Palisades Will Rogers 5K Run
When is Palisades Will Rogers 5K Run?
Palisades Will Rogers 5K Run takes place on Saturday, July 4, 2026 in TBD, CA.
What distances does Palisades Will Rogers 5K Run offer?
Palisades Will Rogers 5K Run offers 3 events: 5K Run/Walk, Dick Lemen Run - High School Competition 5K, Kids Fun Run.
| Event | Distance | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5K Run/Walk | 3.1 mi | $35.00 | Register |
| Dick Lemen Run - High School Competition 5K | 3.1 mi | $50.00 | Register |
| Kids Fun Run | — | $25.00 | Register |
How much does Palisades Will Rogers 5K Run cost?
Registration for Palisades Will Rogers 5K Run starts at $25.00. Prices vary by event distance.
Where is Palisades Will Rogers 5K Run held?
Palisades Will Rogers 5K Run is held in TBD, CA at TBD.
About Palisades Will Rogers 5K Run
For 47 years, the Palisades Will Rogers 5 & 10K Run and Kids’ Fun Run has been a centerpiece of the Palisades’ 4th of July celebration. The Palisades Will Rogers 5&10K Run Foundation and it’s Presenting Sponsor, Providence Saint John’s Health Center, is doing everything they can to support the recovery effort in the aftermath of the unprecedented fire. Although the fire destruction and residues have made it unfeasible to hold the event at our traditional location, we are holding a 5K Run and Kids’ Fun Run at Venice Beach this year. We look forward to neighbors and friends joining us to celebrate all that makes the Palisades such a special community, and enjoy a healthful start to the 4th of July in a safe environment.
Race proceeds this year will go toward rebuilding the Pacific Palisades Park & Community Center, as the Palisades centerpiece for neighbors of all ages to gather and recreate together. The Palisades Will Rogers 5&10K Run Foundation is also accepting direct donations toward that effort. Donations may be made through the Foundation’s website at RunSignUp.com, or by mail to Palisades Will Rogers 5&10K Run Foundation, P.O. Box 601, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272.
Sign up now…See you on the 4th of July!
Race Committee
PRESS RELEASE
The Palisades-Will Rogers 5 & 10 K Run Foundation contributed $40,000 annual net proceeds generated by the 2023 July 4th Run. PWR contributions support various local charitable, educational and community benefit programs. The PWR Foundation partners with the Palisades Optimist Foundation and the Optimist Club of Pacific Palisades to select qualified organizations to receive grants from the Race net proceeds.
2024 Grant Recipients
The grants are awarded annually based on various criteria including the impact on youth in Pacific Palisades, the number of youths impacted by the program, the effectiveness of the program and the likely longevity of the program.
AWARDS
Awards for the 5K & 10K give commemorative medals to first, second and third place finishers in 36 divisions (18 male and 18 female) in each race. Kids' Fun Run is non-competitive and doesn't have age divisions with each participant receiving a ribbon.
5K &10K Age divisions are as follows:
Ages 1-9
Ages 10-12
Ages 13-15
Ages 16-18
Ages 19-29
Ages 30-34
Ages 35-39
Ages 40-44
Ages 45-49
Ages 50-54
Ages 55-59
Ages 60-64
Ages 65-69
Ages 70-74
Ages 75-79
Ages 80-84
Ages 85-89
Ages 90-120
Dick Lemon High School Competition
Have a high school team interested in a little 5K competition? Make sure they register for the Dick Lemon Run. This registration choice is specifically for high school students wishing to compete as a team for the annual Lemen Runner Award. This is a team competition. To qualify for the Lemen Runner Award you must have a minimum of 3 runners between the ages of 14-18. Results will be based on the 3 fastest finishers per team.
EVENT DAY SCHEDULE
Event Schedule
5:30AM Registration/Packet pick up Opens
6:45AM Opening Ceremonies
7:00AM 5K start
8:30AM ½ mile Kids Run
FAQ's
- When: Friday, July 4, 2025
- Where: Windward Plaza 1 Windward Ave, Venice, CA 90291
- Time: Day of race registration begins at 5:30 a.m. and ends at 7:00 a.m. 5K start at 7:00 a.m., Kid's Run at: 8:30 a.m.
- 5K Course is will start and finish at Windward Plaza located by the Venice Beach Recreation Center.
- There will not be a 10K Course this year.
- Kids Run is flat 1/2 mile course, starting and finishing at the Recreation Center.
Q: My 5 year old is interested in the Kids' Fun Run is that something that I can do with him/her? Can I jog/walk along side him/her?
A: Yes, and you do not need to register yourself for the Kids' Fun Run - just your child.
Q: Are dogs allowed?
A: Yes, however you are required to start at the back of the pack for safety.
Q: Are strollers allowed for the 5k run/walk?
A: Yes, however you are required to start at the back of the pack for safety.
Q: Is this race USATF certified?
A: No
Q: Does this race give a medal at the finish?
A: No, Medals are awarded to the 3 top finishers in each age group . They can be picked up once the results are final following the race.
