Palo Alto Weekly Moonlight Run & Walk
When is Palo Alto Weekly Moonlight Run & Walk?
Palo Alto Weekly Moonlight Run & Walk takes place on Friday, September 25, 2026 in Palo Alto, CA.
What distances does Palo Alto Weekly Moonlight Run & Walk offer?
Palo Alto Weekly Moonlight Run & Walk offers 4 events: 5K Run (Timed), 10K Run (Timed), 5K Walk (Not Timed), Virtual Participant.
| Event | Distance | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5K Run (Timed) | 3.1 mi | $49.00 | Register |
| 10K Run (Timed) | 6.2 mi | $49.00 | Register |
| 5K Walk (Not Timed) | — | $49.00 | Register |
| Virtual Participant | — | $49.00 | Register |
How much does Palo Alto Weekly Moonlight Run & Walk cost?
Registration for Palo Alto Weekly Moonlight Run & Walk starts at $49.00. Prices vary by event distance.
Where is Palo Alto Weekly Moonlight Run & Walk held?
Palo Alto Weekly Moonlight Run & Walk is held in Palo Alto, CA at 1900 Geng Road.
About Palo Alto Weekly Moonlight Run & Walk
42nd Annual Palo Alto Weekly Moonlight Run & Walk | Friday, September 25, 2026
A benefit event for local nonprofits supporting both kids and families and local independent journalism. Register today to support your local nonprofits.
Start Times
- 5:30 p.m. — Venue, sponsor booths and registration open
- 7:00 p.m. — 5K Walk
- 8:15 p.m. — 10K Run
- 8:30 p.m. — 5K Run
Water Stops
- 5K — at mid-point
- 10K — at miles 2 and 4.5
Course Maps: View on MapMyRun.com:
Results & Awards
Medals for first-, second- and third-place finishers in each division will be handed out on race night after all races have finished.
Virtual Option Available
This year's Palo Alto Weekly Moonlight Run & Walk will be offered in person and virtually! For more details on the virtual option, click the "Virtual Participation" option when registering.
General Information
No Refunds
As a charity event, we are not able to give refunds. However, if your plans change, you may transfer your registration to a friend or family member. The deadline to gift your entry to a friend or family member is September 17th. To do so, follow these steps: (1) log in to your Runsignup account (or click on "manage my entry" on your confirmation email) (2) within your account, navigate to your race entry/manage registration (3) select 'transfer to another runner' and fill in the required info of the recipient (first name, last name, email address). There is both a written and video tutorial for this process posted here.
Changing Your Race Distance
If after registering, you would like to change your race distance (e.g. from the 10K Run to the 5K Run), you may make this adjustment within your Runsignup account. To do so, follow these steps: (1) log in to your runsignup account (or click on "manage my entry" on your confirmation email) (2) within your account, navigate to your race entry / manage registration (3) select 'Transfer to Another Event" and then select the new event. There is both a written and video tutorial for this process posted here.
The deadline to make adjustments is September 29th at 11:59 pm. After this time, adjustments must be made on race night at the Problems and Solutions / Information tent.
Moonlight Run Shirts
Each registration completed before October 1st includes a free long-sleeve Moonlight Run shirt (while supplies last) and race bib, both of which can be picked up at check-in on the day of the event. Shirt sizes and availability are not guaranteed, and we encourage you to arrive early on race night for the best selection.
What’s changed for 2025?
No half marathon: Due to construction along the route, the half marathon will not be held this year. We recommend trying the 10K instead. The half marathon will return in 2026 once construction is complete.
Updated race start times: We’ve made a few small adjustments to start times for 2025.
7:00 PM – 5K Walk (unchanged)
8:15 PM – 10K Run (previously 8:25 PM)
8:30 PM – 5K Run (previously 8:15 PM)
The 10K course has been updated this year. View the new map HERE.
NEW: Visit our merch booth!
Stop by the merch booth to purchase:
-Moonlight Run posters
-Moonlight Run t-shirts
-Tote bags
-Stickers
-Memberships to Palo Alto Online (and any of our other publications)
All proceeds support local journalism.
Reminder: No cash is accepted on site. Please bring a card or mobile payment.
