May the 4th be with You- The Empire Strides Back 5K, 10K, & Half Marathon by Califlow Runs
Race through the galaxy along the Long Beach waterfront in this costumed, high-vibe Star Wars-themed event.
Race Date
May 2, 2027
Location
Long Beach, CA
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, May 2, 2027
- Location
- Long Beach, California
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 3.1 Miles, 6.2 Miles, 1 Miles, 400 Yards
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
Runners are invited to "race through the galaxy" along the scenic Long Beach waterfront during the "May the 4th Be With You – The Empire Strides Back" event. This high-vibe, costumed run encourages participants to dress as their favorite heroes, villains, or creatures, adding a unique flair to the race day.
The event offers multiple distances, including a half marathon, 10K, and 5K, with chip timing and on-course amenities like water stations and restrooms. Participants can expect "out-of-this-world vibes" with music and cheering, along with epic photo opportunities featuring galaxy props and backdrops. Everyone receives a finisher medal, and age group and overall awards are presented.
This race is noted as being stroller-friendly and beginner-welcoming, making it an accessible event for a wide range of participants. The focus is on fun, costumes, and a festive atmosphere, all set against the backdrop of the Long Beach coast.
Race-provided description
May the 4th Be With You – 5K, 10K, Half Marathon | Long Beach The Empire Strides Back – Medals, Chip Timing, Photos, Costume Fun! 🏅 Everyone Gets a Medal – No Force Powers Required! Empire Strides Back – May the 4th Be With You 5K, 10K, & Half Marathon 📍 5000 E Ocean Blvd Long Beach, CA 90803 🗓 Sunday- May 2nd, 2027 Same Day Registration Opens at 6:00 AM @ the Race Ready Athletics Tents Runner Check In/Bib Pick Up Opens at 6:00 AM 👟 Start Times Based on Distance : Half Marathon: 7:00 AM 5K & 10K : 8:00 AM 1 Miler: 9:00 AM Kids Dash: 9:30 AM
🚗 Parking: Street parking is free. Lot parking is $2.00 per hour. Pay at machine in parking lot 🌌 Why You Should Join: Ready to race through the galaxy? Whether you’re a Jedi, Sith, or Rebel runner, come show off your Force in this high-vibe, costumed run along the scenic Long Beach waterfront. 🎭 Costumes encouraged! Come dressed as your favorite hero, villain, or creature. 📸 Epic photo ops with galaxy props and backdrops. 🎶 Out-of-this-world vibes with music, cheering, and space-age fun. 🎉 Event Perks: 🏅 Everyone gets a finisher medal 📸 Free race-day photos 🔄 Chip-timed results posted on-site 🚰 Water stations & restrooms on course 👶 Stroller-friendly and beginner-welcoming 🏅 Age Group & Overall Awards 🎟 Sign up now and let the Force (and your feet) guide you!
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, May 2, 2027
Start Time
7:00 AM
Start Location
5000 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA, 90803
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Coastal
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
first year
no finisher counts yet
small race — neutral
needs a few years of results
3 timing sources · 8 photos
no finisher data yet
no winner time yet
typical high 68°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
56°
Afternoon (High)
68°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.0"
Precipitation
11 mph
Wind
75%
Humidity
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the May the 4th be with You- The Empire Strides Back 5K, 10K, & Half Marathon by Califlow Runs?
The May the 4th be with You- The Empire Strides Back 5K, 10K, & Half Marathon by Califlow Runs is held on Sunday, May 2, 2027, starting at 7:00 AM.
Where does the May the 4th be with You- The Empire Strides Back 5K, 10K, & Half Marathon by Califlow Runs take place?
It takes place in Long Beach, California.
What distances does the May the 4th be with You- The Empire Strides Back 5K, 10K, & Half Marathon by Califlow Runs offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 3.1 Miles, 6.2 Miles, 1 Miles, 400 Yards.
Is the May the 4th be with You- The Empire Strides Back 5K, 10K, & Half Marathon by Califlow Runs course flat and good for a PR?
The May the 4th be with You- The Empire Strides Back 5K, 10K, & Half Marathon by Califlow Runs is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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