Where to find the best parkrun near you

One hundred and eighty-two runners crossed the finish line at the Griffith Park parkrun on July 4, 2026, completing the 5-kilometer course that starts near the Old Zoo parking area.

The growth of these weekly timed runs reflects a steady demand for no-cost group fitness in Los Angeles, where monthly gym fees often exceed $45 and many residents prefer outdoor routes that avoid indoor crowds during summer heat.

Griffith Park offers one established event that begins at 8 a.m. each Saturday along trails that pass the Merry-Go-Round and connect to steeper paths near Mount Hollywood. A second option operates at Palisades Park in Santa Monica, where participants gather at the corner of Ocean Avenue and San Vicente Boulevard for a flat course that runs parallel to the beachfront bike path.

Route details and start times

The Griffith Park course covers 3.1 miles with 180 feet of elevation gain and finishes near the same Old Zoo lot used for parking. Runners receive a finish token scanned by volunteer timekeepers, and results post online within 24 hours. The Santa Monica event stays under 50 feet of elevation change, follows the park's palm-lined paths, and ends at the same meeting point, making it suitable for first-time participants.

Parkrun USA data show that Los Angeles events recorded an average of 164 finishers per week across its four city locations in the first half of 2026, up from 131 in the same period two years earlier. All events remain free, require only a free online registration barcode, and run rain or shine at the fixed 8 a.m. start.

How to join this weekend

Prospective runners can register once on the parkrun website, print or save the barcode on a phone, and arrive 15 minutes early to hear the safety briefing. Volunteers at both Griffith Park and Palisades Park provide course maps and direct participants to the nearest water fountains. Those seeking additional nearby options can check the same site for events at Elysian Park or Lake Hollywood, which also begin at 8 a.m. on Saturdays.