Patagonia 5K Championship

About Patagonia 5K

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. 

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

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.

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 JFK, loop around Blue Heron Lake, and back to Peacock Meadows! There is 135ft of elevation gained. See course map on Strava below.

5K Registration 

SUPER EARLY: Now through April 30th: $50.

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

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

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

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.

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 $135, and 3rd $50 via check. 

Clubs that aren't PA affiliated: $200 value TBD to the club with the most participation that is not affiliated with the USATF Pacific Association. 

This race will have $2900 in prize money for USATF PA athletes and clubs.