Countdown to the Finish – 5K, 10K, 10-Miler, Half Marathon
High Tides Runs: A flat, fast out-and-back along Long Beach's iconic shoreline.
Race Date
Dec 27, 2026
Location
Long Beach, CA
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, December 27, 2026
- Location
- Long Beach, California
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 5K, 10K, 10 Miles
- Course
- Out & Back
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 89
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
High Tides Runs starts at Alamitos Beach, where runners line up on the sand before hitting the paved beach path. The out-and-back course is pancake flat, with zero elevation gain—ideal for a personal best. The ocean is a constant companion, and the cool morning temperatures (low 50s to low 60s) provide perfect racing conditions. Winning times around 1:39 show the speed-friendly nature, while the 3:20 cutoff ensures beginners have plenty of time.
The half marathon course is a combination of shorter out-and-back loops: runners tackle the 5-mile route twice and the 5K route once. An early 6:30am start is available upon request. The event draws participants from about seven states, keeping the field modest and low-key. Parking is easy—$2/hour in the lot or free on nearby streets.
After crossing the finish line, runners can take advantage of a discount at Sports Basement, where early bib pickup is held the day before. There's no large after-party, but the simplicity and coastal charm make this a refreshingly straightforward race. For those seeking a flat, scenic, and well-organized half marathon without the big-city crowds, High Tides Runs delivers.
Race-provided description
End your 2026 on a High Note with High Tides Runs!
Race Details Start Location: Alamitos Beach, 780 E Shoreline Dr. Long Beach, CA Parking: Parking in the lot is $2/hour and starts at 8am, if you are running the Half/10m you can use the Passport app to pay for parking. Street parking is free. See map at the bottom of this email Event Schedule Saturday 1:00-3:00pm – Early bib pick-up on the 2nd floor at Sports Basement Long Beach (store discount sent via email the week of the event)
Sunday 6:20am – Bib pick-up opens at the tables closest to Claremont Ave 7:00am – Half marathon & 10m start 7:30am – 5k & 10k start 7:35am – Registration & start line close 10:20am – Course closes (3 hours, 20 minutes for the Half and 10m) Early start of 6:30am may be pre-arranged for half marathoners, email your request to events@hightideruns.com. All early starters will not be eligible for awards.
Out and Back Courses 5k & 10k: The 5k route is used for the 5k (one lap) and 10k (two laps) – 5k route 10m: The 5m route is used for the 10m (two laps) – 5m route Half: The 5m route is run twice and the 5k route is run once for the Half – 5m route and 5k route An early start of 6:30am may be pre-arranged for half marathoners and 10-milers, email your request to events@hightideruns.com. All early starters will not be eligible for awards.
More about the Course The beach path is an open course, so you will encounter others using it. When we start the race, please stay on the right side of the beach path. The right side is for pedestrians and the left side is for cyclists.
We will have tent set up west of the Finish Line for spectators to watch you run. See map at the bottom of this email. We do not have shade or seating in the festival area for them.
On-Course Support A fully stocked water station is located at the Belmont Pier. The finish line will also have an aid station stocked with water, gatorade, gels, and fruit snacks. We have a first aid kit at each station and all High Tides Crew Members have received CPR training. The turns are clearly marked with chalk, a runner turn sign, and a flag Final Details Bib: Please wear your race bib on the front of your shirt so we can track your time and send your pics! Gear Check: You may leave personal items with staff at the registration tent. Please bring your own bag. Medals: All runners receive a finishing medal. 1st place medals are given to the overall 1st male and female in each distance Results & Photos: An email with race results and photos will be sent the day after the race and earlier on Instagram. Race photos are free!
Join Us Again: Did you have a blast running with us at our low-pressure, high vibes race? We have themed races throughout the year in Long Beach, Santa Monica, and Fountain Valley. Register for multiple races at a time to earn a discount. Check our full schedule
Have Another Question? Check our FAQ page, it's probably answered there!
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, December 27, 2026
Start Time
7:00 AM
Start Location
780 E Shoreline Dr, Long Beach, CA, 90803
Course Info
Course Type
Out & Back
Terrain
road
Scenery
Coastal
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
3 years running
~30 finishers a year
small race — neutral
0% returning runners
4 timing sources
runners from 7 states
winner 1:39:18
typical high 61°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
50°
Afternoon (High)
61°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.2"
Precipitation
9 mph
Wind
83%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 89 finishers actually crossed the line across 3 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
89
Median time
2:14:49
Latest turnout
30
States
11
Turnout by year
2023–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Frequently asked
When is the Countdown to the Finish – 5K, 10K, 10-Miler, Half Marathon?
The Countdown to the Finish – 5K, 10K, 10-Miler, Half Marathon is held on Sunday, December 27, 2026, starting at 7:00 AM.
Where does the Countdown to the Finish – 5K, 10K, 10-Miler, Half Marathon take place?
It takes place in Long Beach, California.
What distances does the Countdown to the Finish – 5K, 10K, 10-Miler, Half Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 5K, 10K, 10 Miles.
Is the Countdown to the Finish – 5K, 10K, 10-Miler, Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Countdown to the Finish – 5K, 10K, 10-Miler, Half Marathon is a ultra-flat, out & back course.
How many people run the Countdown to the Finish – 5K, 10K, 10-Miler, Half Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 89 runners who have completed the Countdown to the Finish – 5K, 10K, 10-Miler, Half Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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