San Diego's Most Delicious 5K
The Donut Dash 5K delivers the ultimate mix of miles and maple bars, featuring a donut-themed finisher medal, custom event tee, a FREE donut bar with over 1,000 donuts, and our locally famous Donut Mile (think beer mile… but way sweeter).
Hosted at beautiful Kit Carson Park, runners will enjoy a scenic 3-mile loop combining sidewalks, trails, rolling park views, and eye-catching art sculptures throughout the course. The Donut Mile takes place on a ¼-mile loop near the festive staging area at the El Arroyo picnic spot by the duck pond.
This family-friendly celebration brings together the best local donut shops and bakeries serving up FREE donuts for all participants and spectators. Whether you’re racing, strolling, or just here for the glaze, this is one event you truly “donut” want to miss.
Event Details
EVENT DATE: October 3, 2026
EVENT LOCATION: Kit Carson Park, El Arroyo Picnic Area
EVENT ADDRESS: 3333 Bear Valley Pkwy, Escondido
EVENT PARKING: All parking inside Kit Carson Park
EVENT SCHEDULE:
7:00AM- REGISTRATION AND CHECK-IN OPENS
7:50AM- KIDS DASH STARTS
8:00AM- 5K STARTS
9:00AM- 5K AWARDS
9:30AM- DONUT MILE STARTS
10:00AM- DONUT MILE AWARDS
11:00AM- EVENT CLOSES
COURSE INFO:
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5K loop course consisting of trails and bike path
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Great for all running levels
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Strollers approved for 5K course
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Road or Trail shoes acceptable
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No dogs allowed
PACKET PICKUP: The San Diego Donut Dash will be offering 1 packet pickup option in 2026. Those details are still being finalized and will be announced within 60 days prior to event date. Pre-race pickup is not required, but will make your experience on race morning smoother if your gear is picked up prior to race day. Can't make it? Someone else will be allowed to pick up your packet.
EVENT REGISTRATION INCLUDES:
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Finisher's Medal
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1 On- Course Aid Stations
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Finish Line Donut Festival w/ FREE donuts, games, vendors, and refreshments
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Official Race Results
DONUT DASH ADD'L DETAILS
DONUT MILE
The donut mile race is a 1 MILE course with 4 laps around the dedicated park area. All runners must eat (and swallow) a regular glazed or cake donut to begin each lap. The fastest runner to complete all 4 laps and eat 4 donuts will be crowned the DONUT DASH Champion! The Donut Dash will be limited to 100 runners.
Please note this is a separate registration from the 5K race. You do NOT have to participate in the 5K to be eligible for the Donut Mile race. Minimum age to enter the Donut Dash is 13 years of age.
The Donut Mile is limited to 100 participants, with 4 waves of 25 people/wave.
FINISH LINE FESTIVAL
Did someone say DONUT BAR? You read that right... Race San Diego has partnered with local bakeries and donut shops for FREE donuts at the finish line.
Try out some of best local donuts, GOURMET, GLAZED, CREAM/JELLY FILLED, BEAR CLAWS! So many options!! Bring the family, and your appetite, run or cheer, just come out and support the community, and have fun!
KIDS DASH
The "Mini Donuts", we mean kids have their time to shine before the 5K begins. This allows the parents to cheer on the kiddos, without the fear of not finishing the 5K fast enough.
The kids' course is a 1/4 mile loop around the finish line festival (same as the Donut Mile course. This gives parents a chance to track their kids from start to finish.
Registration for the kid's dash includes a kids medal at the finish line.
