The Kook Run Presented By BUBS Naturals Kicks Off Super Bowl
This year’s Kook Run – a 5K and 10K with costume contest – will be Sunday, Feb. 12 at 7AM. The Kook Run is 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 Pro/Elite
The Pro/Elite race was the fastest 10K on the west coast in 2022 and will be made up of an international field of runners, as well as the top runners in Southern California. In 2023, all will be racing for a cash purse of $3,000 on the most prestigious 10K course in SoCal.
The Pro Race is a treat for all! It’s the only running event in Southern California where you run on the course with the pros, and see the pro race as a fan at the same time.
Junior Kook Run
The adults get their day on Sunday, and Saturday is all about our Junior Kooks! The kids will get their own day to run at the Junior Kook Run with a course modified for kids, from 400 yards to one mile, on Saturday, February 11 for kids ages 3-11 at the Ecke YMCA during packet pick-up, starting at 10:30AM.
NEW for 2023! Immediately following the final event, Junior Kooks can rock out and celebrate at the Junior Kook concert brought to you by Bach to Rock! Come out for the run and stick around for a Rockin’ celebration!
The Kook Run Costume Contest
The Costume Contest is one of the most entertaining aspects of the event – and what makes this event so fun. Costume 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 6:30AM and 7:15AM. The costume award ceremony will immediately follow the 5K race. Winners must be present to win. For rules and more info, visit here.
Generous portions will go to this year’s beneficiaries
This year, The Kook Run is proud to donate generous portions of proceeds to Cardiff 101 Mainstreet and the Ecke YMCA of Encinitas. The Surfing Madonna Oceans Project will be the beneficiary of the event’s Beer Garden sales. Race partners include BUBS Naturals, BUMP, vuori, Bindle Bottles, Mooski, and Cardiff 101 Main Street.
Registration Details
Registration is now open – $55 for the 5K (3.1 miles), $75 for the 10K (6.2 miles) and $12 for the Junior Kook Run. Each participant receives a premium T-shirt and finisher’s medal, and this year’s theme is “Alice in Wonderland.”
The course starts under the world famous “Encinitas” sign on the historic Coast Hwy 101 in beautiful Encinitas, Calif. 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 6AM. Welcome and introductions take place at 7AM. The Elite/10K race start is 7:30AM, while the 5K and Costume Division race starts at 7:55AM. The awards ceremony is at 9:15AM.
Advance packet and T-shirt pick-up at the Ecke YMCA – 200 Saxony Road in Encinitas (92024) – Saturday, Feb. 11 between 9AM and 2PM. There will be fun events including sponsors expo, complimentary classes, and the fun and inspiring Junior Kook Run presented by Bach to Rock, and Cali Cream Homemade Ice Cream.
Beer and entertainment
One of the “coolest” aspects of the race is its post-run festival, including a beer garden – featuring Lost Abbey, Ballast Point, Juneshine, and Pena – along with live music featuring Paging the 90s immediately following the race festivities.
For more information on the event, visit here.
See you there, San Diego!
