

Winter Whirl – 5K, 10K, Half Marathon
Winter Whirl offers sunny coastal miles with festive fun and a hint of pretend winter magic.
Race Date
Dec 19, 2026
Location
Fountain Valley, CA
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, December 19, 2026
- Location
- Fountain Valley, California
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 5K, 10K, 10 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 104
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Winter Whirl in Fountain Valley, California, brings a unique twist to seasonal racing, offering sunny coastal miles with a playful nod to winter. Runners can expect a festive atmosphere, even as the rest of the country faces colder weather.
This event features a looped course, ensuring a shared start and finish line. While not a closed course, participants are reminded to share the path courteously with others enjoying the park. The half marathon has a generous 3-hour and 10-minute course closure, accommodating a wide range of runners. Aid is provided with two water stations and restrooms along the way.
With a typical winning time around 1:43, the Winter Whirl is designed for both those aiming for a personal best and those simply looking to enjoy a scenic run. The event is held in Mile Square Park, offering a pleasant environment for a day of racing and community.
Race-provided description
Bundle up… or don’t! It's California! Winter Whirl is spinning into Long Beach where the only flurries are the kind that come from the waves. While the rest of the world is shivering, we’re keeping it cool with sunny miles, festive fun, and just a hint of pretend winter magic. Whether you’re chasing a shiny new PR or just cruising the path with a smile, this run is all about coastal cheer with a wink at the season. Race Details Start Location: Mile Square Park, Parking lot D. Across the street from 11014 Lavender Ave, Fountain Valley, CA 92708. Parking: $5.00 per car at Mile Square Park (Opens at 7am). Limited free street parking is available Event Schedule Friday Early Bib Pickup at Sports Basement Orange County TBD
Saturday 7:30am – Bib pick-up opens at the start 8:00am – Half marathon 8:30am – 5k & 10k start 11:10am – Course closes (3 hours, 10 minutes for the Half)
Out and Back Course 5k & 10k: this 5k route is used for the 5k (one loops), 10k (two loops) – route here Half Marathon: this route is used for the half marathon, it's similar to the 5k route but there is an additional out and back – route here More About the Course This is a looped course, meaning you will begin and finish in the same location. Our courses are not closed, which means that there are often runners, walkers, and others enjoying the day along with you. Safety is must and all runners must be courteous and share the path.
On-course support: Courses are well marked with two water stations and restrooms along the way. Turns will be clearly marked with chalk, a sign that says runner turn, 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. 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, the San Fernando Valley, San Diego, 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
Saturday, December 19, 2026
Start Time
8:00 AM
Start Location
16801 Euclid St, Fountain Valley, CA, 92708
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
Quality Score
3 years running
~21 finishers a year
small race — neutral
0% returning runners
4 timing sources
runners from 2 states
winner 1:42:46
typical high 67°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
50°
Afternoon (High)
67°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.0"
Precipitation
8 mph
Wind
71%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 104 finishers actually crossed the line across 3 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
104
Median time
2:17:11
Latest turnout
19
States
10
Turnout by year
2023–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Frequently asked
When is the Winter Whirl – 5K, 10K, Half Marathon?
The Winter Whirl – 5K, 10K, Half Marathon is held on Saturday, December 19, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.
Where does the Winter Whirl – 5K, 10K, Half Marathon take place?
It takes place in Fountain Valley, California.
What distances does the Winter Whirl – 5K, 10K, Half Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 5K, 10K, 10 Miles.
Is the Winter Whirl – 5K, 10K, Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Winter Whirl – 5K, 10K, Half Marathon is a ultra-flat, loop course course.
How many people run the Winter Whirl – 5K, 10K, Half Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 104 runners who have completed the Winter Whirl – 5K, 10K, Half Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
Explore More Journeys
Can't make it to Fountain Valley? Discover other experiences that match your running style.
Search All Races
