Inaugural Venice Beach Half Marathon Brings Big Energy, Big Crowds and The Doors

May 27, 2025

Festival Brings Big Energy, Big Crowds and The Doors

Venice, CA (May 27, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ — The streets, boardwalk and canals of Venice came alive on May 18, 2025 as more than 3,500 runners, walkers, and spectators took part in the inaugural Venice Beach Half Marathon & 5K — a brand-new fitness event that delivered a dynamic mix of local flavor, cultural landmarks, and community pride.

From competitive runners to stroller-pushing families, participants of all ages laced up for an unforgettable course that highlighted Venice’s most iconic sites—Muscle Beach, the historic Venice Canals (complete with live gondola serenades), Venice Boulevard, Abbot Kinney, and the old Venice Fire Station —before finishing under the legendary Venice Sign.

But the event was about more than just miles. Runners were treated to surprise photo ops and live entertainment along the route, including a high-energy Grease-themed performance at Venice High School (aka Rydell High), DJs along world famous Abbot Kinney Blvd, and a festive post-race celebration at Windward Circle. Participants enjoyed VIP access to the Belle’s Beach House Beer Garden, live music, and exclusive discounts from Abbot Kinney retailers.

“We set out to create something that captured the magic and grit of Venice while giving back to the community,” said Michelle Lindner, Marketing Director at Generic Events and a 20-year Venice resident. “We’re proud to launch an event that celebrates our neighborhood while supporting its future.”

The Official Starter was LA Councilwoman Traci Park who shared “This is just the beginning and shows what we can do as a community. We’re excited to host the 2028 Olympics and this is just a glimpse of what can be done when a community comes together.”

With overwhelming support, high energy, and a deep community spirit, Venice now boasts a new annual tradition—one that celebrates movement, music, and meaningful local impact.

Race Results – Inaugural Venice Beach Half Marathon & 5K

Half Marathon Winners:
1st Place- Jane Miller – Phoenix, AZ | Time: 1:14:31 | Pace: 5:41
2nd Place- Casey Morrison – Los Angeles, CA | Time: 1:15:50 | Pace: 5:47
3rd Place- Hayato Usui – Hermosa Beach, CA | Time: 1:16:00 | Pace: 5:48

5K Winners:
1st Place – Colin McGrath – Los Angeles, CA | Time: 17:33 | Pace: 5:39
2nd Place- Noah Flores – Fillmore, CA | Time: 18:26 | Pace: 5:56
3rd Place- Tash Jarrett – Norwood, South Australia | Time: 18:49 | Pace: 6:03

Half Marathon Wheelchair Division Winners:
1st Place- Rob Balucas – West Hills, CA | Time: 1:05:27 | Pace: 5:00
2nd Place- Alexis Romero – South Gate, CA | Time: 1:16:14 | Pace: 5:49
3rd Place- Glenn Hartrick – Los Angeles, CA | Time: 1:21:45 | Pace: 6:14

Full race results available at: Athlinks Results

About the Organizers

The Venice Beach Half Marathon & 5K is produced by Generic Events, founded and operated by longtime Venetians and husband-wife duo Brennan and Michelle Lindner. Both of their children have attended Coeur d’Alene Elementary, with their youngest currently enrolled at Venice High School. Brennan serves on the Venice Chamber of Commerce and Abbot Kinney Festival Association has held past leadership roles with the Venice Neighborhood Council and Friends of Venice Boardwalk, where he played a key role in post-pandemic revitalization efforts.

This new addition joins an impressive roster of events from Generic Events, including Turkey Trot Los Angeles, Santa Monica Pier 360 Beach Festival, the award-winning Los Muertos 5K/10K (named a USA Today “10 Best” race), and the Pasadena Triathlon.

For more information or to register for next year’s event, visit www.runvenicebeach.com.

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Media Contacts:

Kim Koury / Carl Larsen
TTLA / Spin PR
Kim@spinprgroup.com
Carl@spinprgroup.com
(310) 497-6324 / (310) 210-7018