FEB 1ST 2026 | WHERE SURF MEETS RUN | MARATHON | HALF | 5K | BEACH MILE
RACE 1 OF THE CALIFORNIA 8
Frequently asked questions
HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR THE CHALLENGE?
There’s no separate registration for the Golden State Challenge. Simply register and complete four qualifying races in a single calendar year and you will automatically receive your challenge medal at the fourth race.
DO VIRTUAL RACES COUNT?
Yes! If you run any of the qualifying races as a virtual run, your entry will count towards the total.
CAN I RUN MULTIPLE DISTANCES AT A SINGLE EVENT TO QUALIFY?
No. To earn the Golden State Challenge medal you’ll need to complete a race of 5K or longer at four separate events. For example, completing the 5K and the half marathon at the Long Beach Marathon will only count as one race for the Golden State Challenge.
GOLDEN STATE CHALLENGE FAQS
"This medal is a combination of all the sweat, tears and sunburns that I’ve gotten this year. I also did the one beach half marathon, signed up for the marathon, or trained for the marathon, forgot to sign up, had to do the half and still had a blast."
- Brent
“51 years old, mom of seven, 6 girls and 1 boy. Running is my therapy and I do it for my sanity and my health and just to feel good. There is nothing better than a long run, just me, the outdoors and my shoes. I did the golden state challenge because I did the surf city and I really enjoyed it. It was beautiful and then I saw there was other ones”
- Susan
“I started with Napa To Sonoma at the top of California, ran all the way down the coast to Surf City, Long Beach, and just finished here running the bridge in San Francisco... I love the Golden State Challenge, it makes you feel like you took on something really special.”
- Emma
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THE MORE YOU RUN, THE MORE REWARDS YOU EARN.
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