The Moonlight Run and Walk

Most races start at dawn. Palo Alto's best-known community race starts after dark. On a Friday evening each September, runners and walkers gather at the edge of the Baylands, clip on headlamps and head out under the night sky. The Palo Alto Weekly and the City of Palo Alto host it together. Proceeds go to local nonprofits.

The race has been around long enough to feel like a fixture. The 2026 edition, held on Friday, September 25, was the 42nd. This guide covers how the evening works, what the 2026 event looked like and what to watch for in 2027. For more ways to stay active in town, see our running routes guide.

How the Moonlight Run works

The Moonlight Run and Walk is a single evening with several events, each with its own start. Everyone gathers at the same staging area, so walkers, runners and spectators share one big outdoor party before and after the races.

• 5K walk: untimed and relaxed. Dogs on leashes and strollers are welcome. It starts first.
• 10K run: timed, for runners who want a longer night out.
• 5K run: timed and the most popular choice for casual runners.
• Half marathon: paused in 2026. The registration page said it would return in 2027 once construction is complete.
• Virtual option: available in 2026 for people who wanted to support the cause from elsewhere.

Registration is online only and fees vary by event. The 2026 registration page said no refunds are given, since it is a charity event, but entries could be transferred to another person until about a week before race day.

The 2026 schedule

The 2026 race shows how a typical evening runs. All times are from the official registration page.

Water stops were at the midpoint of the 5K and at miles 2 and 4.5 of the 10K. Food trucks sold dinner at the staging area, which in 2026 included Oaxacan Kitchen Mobile, The Cookout Fish and Chips and Luv's Brownies. The organizers did not accept cash on site, so bring a card or phone.

What to expect in 2027

As of late October 2026, the 2027 date had not been announced. Recent editions point to a clear pattern:

1. A Friday evening in late September.
2. A start area at the Baylands Athletic Center on Geng Road.
3. Online registration opening in early summer.
4. A possible return of the half marathon, which organizers said would come back in 2027 after construction.

Check the city's events directory or the official registration page in early summer for the date and the course. The city's Moonlight Run listing also carries the basics.

Which event to choose

The right distance depends on who is coming with you and how much you want to race.

The staggered starts make it possible for one family to split up. A parent can walk the 5K with the kids at 7 p.m., then hand them off and line up for the 10K at 8:15 p.m. Check the start times for the year you enter, since they can shift.

Teens often like the 5K run best. It starts last and feels like a night out, with food trucks and friends waiting at the finish. For other teen-friendly ideas, see our guide to things to do with teens.

The venue: Baylands Athletic Center

The start, finish, check-in, sponsor booths and first aid all sit on the infield of the Baylands Athletic Center at the end of Geng Road, off Embarcadero Road east of Highway 101. It is a flat, open setting with the bay a short distance away. The Baylands Nature Preserve and the levee trails around it are some of the best running in town by daylight, so many runners come back to train there.

Spectators are welcome at the staging area, which is the easiest place to cheer since runners pass through at the start and the finish. Bring a jacket if you plan to wait for a 10K finisher.

The flat terrain is a real draw. There are no big hills to grind up, which makes the 10K a sensible first race at that distance and the 5K friendly for new runners.

Tips for race night

• Bring a headlamp. The organizers highly recommend one for all runs, which start after sunset.
• Arrive an hour early. That is the official advice. Parking takes time and lines build at check-in.
• Dress for a cool night. September days can be warm, but the bay breeze cools the Baylands quickly after sunset. A light layer for after the finish helps. See our September guide for typical weather.
• Walk with dogs, run without them. Dogs are allowed on the 5K walk only.
• Place strollers carefully. Jogging strollers can join the walk or start at the back of the runs.

Getting there

Most people drive and follow the volunteers to overflow lots. Biking is a good alternative for locals. The ride from downtown or Midtown to Geng Road is flat, though you will want lights for the trip home after 9 p.m. Our biking guide covers routes across Highway 101.

Visitors coming in for the race have the whole town to choose from, since nothing in Palo Alto is far from the Baylands by car. Our where to stay guide lists options by neighborhood.

Volunteering and the cause

The race describes itself as a benefit for local nonprofits that support kids and families and for local independent journalism. The 2026 page also said proceeds from the merchandise booth support local journalism. Volunteers staff registration, the water stops and the course. Sign-ups run through the same registration site. If you want to help without running, our volunteering guide lists other ways to get involved in Palo Alto.

For families, the walk is the easiest way in. Kids can walk with parents and the dog, then share a food truck dinner while the runners head out. The Moonlight Run also appears on our family events calendar for September.

Frequently asked questions