Frequently Asked Questions

This unique 5K is designed to encourage friends and families of all ages to run! Children ages 6-12 sign up at a discounted price and anyone under 6 is free! Parents must sign minor waivers for all children under 6 years old not officially registered at the Registration table the morning of the event.

If you do not see the answer to your question here or have any issues getting signed up, please contact us by email at info@sdfair5k.com and we’ll be happy to help!

You must purchase a ticket to the Fair for spectator viewing. Your race packet will include a voucher for a $8 guest voucher.

Like most events of its kind, there are no refunds for this race and all purchases are final. Thank you for understanding. You may transfer your registration to another person.

If you can no longer attend, you can transfer your registration to somebody else that wishes to take your place for a $5 transfer fee. To transfer your registration, please contact us by email at info@sdfair5k.com and we’ll be happy to help!

Absolutely! Walkers are encouraged ​to line up after the runners. All ​participants must be at the Start Line by 8:00am. Late ​participants will not be allowed onto the course.

Race numbers and t-shirts will be given out at Packet Pickup, held ​from ​3pm​-7pm​ ​on ​Friday, June 1​4th​, at Road Runner Sports San Diego (5553 Copley Dr. San Diego, CA 92111). You can also pick-up on Event Day, ​June 1​5th​. A $5 Event Day Pick-up fee applies.

Yes, a ​participant can pick-up the packets for other ​participants. However, the person picking up for everyone will still need a copy of all of the participants photo IDs and their confirmation email to pick-up their packets. The photo ID must contain the name, photo, and date of birth, of the participant. You can have all of your team members, take a picture of their photo ID, and text it to you, rather than actually printing out a copy. We can verify the pictures electronically. Note: If there are any minors on the team, you will not be able to pick-up their packets, unless their parent or guardian has signed the waiver on their behalf. ​Photo IDs are not required for minors. ​Additionally, you will not be able to pick-up the packet of any participant that has not signed their waiver electronically.

Please plan on arriving at the Fairgrounds ​at 6:30am in order to park and get checked in with ease. ​Participants will start lining up at 7am. ​Traffic could be heavy that morning, so please leave extra time to arrive and carpool if possible.​ The race starts at 7:30am​. All​ participants must be at the Start Line by 8:00am. Late Runners will not be allowed onto the course.​

Parking directors will direct you when you enter the gates. Please follow their directions and keep the flow of traffic moving. This is a very large event with a lot of vehicles entering and exiting the event site. We encourage carpooling!

Just like when you attend the San Diego County Fair or the races, there is a separate fee for parking. The parking lot is managed separately and there is a cost per car CASH ONLY to park at the Del Mar Fairgrounds/Race Track complex. WE HIGHLY ENCOURAGE CARPOOLING to reduce your per-person cost (plus it’s good for the environment!)

YES! For many reasons: 1) it’s environmentally friendly,  2) it’s cost effective, and 3) this is a very large event with a lot of vehicles entering and exiting the event site. Parking staff will direct you when you enter the gates. Please follow their directions and keep the flow of traffic moving.

Yes – plenty, at the after party and San Diego County Fair! Please bring cash and your ID to enjoy the day’s numerous amounts of treats.

Bring: your ID, cash for yummy things, and a great attitude for tons of fun! Dress in costume!

DON’T bring: Pets are not allowed at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. BBQs, coolers, glass containers, skateboards and bikes are not allowed at the event (there are places to lock up bikes at the Main Gate to the Fairgrounds). There is no tailgating or overnight camping at the venue.

You must bring a photo identification and your confirmation email that includes your ‘ticket’ to pick up your race materials.

We will send you an email confirming your registration. As the race date approaches, we will contact you with more information.

Yes, we’ll have a complimentary bag check to keep your belongings safe while you’re on the course!

There is no professional timing or timing chips, but there will be clocks at the start and finish lines so you may personally time yourself.

Yes, however you will be placed toward the back of the pack and let onto the course right after runners so they may advance forward safely for everyone’s benefit.

Please email our Sponsorship Manager, Nicky Lithgow nlithgow@govavi.com

A 5K race is 3.1 miles. The race takes an average runner approximately 30 minutes to complete.

This event is proudly benefiting CAF, Challenged Athletes Foundation’s® Operation Rebound® program. This is the premier sports and fitness program for American military personnel, veterans and first responders with permanent physical disabilities. It provides unparalleled opportunities to pursue active, athletic lifestyles by offering access to funding for equipment, training, competition expenses, Military Medical Center Physical Training (MMCPT) and sports clinics. VAVi Sport and Social events have collectively donated over $250,000 for CAF over the past five years! Check out more on the program here!

Please email us at info@sdfair5k.com and someone will follow up with you. Thanks so much for your interest!

Not at all – however, many people dress in costumes at these events and it is recommended to make your experience even more fun and memorable!