Rose Bowl Half Marathon
The Rose Bowl Half Marathon offers a fast, scenic tour of Pasadena's landmarks.
Race Date
Jan 17, 2027
Location
Pasadena, CA
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, January 17, 2027
- Location
- Pasadena, California
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 5K run | kids run
- Course
- Point to Point
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 44,767
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Rose Bowl Half Marathon & 5K is a beloved Southern California institution, first run in 2007 and now in its 18th year. This fast, certified course winds through the picturesque streets of Pasadena, offering runners a tour of iconic landmarks like the Colorado Street Bridge and the charming Old Town district.
With a median field size of around 9,000 finishers and recent participation exceeding 11,000, the event draws runners from approximately 38 states, highlighting its appeal as a destination race. The course is known for its flat profile and minimal elevation change, making it a prime candidate for personal bests. Spectators line the route, creating a lively atmosphere as runners approach the finish.
Loyalty runs deep here, with about 29% of participants returning year after year. The typical winning time of around 68 minutes speaks to the competitive nature of the field. This race is more than just a half marathon; it's a celebration of running in a beautiful setting, offering a rewarding experience for both seasoned athletes and newcomers.
Race-provided description
Rose Bowl Half Marathon & 5K Celebrate the 2027 Rose Bowl Half Marathon and 5K. The course takes you on a picturesque tour of Pasadena, passing iconic landmarks like the Colorado Street Bridge, Old Town... <br><a class="read-more" title="FULL STORY" href="https://www.mccourtfoundation.org/event/rose-bowl-half-5k/">Read More</a>
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Point to Point
Terrain
road
Scenery
Urban
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
-0.02 m
Separation
2.0%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
CA17073RS · 2019 Pasadena Half Marathon at the Rose Bowl
Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.
Quality Score
Runner Favorite9714 years running
~9,090 finishers a year
growing or steady
29% returning runners
USATF certified · 2 timing sources · 6 photos
runners from 38 states
winner 1:08:07
typical high 65°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
47°
Afternoon (High)
65°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.1"
Precipitation
7 mph
Wind
57%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 44,767 finishers actually crossed the line across 14 years.
Most recent
2026
Total finishers
44,767
Median time
2:24:17
Latest turnout
11,036
States
49
Turnout by year
2014–2026
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the Rose Bowl Half Marathon?
The Rose Bowl Half Marathon is held on Sunday, January 17, 2027.
Where does the Rose Bowl Half Marathon take place?
It takes place in Pasadena, California.
What distances does the Rose Bowl Half Marathon offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 5K run | kids run.
Is the Rose Bowl Half Marathon course flat and good for a PR?
The Rose Bowl Half Marathon is a ultra-flat, point to point course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the Rose Bowl Half Marathon?
HalfRuns has finish records for 44,767 runners who have completed the Rose Bowl Half Marathon.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
Explore More Journeys
Can't make it to Pasadena? Discover other experiences that match your running style.
Search All Races
