Race Weekend Is Here: Everything You Need to Know for the 2026 Oakland Marathon

OAKLAND, Calif. – (March 19, 2026) – It’s race weekend in The Town. After a week of community runs across the East Bay as part of Oakland Running Week, the 2026 Oakland Marathon presented by Kaiser Permanente arrives this Friday through Sunday at the Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts. Produced by Bay Area event company Run Local®, the 17th edition of the Oakland Marathon is expected to welcome 11,000 registrations—a new event record. The Oakland Marathon benefits Stephen & Ayesha Curry’s Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation and is expected to raise over $100,000 from participant donations and event proceeds.

Friday, March 20 – Expo Opens
The weekend begins with the opening of the Oakland Marathon Health & Wellness Expo presented and hosted by the Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts. The two-day expo, free and open to the public, is where registered participants pick up their race bibs and where all visitors can explore wellness products and services, Bay Area sports teams, music, and more. Friday hours are 1:00–7:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 21 – Shakeout, Expo & Kids Fun Run
Saturday kicks off at 9:00 a.m. with the Under Armour Shakeout Run, a free community warm-up run around Lake Merritt with product giveaways. The run is open to all levels and is the perfect way to shake out pre-race nerves.

New this year, the expo will feature the Oakland Moves panel discussion at 10:15 a.m. Hosted by GU Energy, the conversation two-time Olympian and 2018 Boston Marathon champion Desiree Linden. The panel brings world-class running insight to the expo experience. The expo is open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

At 11:00 a.m., the Eat. Learn. Play. Kids Fun Run presented by Kaiser Permanente will turn the exterior of the expo into a celebration for Oakland students and families. Young competitors can challenge themselves with a quarter-mile (ages 0–5), half-mile (ages 6–9), or one-mile (ages 10–12) course around the Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts. The event will also feature sports activities, games, art, and music. The fun run is free for all OUSD students and is expected to reach its 1,000-participant capacity.

“At Eat. Learn. Play., we believe every child deserves the opportunity to be active, healthy, and inspired. With the support of Kaiser Permanente, the Kids Fun Run is a chance for Oakland’s youth to challenge themselves, build confidence, and experience the joy of movement. We’re proud to partner with the Oakland Marathon to bring this incredible event to life and to support the next generation of runners in our community.”

— Chris Helfrich, CEO, Eat. Learn. Play.

Sunday, March 22 – Race Day
On Race Day, thousands of runners from across the country and around the world will line up on Lake Merritt Blvd. to take on one of the most scenic and spirited courses in the Bay Area. The Marathon (26.2 miles) and Half Marathon (13.1 miles) start at 7:00 a.m., followed by the 10K (6.2 miles) at 8:30 a.m. and the 5K (3.1 miles) at 9:00 a.m.

This year’s elite fields are highlighted by the return of the Under Armour Velociti Elite Team, which has selected top athletes to compete in the Marathon and Half Marathon with comped entry, Under Armour racing gear, and a prize purse for the top three finishers in Men’s, Women’s and Non-Binary+ categories. The Oakland Half Marathon also serves as a Pacific Association USATF Grand Prix event, offering $2,900 in total prize money across Open, Master, Senior, Super Senior and Veteran divisions. In addition, podium finishers in the Marathon and Half Marathon will be awarded Golden Acorn chains designed by Malka Diamonds & Jewelry.

Oakland’s own Turf Inc, the acclaimed turf dance entertainment company, will get the crowd moving with pre-race warmups before runners take on one of the most scenic and spirited courses in the Bay Area. Full Marathon participants will also have the unique opportunity to run across the Bay Bridge—the only marathon to offer this experience all year.

Over 50 run crews and corporate teams are set to take part along with a record 500 registered general teams. Local Bay Area luminaries are also set to support runners throughout the weekend from start to finish in addition to toeing the line themselves, including rapper, producer & songwriter, P-Lo, an enormous supporter, contributor and participant in the local running community.

Full Marathon participants will have the unique opportunity to run across the Bay Bridge—the only marathon to offer this experience all year. As runners make their way through Oakland’s vibrant neighborhoods, they’ll be fueled by live music and enthusiastic cheer stations lining the course.

“The Oakland Marathon is more than just a race—it’s a celebration of the Oakland community, and the incredible energy that makes The Town special. Whether you’re running your first 5K, taking on the full marathon, or cheering from the sidelines, this event is about challenging yourself and embracing the journey. We can’t wait to welcome runners from all over the world to experience Oakland’s vibrant streets, passionate crowds, and one-of-a-kind race atmosphere.”

— J.T. Service, Managing Partner, Run Local Ventures

The celebration continues at the Finish Line Festival, which opens at 8:00 a.m. and runs until 2:00 p.m. Every participant will be greeted with live entertainment featuring Mistah FAB and friends, food and beverages from local vendors. The festival is free and open to the public.

“I am proud to support the Oakland Marathon and the positive impact it brings to our city. This event not only promotes wellness and unity, but also shines a light on Oakland’s vibrant neighborhoods, local businesses, and helps create a strong sense of community. Oakland is on the move.”

— Barbara Lee, Mayor of Oakland

The 2026 event also welcomes PG&E as an official sponsor, joining returning partners Kaiser Permanente, Under Armour, Eat. Learn. Play., Zenni, PLEZi, Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts, Fremont Bank, GU Energy, City of Oakland, Visit Oakland and County of Alameda, City. The Oakland Marathon continues to be a celebration that is produced locally and enjoyed globally.