Final Event Instructions

The 2026 Vista Strawberry Run is sold out!

Saturday, May 23
9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Downtown Vista, at the entrance to the sports fields of the Vista Magnet Middle School off S. Citrus Avenue, near Eucalyptus Avenue. Free and convenient parking can be found in and around downtown Vista.

Look up your bib number ahead of time here.

If you’re unable to attend the Pre-Race Packet Pickup, you can send someone in your place or pick up your items on race morning starting at 6:30 AM. If someone is picking up for you, they will need to know your bib number. It can be looked up on site or ahead of time here.

6:30 AM – Packet pickup opens
7:30 AM – 5K starts
8:00 AM – Strawberry Festival opens
8:50 AM – Kids 1/4-mile Run starts
9:05 AM – Kids 1-mile Run starts
9:30 AM – Runner’s costume contest
6:00 PM – Strawberry Festival ends

Strawberry Run participants are encouraged to park in the public parking lots at the Vista Civic Center, Vista Library, and Vista Transit Center or take the Tri-City Medical Center/Sharp Healthcare courtesy shuttles from the Vista County Courthouse. Shuttles will run from 6:15 AM until 7 PM, leaving approximately every 15 minutes. Return shuttles will pick up in front of Starbucks in Vista Village at 30 Main Street. Learn more about the free Festival shuttles here.

DO NOT park in the Frazier Farms parking lot, as towing will be enforced during the Strawberry Run and Festival. 

All pre- and post-race activities will occur on the Vista Magnet Middle School track. Packet pickup will open at 6:30 AM. There is no event day registration, all Vista Strawberry Run distances are sold out. 

The races all start and finish on the Vista Magnet Middle School track. Access to the track will be available from the entry gates off Eucalyptus Drive and S. Citrus Avenue. See all the course maps here.

5K bib numbers are white with a timing tag on the back. Do not tamper with or remove the tag. When you cross the start line timing mats, the tag activates and begins recording your race time until you cross the finish line. Please wear your bib number on the front of your shirt or shorts. 

The kids’ run bib numbers are green and do not have a timing tag, as the kids’ races are just for fun and not timed.

There is a 1-hour time limit for the 5K. Participants must maintain a 19:21-minute-per-mile pace or faster to finish the 5K in 1 hour or less. Participants who do not reach Eucalyptus Ave by 8:00 AM will not be able to do the Oceanview Circle and will continue south on S Santa Fe Ave.

No late starters are allowed. Everyone must be in the start line staging area and ready to begin the race by 7:30 AM SHARP!

Please note that the 5K course shares the road with vehicular traffic. Make sure to stay in the designated 5K lanes and follow all instructions from law enforcement and race personnel. 

Overall winner award sliders will be given to the top three male, female, and non-binary finishers in the 5K, based on gun time. Awards will also be given to the top three male, female, and non-binary finishers in each of the following age groups, based on chip time: 12 & under, 13–17, 18–24, 25–29, 30–34, 35–39, 40–44, 45–49, 50–54, 55–59, 60–64, 65–69, 70–74, 75–79, and 80+.

Awards will be available for pickup between 8:15 and 9:30 AM at the Information Tent on the Vista Magnet Middle School track. There will be no formal awards ceremony.

If you are unable to pick up your medal on race day, you will receive an email with instructions for either picking it up at our San Marcos office or having it mailed for a fee. Awards not claimed within 14 days will no longer be available.

The 1-mile and 1/4-mile events are untimed and intended for fun.

Dress up with a strawberry theme, and join us after the run at the North County Ford Contest Stage located in the Belching Beaver Tavern & Grill parking lot at 9:30 AM for our Runners’ Costume Contest sponsored by Dr. Bronner’s! Fun prizes for the berry best-dressed runners! Even if costumes aren’t your jam, join us to cheer for your favorite solo or team costumes.

5K participants age 21 and older with proper ID, display your race bib number, and visit the Fix Auto Vista Beer Garden located at the corner of S. Indiana Avenue and Eucalyptus Avenue to receive your complimentary glass of beer or wine. The beer garden is open from 9 AM to 5:30 PM. Use this pin to walk to the beer garden. 

After the race, spend the day enjoying one of the largest single-day street fairs in North County! Enjoy yummy treats, unique finds, live entertainment, crafts, a beer garden, and much more! Click here to learn more!

Your exclusive, one-day pass to the Columbia Employee Store will be provided to you when you pick up your bib number. The pass will allow you access to their Carlsbad company employee store though 7/5/26. Enjoy special Employee pricing; up to 50% off retail prices on products from Columbia, SOREL, Mountain Hardwear, and prAna, including the latest outerwear, sportswear, footwear, sleeping bags, and tents for the whole family. See pass for more details.

Coffee

Steeping Giant will be on site before and after your run selling hot coffee and cold brew.

Restrooms

Restrooms will be available on S Citrus Ave, just outside the field, south of the flagpole.

If you have any questions not covered here, please visit our FAQ page here or email us.