FAQs
event title
Rose Bowl Half & 5K
Please note that FAQs are subject to updates as event details become finalized leading up to race day, so we recommend checking back closer to the event for the most current information.
EVENT
January 18, 2026
Half Marathon, 5K, and Kids Run
- Click here to see all courses
- All distances start just outside the Rose Bowl and finish on the 50-yard line on the Rose Bowl Field
- The Half Marathon goes on a 13.1 mile tour of picturesque Pasadena
- The 5K takes you around the Brookside Golf Course
- The Half Marathon and 5K both start at 7am
- The Kids Run starts at 10:45am
Just outside the world-famous Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California
On the 50-yard line of the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena California
The Rose Bowl Half Marathon has a time limit of 4 hours from when the last person crosses the Start Line
Yes, there is gear check race morning for all participants
Yes! We welcome friends and family to all aspects of the race. The Rose Bowl Stadium bleachers will open to spectators at 7:30am. Access to the stadium bleachers is available in sections 24 through 26, through the tunnels to the north of the Finish Festival. Spectators may access sections 2 through 4, but must enter through the tunnels at sections 24-26 for access.
Yes, there is Race Day VIP available for all participants which includes race day bib pickup, private tent with heaters and gear check, pre- and post-race food and more.
Conquer LA Challenge
Triple 5K Tour of LA challenge
- Yes, we have Age Group Awards for the top three women and men in the following categories: Age Group participants will compete in the following male and female age divisions:
15 & under (SRLA only), 16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80 and over - We also offer top three in non-binary
Yes! The Finish Festival is just under the Rose Bowl sign and the hours are 7am – 12pm.
REGISTRATION
- We have general registration for the kids run, 5K and Half Marathon distances.
- We also have Team TMF entry for the 5K and Half Marathon distances. This means your entry is free with a commitment to fundraising for the McCourt Foundation.
- All distances will close for online registration the Wednesday before the race or at sellout, whichever comes first. If the race does not sellout there will be registration available race weekend while supplies last.
- All distances sold out by early December in 2023, 2024, and 2025
You cannot complete both the Rose Bowl 5K and Half Marathon at the race. If you want to earn both Triple 5K Tour of LA and Conquer LA Challenge, you will need to purchase both bibs and only participate in the Half Marathon distance on event day. You will then complete the 5K at your own time. It is NOT virtual participation and we will NOT mail you your finisher medal. You will not receive a finisher time for the Rose Bowl 5K.
No, we do not offer refunds, deferrals, or transfer of registrations.
The McCourt Foundation and GovX are proud to offer exclusive discounts for current and former military, first responders and law enforcement for the Rose Bowl Half Marathon & 5K. To redeem your discount, please visit GovX by clicking here. Discount available while supplies last.
BIB PICK UP
All participants must pick up their own bib. Click here for more details on bib pickup.
Bib numbers will be assigned dynamically when you check it. We do not pre-set bib numbers.
No, all participants must pick up their own bibs.
No, we do not mail bibs.
All participants will pick up their t-shirt at bib pick up!
COURSE
- Yes!
- 5K participants will have an aid station with water and Electrolit just before the Mile 2 marker.
- Half Marathon participants will have hydration stations at or near the following mile markers: 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 11. Electrolit will be available at all half marathon aid stations except Mile 2. GU will be distributed at the Aid Stations near miles 4.5 and 7.5.
The 2025 Rose Bowl Half marathon will have the following GU flavors on course:
- Strawberry Kiwi (Caffeine free)
- Lemonade, Roctane, (Caffeine free)
- Cherry Lime, Roctane, (with 35mg of Caffeine)
- Chocolate Coconut, Roctane, (with 35mg of Caffeine)
Stay tuned for Electrolit Flavors.
Yes, there are portopotties at the start line, on course, and at the finish line.
Yes.
- Yes!
- Pace leaders will be available on race morning courtesy of the LA Road Runners. Find them in royal blue t-shirts that say, ‘PACE LEADER’ carrying flags which mark their projected finish time.
- Pace leaders will be available for each of the following projected finish times: 1:30, 1:40, 1:50, 2:00, 2:15, 2:30, 2:45 and 3:00
ROSE BOWL LOYAL
Rose Bowl Loyal is a loyalty program that recognizes the dedicated runners who participate in the Rose Bowl Half Marathon year after year. The program rewards runners who run more than one consecutive year and is open to anyone who meets enrollment deadlines.
Find all details on Rose Bowl Loyal here.
December 1 before the race or before sellout, whichever comes first.
You will receive your Rose Bowl Loyal pin when you pick up your bib at bib pickup.
No. Skipping a year will reset your eligibility for all tiers. The program requires you to run consecutive years.
CHALLENGE MEDALS
Challenge Medals are additional medals, beyond event finisher medals, earned for participating in specific combinations of races in specific orders.
