Registration for the 2026 5K & Kids Fun Run is Open!
WHEN:
May 23, 2026
7:30AM - same-day registration
8:00AM - plan to arrive before the roads close
8:20AM - warm up
8:30AM - roads close, and we will start when we receive the all-clear
After the road closes: Kids Fun Run
After the Kids Fun Run: 5K will begin immediately after the Kids Fun Run
WHERE:
Start and finish near the Community Center at Valley Center Road and Lilac Road. The roads close at 8:30 for the parade, so give yourself plenty of time to arrive and park well before 8:30!
ROUTE:
The route is an out-and-back along the entire parade route between the Community Center and School Bus Lane (on Cole Grade). There is a one-hour cut-off time for race participants. There is one water/Gatorade station near the intersection of Valley Center Road and Indian Creek Road. Participants pass the drink station on the way out and again on the way back.
REGISTRATION:
Register by May 1, 2026 to ensure you receive your preferred t-shirt size. For non-members of VCTA (and also past members who have yet to renew for 2026), the registration fee will include membership to VCTA for the remainder of 2026. Current VCTA members get discounted rate.
Registration includes:
• Race entry
• Race bib
• Event t-shirt
• Water/snacks at event
REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
Link to Registration Form: Please complete form online.
After you register, you will be directed to PayPal. The link can also be found Here.
REGISTRATION FEES:
• EARLY BIRD PRICING! Now until March 31, 2026:
$25 for members (13 and up on race day)
$30 for nonmembers (13 and up on race day)
$15 for children ages 12 and under on race day
• REGULAR PRICING: April 1, 2026 until May 20, 2026
$30 for members (13 and up on race day)
$35 for nonmembers (13 and up on race day)
$20 for children ages 12 and under on race day
• LAST CHANCE PRICING: May 21, 2026 until the start of the event May 23, 2026
$40 for all entrants 13 and up on race day (members and non-members)
$25 for children ages 12 and under on race day
PARADE:
Return to the parade staging area on Cole Grade after the 5k event so you can walk in VCTA’s parade entry! You can walk or take a shuttle. There is also plenty of space along Heritage Trail between Lilac and Cole Grade for folks wishing to watch the parade after the 5k event.
PACKET PICKUP:
We will have packets (bibs, event t-shirts, etc.) available for pick-up:
• May 22, 2026: 5:30PM - 6:30PM (Location TBD)
• May 23, 2026: 7:30AM - 8:20AM (at the start line for the 5K)
If you are not attending the event in person, please reach out so we can arrange to get your packet to you!
Waivers
Each event participant gets to sign not just one but TWO event waivers. Both are provided at the packet pickup and online prior to the event. You may print them and bring them to the event, and we'll also have plenty of copies available on site. Participants under 18 will need a parent/guardian to sign. Please reach out if you have any questions.
See the links below to print both waivers. Thank you!
County of San Diego Athlete Waiver
Valley Center Trails 5K Waiver
What to Expect May 23
Parking will be available near the Western Days Festival. We will be present with packets for pick up, waivers, and any day-of registrations. The roads close for the parade at 8:30, at which point we'll do a warm up and then begin our event! We will let the Kids Fun Run take off first, so the rest of us can cheer them on. Shortly after, the 5k will begin. The 5K route takes us up Valley Center Road to Cole Grade, with a turn around at School Bus Lane. We have an hour to complete the event, and so if you haven't made it to the turnaround point after a half hour, then you can either turn around wherever you are to get back to the finish or you can stop any time and sit and watch the parade. Someone will be out on the 5k route to remind you of your options when the time comes!
FAQs
Q: Can I participate virtually? (Translation: Can I register for the 5k just for the swag, even if I don't attend the 5k?)
A: Yes! Even if you're out of town on May 23 or already working your tail off at Western Days, you can still sign up and get the 5k benefits!! Your membership will be renewed, AND you get a cool shirt. What better way to represent Valley Center and VC Trails than sporting a cool t-shirt out on the trails? If you can't attend the scheduled pick-ups for the shirts on May 22 or 23, just reach out to arrange pick up, delivery, or mail. I'll get you your stuff, don't worry. I want us to match on our next hike together.
Q: How long do I have to register?
A: You can register all the way until the morning of the event. We won't turn you away! However, if you want to guarantee that you'll receive your shirt at the event, register by May 1. (We do appreciate early registrations!)
Q: I want to register but simply can't afford it...can I just come to run/walk?
A: Please do not let cost keep you from this event!! We have sponsors willing to support our community so it's an all-inclusive event. Email Hannah at infovcta@gmail.com.