HalfRuns
Mardi Gras Run - Run for the Beads - 5K, 10K, & Half Marathon by Califlow Runs

Mardi Gras Run - Run for the Beads - 5K, 10K, & Half Marathon by Califlow Runs

Race Date

Feb 22, 2026

Location

Long Beach, CA

The Experience

🎭 Run for the Beads: Mardi Gras 5K • 10K • Half Marathon 📍 5100 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90803 – Granada Beach 📅 Sunday, February 22nd ✨ Let the Good Times Run!    💜 Event Overview

Get ready to let the good times roll at the Run for the Beads! This Mardi Gras-themed celebration brings the color, energy, and spirit of the season straight to the beach. Whether you’re chasing a new PR or just running (or walking!) for the fun of it, you’ll enjoy a vibrant course, festive music, and beads galore! So grab your friends, dress in purple, green, and gold, and join us for miles of smiles, energy, and coastal charm.   💚 Event Highlights 🎷 Beads & Bling: Snag your Mardi Gras beads as you dash along the course! 🎶 Finish Line Festival: Celebrate your finish with live music, festive treats, and of course — King Cake! 📸 Epic Photo Ops: Pose with colorful backdrops featuring crowns, masks, and beads for your perfect race-day shot. 🎊 Festive Atmosphere: Music, decorations, and energy that make every mile feel like a parade! 🏅 Finisher Medals: Every participant earns a  finisher medal! 💧 Bead & Water Stations: Stay hydrated and keep the beads flowing every 2 miles! 🎭 Costume Contest: Show your Mardi Gras flair — prizes for Most Festive, Best Group, and Wildest Spirit!   💛 CaliFlow Experience

🌊 Professional Chip Timing – Accurate results for all distances 🎶 Live DJ & Finish Line Festival – Music, celebration, and good vibes 📷 Free Race Day Photos – Capture your Mardi Gras magic 🥇 Overall & Age Group Awards – Celebrate your speed (and style!) 👟 Stroller & Walker Friendly – Everyone’s welcome to roll, run, or stroll 🏁 Fully Marked Coastal Course – Flat, fast, and full of fun energy   🕕 Bib Pick-Up & Start Times 📦 Bib Pick-Up: 6:00 AM to  7:35 AM (Race Ready Athletics Tent) 🏁 Half Marathon Start: 7:00 AM 🏁 5K & 10K Start: 7:30 AM ⚠️ No late starts — make sure you’re ready to roll when the beads start flying!    🚗 Event Day Parking Information 🅿️ Beach lot parking available – rates  $2:00 Per Hour 💳 Pay at the machine or use Passport APP   ☀️ Weather & Safety This is a RAIN or SHINE event — because Mardi Gras doesn’t cancel for clouds! (Only postponed for tidal waves, tsunamis, or zombie parades 🧟‍♀️🎭 — we’ll notify you by email if that happens.)   🎉 Join the Movement Tag your moments with @CaliFlowRuns and #CaliFlowRuns for a chance to be featured! Follow us for weekly giveaways and #FreeEntryFriday fun.   🎭✨ Run. Revel. Repeat. Let the beads fly and the good times roll — only with CaliFlow Runs!

Logistics

Race Day

Sunday, February 22, 2026

Start Time

7:00 AM

Start Location

5100 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA, 90803

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

road

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Elevation Gain

0'

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

3.1 Miles6.2 Miles

Quality Score

Methodology
Heritage2/20

1 year running

Size9/15

~69 finishers a year

Momentum5/5

growing or steady

Loyalty0/20

0% returning runners

Course & details3/15

3 timing sources

National draw6/10

runners from 10 states

Front-pack speed3/5

winner 1:23:15

Weather8/10

typical high 65°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

48°

Afternoon (High)

65°

Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish

0.1"

Precipitation

13 mph

Wind

68%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 65 finishers actually crossed the line across 1 year.

Most recent

2025

Total finishers

65

Median time

2:20:13

Latest turnout

65

States

10

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:20p50 median ≈ 2:203:40
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

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