Pacific Beach to Turn Green as San Diego Leprechaun Run Returns for St. Patrick’s Day Weekend

March 12, 2026

Largest St. Patrick’s Day run in San Diego to welcome thousands of runners for the 8th annual race on Saturday, March 14

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (March 11, 2026) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Every spring, thousands of runners lace up and turn Pacific Beach green for one of San Diego’s most recognizable St. Patrick’s Day traditions: the Leprechaun Run 5K & Kids 1 Mile.

Now in its 8^th year, the annual race returns this weekend with more than 2,000 participants expected to take part in the 2026 event. Since its inaugural year, the race has more than doubled in size, becoming the largest St. Patrick’s Day run in San Diego.

Participants ranging in age from 1 to 90 will race through the neighborhood, many wearing costumes and green attire that transform the oceanfront streets into a sea of green. Runners cross the finish line beneath a rainbow arch and receive a race T-shirt, finisher medal and drink ticket.

The event includes a 5K and a Kids 1 Mile, offering a family-friendly way for runners and walkers of all ages to celebrate the largest St. Patrick’s Day run in San Diego and one of the city’s most festive races.

“One of the best parts of the Leprechaun Run is seeing the creativity people bring to race day,” said Eric Marenburg, Chief Running Officer and co-founder of San Diego Running Co. “Expect to see giant leprechaun hats, shamrock sunglasses, rainbow outfits, and even inflatable costumes throughout the course. It’s a fun and festive tradition where people of all ages and abilities can come together, celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, and enjoy running through Pacific Beach.”

Along the course, runners dressed in bright green costumes and festive St. Patrick’s Day attire transform Pacific Beach into a sea of shamrocks as spectators cheer from the sidewalks and the finish line celebration gets underway under the rainbow arch.

Following the race, runners gather for a post-race St. Patrick’s Day celebration, where participants can toast their accomplishment with a complimentary beverage. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drink options are available.

The San Diego Leprechaun Run also serves as the kickoff event in the RUN PB Challenge, a three-race series in Pacific Beach that includes the Pacific Beach Half Marathon & 5K in October and the San Diego Santa Run in December.

ABOUT SAN DIEGO RUNNING COMPANY 

Founded in 2013, San Diego Running Co. produces some of the region’s most iconic and community-driven endurance events, including the San Diego Resolution Run, San Diego Leprechaun Run, O’side Turkey Trot, Pacific Beach Half Marathon & 5K, and San Diego Santa Run. With a mission to celebrate movement, connection, and the San Diego lifestyle, SDRC welcomes thousands of runners each year to experience finish lines filled with fun, fitness, and local flair.