The Kook Run

The Kook Run is a SoCal Super Bowl Sunday tradition, where thousands kick off the morning with a 5K/10K fun run and costumed race along the Pacific Coast.

The 10K race is the fastest on the West Coast and will again be made up of an international field of runners, as well as the top runners in Southern California. The course starts under the world famous “Encinitas” sign on the historic Coast Hwy 101, and the scenic loop passes by the famous “Cardiff Kook” statue, rises above some of the most popular surf breaks in the world, and heads down to Cardiff State Beach. In 2025, all will be racing for a cash purse of $3,000. The costume contest awards the top three in each of the following categories: “Best Group Theme” and “Best ‘Kook’ Theme.” A highlight of the race is its Finish Line Festival at Moonlight Plaza, featuring live music, breakfast tacos, a vendor village, games and activities, and a beer garden featuring Bay City, Lost Abbey, and Ballast Point. The Kook Run will donate portions of proceeds to Cardiff 101 Mainstreet and the Ecke YMCA of Encinitas. The Right Hand Angels will be the beneficiary of the event’s beer garden sales and will participate in the event with their chariot runners.