Participating in a running or walking event with your kids can be a great way to get exercise and raise money for charities. Older kids can often handle a 5K run or walk, while there are plenty of kids’ runs that cater to children as young as 1 or 2. Check out these runs that are open to kids. For more running events, go to runningintheusa.com.
February
Campbell Valentine Fun Run – Feb. 10. Campbell’s annual Valentine Fun Run/Walk features a 5K, 10K and Kids’ Dash. 9am.
Campbell Park, Campbell and Gilman avenues, downtown Campbell
campbellca.gov/270/Valentine-Fun-Run
March
Oakland Marathon – March 15-17. While this marathon is for a lot of serious runners, there’s also a kids’ fun run for ages 12 and under on March 16. It will include quarter mile, half mile and mile races for children. The event will also include a family festival. Kids’ races begin at 12pm.
Snow Park, Harrison and 19th streets, Oakland
Antioch Rotary Club Bunny Hop 5K – March 30. This annual 5K walk, run and hop also includes a free “Bunny Hop Kids’ Kwik Dash” open to ages 1-5. 5K run/walk/hop is $35. The 5K starts at 9am and the kids’ dash starts at 10:30am.
Antioch Marina, 5 Marina Plaza
April
Alameda Hospital Foundation 5K and 10K Run and Walk – April 21. It includes a half-mile kids’ run as well as music and food. It starts at 8:30am. $20 kids’ run, $30 5K, $55 10K.
Ferry Terminal Bay Farm, 215 Adelphian Way, Alameda
My Heart Counts – April 21. This 5K and Kids’ Fun Run supports patient care, heart research and education programs provided by the Stanford Center for Inherited Cardiovascular Disease. The kids’ run includes two laps around the expo area. Starts at 8am.
Koret Plaza, Stanford
May
Shannon Rowbury’s Mother’s Day FUN/RUNch – May 12. Enjoy a healthy Mother’s Day celebration featuring a 5K run, kids’ races, festival and brunch. The festival will include carnival games, music and dancing, a photo booth and more. The event supports Imagining More Foundation’s running camps for underserved Bay Area youth. Starts at 7am. $15 festival only, $25 kids’ race and festival, $55 5K race and festival.
Crissy Field and the Presidio Sports Basement, 610 Old Mason St., San Francisco
June
Cinderella Trail Run – June 8. Dress up in your best Cinderella-themed costume and participate in this trail run through the Joaquin Miller and Redwood Regional parks, featuring a kids’ run for 6 and under, 8K, half marathon, 30K, marathon, and 50K. Check-in starts at 7am. $50-80, kids’ run is free.
Joaquin Miller Park, 3594 Sanborn Drive, Oakland
Stars and Strides Run – June 29. Benefiting Valley Health Foundation, it features a 5K, 10K and Kids’ Fun Run for ages 2 to 7. It also includes a post-race festival. 5K and 10K start at 8am. Kids’ Fun Run starts at 10am.
Discovery Meadow (in front of Children’s Discovery Museum San Jose, 180 Woz Way, San Jose
October
Rock ‘n’ Roll San Jose – Oct. 5-6. During this event, runners enjoy live bands, DJs, cheer squads and fans along the courses. In addition to a half marathon, 10K and 5K, it features a “Kids Rock” course.
Downtown San Jose
November
Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot – During the past 18 years, this event has raised more than $11 million for local charities. It includes a 5K, 10K and Kids Fun Run for ages 2 to 7. Date and details to be determined.
Downtown San Jose
San Francisco Turkey Trot – This Thanksgiving run and walk at Golden Gate Park can be enjoyed by all ages and levels. There’s a Kids’ Gobbler Chase, Pilgram Promenade and Turkey Trail Trot. Check website for details as it gets closer to the event.
Golden Gate Park