Inaugural Venice Beach Half Marathon this May

Imagine racing past Muscle Beach, the Venice Canals, and finishing your run under the iconic Venice Sign—all while raising funds for local schools. That’s exactly what’s happening on Sunday, May 18, as the Inaugural Venice Beach Half Marathon & 5K hits the streets of LA’s most eclectic neighborhood for the very first time. 

Produced by longtime Venetians and community advocates Brennan and Michelle Lindner of Generic Events, this new race offers more than just scenic ocean views and a great workout. Participants will enjoy live entertainment, surprise photo ops, a Grease-themed performance at Venice High (Rydell High!), a VIP beer garden at Belle’s Beach House, and an epic post-race festival in Windward Circle.

 Over 3,000 runners and walkers are expected to participate. No doubt the day’s energy will be pure Venice: vibrant, gritty, and creative. All participants will receive an event shirt, finisher medal, and bib.

 On Saturday, May 17, Blankspaces Venice will hold a pre-event packet pickup for people to beat the race day lines. Attendees will be treated to coffee and treats from Vale Coffee and complimentary ice baths and sauna treatments. Afterwards, merchants along the famous shopping street of Abbot Kinney are offering specials and discounts to runners who show their race bibs.

“In addition to sharing the Venice vibe with the running community, it’s important for us to give back,” says Michelle Lindner, Marketing Director. “Public schools are pillars in every community and are important to individuals whether or not they have a child attending a school. It’s our job to emphasize the importance of thriving public schools and create a space to fundraise for each school. We are excited to do just that. Having lived in Venice for twenty years, we are thrilled to create this opportunity for our community.”

Venice Beach Half Marathon & 5K takes place on Sunday, May 18 from 7:30am - 12 noon. It starts at 2600 Barnard Way at Pacific Ave and finishes under the historic Venice sign on Windward Avenue. The half marathon commences at 7:10am, 5K starts at 8:00am, 1-mile Junior Jog and Family Walk start at 8:30am.

Click here to register.