Safety Protocol
Headlamps are highly recommended for all runs.
Parking and Logistics
Race check-in, sponsor and race headquarters booths, first aid and food/water are on the infield of the Baylands Athletic Center, located at the end of Geng Rd.
We recommend arriving at least an hour before your event. Police and volunteers will direct you to parking in nearby business lots off Embarcadero Rd. and E. Bayshore Rd. Please do not park in the Stanford Eye Clinic lot.
Limited checking of small personal bags & backpacks is available.
Dogs are permitted on the 5K walk but not on the runs. No retractable leashes. Bring your own clean-up bag. Jogging strollers are welcome on the 5k walk or at the back of the runs.
Volunteering Information
Thank you for your interest in volunteering at the Palo Alto Weekly Moonlight Run & Walk!
Sign up to volunteer here.
Volunteers are an essential part of making the evening safe and successful and we need dozens of youth and adult volunteers, including experienced trail bike riders interested in monitoring the course.
Although we do our best to place everyone in their preferred positions, we sometimes ask volunteers to switch to a higher need station. All volunteers must check in at the volunteer tent before proceeding to their assigned location unless informed otherwise.
Volunteer check-in tent: located at the intersection of Embarcadero Rd. and Faber Place (across from Honda dealership). Course monitors, refreshment volunteers, bag check monitors, start/finish line crowd control, and bike monitors should check-in at this location.
- Parents dropping off and picking up youth volunteers will do so at the volunteer Check-in tent, beginning at 5 p.m.
- Detailed information and maps will be emailed prior to the event to all volunteers.
- If you have any questions or issues please email moonlightrun@paweekly.com
Volunteer positions on race course
Course Monitors
Volunteers assisting as course monitors will be helping with one of the most important tasks of the evening: directing the participants along the race course. Volunteers who are under 18 and assigned to this role will be placed in pairs with an adult along the route to cheer on the runners and staff the water stations. Training will be provided on race night.
Please be mindful of which shift you sign up for and any other commitments you may have on race night. Due to the nature of the course in the Baylands, it is not possible to leave early.
You will be provided with a race t-shirt and a safety vest, plus a lanyard with key personnel contact phone numbers. Bring your fully charged cell phone, a warm jacket and a flashlight.
Minimum age is 15 years old or 10th grade.
Lead Course Monitors (must be over 18)
Lead Course Monitors are adults who will be helping with one of the most important tasks of the evening: directing the participants along the race course and monitoring for any problems or injuries. Volunteers signed up for this role will be placed at key turns along the race course along with several youth volunteers. Volunteers in this role should be 18 years or older. No experience is necessary - all training will be provided on race night.
Due to the nature of the course along the Baylands, it is not possible to leave early.
You will be provided with a race t-shirt and a safety vest, plus a lanyard with key personnel contact phone numbers. Bring your fully charged cell phone, a warm jacket and a flashlight.
Lead Bike/Bike Course Monitors (must be over 18)
Volunteers in this role will ride their bike on an assigned section of the course to monitor the race, check on course monitors and advise key personnel of any falls or injuries. No experience or special training is needed other than riding a bike.
Bring bike, helmet, and headlamp, plus fully charged cell phone.
Volunteer positions at race venue
General Check-in (Bibs and t-shirts)
Volunteers helping with this task will assist participants with general check-in for their race. Hand out bibs and t-shirts.
Start/Finish Line Crowd Control
This is a fun task for volunteers who would like to be located in the heart of all the action. At the start/finish area, volunteers assisting with this task will cheer runners as they finish their race, help aid in traffic moving in the right directions, and may help with handing out half marathon finisher medals.
Bag Check Monitor (Must be over 18)
Volunteers assisting with bag check will help facilitate a bag check for race participants. Participants will be able to check in and check out their warmer layers or other items while they participate in their race.
Refreshments
Refreshments volunteers will assist at preparing the post-race refreshments table on the baseball field with tasks such as cutting up fruit and pastries and distributing them to the participants.
Sign up to volunteer here.
Food Trucks
We are excited to announce that Rolling Duck by Twister, Oaxacan Kitchen Mobile, and The Cookout Fish and Chips will be at this year's Moonlight Run event!
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