What is the Derby Day 5K?

The Santa Anita Derby Day 5K is a family-friendly running and walking event held at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, CA. Participants enjoy a scenic course through the Los Angeles Arboretum and a finish on the legendary horse track, plus kids’ races, post-race festivities, and admission to Derby Day horse racing.

When is the Derby Day 5K?

The Santa Anita Derby Day 5K takes place on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 8:00 AM, in conjunction with the prestigious Santa Anita Derby horse races. On race day, please plan for heavy traffic and arrive at least 1.5 hours before the start.

Where is the Santa Anita Derby Day 5K?

Santa Anita Park is conveniently located in Arcadia, California – just east of Pasadena, off the 210 Freeway.

Is the Derby Day 5K a fundraiser? Who benefits?

Funds raised through the Santa Anita Derby Day 5K support local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that benefit the greater San Gabriel Valley and strengthen our community.

👉 Learn more about our beneficiaries here
👉 Make a donation here

Who provides race management for the Derby Day 5K?

Book That Event, LLC is a full-service event management company specializing in endurance events, community festivals, and charity fundraisers. With decades of experience, our team handles every detail—from permitting and logistics to sponsorships and participant experience—so organizations can focus on their mission while we deliver safe, memorable, and impactful events.

👉 Learn more at bookthatevent.com

What does registration include? 

• Exciting start through the authentic Santa Anita Race Track horse racing gate.
• Custom medal
• Finisher t-shirt!
• 2 Complimentary beers for participants 21+
• Free ticket to the annual Derby Day horse races and a free ticket for a future visit 
• Chronotrack timing on the back of your bib with live results.

Am I registered? 

If you'd like to take a moment to verify your registration and/or family registrations or find your bib number, click on Find a Participant. From there, input your name and you can see if you are registered.

What is my bib number?

Bib numbers will be available closer to the event. 

Can I register via the mail?

No, mail-in registration is not available. You can register online, in person at packet pick-up on Friday, April 3 (2:00–6:00 PM at The Shops at Santa Anita), or on race morning by the start line at Santa Anita Park

How much does it cost?

Registration fees increase as race day gets closer, so register early to lock in the best price! All prices include the race entry fee and required processing fees. 

Adult 5K Pricing:

Seniors & Military & Youth 5K Pricing:

Kids Race Pricing:

I selected the wrong wave / corral! 

No problem!  There are two official corrals, the run corral and the walk corral.  The run corral, we ask that you just line up in your estimated finish time.  The walk corral starts all together at 8:20 am.  You do not need to officially change your registration.

Can my family or friends who aren't running attend the race?

Family and friends supporting participants can attend the event for free if they arrive before 9 AM. Parking is also free before 9 AM. They must enter the infield through the South Battery entrance before 9 AM and be prepared to pass through metal detectors.

Do you offer any discounts? 

Because $5 of your entry can go towards one of our charities, we currently don’t offer any discounts. As a reminder, your entry fee includes a t-shirt, medal, free track pass to a full day of horse racing, two beers in the beer garden for the over 21 crowd and chronotrack timing.

Do you offer military, youth or senior pricing/discounts? 

Yes! 

For military pricing, please register as normal, selecting 5K.  During the registration process there is a question that asks if you are active military, please check yes, which will take $5 off your registraiton fee. 

For youth pricing, select 5K,  the correct discount is automatically applied during the registration process, once the system determines your age. 

For seniors pricing, select 5K, the correct discount is automatically applied during the registration process, once the system determines your age. 

Do you offer any refunds? Can I transfer my registration?

Unfortunately, your registration is non-refundable and non-transferable.  However, during the registration process, you can opt to purchase race insurance for a nominal fee.

Are strollers allowed?

Due to the size of our event, strollers are ONLY allowed under the following conditions:

1. Running with strollers is NOT allowed in the 5K. Only walking with a stroller.
2. Strollers in the 5K MUST line up in the final two waves, on the right hand side, as strollers do not fit through the starting gate.
3. Please be prepared as the last section of the course is on the race track!  Think thick dirt!

We thank you in advance for your cooperation. The policies are in place to ensure the best and safest experience for all participants

Is there a course time limit?

Yes the overall course time limit is 1 hour and 15 minutes.  Participants need to be out of the LA Arboretum (Mile 2) by 9:15 am, which allows for 25 minute miles.  If participants aren’t at the turn to go into the Arboretum by 8:50 am, then they will be diverted and skip that section of the course.

Are dogs allowed?

While we love our four-legged friends, dogs are not allowed due to the size of the event and running thru the Arboretum (where peacocks and other wildlife live). Please leave them at home race morning.

What if it rains?

The event takes place rain or shine!

Is there ADA Access?

Most of the event is wheelchair accessible.  However, please keep in mind is that the last 1/5 mile is on the track, which is made of a thick, sandy, man-made recycled material. It can be challenging to push a wheelchair or stroller, especially with standard wheels. The track is rolled to help smooth it out, but if the wheelchairs are toward the back of the pack, it may still be uneven. If you wish to pull off the course once you go through the tunnel, please let us know and we can show you where to go! 

While there is ADA parking, the start and finish line are .3 miles away from each other, so if you can get dropped off at the start line, and the driver parks closer to the finish line. 

Is parking free? Where can I park?

Parking is free until 9:00 AM. Please use Santa Anita Park’s parking lot, entering through Gates 3, 5, or 8, and follow signs to race parking. Note: Gate 8 closes at 7:30 AM — after that time, enter through Gate 3 or 5.

If you leave after the race and return later for the horse races, regular parking fees will apply.

Please see the gate map here.

Where do I pick up my bib and shirt?

Beat the race day rush and pick up your materials before the race! If you can’t make it to the PreRace Packet Pick Up, you can send a friend or family member to pick up your race day necessities – as long as they come armed with a copy of everyone’s ID.

Where can I find my results?

Results will be posted on the results page:

Is there prize money?

There is no prize money/purse this year.  However, first place in each age-group will receive an item to be revealed soon! 

I won a prize in my age division! 

Congrats! We will post information on how to claim your awards after the race!