once you cross the finish. MORE
Fun, local, community race in Long Beach! Very well organized with a good amount of local vendors in the expo plus yummy pizza once you cross the finish.
A competitive groups of runners
The course was fairly flat - some parts along the LA river bed (not a real river). The group was a bit more competitive than I expected. A good amount … MORE
The course was fairly flat – some parts along the LA river bed (not a real river). The group was a bit more competitive than I expected. A good amount of port-a-potties at the start/finish, however none along the course. Very nice volunteers at check in/registration. Fun pre-race warm up!
big improvement from last year
Easy parking across the street. Lots of water, fruit, pizza after the race. Big improvement from 2014 race, Volunteers are terrific. The t-shirt pick-up needs improvement because I paid extra … MORE
Easy parking across the street. Lots of water, fruit, pizza after the race. Big improvement from 2014 race, Volunteers are terrific. The t-shirt pick-up needs improvement because I paid extra for tech shirt but got cotton shirt
Number 1 run
This was my 7th year to run either the 5 or 10k Wrigley River Run with the colors ~ Red, White, and Blue. Really enjoy it. Diffentlty will be back … MORE
This was my 7th year to run either the 5 or 10k Wrigley River Run with the colors ~ Red, White, and Blue. Really enjoy it. Diffentlty will be back next year, from Green Valley, AZ.
I will run this race every year.
This was my 2nd year at the Wrigley River Run. It is a fun, mostly flat course (just 3 "uphills"-the ramps up to the river path). Last year was good; … MORE
This was my 2nd year at the Wrigley River Run. It is a fun, mostly flat course (just 3 “uphills”-the ramps up to the river path). Last year was good; there were a few bands along the way, a minor hiccup w/the timing company (results weren’t available until the next day). This year was AWESOME! There were a lot more bands plus DJ’s, someone set up a fun little (optional) obstacle course, & timing was immediately available (by punching your bib # into a tablet, no waiting for & searching printouts!). Well done, Gavin & team!
Fast Race, Great Pizza!
A couple of racers with strollers managed to sneak in and start with the 10K runners. When I tried to pass one, the stroller veered right in my path and … MORE
A couple of racers with strollers managed to sneak in and start with the 10K runners. When I tried to pass one, the stroller veered right in my path and pushed me into the runner next to me. Not good at 6+ mph. The woman pushing the stroller blamed the child for trying to stand up.
A very nice, community involved race.
I recommend it. Runners of all kind are in attendance and parking is plentiful. Race day check-in was a breeze. Results were immediately posted and available on computer screens. MORE
I recommend it. Runners of all kind are in attendance and parking is plentiful. Race day check-in was a breeze. Results were immediately posted and available on computer screens.
This Event Gets Better Each Year!
I loved this event because: 1. Pre-race instructions were clear. 2. Parking was close and free. 3. Bib pic up was easy 4. Goodie bags were good. 5. Early start … MORE
I loved this event because:
1. Pre-race instructions were clear.
2. Parking was close and free.
3. Bib pic up was easy
4. Goodie bags were good.
5. Early start time for 10K- 7:30
6. Ample time before kids race for my daughter & I to finish and cheer on her son/my grandson in the kid’s race.
7. Great community support and entertainment along the course.
8. Ample post race face food
9. Fun post race activities for the kids
10. T-shirts for all sizes including my 2 yr old grandson.
Solid 10K
My friend and I drove down from Burbank for this race. It was easy to find. We parked in the Albertson's lot and walked over to the race activities. Race … MORE
My friend and I drove down from Burbank for this race. It was easy to find. We parked in the Albertson’s lot and walked over to the race activities.
Race Organizers: It was confusing to discover you first have to look up your name on these printed out sheets of paper around numerous other runners to find out your bib number, which you then took over to the registration desk to get your actual bib and race swag. Next year, simplifying that process would probably go a long way. Secondly, there was a good amount of instruction as we all just stood there waiting for the race to start. It would be nice to make that shorter as well.
Potential Race Runners: What I said above wasn’t even that bad to handle. It was more for areas of improvement. The race itself was just fine. Easy course through the neighborhood. You ran along the “Wrigley River” which really isn’t the most scenic route, but hey, we’ve all been there. The volunteers were amazing, and it was a fun race overall.
Wrigley River Run - I love this one!
It has a great kids zone to keep the little ones entertained while they wait for their race to start. It is well attended but small enough to feel safe … MORE
It has a great kids zone to keep the little ones entertained while they wait for their race to start. It is well attended but small enough to feel safe and fun. It always has great energy and has ever been a positive experience for me!
Small race through Long Beach
I have a lot of family in Long Beach, so thought this run would be fun. When I did it, it was still a pretty small "hometown" race. The scenery … MORE
I have a lot of family in Long Beach, so thought this run would be fun. When I did it, it was still a pretty small “hometown” race. The scenery is so-so, although running up by the river, although there was no water, was fun. It is pretty flat, so hence the PR. Not a bad run if you are local, but wouldn’t suggest travelling for it.
The perfect 5k
This race will always hold a special place in my heart. It was my very first race ever. I run it ever year and in my opinion is the best … MORE
This race will always hold a special place in my heart. It was my very first race ever. I run it ever year and in my opinion is the best 5k I have ever run.
This is a small local little race in the heart of Wrigley, Long beach. Bib pick up is super easy and convenient. They day before or day of are both are both options. If you go the day before they have a pizza pig out and for a small fee you can try pizza from several local places and vote for the best.
The race features a 5k,10k or Double Down 15k they also have a cool tadpole trot for the little guys. Each distance starts at a different time and strollers have a different start time as well. The streets of Wrigley are very big and wide open so you never have to worry about crowding. They have a couple bands along the route, cheerleaders and plenty of water. It’s a great beginners course and easy PR course.
The finish line is awesome and full of excitement. Afterwards they always a have a couple of kids pools filled with ice and bottles of water. They have pizza and fresh cut fruit at the finish line. The only thing is if you do the race you will be spoiled and always wonder what is wrong with all the races out there. Why can’t they be as organized and have such a great finish line.
No medals for this race but I love the t-shirts they give out every year. They are super soft and great quality. I’m still wearing my shirt from 3 years ago as it has held up well over time.
I will do be back for the this race every single year and if you are looking to join a running club This is a good event to come to. Several large running clubs show up for this event every year and its a great time to check them out.