At The McCourt Foundation have three Challenge Medals:
Conquer LA:
Santa Monica Classic 10K – September 7, 2025
Rose Bowl Half Marathon - January 18, 2026
ASICS Los Angeles Marathon - March 8, 2026
Triple 5K Tour of LA:
Santa Monica Classic 5K – September 7, 2025
Rose Bowl 5K - January 18, 2026
LA 5K - March 7, 2026
LA Double Play:
LA 5K - March 7, 2026
ASICS Los Angeles Marathon - March 8, 2026
We have three Challenge Medals:
Conquer LA:
Santa Monica Classic 10K – September 7, 2025
Rose Bowl Half Marathon - January 18, 2026
ASICS Los Angeles Marathon - March 8, 2026
Triple 5K Tour of LA:
Santa Monica Classic 5K – September 7, 2025
Rose Bowl 5K - January 18, 2026
LA 5K - March 7, 2026
LA Double Play:
LA 5K - March 7, 2026
ASICS Los Angeles Marathon - March 8, 2026
We have three Challenge Medals:
Conquer LA:
Santa Monica Classic 10K – September 7, 2025
Rose Bowl Half Marathon - January 18, 2026
ASICS Los Angeles Marathon - March 8, 2026
Triple 5K Tour of LA:
Santa Monica Classic 5K – September 7, 2025
Rose Bowl 5K - January 18, 2026
LA 5K - March 7, 2026
LA Double Play:
LA 5K - March 7, 2026
ASICS Los Angeles Marathon - March 8, 2026
You will pick up the Conquer LA challenge medal in the secure zone after you finish the 2026 Los Angeles Marathon.
You will pick up your Triple 5K Tour of LA challenge medal in the secure zone after you finish the 2026 LA 5K.
You will pick up the LA Double Play challenge medal in the secure zone after you finish the 2026 Los Angeles Marathon.
Be sure to register with the same name, email address, and birth date for all medals. You can check your registration status for any event by logging into your Active account at myevents.active.com. If you see all the events listed there you’re all set, if you are missing an event and believe you are registered for the missing event please email us at Solutions@mccourtfoundation.org
- You can earn both challenge medals with two important call outs.
- All new in 2024 you can and must complete both the Santa Monica Classic 5K and 10K in person, at the race. You will need to buy bibs for both distances AND participate in both distances.
- You cannot complete both the Rose Bowl 5K and Half Marathon at the race. You will need to purchase both bibs and only participate in the Half Marathon distance. You will then complete the 5K at your own time. It is NOT virtual participation and we will not mail you your finisher medal or record a 5K finish time. You will need to pick up your bib at bib pick up and pick up your finisher medal at the race.
RACE RULES
You must be 12 years old to participate in the half marathon. Anyone under the age of 18 must have parental or guardian consent.
Yes!
Yes!
No skates or bikes are allowed on the course.
Strollers will only be permitted in the 5K and the Kids Run and must start at the back of the corrals.
No dogs or other forms of pets may participate with their human at the Rose Bowl Half Marathon & 5K. It is against Rose Bowl policy to allow pets to enter the stadium gates.
Click here to read the full rules. These rules were updated on January 22, 2024
Rose Bowl Kids Run FAQ
It is recommended for kids ages 3 – 8
It is approximately 1/3 of a mile
It will start at the main event start line outside the Rose Bowl Field.
The Rose Bowl Rush is a point to point that finishes at the main finish line on the Rose Bowl Field
The Rose Bowl Rush starts at 10:30 AM with the first wave. Kids should start lining up at 10:00 AM for warm ups and announcements. IMPORTANT: Parents and family members who do not want to run with their kids can go to the finish line to cheer them in, but they MUST be escorted there. Our PARENT ESCORTS will leave at 10:10am from the Kids Run start line.
Children will be sent out in waves by age group - oldest in front, youngest in back – every 5 minutes. By sending the kids in groups by age, we make it a more safe and fun experience. Parents are encouraged to run with children 6 and under. Wave 1 is for children 7-8 years old. Wave 2 is for children 5-6 years old. Wave 3 is for children 4 and under
- If your child is in Wave 1 (7-8 years old) and is comfortable running without you, you can meet them at the finish line.
- After you bring your child in the start corral, look for the “Parent Escort” signs. The Parent Escort will leave exactly at 10:10am so you have enough time to walk the 1/3 mile course to the finish line. This is the most direct way to the finish line for spectators. Those who do not join the Parent Escort should plan to run with their child.
Once your child has crossed the finish line they will be directed into the Kids Reunion Corral next to the finish line. This is where spectating parents may reunite with their children.
Kids Run bib pick up will be on Friday and Saturday before the race or race morning at the Solutions tent.
This is a point to point course and sometimes kids and parents get separated. Take time before the Kids Run to discuss your plan – will you run with your child or meet them at the finish line? Write your cell number on the back of your child's bib. If you need help finding each other, come to the announcer’s stage or locate a staff person.