Frequently Asked Questions
About Our Races
Why run an A Better World Running race?
We offer a friendly, fun racing atmosphere in Southern California and Las Vegas. We have been organizing races since 2011, and we keep it simple: the pure essentials of racing, run with integrity, love and kindness. Every race includes a medal for every participant, free photos, post-race snacks and swag, and spectacular views at the beach or in a beautiful park. Our costs are lower than almost all other races.
Where are your races held?
We host 5K, 10K, 15K and half marathon races at parks and beaches across Southern California and in Las Vegas, Nevada, including Ventura, Simi Valley, Valencia, Hansen Dam, Woodley Park (Lake Balboa), Griffith Park, Elysian Park, Kenneth Hahn, Whittier Narrows, Yorba Park (Anaheim), Long Beach, Irvine, Riverside (Ryan Bonaminio Park and Hidden Valley) and Las Vegas (Sunset Park and Mountain's Edge). See our Locations page for upcoming dates at each venue.
How do I register?
Register on the race page using the Race Ascend registration form, or the PayPal/Venmo or active.com button when one is shown. Please choose one registration method only. Same-day registration is also available through Venmo, Zelle, cash, ApplePay, or credit/debit card.
Registration and Pricing
Is there day-of race registration?
Yes, we accept same-day registration if the race is not full. Race-day prices are the same at every race: $35 for the 5K, $40 for the 10K, $45 for the 15K and $50 for the half marathon. When a race is full and registration is closed, it will be noted on the website.
What is the cancellation or refund policy?
We do not give refunds. Instead, you can transfer your entry to another race date, or to a friend or family member, if you email us ahead of time at abetterworldrunning@gmail.com. One transfer per entry, please. There is no expiration or extra fee to transfer.
Can I change my distance after registering?
Yes. If you want to increase or decrease your distance, just ask us before or during the race and we will accommodate the change.
Discounts and Rewards
Are there group discounts?
Yes. Groups of 3 or more get an automatic discount when you register together on Race Ascend: 3 or more save 5%, 4 or more save 10% and 5 or more save 15%. For larger groups or special requests, email abetterworldrunning@gmail.com.
How can I save if I run several races?
Our rewards program gives regular participants every 5th race free. Keep track of your races and email us before your 5th one. You can also build a Race Pack on Race Ascend and save up to 15% when you register for more than one of our races in a season.
Do you offer running club or veteran discounts?
Yes. Members and board members of local running clubs, including LA RoadRunners, LA Leggers, AREC, TRH and ARC, can email us for details. Veterans can email us for a discount too: abetterworldrunning@gmail.com.
Perks
What perks do you offer?
Every 5th race is free, you can run a free race on your birthday weekend, and you earn a special medal at 5, 7, 10 and 12 locations. Every race counts toward our age group Grand Prix competition, with year-end prizes for the top five in each age group. Our app is also free on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Is there a free birthday race?
Yes. Email abetterworldrunning@gmail.com for a free race on your birthday weekend, with your choice of date and distance, and we will enter you. The race must fall on your birthday weekend, not a future date. For example, with a May 9th birthday you can run the May 9th or May 10th race for free.
How do I earn a location medal?
Each level has its own medal: the Big 5 for 5 different A Better World Running locations, the Super 7 for 7, the Big 10 for 10 and the Ultimate 12 for 12. Every location we have hosted since 2011 counts. Email us your locations and we will confirm.
What is the Grand Prix?
The Grand Prix is our season-long age group competition, and every A Better World Running race counts. Age groups are 10 years for men and women (19 and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70 and over), based on your age at the end of the year.
How do I earn Grand Prix points?
You earn 1 participation point for finishing at any distance. The top five finishers in each age group also earn placement points: 5 for 1st, 4 for 2nd, 3 for 3rd, 2 for 4th and 1 for 5th. Standings are posted on our Grand Prix page and in the free A Better World Running app.
Are there Grand Prix prizes?
Yes. The top five finishers in each age group receive year-end prizes.
Is there a free app?
Yes. The A Better World Running app is free on the Apple App Store and Google Play. Use it to see live results and Grand Prix standings.
Race Day
Where do I pick up my bib and where do I park?
Each race page lists the address, parking and bib pickup details. Please wear your bib visibly on the front, or photos and results may not be recorded.
Are there time limits?
Time limits vary by event and are listed on each race page. For the half marathon, plan on approximately 3:15 to 3:30. An early start is always an option. Email us ahead of time at abetterworldrunning@gmail.com.
What is offered at aid stations?
The aid station has water in cups and bottles, Gatorade and Gu gels. The finishing goodie table also has bananas, fruit snacks and granola bars. Everyone is welcome to leave a drop bag or bottle on the table, and to refill a bottle or pack at any time.
Can I have someone pace me during a race?
Yes, pacers are welcome at any time.
Who Can Participate
Are walkers allowed?
Yes, we have a lot of walkers at our events. We encourage people to run or walk their way to better health and to meet their goals.
Can children participate?
Yes. For all participants under 18, a guardian must sign the waiver. This can be done on race day or with the mail-in registration form. Strollers are welcome, and babies often get a medal too.
Are strollers allowed?
Yes, you can run or walk with a stroller on the path. We just ask you to be mindful of cyclists and others on the path.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, it is okay to run or walk with a leashed dog, for the safety of the dogs and participants. We ask that the owner starts toward the back and makes sure the leash and dog never block another pedestrian or cyclist on the shared paths. Please be mindful of others at all times.
Results, Photos and Awards
Will run times be posted?
Yes. Results are available as soon as you finish and are posted on our Results & Photos page and in the free A Better World Running app. We are very adamant about getting results out as quickly as possible.
Will there be a photographer at the races?
We aim to have a photographer at every race, and often two, including a professional. Photos are free and can be found by your bib number or name on the results page on raceascend.com
Are there awards?
Everyone who participates is a winner, and all participants receive a medal. There is an extra award for the top 3 finishers in each distance (male and female). There are also age group awards, and details are on the individual race page. You must be present at the race to pick up awards, and awards are not mailed.
Volunteering
Can I volunteer?
Yes, we would love volunteers to help with our races. Email abetterworldrunning@gmail.com for more information. Volunteers get their next race free, or you can bring a friend or family member to help while you run for free.
Have a question we didn't answer? Email us at abetterworldrunning@gmail.com.
Submit any questions or comments to abetterworldrunning@gmail.com
