Winter Whirl – 5K, 10K, Half Marathon
- Date
- December 19, 2026
- Distance
- 5k · 10K · Half Marathon
From the Organizer
Bundle up… or don’t! It's California! Winter Whirl is spinning into Long Beach where the only flurries are the kind that come from the waves. While the rest of the world is shivering, we’re keeping it cool with sunny miles, festive fun, and just a hint of pretend winter magic. Whether you’re chasing a shiny new PR or just cruising the path with a smile, this run is all about coastal cheer with a wink at the season.
Race Details
Start Location: Mile Square Park, Parking lot D. Across the street from 11014 Lavender Ave, Fountain Valley, CA 92708.
Parking: $5.00 per car at Mile Square Park (Opens at 7am). Limited free street parking is available
Event Schedule
Friday
Early Bib Pickup at Sports Basement Orange County TBD
Saturday
7:30am – Bib pick-up opens at the start
8:00am – Half marathon
8:30am – 5k & 10k start
11:10am – Course closes (3 hours, 10 minutes for the Half)
Out and Back Course
5k & 10k: this 5k route is used for the 5k (one loops), 10k (two loops) – route here
Half Marathon: this route is used for the half marathon, it's similar to the 5k route but there is an additional out and back – route here
More About the Course
This is a looped course, meaning you will begin and finish in the same location. Our courses are not closed, which means that there are often runners, walkers, and others enjoying the day along with you. Safety is must and all runners must be courteous and share the path.
On-course support: Courses are well marked with two water stations and restrooms along the way. Turns will be clearly marked with chalk, a sign that says runner turn, and a flag.
Final Details
Bib: Please wear your race bib on the front of your shirt so we can track your time and send your pics!
Gear Check: You may leave personal items with staff at the registration tent. Please bring your own bag.
Medals: All runners receive a finishing medal. 1st place medals are given to the overall 1st male and female in each distance.
Results & Photos: An email with race results and photos will be sent the day after the race. Race photos are free!
Join Us Again: Did you have a blast running with us at our low-pressure, high vibes race? We have themed races throughout the year in Long Beach, the San Fernando Valley, San Diego, and Orange County. Register for multiple races at a time to earn a discount. Check our full schedule
Have Another Question? Check our FAQ page, it's probably answered there!
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
66°
Typical Low
48°
Chance of Rain
22%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Santa Ana John Wayne Ap, 5 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Fountain Valley, CA
Population
56,358
as of 2023
Elevation
35 ft
Nearest Airport
SNA
John Wayne Orange County International Airport · 5 mi
Time Zone
Pacific Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Winter Whirl – 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
194
Days to train
- Race
- Winter Whirl – 5K, 10K, Half Marathon
- Date
- December 19, 2026
Coming Up
More Running races near Fountain Valley, CA
SURF CITY RUN
4 miles away
Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk - Huntington Beach, CA
5K
4 miles away
Hyundai Hope On Wheels 5K and Color Fun Run
5K
Less than a mile away
SoCal's Tiki Beach 5K & 10K Run/Walk
10K · 5K
4 miles away
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
The half marathon is the distance where you find out what you're actually made of. Long enough to demand real preparation. Short enough that it doesn't consume your life to train for it. Most people who run their first half describe it as the race that changed their relationship with what they're capable of. Once you cross this finish line, the bar moves. That's not a warning — that's the point.
Race day energy varies by event size, but the finish line feeling is the same regardless. Big races keep the noise going the whole way. Smaller races give you stretches where it's just you and the miles — and that solitude becomes its own kind of fuel.
The half marathon rewards people who show up for the boring training miles.
How long to train: 10–14 weeks. If you're already running consistently, 10 weeks of structured buildup is enough. If you're building from a casual base, give yourself 14.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Winter Whirl – 5K, 10K, Half Marathon?
- Winter Whirl – 5K, 10K, Half Marathon is a running race held in Fountain Valley, California on December 19, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the Winter Whirl – 5K, 10K, Half Marathon?
- Saturday, December 19, 2026 in Fountain Valley, California at 16801 Euclid St, Fountain Valley, CA. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Winter Whirl – 5K, 10K, Half Marathon?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Winter Whirl – 5K, 10K, Half Marathon
Dec 19, 2026