

Howl at the Moon – 5K, 10K, 10M, and Half Marathon
Howl at the Moon offers a unique nighttime half marathon on Long Beach's scenic waterfront.
Race Date
Aug 9, 2026
Location
Long Beach, CA
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, August 9, 2026
- Location
- Long Beach, California
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 5K, 10K, 15K
- Course
- Out & Back
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 141
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
Under the glow of the moon, the Howl at the Moon race series transforms Long Beach's Alamitos Beach into a vibrant running arena. This event, which has seen editions from 2023 to 2025, offers a unique nocturnal adventure, with the half marathon, 10-mile, 5K, and 10K races starting as the sun sets.
The course is an out-and-back along the beach path, designed for speed with minimal elevation change. Runners share the path with other beachgoers, requiring awareness to stay to the right. The half marathon combines two laps of a 5-mile route with one lap of a 5K route, creating a dynamic race experience.
While the event aims for a lively, moon-fueled atmosphere, it draws runners from about six states and has a typical winning time around 97 minutes for the half marathon. The course closes after 3 hours and 20 minutes, accommodating a wide range of participants.
Race-provided description
The moon lit the way — now it's our turn to shine! Come run, walk, or race your heart out at Howl at the Moon, an adventure fueled by full moon energy and summertime vibes. Gather your crew, unleash your inner wolf, and let’s make some noise under the wide open sky! Race Details Start Location: Alamitos Beach, 780 E Shoreline Dr, Long Beach 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. Event Schedule Saturday 1-3:00pm – 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 Course 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 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. 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. Awards: 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, the San Fernando Valley, and Orange County. 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, August 9, 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
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Course Map
View Course Map
Open on Strava
1 other map for this race
Quality Score
3 years running
~48 finishers a year
small race — neutral
0% returning runners
3 timing sources · 5 photos
runners from 6 states
winner 1:37:10
typical high 80°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
64°
Afternoon (High)
80°
Warm — hydration strategy is key, start conservatively
0.0"
Precipitation
10 mph
Wind
77%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 141 finishers actually crossed the line across 3 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
141
Median time
2:19:04
Latest turnout
33
States
11
Turnout by year
2023–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Howl at the Moon – 5K, 10K, 10M, and Half Marathon?
The Howl at the Moon – 5K, 10K, 10M, and Half Marathon is held on Sunday, August 9, 2026, starting at 7:00 AM.
Where does the Howl at the Moon – 5K, 10K, 10M, and Half Marathon take place?
It takes place in Long Beach, California.
What distances does the Howl at the Moon – 5K, 10K, 10M, and Half Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 5K, 10K, 15K.
Is the Howl at the Moon – 5K, 10K, 10M, and Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Howl at the Moon – 5K, 10K, 10M, and Half Marathon is a ultra-flat, out & back course.
How many people run the Howl at the Moon – 5K, 10K, 10M, and Half Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 141 runners who have completed the Howl at the Moon – 5K, 10K, 10M, and Half Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
Explore More Journeys
Can't make it to Long Beach? Discover other experiences that match your running style.
Search All Races
