Ryan's Ranch Run

Ryan's Ranch Run Overview

Ryan’s Ranch Run is a community-driven 5K, 10K, and Kids Mile hosted at the breathtaking Thousand Hills Ranch in Pismo Beach—Ryan Teixeira’s family ranch and the heart of his legacy. This unique event blends scenic running routes with a meaningful mission, raising funds for Central Coast Athletics Foundation (CCAF) and 17 Strong, an organization founded in Ryan’s honor to provide Victory Trips to young adults battling life-threatening illness.

Runners and walkers of all ages take on a mixed-terrain course with rolling hills and the spirit of community all around. Race day begins with the inspiring 17 Strong Victory Lap, followed by the Kids Mile and the 5K/10K races. After crossing the finish line, participants enjoy a lively festival with live music, local vendors, delicious food, raffle prizes, and family-friendly fun.

Ryan’s Ranch Run isn’t just a race—it’s a celebration of resilience, community, and giving back. Each step supports two impactful nonprofits and helps continue Ryan’s legacy of strength, joy, and living life to the fullest.

Race Day Celebration

Race day begins with one of the most inspiring traditions of Ryan’s Ranch Run—the 17 Strong Victory Lap. Before the races begin, we will honor past and present 17 Strong Victory Trip Recipients as they take a celebratory lap around the lawn in front of the barn. Join us with cowbells, cheers, and applause as we celebrate their strength, courage, and victories.

• Victory Lap: 8:45 AM
• Kids Mile Start: 9:00 AM
• 5K & 10K Start: 9:30 AM

5K Race

The Ryan’s Ranch Run 5K offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of Thousand Hills Ranch while supporting two incredible causes. The race begins and ends at the historic barn and features a scenic mix of paved roads and dirt ranch roads.

The 5K and 10K runners start together and follow the same course for the first three miles. Participants will head out along ranch roads toward the fields, loop through the cattle grazing areas, and enjoy expansive views of the rolling hills and working ranch landscape. After exiting the fields, runners return toward the barn. At the final turn, 5K participants continue straight to the finish line at the barn, where friends, family, and festival activities await.

The course includes:

• Surfaces: Mixed dirt and paved surfaces that are stroller friendly
• Course Features: Scenic loop through the ranch fields
• Facilities: Water station located on the course
• Support: Course support from volunteer mountain bike club monitoring runners

10K Race

The 10K provides an extended ranch experience for runners looking for a longer challenge while enjoying the same beautiful scenery.

The race begins alongside the 5K at the barn and follows the same route through the ranch fields for the first three miles. After returning toward the barn, 10K runners split from the 5K course and continue deeper into the ranch. The 10K combines beautiful scenery, ranch charm, and a rewarding challenge that makes it one of the most unique races on California’s Central Coast.

The second half of the course follows a scenic ranch road out-and-back section featuring:

• Scenery: Rolling ranch views
• Terrain: Additional mileage through Thousand Hills Ranch
• Facilities: A dedicated turnaround water station
• Support: Course support from volunteer mountain bike club riders

Kids Mile

The Kids Mile is designed to be a fun and memorable experience for young runners of all ages.

The race starts and finishes at the barn on an all-paved course. Kids will follow one of the race’s favorite traditions—a lead cyclist dressed as a steer mascot—as they make their way around the course.

Features include:

• Course: Fully paved route
• Safety: Safe, family-friendly course
• Accessibility: Stroller friendly - Feel free to stroll along with your child if needed.
• Guidance: Lead “Steer” biker guiding participants

Team Competition

Gather your friends, family, coworkers, school, club, or organization and compete for team awards at Ryan’s Ranch Run! Teams can be formed and all team members can register under that assigned team. Create a team, share the referral registration to earn money back on your registration. Team must be 10 or more registered racers in the 5K and 10K.

Team Awards

• Largest Team Award: Awarded to the team with the most registered participants.
• Most Spirited Team Award: Awarded to the team that shows the most enthusiasm, creativity, team spirit, and event participation.
• Fastest 5K Team Award: Awarded to the fastest 5K team based on the combined times of the team’s top five finishers.
• Fastest 10K Team Award: Awarded to the fastest 10K team based on the combined times of the team’s top five finishers.

Stay for the Festival

After crossing the finish line, stick around for the Ryan’s Ranch Run Festival featuring:

• Entertainment: Live music
• Food: Food for purchase by Hoagies
• Local Vendors: Local vendors
• Raffle: Raffle prizes

Come run, celebrate, and help support 17 Strong and the Central Coast Athletics Foundation while honoring the legacy of Ryan Teixeira.

For more information, visit Ryan's Ranch Run.