Polar Bear Run 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon by Califlow Runs
The Polar Bear Run in Long Beach offers a winter half marathon, 10K, and 5K with a festive finish.
Race Date
Jan 23, 2027
Location
Long Beach, CA
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, January 23, 2027
- Location
- Long Beach, California
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 3.1 Miles, 6.2 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 102
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Polar Bear Run, held in Long Beach, California, invites runners to embrace the crisp January air for a winter race tradition. Participants can choose from a half marathon, 10K, or 5K, all starting bright and early to make the most of the cool conditions.
This event, which has had 2 editions on record, typically sees around 60 to 71 finishers, drawing participants from about 3 states. The course is a flat, paved road, offering a straightforward path for those looking to set a personal best or simply enjoy a brisk winter run. Runners can expect three on-course water stations and professional chip timing for accurate results.
The atmosphere is geared towards community and fun, with music and high vibes at the finish line party. All participants receive a finisher medal, and awards are given to overall and age group winners. Free race photos are available to download, allowing runners to share their frosty finish.
Race-provided description
🐻❄️ Polar Bear Run 5K • 10K • Half Marathon 📍 Long Beach, CA 📅 January 18, 2026 Brace yourself for crisp air, cool miles, and that brrr-but-worth-it January energy. The Polar Bear Run is a winter tradition for runners who don’t hibernate — they layer up, show up, and earn their miles the cold way. ❄️ Cold mornings. Clear skies. Strong strides. This is winter running at its best. ❄️ What’s Included ✔ Professional Chip Timing for accurate results 📸 Free Race Photos – download and share your frosty finish 🎖️ Finisher Medal for All Participants 🏆 Overall & Age Group Awards 💧 Three On-Course Water Stations 🎉 Finish Line Party with music and high vibes 🧤 Who Can Participate? All are welcome — runners, walkers, stroller athletes, and all paces. Whether you’re chasing a PR or just chasing warmth at the finish line, this run is for you. 🕒 Bib Pick-Up & Start Times Bib Pick-Up/ Same Day Registration: 6:00 AM – 7:30 AM 📍 Race Ready Athletics Tent Start Times: 🏁 Half Marathon – 7:00 AM 🏁 5K & 10K – 7:30 AM 📍 Start Location 5400 E Ocean Blvd Long Beach, CA 90803 🚗 Parking • Free street parking available • Beach lot parking available for $2.00 per hour (pay at machines) 🏆 Awards Top 3 Overall Men & Women in each distance 🎤 Podium Ceremonies: Overall Winners : 9:15 AM
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, January 23, 2027
Start Time
7:00 AM
Start Location
5400 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA, 90814
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
Course Map
View Course Map
Open on Strava
8 other maps for this race
- Strava— 5K | 10K Course : 5400 E Ocean Blvd LB
- Strava— Half Marathon Course : Granada Beach
- Strava— 5K | 10K Course : Granada Beach
- Strava— 5K | 10K Course : Bolsa
- Strava— Half Marathon Course : Bolsa
- Strava— 5K | 10K Course : Venice
- Strava— Half Marathon Course : Venice
- Strava— 5K | 10K Course : Santa Monica
Quality Score
2 years running
~71 finishers a year
shrinking
2% returning runners
5 timing sources
runners from 3 states
winner 1:35:50
typical high 64°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
46°
Afternoon (High)
64°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.1"
Precipitation
10 mph
Wind
66%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 102 finishers actually crossed the line across 2 years.
Most recent
2026
Total finishers
102
Median time
2:20:34
Latest turnout
60
States
5
Turnout by year
2025–2026
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Polar Bear Run 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon by Califlow Runs?
The Polar Bear Run 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon by Califlow Runs is held on Saturday, January 23, 2027, starting at 7:00 AM.
Where does the Polar Bear Run 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon by Califlow Runs take place?
It takes place in Long Beach, California.
What distances does the Polar Bear Run 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon by Califlow Runs offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 3.1 Miles, 6.2 Miles.
Is the Polar Bear Run 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon by Califlow Runs course flat and good for a PR?
The Polar Bear Run 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon by Califlow Runs is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
How many people run the Polar Bear Run 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon by Califlow Runs?
HalfRuns has finish records for 102 runners who have completed the Polar Bear Run 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon by Califlow Runs.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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