Frequently Asked Questions
Registration
Is there an “early bird discount” for registration? Yes! Online registration ($40 non-student, $20 student) closes July 3rd, 2024 @ 10:00 PM PST. Race day registration fee is $50 for non-students and $25 for students. There are no additional surcharges! Runners who register before June 23rd are guaranteed a race shirt. Participants who register after June 23rd will receive a race shirt while supplies last. The first 1000 registered runners are guaranteed a race medal.
I am a college student, am I still eligible for the student rate? All students, regardless of grade level are eligible for the student rate. Please show your student ID during packet pick up.
Once I have registered, can I pick up my race materials before race day? Yes! Race materials will be available for pick up at Road Runner Sports, 24291 Avenida De La Carlota, Laguna Hills, CA, 92653. Dates and times are coming soon!
Race materials can also be picked up on race day from 6:00am – 6:45am at Chinook and Lake Forest Drive.
Can I register on the day of the race? Yes, you can. Race day registration opens at 6:00am on race day at Chinook and Lake Forest Drive. Race day registration fee is $50 for adults and $25 for students.
I won’t be able to run after all, can I get a refund? There are no refunds. Any and all money received is a donation to El Toro High School and we really appreciate your support!
Directions
Where is the 5K race? The start/finish line for the race is located on Lake Forest Drive between Chinook and Trabuco Road in Lake Forest, CA. Please note the street closures below.
How do I get there? From I-405 and I-5 southbound, exit Bake Parkway and turn left. Proceed to Trabuco Road and turn right. Turn right into the Ralphs shopping center just before Lake Forest Drive.
From I-5 northbound, exit El Toro Road and turn right. Proceed to Trabuco Road and turn left. Turn left into the Ralphs shopping center immediately after Lake Forest Drive.
Is there parking available? Yes! Parking will be available in the Ralphs shopping center. Please do not park in areas marked off for customer parking.
Are there street closures? Yes. Lake Forest Drive will be closed from Jeronimo Road to Trabuco Road and Ridge Route Road will be closed from Jeronimo Road to Serrano Road from 4:30am-12pm on July 4th. Bake Parkway and El Toro Road are the best routes on race day.
Race Day
What day and time is the race? The El Toro Chargers 5K Run/Walk will start at 7:00am sharp on July 4th, 2024. Please note that the 5K race will start a half hour earlier than previous years. The 1K Kids run will start at 8:00am sharp.
What time should I plan to arrive? Registration opens at 6am. If you are pre-registered, please plan to arrive by 6:30am. Please allow extra time for parking and road closures.
What is the course like? It’s relatively flat and fast. The race begins on Lake Forest Drive between Chinook and Trabuco. You will proceed SW on Lake Forest Drive and turn S on Toledo Way. The course turns around (makes a U-turn) at Ridge Route and returns on Toledo Way to Lake Forest Drive where you turn SW and proceed towards Jeronimo. At Jeronimo, the course turns around (make a U-turn) and proceeds NE on Lake Forest Drive to the finish line between Chinook and Trabuco.
Can I run while pushing a stroller? Yes, we welcome families to run and roll together. We just ask that strollers start at the back.
Can I bring my dog? Dogs are not allowed on the course at any time during the event. Runners will not be allowed to cross the starting line with a dog. You may bring your dog to the staging area prior to the start of the race, but they must remain in the expo area during the race with another adult. Please keep in mind that there will be a couple thousand people standing around just before the race begins. Your dog must be on a leash at all times and you are responsible for your dog’s behavior. It’s also your job to clean up any doggie “accidents.”
Can I ride my bike in the race? Bikes are not allowed on the course at any time during the event.
Can my business sponsor the race and is there an expo in which we can participate? Yes! For sponsorship opportunities, please email Desiree at sponsors@eltorochargers5k.org.
Do I get a t-shirt or a medal? Yes! Participants who registered before June 23rd are guaranteed a race shirt. Participants registering after June 23rd will receive a race shirt while supplies last. The first 1000 registered runners are guaranteed a race medal.
Will there be a photographer on the course? Yes! There will be finish line photos available to view and download included in your registration fee.
Are there awards? Yes! The awards ceremony will begin immediately following the race with the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place runners in each age category receiving an award certificate.