Close Encounters of the Finish Line - Alien 5K, 10K, & Half Marathon

🚀 Close Encounters with the Finish Line – An Alien-Themed Beach Run!

📍 Start Line

1 Windward Ave, Venice Beach, CA 90291

📅 Date

Sunday, March 30, 2025

👽 Costumes Encouraged | Out-of-this-world vibes guaranteed

🌌 Race Overview

Get ready for a race that’s totally out of this world! Close Encounters with the Finish Line is not your average beach run—it’s a cosmic collision of running, fun, and intergalactic photo ops.

Aliens are touching down on the Venice shoreline, and they’re bringing good vibes with them. Whether you're sprinting from space invaders or just cruising through the galaxy (aka the boardwalk), this event is all about celebrating movement, community, and imagination.

Expect epic photo ops, costumed creatures, and finish line fun that’s lightyears beyond ordinary.

🌠 Why You’ll Love It

• Custom Finisher Medal: for all participants
• Photo Ops: Tons of alien-themed photo ops – UFO landings, galactic backdrops & more!
• Live DJ: pumping interstellar beats at the finish line
• Hydration Stations: Water & electrolyte stations on course
• Costumes Encouraged: prizes for the most creative humans & extraterrestrials

🏃‍♂️ The Course

A flat, fast, scenic loop along the iconic Venice Beach Boardwalk and beach path, with views for miles and two water stations to keep you fueled as you dash from dimension to dimension.

• Choose: between 5K, 10K, or Half Marathon
• Course Markings: Fully marked course
• Accessibility: Stroller & walker-friendly
• Inclusivity: Great for all paces and experience levels

⏰ Bib Pick-Up & Start Times

Race Ready Athletics Tent near 1 Windward Ave.

🏅 Half Marathon

• Bib Pick-Up: 5:30 AM – 6:15 AM
• Start Time: 6:15 AM
• Early Start: Option at 6:00 AM available by request
• Course Closure: at 9:30 AM

🏃‍♀️ 10K & 5K

• Bib Pick-Up: 6:30 AM – 7:30 AM
• Start Time: 7:30 AM

🚙 Parking Info – Smooth Landing for Your Spacecraft

• VIP Parking: Reserve just a few hundred feet from the start line for only $15 (paid in advance via Venmo or Zelle).
• Validity: Valid until 9:30 AM
• Pick-Up: Pass pick up race morning or print at home
• City Lot: (2100 Ocean Front Walk) available — opens at 6 AM, $5–$9 for all-day parking, 3–4 minute walk to the start

📧 VIP Parking Reservation

To reserve VIP parking, email angela@aztlanevents.com

☀️ Safety & Space Weather

• Foot Traffic: Morning foot traffic is minimal
• Security: along the boardwalk
• Proximity: Event takes place next to the Venice Police Substation
• Weather: Rain or shine (unless the mothership says otherwise)

🌌 Beam Yourself to the Start Line

Whether you’re here to race, roam the galaxy, or pose with space creatures on the beach—this event is for you.

👽 Don’t miss Close Encounters with the Finish Line—Venice Beach is going galactic!

🔗 For More Information

Learn more and register here!