Lake Merritt Run Club · Monthly Race
4th Sunday Race
Monthly* · Every Fourth Sunday · Lake Merritt, Oakland
About the race
Oakland’s Monthly Running Tradition
The Fourth Sunday Race is Lake Merritt Run Club’s signature monthly* event — a flat, fast loop around beautiful Lake Merritt in the heart of Oakland. Open to runners and walkers of all abilities with three distance options.
A great way to test your fitness, earn a PR, or just run with the community.
* Held most months of the year. The Fourth Sunday Race is not held during months featuring Lake Merritt Run Club signature races and the Oakland Marathon.
Perfect for beginners and those returning to racing
The most popular distance — one full loop of the lake
Extended route for those building mileage and endurance
Race details
When, Where & How It Works
Start Times
- 8:40 AM — Kids Race (toddlers to 1st grade · 100 yards · free)
- 8:45 AM — Youth Race (ages 9–12 · ~½ mile · free)
- 8:45 AM — 15K start
- 9:00 AM — 5K and 10K start
Location
Lake Merritt, Oakland
568 Bellevue Ave, Oakland
Grassy meadow next to the Sailboat House
Parking on Bellevue: $5 fee. Free street parking on Perkins and Grand on Sundays.
Distances
- 5K — once around Lake Merritt
- 10K — twice around Lake Merritt
- 15K — three times around Lake Merritt
Awards & Ribbons
- Participation ribbons for all finishers
- Place ribbons — top male & female in 10-year age groups
- Total Time Competition for members who complete all 3 distances in a calendar year
Entry fees
Registration Pricing
One of the most affordable races in the Bay Area — intentionally kept low-cost so everyone can race. Select your distance, then choose the entry amount that works for you. Kids and youth run free — no registration needed.
Pre-registration only — no same-day entries. All price options include the same race experience for your chosen distance.
Upcoming dates
Next Fourth Sunday Races
Upcoming race dates — always pulled live from our events calendar.
Note on skipped dates
The Fourth Sunday Race is not held in February due to the Lake Merritt Relay. It is also skipped when it conflicts with the Oakland Marathon. Check the events calendar for the most current schedule.
Questions about the race? Email racing@lakemerrittrunclub.org