Ready to lace up your running shoes and dive into one of San Diego‘s most anticipated events? Then mark your calendar for The Kook Run—a SoCal Super Bowl Sunday tradition, where thousands kick off the morning with a 5K/10K fun run and costumed race along the Pacific Coast, presented by BUBS Naturals.

The 10K race is the fastest on the West Coast and will again be made up of an international field of runners, as well as the top runners in Southern California. This year, all will be racing for a cash purse of $3,000 on the most picturesque 10K course on the West Coast.

Not Just a Race, it’s a Festival

One of the “coolest” aspects of the race is its post-run festival, including a beer garden—featuring Bay City, Lost Abbey, and Ballast Point—along with live music featuring Paging the 90s immediately following the race!

For the Little Runners

The kids will get their own day to run at the 3rd Annual Junior Kook Run with a course modified for kids, from 400 yards to one mile, on Saturday, February 10, for kids ages three to 12 at the Ecke YMCA, during packet pick-up, starting at 10 AM.

The fun and inspiring Junior Kook Run is presented by Bach to Rock and Cali Cream Homemade Ice Cream.

Other fun events on Saturday include a sponsors’ expo and live music.

Costume Contest

The Costume Contest is one of the most entertaining aspects of this Super Bowl Sunday tradition in SoCal—and what makes this event so fun. The contest awards the top three in each of the following categories: “Football Fan,” “Group Costume,” and “Individual Kook.” 

Costume contest participants need to register/check-in at the Costume Contest Registration table between 6:30 AM and 7:15 AM. The costume award ceremony will immediately follow the 5K race. Winners must be present to win. For rules and more info, visit here.

The Kook Run 2024 Course

The course starts under the world-famous “Encinitas” sign on the historic Coast Hwy 101 in beautiful Encinitas. This scenic loop passes by the famous “Cardiff Kook” statue, rises above some of the most popular surf breaks in the world, and heads down to Cardiff State Beach. Water stations are provided throughout the course.

Race Day and Costume Contest registration opens at 6 AM. Welcome and introductions take place at 7 AM. The Elite/10K race starts at 7:20 AM, while the 5K and Costume Division race starts at 7:55 AM. The awards ceremony is at 9:15 AM.

Advance packet and T-shirt pick-up will be held at the Ecke YMCA—located at 200 Saxony Road in Encinitas (92024)—on Saturday, February 10, between 9 AM and 2 PM, and at Road Runner Sports’ Solana Beach location on the Coast Hwy 101 on Friday, February 9, from 3 PM to 7 PM.

New This Year

This year, The Kook Run has teamed up with “B-Cycle” to offer a bike valet service. Ride your bike to the event and drop it at the Bike Valet, where they will keep it on-site and secure until the end of the event. Bike Valet Services will be located at the north end of Moonlight Plaza, where the post-run festival takes place.

Fun With a Cause

This year, The Kook Run is proud to donate generous portions of proceeds to Cardiff 101 Mainstreet and the Ecke YMCA of Encinitas.

The Right Hand Angels will be the beneficiary of the event’s Beer Garden sales, as well as participating in the event with their chariot runners. Race partners include BUBS Naturals, Bach to Rock, vuori, Cal Coast Credit Union, Stretch Zone Encinitas, Lost Abbey, and Ballast Point.

See you there!

This year’s Kook Run will be on Sunday, February 11, at 7 AM. Don’t miss this SoCal Super Bowl Sunday tradition!

Registration is open—$50 for the 5K (3.1 miles), $75 for the 10K (6.2 miles), and $15 for the Junior Kook Run. Each participant receives a premium T-shirt and finisher’s medal, and this year’s theme is “Release the Kraken.”

Click here to register.

For more information on the event, visit here.

See you there, San Diego!