Q: Is it possible to register early but pick up my packet the day of the race?
A: Yes, you can register anytime for pick-up on race day.
Q: I am signing up my 3 year old to run in the Kids Fun Run on the 4th. Obviously he needs supervision, but I am unclear if I sign myself up as well for the run, or just accompany him?
A: You do not need to register yourself - only your child for the Kids Fun run. If you want to run the 5k or 10k then you would register yourself for that race.
Q: Do you have an option for team registration? We have a running group that would like to compete as a team.
A: No we do not currently have an option for team registration.
Q: Just wondering if people walk the 5K? I was a runner, but have developed sciatica problems and my doctor doesn’t want me to run.
A: Yes, lots of people walk it!
Q: Is there a different start time if I want to walk the 5K course versus run?
A: No - it's the same start time however we recommend starting toward the back of the pack to avoid conflicts with the runners. Your chip does not start timing until you cross the start/finish line, so your time is not affected by your start position.
Q: Where should we park?
A: All parking lots are paid as noted on posted signage. Payment is the responsibility of the participant. Otherwise it is first come first serve street parking. Please check parking lot hours for open times before coming.
Recommended Guest Parking lot:
Lot 731 at 200 North Venice, east of the bridge
Cars must be parked by 6AM to avoid Road Closures.
Washington Pier Lot after 6AM
Must access from Speedway coming from Washington Blvd.
Q: I am driving in, what roads will be closed?
A: All roads will be closed promptly at 0600.
Street Close Time Open Time
Ocean Front Walk – Wave Crest to N. Venice Blvd. 0600 1000
Wavecrest Ave. – Ocean Front Walk to Pacific 0600 1030
Pacific Ave. – Wavecrest Ave. to N. Venice Blvd 0600 1000
N. Venice Blvd. – Pacific Ave. to Abbot Kinney Blvd 0600 0930
Abbott Kinney Blvd – N. Venice Blvd. to W. Washington Blvd. 0400 0930
All runners will be off the roads by 10:00 am and roads will be in the process of reopening.
HISTORY
The Palisades Will Rogers race was started in 1977 with the first run in 1978 to augment the various July 4th activities celebrated in Pacific Palisades, ie., the race in the morning, the parade in the afternoon and the fireworks in the evening. The race is one of the more popular and well recognized 10ks in California and the country. It has been written up in various magazines, for example Runners World, as a race not to be missed. Over the years the race has consistently attracted from 2,800 to 3,000 runners, some from out of state as well as many local Palisadians, ranging in age from young children to over 80 years old. Net proceeds go to support Optimist Club youth charities.
Click here to watch the 40th Anniversary: Will Rogers Race Founders video from Pali Pictures on Vimeo
To see some great pre-race footage from 2013 - CLICK HERE and enjoy Tim Greenwood and Thomas Hathaway host the hour that brings the excitement for the 36th Will Rogers State Park run event to a fever pitch with their pre-run show!
From the archives!
Lee Calvert Wins the Inaugural Wishnick Award - July 2019: Volunteering on the fourth starts early. It is 4:30 a.m. on July 4th. Teeth are brushed, hair is combed, makeup applied and a change of clothing packed. It is the start of the day for volunteer Lee Calvert, who has been given the first Arnie Wishnick Award.
Hathaways Volunteer Vital Service to Keep - June 30, 2019: 5/10K Will Rogers Run Local By Laurel Busby Contributing Writer - Running on the Fourth of July has been a tradition since 1978, and Thomas and Dalena Hathaway have become a central part of that tradition.
PARKING AND ROAD CLOSURES
Parking
All parking lots are paid as noted on posted signage. Payment is the responsibility of the participant. Otherwise it is first come first serve street parking. Please check parking lot hours for open times before coming.
Recommended Guest Parking lot:
Lot 731 at 200 North Venice, east of the bridge.
Cars must be parked by 6AM to avoid Road Closures.
Washington Pier Lot after 6AM
Must access from Speedway coming from Washington Blvd.
Road Closures
Course roads will be closing promptly at 6AM. Please plan your travel accordingly
Street Close Time Open Time
Ocean Front Walk – Wave Crest to N. Venice Blvd. 0600 1000
Wavecrest Ave. – Ocean Front Walk to Pacific 0600 1030
Pacific Ave. – Wavecrest Ave. to N. Venice Blvd 0600 1000
N. Venice Blvd. – Pacific Ave. to Abbot Kinney Blvd 0600 0930
Abbott Kinney Blvd – N. Venice Blvd. to W. Washington Blvd. 0600 0930
All runners will be off the roads by 10:00 am and roads will be in the process of reopening.
RESULTS
VETERAN REGISTRATION
As a veteran, we we thank you for your service and would love for you to participate with us. To register, please email us at info@spectrumsports.net to submit the proper information and receive your free registration code.
PACKET PICK UP
Friday, July 4th ONLY- Starting at 5:30 am
Location:
Winward Plaza
1 Windward Ave, Venice, CA 90291