❤️ The HEART RUN Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, & Kid’s Dash Saturday, February 14th, Valentine's DAY, 2026
Celebrate Valentine’s Day in a healthy, heart-filled way! Whether you're running for a personal best, walking with a sweetheart, or bringing the whole family, this is Southern California’s premier February race. Enjoy a flat, fast course at beautiful Bolsa Chica State Beach and stay for the festival!
🏃♀️ Packet Pick-Up Options
Skip the lines on race morning and grab your gear early!
Option 1: Pre-Race Packet Pick-Up (Optional)
- Date: Thursday, February 12
Time: 3:30PM – 6:30PM
Location: Road Runner Sports in Newport Beach
Address: 1835 Newport Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Option 2: Race Day Pick-Up
- If you can't make it Thursday, don't worry! You can pick up your bib and shirt on race morning starting at 6:30 AM in LOT 25. (State Park gates open at 6:00 AM).
🚗 High Traffic Alert & Parking Info
Please Plan Ahead: The State Park entrance gate no longer accepts cash. Have a credit card handy, or quickly waive a parking pass. We are working to get them to provide hourly parking and NO GATE FEE for races, but that is not in the works for approval until possibly 2027.
- Arrive Early: We kindly ask that you plan to arrive early to ensure you are parked and ready.
- Carpooling: We highly encourage carpooling! It saves you money and helps everyone get into the park faster.
- Entrance Fee: The State Park charges $15 per car. Please have a credit card or your State Parking Pass ready to keep the line moving.
- Free Parking Option: Free LIMITED parking is available in Sunset Beach for those willing to arrive extra early and walk into the park. (No car entrance at the far corner of Lot 25; use the Main Gate in the mid-section).
📅 Race Day Schedule (Saturday, Feb 14)
6:30 AM: Race Day Check-In Begins (Lot 25)
7:00 AM – 11:00 AM: February Festival Expo & Valentine Card Station
8:00 AM: Half Marathon Start
8:15 AM: Kid’s Dash (Tot Trot & Youth)
8:30 AM: 5K & 10K Mass Start
9:10 AM: 5K Overall & Division Awards
9:30 AM: 10K Awards Ceremony
9:45 AM: Half Marathon Awards Ceremony
🎁 Caren Ware Event's have SO CAL's BEST BLING! Participant Swag
for The Heart Run includes:
- Custom Apparel: A high-quality 5K/10K race shirt or a premium Long-Sleeve "Finisher" Hoodie (exclusive to Half Marathon participants).
- The Medal: BEST DESIGNED and HUGE Custom finisher medal with a distance-specific neck ribbon.
- Access to our "Full of Heart" section, including a complimentary DIY Valentine’s card-making station, free POPCORN, a scrumptious food court, and a chance to decorate your own heart cookie. Bring some spare cash.
🍪 February Festival Expo & Treats
Fuel up and have fun! Add a $6 Food Voucher to your registration to use at any booth, including:
- Galletina’s Specialty Cookies: Delicious heart-themed treats.
- Tacos & Tamales: Authentic post-race fuel.
- Fresh Fruit & Whole Coconuts: A refreshing tropical recovery.
- Specialty Coffee: To kickstart your morning.
- New for 2026: Visit our "Decorate Your Own Cookie" experience booth!
- AWARDS:
There are “In It To Win It” age categories 3 deep with 5-year age spans:
1-10, 11-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39 40-44, 45-49, 50-54,55-59 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79 and 80-84, 85 & plus.
📍 Essential Logistics
Location: Bolsa Chica State Beach, LOT 25 (Corner of Warner & PCH).
Parking: Entry is via the Main State Park Gate only (mid-section of the beach). Parking is $15 (Credit Card or State Pass required).
Pro Tip:
- Free LIMITED parking is available in Sunset Beach for those arrive early and willing to walk into the park.
- Finisher Medals: Collect your medal at the designated table under the finish arch (Left for Half, Middle for 10K, Right for 5K).
- Family & Pet Friendly: Strollers are welcome! Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash with responsible clean-up.
Run for a Cause: Proceeds support the Ware in the World Foundation, providing medical supplies and schooling in Nepal and supporting Miss Pam’s Ranch for troubled youth, working with local food banks. Each race reaches a special need Caren has RUN into , running around the world and into things to support locally.