21st Annual Garin Park XC Challenge - Open Men (ages 39 and under)
External Event
Distance
3.1 mi
Pace
All paces
Terrain
Road
Difficulty
All Levels
About this run
Take on the hills of the Garin Park XC Challenge in one of the beloved East Bay Regional Parks. Complete with stunning views, challenging climbs, and a few gopher holes to keep your wits alive, this ~5k XC race will make your quads burn like the ends of a beef brisket, and your lungs rethink their purpose in life. After your heart consults Webster's to make sure it does indeed have the correct definition of myocardial infarction, it will bask in the glory of a flat ~0.5 mile stretch into the finish where it feels all the love. A staple on the USATF Pacific Association (PA) Cross Country Grand Prix, this event is finally old enough to have a beer (legally)! Come join in the fun!
Typical conditions
For events around October 2026 in Hayward, CA, United States: Typical autumn conditions in this region — conditions can change quickly; confirm race-day guidance on the official page.
How to prepare
Most runners can prepare for a 5K with a few weeks of easy runs and one short faster session per week. Focus on consistency, not volume, and rest the day before race day.
Beginner's guide to your first 5KGetting there
This event is listed in Hayward, CA, United States. Confirm the exact start venue, parking, and transit options on the official registration page.
Registration is handled by the official event organizer
Know a local group? Host a community run in Hayward
