Rose Bowl Half Marathon and 5K

View on map
Sports & AdventurePasadena
DatesDates TBA · Usually JanuaryCheck locally before booking
Duration1 dayListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forCompetition, enduranceFew road races end where this one does
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategorySports & AdventureFestival type
The story

Rose Bowl Half Marathon and 5K in Pasadena

The Rose Bowl Half Marathon and 5K sends runners through Pasadena's tree-lined neighborhoods, past the Colorado Street Bridge, and across the Caltech campus before finishing on the 50-yard line inside the Rose Bowl. Produced by the McCourt Foundation and held each January, the race pairs a scenic road course with a stadium finish rarely offered by American road races.

Its landmark venue and New Year season tie it to Pasadena's broader festival calendar.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

Few road races end where this one does: crossing the finish line on the actual playing field of the Rose Bowl, a stadium better known for hosting the Rose Bowl Game and UCLA football

02

The mystery stays covered

The course threads through Old Town Pasadena and historic residential streets before the final miles loop through Brookside Golf Course, building toward a Colorado Street Bridge view of the stadium below

03

The city starts moving

Produced by the McCourt Foundation, a nonprofit built around medical research and community health programs, the event has grown steadily since its debut and marked its tenth running in January 2026, adding a Kids Run alongside the half marathon and 5K distances

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

The race extends Pasadena's civic identity as a running and parade city

Water and renewal

Living ritual

giving everyday runners the same Rose Bowl-field finish line moment that Rose Bowl Game teams and Rose Parade participants experience

The sacred route

Living ritual

while proceeds support the McCourt Foundation's community health and cancer research programs

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually January

Getting around

Driving or Metro to Pasadena helps.

What to wear

Layered running gear works best: January mornings in Pasadena are cool and often overcast at the start, warming as the sun rises. Moisture-wicking layers, gloves, and a throwaway jacket for...

Safety

Keep valuables light, follow local instructions, and watch how residents use the space before joining in.

Where to stay

Pasadena

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map34.16 N, 118.17 WOpen in Google Maps

Pasadena, CA

TransportDriving or Metro to Pasadena helps.
Stay areaPasadena

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Pasadena via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Pasadena, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for January.Compare faresFestival gearLayered running gear works best: January mornings in Pasadena are cool and often overcast at the start, warming as the sun rises. Moisture-wicking layers, gloves, and a throwaway jacket for the start corral are common; shorts and a singlet suit the finish.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

We may earn a small commission from trusted travel partners at no extra cost to you.

FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Rose Bowl Half Marathon and 5K?

Rose Bowl Half Marathon and 5K is listed for Past edition: 18 January 2026. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Rose Bowl Half Marathon and 5K take place?

The festival is listed in Pasadena, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

One day is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Needs editorial review. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Pasadena, CA

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLAwaiting confirmation
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually January
Source statusNeeds editorial review
Related festivals

Continue the route.

Photo pending

Argungu Fishing Festival

Past edition: 11–14 February 2026

Argungu, Nigeria
Photo pending

Bay to Breakers

Past edition: 17 May 2026

San Francisco, United States
Photo pending

Daytona 500

Past edition: 15 February 2026

Daytona Beach, United States
Photo pending

Daytona Bike Week

Past edition: 27 February–8 March 2026

Daytona Beach, United States

Spotted something out of date? Submit a correction →