Cardiff Kook Run

A great course, especially for runners that either want a PR or just a beautiful run.
This isn’t a frills event that offers tutus and endless snacks at the end. It’s meant to be a fun way to get together and burn some calories before that super bowl food!

I was in town visiting a friend and we walked past a sign that said Cardiff Kook run. I asked her about it and she said that she had done the 5k last year and had a lot of fun, but since she wasn’t too into running she didn’t want to do it again. I thought about it some more throughout the day and decided I really wanted to do it. So I signed up for the 10k. I was excited to run in a beautiful place!
The run was fairly flat. It went down the coast to the southern end of Cardiff State Park and then we turned around to run back. It was so fun to see all the costumes and the kids running. At mile marker 5, I started running my fastest and began passing people who had past me. When I finished, my time was 57:30! For me that was the fastest 10k I had ever run! I was ecstatic!
The only reason I gave this run 4 stars instead of 5, is that every other run I’ve done there were snacks to munch on at the start such as toast or bananas and also something to eat at the end, plus a free beer or at least a beer garden. It was the most I’ve paid for a run at almost $ 60 and thought it could have offered a little more, but I still had a great time and beat my record!

Ran the 10k on 2÷1÷2015 with a buddy. The run itself was great because of the laid-​back atmosphere and the route. Other than that, the race organizers just aren’t trying very hard. The shirt was a cotton tee and there were zero post-​race snacks or beverages and not 1 vendor was present. I’m not saying I expect food and drink after a race, but a banana would have been nice. For almost $ 60 on the coast, I would expect the organizers to provide something, anything to the racers either during or post race.
By comparison, the Carlsbad 5000 has more post-​race food than you might know what to do with, a beer garden, and a race-​tech tee for all runners in addition to music, vendors, and food trucks.
I can’t see myself paying $ 60 again for a 10k that offer nothing to the runners during or post race. Finding a sponsor to bring a few crates of bananas isn’t too much to expect. The absence of post-​race hospitality tells me that the organizers just aren’t trying.
Save yourself the $$$ and do the route on your own any other day of the week as hundreds of people do anyways along Coast Highway.

5/​10k costing $ 48 for the 5k with only water in small quantities at the finish line. I have never heard of not having some kind of snacks/​fruits at the end of an expensive race. Would suggest forgoing the medal and at least having some bananas. I really wanted to like it but just feel like it was a ripoff.

Let’s be real. I am not a runner. Nope. I have tried so many times to get that «runner’s high» and make a habit out of it. When I signed up for the CKR this year it was in a moment of «I really need to get in shape and since my friend wants to do it this will make me train for the next couple of months». I ran maybe three days and then quit. On the day of the race I had not run for several weeks… shame shame.
However, I ended up having a great time! The excitement and atmosphere were fun, it was well organized and not intimidating as I thought it would be. It is up and back on the 101, which makes for a beautiful scenic run. To be honest, there were times when four year olds were running past me in Superman capes and I didn’t even care because I was running my first 5k. Crossing the finish line was fun because they called out your name, and they provided tons of water and snacks. Also got me a free shirt and a medal woot woot.
I recommend this race for a family friend, non-​competitive (5k at least), fun time on Superbowl Sunday, before you eat and drink everything!

I was able to do the 2^nd Annual Cardiff Kook Run in Encinitas. This run was a little special to me because it was my Birthday and my first 10K. YAY! I survived the run.
Such a beautiful scenic run along the coastline of Encinitas. Run the 5K or 10K in your cute /​creative costumes.

FTR BABY !!!
Participated in the ‘First Annual Cardiff Kook Run’ in Encinitas. A great race for a great cause !!! Gotta love the people of Encinitas for sponsoring this event !!!
A nice turnout ! Approximately 1900 participants and it was a gorgeous Superbowl Sunday in San Diego ! Perfect for a morning run !
Both 5K and 10K runners attended this inaugural event in appreciation for the famous and historical site, ‘Cardiff Kook’ hence the name of the run !
Sponsors, volunteers, and fans were awesome. Costumes were hilarious. From superheroes to guys in bright tights and prom dresses to cowboys and cowgirls shooting people and whipping their fellow lads.
It was just as fun as it was entertaining. Mostly a flat, out and back course — scenic loop starting at Moonlight Beach, pass the famous Cardiff Kook along the 101 and down to Cardiff State Beach.
Finishers got hooked up with a sweet looking long-​sleeved shirt, medal, and goodie bag.
Only recommendation: a slightly wider course and/​or separate waves. Almost got run over by strollers and children. Yup. No keed. Them kiddies are fast I tell ya !!! Oh and more porta-​potties for us females with small bladders. :) I had to wait in line twice to pee before the race. hehe. Good enough it was chip-​timing. Other than that, really can’t complain !