
The Kook Run
10K and 5K
Join us for one of the most iconic events in San Diego.
Kick off your Super Bowl Sunday as you race down the Coast Highway 101 taking in epic views of the Pacific Ocean and a world famous surf break.
Touted as one of the most beautiful race courses in Southern California, this OUT-AND-BACK course will excite runners with its gradual downhill beginnings, challenge with some manageable uphill elements on the return before delivering participants onto a sure-to-please final stretch through downtown Encinitas.
Race festivities begin under the iconic “ENCINITAS” sign in downtown Encinitas, CA.
Running or walking the coast not enough for you? Then join our famous costume contest and win some great prizes (more details below).
Event Details
Race Date: February 11, 2024
Event Location: Downtown Encinitas
Event Address: 101 E. D St, Encinitas, CA
(Corner of D St. and Coast 101 Hwy)
Event Parking: Parking Options for the Kook Run are as follows:
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Public Parking can be found on Southwest corner of S. Vulcan Ave and E st.
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Encinitas Library Lot (corner of E D St and Cornish Dr)
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Civic Center parking Lot (East side of S. Vulcan ave between and D St. and E St)
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Street parking on 2nd and 3rd street (Between C St and K St)
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Moonlight Beach Parking Lot (corner of C St and 3rd St)
Transportation: To help with parking on race morning we encourage using a bicycle, carpooling, ride share services, and other local public transportation to arrive onsite. The train and bus station is only 1 block away. If you are using Uber or Lyft we suggest using the Encinitas Library address as a drop and pickup point so you can walk down to the event area. (540 Cornish Dr, Encinitas, 92024)
Bike Valet: The Kook Run has teamed up with "Ride Cyclery" to offer a bike valet service. Ride your bike to the event, and drop it at Ride Cyclery where they will keep it on site and secure until the end of the event. Ride Cyclery is located right at the start/finish line of the event and finish line festival. (449 S. Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas)
Packet Pickup:
Come to the Ecke YMCA on Saturday, February 10th to pickup your event number and t-shirt to save time on event morning. We'll have fun events going on all Saturday at packet pickup with a sponsor expo, free classes, and the all new Junior Kook Run presented by Cali Cream Homemade Ice Cream. Take the stress out of your event morning on Sunday by attending packet pickup on Saturday!
February 10th
9am-2pm
Magdalena Ecke Family YMCA
200 Saxony Rd, Encinitas, CA 92024
Kook Run Course Limits: 2 Hours
Course Notes:
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"Out and Back" Course
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Runners will start in the South bound lanes
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Finish in the North Bound lanes
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Starts and finishes under Historic Encinitas Sign
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10K turn around is located at South Cardiff State Beach (No loops!)
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Amazing ocean and beach views
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Great Course for ALL Levels
Event Registration Includes:
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Finisher's Medal
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Premium Race Shirt (men's and women's sizing)
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Two On- Course Aid Stations
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Finish Line Festival w/ live music, vendors, and refreshments
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Split Times for 10K
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First Beer or Refreshment Free for participants (Must be 21 years old)
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Official Race Results
Official Race Photography: All on course photos will be shot and available for purchase post-race by Foggy Bay Photos
Course Maps
Packet Pickup
Packet Pickup Date: Feb. 10th, 2024
Packet Pickup Times: 9AM-2PM
Location:
MAGDALENA ECKE YMCA ENCINITAS
200 SAXONY RD
ENCINITAS, CA 92024
Pick up your race bib, shirt, and visit our vendor village that includes great local and regional businesses
1030AM-11:30AM: Kids Run by Age Group
*Runners may pick up other runner's gear with photo ID.
Race Schedule
6:30AM- Race Day & Costume Contest Registration Opens
6:30AM- Race Packet Pickup Opens
7:30AM- Elite-Pro Race/ 10K Start
7:55AM- 5K Starts
8:00AM - Finishline Festival Opens
9:15AM- Costume Contest Awards
9:20AM- Race Course Closes
9:30AM- Finish Line Closes
11:30AM - Finish Line Festival Closes
*Event Times subject to change

Junior Kook Run
Kids rule the morning at the Junior Kook Run presented by Cali Cream Homemade Ice Cream on Saturday morning at Packet Pickup.
Runs will be on a closed course next to the vendor village at the Ecke YMCA. Distances will vary based on kids' ages/race start times.
Ages: 3 -12 years old
Reg Fee: $12/ per child
Fee Includes: Kids Run Medal
Races Start: 1030am
Costume Contest
What's a little run on the Coast Hwy without some costume fun! Come out and help us celebrate "The Big Game" and show your support for your favorite team, your favorite super hero, favorite princess, or because you want to wear your craziest costume. We will award the following contest winners with special prizes from our sponsors:
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Best Football Themed Costume
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Best Group Themed Costume
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Best "Kook" Themed Costume
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Think funny, most original costume
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COSTUME CONTEST PRIZES
Prizes awarded to the Top 3 in each Category with winner receiving the following;
1st Place "Football Fan" - Vuori Gift Card, Bubs Naturals, Bindle H2O Bottle, and complimentary entry to 2024 Kook Run (~ Value of $350)
1st Place "Group Costume" - $400, Bubs Naturals, Bindle Bottle, and complimentary entry to 2024 Kook Run (~ Value of $1,000)
1st Place "Individual Kook" - Vuori Gift Card, Bubs Naturals, Bindle H2O Bottle, Mudroom Backpack, complimentary entry to 2024 Kook Run (~ Value of $450)
Costumes will be judged by a panel of Cardiff 101 Board members (our Community Partner).
Registration: FREE (onsite only)
Registration Times: 6:30am- 7:15am
Location: Adjacent to Race Day Registration tent
Contest Awards: 9:15am
Contest Rules:
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Keep it classy... this is a family friendly event, so nothing you wouldn't want your kids to see.
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Participants must be present to win!
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Normal running attire is not considered a costume.
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Race results have no bearing on contest results.
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All costume contest registration MUST be completed before the start of the 10K start time.