Santa Anita Park’s Popular Derby Day 5K Run & Walk Returns On Saturday, April 4

SANTA ANITA PARK’S POPULAR DERBY DAY 5K RUN & WALK RETURNS ON SATURDAY, APRIL 4

Baldwin Avenue will be closed to traffic from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

ARCADIA, CA (March 6, 2026) — A Santa Anita Derby Day tradition since 1995, Santa Anita Park’s popular Derby Day 5K Run & Walk will return on Saturday, April 4, with race organizers expecting a capacity field of 7,500 participants for one of Southern California’s most unique race experiences. The race will start at 8 a.m., with staggered waves.

Participants in the 5K Run & Walk are strongly encouraged to arrive early, between 6:15 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., as large crowds are anticipated. Horsemen and locals are reminded that Baldwin Avenue will be closed from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. between the 210 Freeway and Huntington Drive to all but foot traffic.

Participants of all ages will begin their 5K excursion from Santa Anita’s South Lot B, adjacent to The Shops at Santa Anita, then proceed west to Gate 8 before turning north onto Baldwin Avenue.

From there, runners and walkers will turn left into the beautiful Los Angeles County Arboretum before returning to Baldwin Avenue. Participants will then head east toward Santa Anita’s Gate 7, finishing in the Santa Anita Infield with in-house video and fanfare as runners and walkers approach the inner training track’s finish line.

“We are expecting a record turnout this year,” said Pete Siberell, Santa Anita Director of Community Events and Special Projects. “With the event capped at 7,500 participants, the energy and excitement surrounding Derby Day morning continues to grow. As anyone who has participated since 1995 knows, Derby Day is always a unique experience, and the early morning views of the San Gabriel Mountains are spectacular.

“The Derby Day Run & Walk embraces everything that makes Arcadia special. In addition to our magnificent facility here at Santa Anita, participants have the rare opportunity to run through the 127-acre L.A. County Arboretum, which is known worldwide for its beautiful gardens, lakes and botanical diversity.”

Added Siberell: “We also want to thank the City of Arcadia, which is a major sponsor of the race and again providing police and fire staffing to help ensure the safety of everyone involved. Additionally, USC Arcadia Hospital is a huge supporter and presenting sponsor of the event. They will have hundreds of employees participating, along with staff members from the City. With thousands of runners and walkers taking part, it’s a tremendous community effort that requires a great deal of coordination.”

First post time for a huge day of world-class Thoroughbred racing will be at 12 p.m., highlighted by the prestigious Santa Anita Derby, along with four additional stakes races. The day will also feature the popular Spring Carnival, offering carnival rides, games and family-friendly activities.

Derby Day 5K participants 21 and over will receive two complimentary beers, along with a post-race party, finisher medal, commemorative shirt, and admission to Santa Anita Park to enjoy a full day of racing and entertainment.

Registration for the Santa Anita Derby Day 5K Run & Walk is now open, and the event is expected to sell out before race day. Fans are encouraged to visit www.derbyday5k.com.

Participants may register or pick up their packets in person on Friday, April 3, in Centre Court at The Shops at Santa Anita, pending sell-out.

Race Day packet pick-up will be available in Santa Anita’s South Lot B from 6:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. South Lot B is easily accessible via Gate 3 at Holly Avenue and Huntington Drive. For additional information on Santa Anita Derby Day, please visit santaanita.com or call (626) 574-RACE.