Irvine Dream Run

Lace up and dream big at the 2026 Irvine Dream Run! 🎉 Join us at the Great Park in Irvine for this can’t-miss, family-friendly race kicking off beneath the iconic Great Park Balloon. Choose a 5K, a 3K, or double the fun and run both—either way, you’re in for an unforgettable morning!

Every registration includes a race shirt, finisher medal, finish-line photo, and full access to our post-race expo, featuring a bouncy house, live music, food trucks, vendor booths, and plenty more to keep the celebration going.

Best of all, every step you take supports a great cause. 💛 All proceeds benefit the Sunstone Community Fund, helping fuel startups and entrepreneurship right here in Irvine. Our goal is to raise $50,000 for local founders and innovators—and we need you to help make it happen.

👉 Register by April 27, 2026, to guarantee your shirt size. Don’t wait—spots are filling fast!

🔥 Bonus: Refer five friends and score a $20 refund on your registration.

Stay connected—follow the Sunstone Community Fund on Instagram.

Let’s run, celebrate, and invest in Irvine’s future together! 🏃‍♀️🎈✨

Everyone who comes to Irvine shares a common vision – the American Dream. The 3K Fun Run celebrates the colorful melting pot of first-generation immigrants, those who love Irvine, and all who believe in the American Dream. 

Unicorns are rare in the startup world, and since we're holding this event in Irvine, the City of Innovation, this year our 3k is unicorn themed! Come dressed in your most unicorn-iest attire. There will also be a roaming unicorn the day of the event. Take a photo of the unicorn, tag us on social media, and you may be randomly selected for a prize!

Frequently Asked Questions 

• What is your refund policy? 
  Refunds are not accepted at this time. 

 

• How can I become a sponsor? 
  Check out our sponsorship page or email jayro.sandoval@sunstoneinvestment.com for more details. 

 

• What if I’m a slow runner? 
  Running or walking are both great options! We want everyone to have a good time at this family-friendly event so go at your own speed!

 

• What is a Color Run?
  The color fun run is a fun run you can do at your own pace (fast, slow, who cares!). No training or previous running experience is required. While running or walking  through the event you will pass through color stations and be doused in color for a great time!

 

• Is the race family friendly?
  Yes this race is family friendly and all ages or ability can participate! Who doesn't love getting doused in color while running/walking for such a great celebration! There is no age minimum or maximum. We encourage kids in strollers to participate as well!

 

• What is the color made of?
  The magical color powder we  use is custom manufactured and produced right here in the United States. It is made from food grade quality cornstarch using an advanced manufacturing process that has been custom developed for our Color Run. It is non-toxic, is 100% safe, and also
  biodegradable. As with any substance, you will want to keep it out of your eyes and lungs. If you are overly sensitive, you may want to wear glasses or goggles (or purchase them from us) for your eyes and use a bandana or dust mask for your mouth. 

 

• Can my family watch?
  Most definitely they can come be a part of the craziest color day of your life! Just be sure to give them a big hug at the finish line for coming to support you!

 

• What should I wear?
  Wear whatever you would like (including the race shirt included in your registration)! Our magical powder does not stain clothing or skin so no need to worry about your clothing. We recommend wearing white to help your colors pop!

 

• Will the color get in my car?
  Bring a towel or some plastic bags along, and you’ll be just fine. However, if you do get some in your vehicle, it can be dusted away or vacuumed easily.

 

• Will the race be timed?
  Yes this race will be timed by the most accurate chip timing available! Chips will be located on a foam strip on the back of your race bib. We will have photographers around the course so make sure to have your bib on the front of your shirt. We will also be video recording and photographing you as you cross the finish line, so make sure to give it your all!

 

• What happens if there is bad weather?
  A little rain will not stop us! It even makes the color brighter!

 

• What if I don’t want to run but still want to get involved? 
  Sign up to be a volunteer! Roles include cheering on the runners, handing out water, managing check-in, etc. Check out our Volunteer page to sign up. 

 

• What if I don’t want to run but I do want to eat? 
  Good news – we will have food trucks on site in addition to a bounce house, live music, booths from our vendors, and more! Bring your family, take pics, visit the Great Park Balloon, and tag us on social media. 

 

• I’ll be out of town on April 26th. How can I still support this great event? 
  You can still give back to the community via donations. Donations go directly to the Sunstone Community Fund, a charitable organization that supports startups and innovation. Click here to Donate (link). You can also register for our virtual 5K option!

Put Your Brand at the Center of Irvine’s Biggest Innovation Run

Sponsoring the 2026 Irvine Dream Run (5K + Unicorn-themed 3K) means more than supporting a great cause — it means high-visibility placement in front of Irvine’s most engaged community of families, professionals, founders, students, and civic leaders. Taking place at the Great Park on May 9, 2026, the event is projected to bring together 1,000+ runners and 2,500+ attendees for a high-energy day featuring a vendor expo, music, food trucks, games, and family fun.

Sponsor partners receive premium recognition across race shirts, signage, press releases, the event website, and on-site branding, plus powerful digital reach through 10,000+ social followers, 15,000+ newsletter subscribers, and 40,000+ startup ecosystem members. With tiered packages from Bronze to Title Sponsor—and customizable add-ons like giveaways, wellness activations, branded expo experiences, and sponsored content—this is your opportunity to stand out, be seen, and be associated with Irvine’s innovation-forward future.

Email jayro.sandoval@sunstoneinvestment.com for more information about how you can participate. 

Sponsorship Levels & Benefits

*Print deadline: Saturday, May 9, 2026

Craving post-run fun? We'll start our run at the Great Park Live next to the iconic Great Park Balloon, and when the race is done, we'll have some fun at The Layover, the Great Park's eatery, complete with food, drinks, bounce houses, and more.

Stay after the run to also enjoy the post-race expo and check out all our amazing sponsors and partners to blackout Booth Bingo for a chance at a surprise prize! 

3K Fun Run: Race T-Shirt

5K Fun Run/Walk: Race T-Shirt

5K Fun Run/Walk (Bundle Package): Race T-Shirt

3K Fun Run (Bundle Package): Race T-Shirt