Last Dash Before Midnight 5K, 10K, & Half Marathon

Last Dash Before Midnight 5K, 10K, & Half Marathon is run in Long Beach, California, on December 31, 2026. The half marathon (13.1 miles) starts at 7:00 a.m., with the 10K and the 5K following at 8:00. The courses run along the coast with ocean views and music on the way, and entry includes a commemorative finisher medal, free race photos, themed photo spots and refreshments afterward.

Finishing 13.1 miles before mid-morning on December 31 leaves the whole of New Year's Eve intact, which is much of the appeal. Coastal road running is flat and rhythmic, so the half works as a PR attempt for anyone who has been sharpening through the fall, and as a first half marathon after ten to twelve weeks with one weekly long run. If you would rather not spend the evening on heavy legs, the 5K gives you the same coastline for a fifth of the mileage.