New Year's Eve 5k 10k 15k Half Marathon – Hidden Valley, Nature Center – Riverside – December 31, 2026 – 8:00AM
New Year's Eve is a 5K, 10K, 15K and half marathon at Hidden Valley Nature Center in Riverside, California. Join us on Thursday, December 31, 2026. The race starts at 8:00 AM, and bib pickup is on race morning from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM.
Finish the year with a run or walk at Hidden Valley, and start New Year's Day with a medal around your neck. Every registration includes a custom finisher medal, a drawstring goodie bag, live results and free photos. Runners and walkers of every level are welcome.
As we run to ring in the new year at Hidden Valley, consider supporting its recovery. This beloved wildlife area needs our help rebuilding after the fire. Join us in supporting fire recovery here -- https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-fire-recovery-for-hidden-valley-wildlife-area?attribution_id=sl:7935e8e2-e288-4812-8f54-18b0ad660058&lang=en_US&ts=1782335010&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp20_t1&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link
This is an open course. Please be courteous to other pedestrians, runners, and cyclists on the shared path.
Course map: The course is super easy to follow. It will consist of out and back loops on the path that will be marked.
* 5k out and back route - https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/6767252437
* 10k 2 x 5k loops
* 15k 3 x 5k loops
* Half marathon 3 x 4.36 mi loop - https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/6767253509
There are park restrooms and portable restrooms near the start/finish/check in area. This is the only restroom on the course.
* Aid station is at the turn around at the start/finish has water cups, water bottles, Gatorade cups, Gu gels.
Running/walking with a stroller is allowed. 3:30 time limit for the half marathon. If more time is needed, please email us at abetterworldrunning@gmail.com for early start.
Included in registration —
- custom finisher medals
- drawstring goodie bags
- chip timing
- free videos
- live results the moment you finish
- free photos found by your bib · cinematic race highlight reels · trophies & achievement badges as you hit milestones · your Ascend Index ranking across every race · Ascend Crew to follow friends & chase their times
- FREE A Better World Running APP to keep track of all your races, photos and videos
- assortment of snacks, samples
- friendly, relaxed, fun, and personal racing experience for all levels and abilities
- affordable cost and fun for the whole family!
- group discounts for 3 or more people discount auto applied on Race Ascend
- age group awards (picked up at a race only, will not be mailed)
Group discounts for 5 or more people by emailing us at abetterworldrunning@gmail.com for group registration.
NO REFUNDS. Transfers only by emailing abetterworldrunning@gmail.com
Volunteer for a free race entry -- you can bring a friend or family member to volunteer while you participate, or volunteer for a future free entry. Email here to confirm information -- abetterworldrunning@gmail.com
Start - 8:00AM
Bib pick up - 7:00-8:00AM on Thursday Dec 31st
Date - Thursday, December 31st. 2026
Address - Hidden Valley Nature Center 11401 Arlington Ave, Riverside, CA 92505
Google Maps - https://maps.app.goo.gl/EwTYV1nfs8FZsnnD8
Start Map - Please see images below
Parking - There is $6 parking at the Nature Center, or free parking across the street in the dirt overflow lot, please check the signs and instructions where you park
Race day registration -- CC, Cash, ApplePay, Venmo, Zelle or PayPal -- 5k $35, 10k $40, 15k $45, half marathon $50
Register with raceascend.com or PayPal/Venmo button below. Please choose one registration method only. Thank you!
New Year's Eve FAQ (Hidden Valley, Riverside)
When and where is the New Year's Eve race?
New Year's Eve is on Thursday, December 31, 2026 at Hidden Valley Nature Center, 11401 Arlington Ave, Riverside, CA 92505. The race starts at 8:00 AM.
What distances and courses are offered?
We offer a 5K, 10K, 15K and half marathon. This is an open course on the Santa Ana River Trail (SART) with marked out-and-back loops that is easy to follow. Every loop starts with a 2.4-mile out and back from the start/finish (1.2 miles out and 1.2 miles back), then heads the other direction on the SART for a second out and back to the start/finish. The 5K is one loop, the 10K is two loops and the 15K is three loops. The half marathon is three 4.4-mile loops, with the second out and back continuing 1 mile east of the start/finish, past the 5K turnaround. There is an aid station at the turnaround at the start/finish with water cups, water bottles, Gatorade cups and GU gels. Park and portable restrooms are near the start/finish/check-in area. Please be courteous to other pedestrians, runners and cyclists.
How much does it cost to register?
Race-day registration is $35 for the 5K, $40 for the 10K, $45 for the 15K and $50 for the half marathon, paid by credit card, cash, Apple Pay, Venmo, Zelle or PayPal. You can also register online through Race Ascend using the registration form on this page. Please choose one registration method only.
What is included in registration?
Every registration includes a custom finisher medal, a drawstring goodie bag, chip timing, live results the moment you finish, free photos found by bib number, free videos, race highlight reels, snacks and samples, and the free A Better World Running app. Age group awards are picked up at the race only and are not mailed. Groups of 3 or more get an automatic discount on Race Ascend, and larger groups can email abetterworldrunning@gmail.com to register together with one payment by Venmo or Zelle.
Where do I park?
Parking is $6 at the Nature Center, or free in the dirt overflow lot across the street. Please check the signs and instructions where you park.
When and where is bib pickup?
Bib pickup is on race morning, Thursday, December 31, from 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM. Please wear your bib visibly on the front so your photos and results are recorded.
Is there a time limit?
The time limit for the half marathon is 3 hours 30 minutes. If you need more time, email abetterworldrunning@gmail.com to arrange an early start.
Can I get a refund or transfer my registration?
There is a no refund policy. You can transfer your registration to a later race date or to another participant by emailing abetterworldrunning@gmail.com.
Are strollers allowed?
Yes, you can run or walk with a stroller on the path. Please be mindful of other pedestrians and cyclists.