USA TODAY 10Best
10 best 5K races across the nation in 2023
Best 5K Race (2023)
The mighty 5K is by far the most popular race in the U.S., with around 9 million registrants annually. USA TODAY 10Best editors and a panel of running enthusiasts compiled a list of their top 20 5K races, then we asked readers to vote for the best – and the results are in. Here are the 10 best 5K races in the United States for 2023.
Photo courtesy of Demere Lyndell
No. 10: The 5K - Big Sur International Marathon - Big Sur, California
The Big Sur International Marathon features a 5K out and back course on Highway 1 to Rio Road. Participants enjoy breathtaking views of Monastery Beach from this iconic coastal road while avoiding the most challenging hills that characterize the marathon.
Photo courtesy of FatCamera // Getty Images
No. 9: RunSedona 5K - Sedona, Arizona
Participants in the RunSedona 5K travel through the magical formations of Red Rocks and down the scenic streets of beautiful Sedona. While designed to showcase the breathtaking natural beauty and unique architecture of the area, the course is made challenging by both the altitude and the hills.
Photo courtesy of WoodysPhotos // Getty Photos
No. 8: Abbott Dash to the Finish Line - New York City, New York
The perfect way to take part in the fun and festivities of the New York City Marathon weekend – without running 26.2 miles – is to run in the Abbott Dash to the Finish Line. The day before the marathon, this 5K road race has participants dashing through the streets of midtown Manhattan and ending at the famous marathon finish line in Central Park.
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Photo courtesy of FatCamera // Getty Images
No. 7: Disney Princess 5K presented by CORKCICLE - Walt Disney World Resort - Orlando, Florida
Experience the magic of Disney Princesses during this inspiring race weekend that celebrates their heroic spirit, as well as courage and kindness. Dress in your most regal attire, including tutus and tiaras, and prepare to honor those who positively impact others. With a fairy tale finish, the whole family can enjoy this delightful 5K run through Walt Disney World Resort, complete with character sightings and entertainment.
Photo courtesy of FatCamera // Getty Images
No. 6: A Christmas Story Run - Cleveland, Ohio
This hysterically funny 5K run starts in downtown Cleveland and ends at the famous house featured in the movie, "A Christmas Story." Hundreds participate in the race and many dress up like their favorite characters from the movie – even a few wearing leg lamp costumes!
Photo courtesy of skynesher // Getty Images
No. 5: Jeannie Rivard Memorial 5K - Williamson, West Virginia
The Jeannie Rivard Memorial 5K takes place in Hatfield and McCoy country and features a down and back course starting in downtown Williamson. The course is known for being very flat and fast, perfect for runners looking to set a new personal record.
Photo courtesy of skynesher // Getty Images
No. 4: William A. Irvin 5K - Duluth, Minnesota
The William A. Irvin 5K in Duluth is the popular kickoff event to Grandma's Marathon weekend that also features a marathon and half marathon. Accessible to people of all ages and abilities, the scenic course takes participants through historic Canal Park and along the beautiful shore of Lake Superior.
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Photo courtesy of Heartland Racing Co.
No. 3: Running From Yeti 5K - Springfield, Missouri
From high in the Himalayan mountains comes Freddie the Yeti to Springfield, Missouri. With a great personality and fuzzy fur, Freddie likes to playfully chase after his 5K runner friends and loves taking pictures with participants. To keep participants warm in the cold February weather, the race swag includes hats, gloves and hoodies.
Photo courtesy of Photo Courtesy of Carlsbad 5000
No. 2: Carlsbad 5000 - Carlsbad, California
The Carlsbad 5000 is an iconic race that has runners traversing along the California coastline with stunning views of the Pacific. Known as the "World's Fastest 5K," due to the world record times that have been recorded here, this flat, fast course attracts runners of all ages and abilities.
Photo courtesy of Credit Union Cherry Blossom
No. 1: Credit Union Cherry Blossom 5K - Washington, D.C.
The Credit Union Cherry Blossom races are dubbed “The Runner’s Rite of Spring” in Washington, D.C. The Saturday 5K starts at Freedom Plaza and follows the Presidential Inauguration route down Pennsylvania Avenue, crossing the National Mall by the Capitol Building and returning the same way. Expert Katie McElveen comments, "A gorgeous setting made even prettier by (if you're lucky) clouds of blooming cherry blossoms."
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Ava Roxanne Stritt
Ava Roxanne Stritt has been called the most... Read More
Ava Roxanne Stritt has been called the most influential person in the world for spa travel and also a top authority on luxury and wellness travel. Her fans say she is responsible for turning the spa day into a wellness adventure! You can find her always searching for unique experiences. Ava writes for multiple print and online publications such as Spa Travel Gal and many more. You can also find her here @SpaTravelGal
Ava Roxanne Stritt
Ava Roxanne Stritt has been called the most influential person in the world for spa travel and also a top authority on luxury and wellness travel. Her fans say she is responsible for turning the spa day into a wellness adventure! You can find her always searching for unique experiences. Ava writes for multiple print and online publications such as Spa Travel Gal and many more. You can also find her here @SpaTravelGal
Katie McElveen
Travel and lifestyle writer Katie McElveen... Read More
Travel and lifestyle writer Katie McElveen discovered the joy of wandering when, as a teenager, she made a wrong turn in rural South Carolina on the way to a family vacation and ended up taking back roads all the way to the beach. Since then, she hasn’t stopped exploring, although now she always travels with a map and more than $3.00 in cash. In addition to Columbia Living, Katie has shared her discoveries in magazines such as Real Simple, USA TODAY, Destination Weddings & Honeymoons, Islands, Global Traveler, Charleston Living, Wilmington Magazine and AAA Go.
Katie McElveen
Travel and lifestyle writer Katie McElveen discovered the joy of wandering when, as a teenager, she made a wrong turn in rural South Carolina on the way to a family vacation and ended up taking back roads all the way to the beach. Since then, she hasn’t stopped exploring, although now she always travels with a map and more than $3.00 in cash. In addition to Columbia Living, Katie has shared her discoveries in magazines such as Real Simple, USA TODAY, Destination Weddings & Honeymoons, Islands, Global Traveler, Charleston Living, Wilmington Magazine and AAA Go.
Liana Lozada
Liana Lozada is a Miami-based multidisciplinary... Read More
Liana Lozada is a Miami-based multidisciplinary storyteller, writer, host, and digital strategist specializing in profiles, essays, lifestyle, travel, and wellness. Learn more about her at lianalozada.com.
Liana Lozada
Liana Lozada is a Miami-based multidisciplinary storyteller, writer, host, and digital strategist specializing in profiles, essays, lifestyle, travel, and wellness. Learn more about her at lianalozada.com.
Scott Hoffman
Scott Hoffman likes to run, ski, cycle, and do... Read More
Scott Hoffman likes to run, ski, cycle, and do anything outdoors in his hometown of Denver, Colorado – no matter the season. When indoors, he produces the weekly podcast "The Bro Pod with Scott and Todd." Scott used to be a crusher in the local 5K road race scene, but he's slowed with age and now just runs to stay fit. Don't challenge him to a drum-off, though; he will win.
Scott Hoffman
Scott Hoffman likes to run, ski, cycle, and do anything outdoors in his hometown of Denver, Colorado – no matter the season. When indoors, he produces the weekly podcast "The Bro Pod with Scott and Todd." Scott used to be a crusher in the local 5K road race scene, but he's slowed with age and now just runs to stay fit. Don't challenge him to a drum-off, though; he will win.
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production... Read More
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of Her Bags Were Packed where she focuses on helping women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,... Read More
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.