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Coronado Low Tide Ride & Stride: A 5K on the Sand, Saturday, July 18

William Routt·Jun 9, 2027·5 min.

A 5K run, walk, or bike on Coronado's beach at the lowest tide — the Low Tide Ride & Stride returns July 18.

Overview

Here's a race you can only run a few mornings a year. The Coronado Rotary Low Tide Ride & Stride returns for its 29th year on Saturday, July 18 — a family-friendly 5K run, walk, or bike held on the beach, timed to the lowest tide of the month so the sand is hard-packed and fast. You start and finish at Sunset Park and travel one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world, all to support local military and first responders. Run it, walk it, bike it, or stroll it — this one's for everyone.

What You Actually Need to Know

  • Event: Coronado Rotary Low Tide Ride & Stride (29th annual) — chip-timed 5K
  • Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
  • Time: Race starts at 8:00 AM (the lowest tide of the month); finish line closes 90 minutes later
  • Where: Sunset Park — Ocean Blvd. & Ocean Ct., Coronado
  • Categories: 5K Run/Walk and 5K Bike Ride, each split into 17 & Under and 18 & Up
  • Benefits: Coronado Rotary's biggest fundraiser — proceeds support local military and first responders
  • Register: Low Tide Ride & Stride →

What Makes It Special

Most 5Ks are run on pavement. This one runs on the beach — and not just any beach, but Coronado's, regularly ranked among the top 10 in the world. The race is deliberately scheduled for the lowest tide of the month, which exposes a wide, firm ribbon of damp sand that's genuinely fast underfoot. The course runs from the North Beach area down and back, and fun fact: it follows the same beach stretch the Navy SEALs use for their BUD/S training runs.

There's a real conservation story here, too. The route deliberately stays off the Amphibious Base to protect the nesting grounds of the endangered Least Tern and Snowy Plover — so you're running a beautiful course and helping safeguard it.

It's a true community morning: after you cross the line, stick around Sunset Park for live music, snacks, and local vendor booths.

Good to Know

  • Bikes on sand work great — at low tide the packed sand is fast, and any wide-tire bike flies; even road bikes do well. Your entry includes a post-race bike rinse and chain lube.
  • Helmets are required for all cyclists under 18 (city law applies on the beach)
  • No dogs — city beach regulations don't allow them on the course
  • You must wear your bib — for military security, anyone without one will be turned back on the route
  • Packet pickup is Friday, July 17 (4–6 PM) behind the U.S. Bank at 800 Orange Ave, or race-day at Sunset Park from 7 AM until the 8 AM start
  • Parking fills fast in Coronado — bike or rideshare if you can, the local move on the island

It's one of the most uniquely San Diego ways to spend a summer Saturday morning — and a feel-good one at that. For more around the county, browse our full event calendar. And if a morning in Coronado has you dreaming about island life, our Coronado neighborhood guide is a great place to start.