Patagonia 5K Championship

Join Patagonia San Francisco and Excelsior Running Club for our 2nd road 5k around Blue Heron Lake! The 5K is part of the Pacific Association-USA Track & Field (PA USAT&F) Road Short Course Grand Prix Series.  The rolling course runs through Golden Gate Park. The event is open to the entire running community and will include an elite field and prize money. Learn more about Excelsior Running Club!

The race welcomes runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. PAUSATF membership is required for prize money payouts. Be aware that headphone use during the race is not allowed for USATF athletes per competition rules. Officials will disqualify any USATF athletes wearing headphones from prizes or Grand Prix scoring. This rule does not apply to all other race participants but we do ask that everybody exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings if they choose to wear headphones during the race. 

Wondering what's different this go around? We'll have more established runner's lanes, a USATF certified course, individual mile splits, a bigger permit, and more prize money for non-binary athletes as well as clubs not affiliated with the USATF PA.

All entry fees are NON-REFUNDABLE and NON-TRANSFERABLE. 

Strollers MUST start at the back and be careful not to impede other participants.

Event details and schedule
WHEN: Sunday, July 13th 2025 @ 8:30am. 

WHERE: Start is on JFK @ Peacock Meadow Golden Gate Park

WHAT: 5k race timed by Ford Timing

Bathroom Access: Portable Bathrooms will be available in Peacock Meadows. There are 6 public restrooms within the area: at the tennis court near the start line (50 Bowling Green Dr), at the conservatory of flowers, at the carousel/playground (300 Bowling Green Dr), at the baseball fields (25-29 Nancy Pelosi Dr), at the Beer and Wine Garden (700 JFK Dr), and at Blue Heron Lake across from the Boat House.

The Course: Along JKF, loop around Blue Heron Lake, and back to Peacock Meadows! There is 135ft of elevation gained. 

5K Registration 

SUPER SUPER EARLY: December 1st through January 31st: $45.

SUPER EARLY: February 1st through April 30th: $50.

EARLY: May 1st through May 31st: $55.

REGULAR: June 1st through July 12th: $60.

Packet Pick-Up

@ Patagonia San Francisco, 770 N Point St, from July 10th through July 12th from 10am-7pm. All participants will be able to use their race bib for a one time 25% discount on any in-store transaction. Your bib will not be valid for online transactions or any other location besides Patagonia San Francisco. If you're unable to make it on July 10th, 11th, or 12th, then race morning pick up will be available.

Elite Entry

If you believe you'll qualify as an elite athlete, please message us with your personal records as well as race results.

Race Day Parking & Tent Set-Up

Street parking will be available along Nancy Pelosi Drive and Bowling Green Drive. If your club wants to set up a tent, please notify the race director, so we can include your tent set up in the permit process . It will not cost your club any additional fees.

Prize Money

Non-Binary Athletes: 1st, $250; 2nd $150, and 3rd $100 via check. 

Clubs that aren't PA affiliated: $500 will be awarded via check to the club with the most participation that is not affiliated with the USATF Pacific Association. 

This race will have $4,350 in prize money for USATF PA athletes and clubs.