Memorial 5K Run

The Memorial 5K Run turns Big Bear Lake into a crisp, high-altitude test for runners and walkers. You start and finish in The Village at the Bartlett Parking Lot, then loop through mountain neighborhoods with steady views of the lake and the pines of the San Bernardino National Forest. If you want a holiday reset that still feels like a getaway, we like this morning on the calendar.

Expect a lively, community-forward scene with serious racers alongside local families and weekend visitors. The 3.1-mile course rolls enough to keep you honest, and at more than 6,700 feet your pacing matters. After you cross the line back in The Village, the finish area becomes the gathering point for refreshments before you head to the lakefront path or claim a café table for brunch.

Plan to arrive at least 45 minutes early so you can park in the public lots around The Village and join the pre-race warm-up. Registration typically includes a commemorative shirt and finisher medal, with online pricing that drops if you book several weeks ahead. Dress in layers and use high-altitude sunscreen, mornings can start cold and warm quickly once you are moving.

Strollers are generally allowed, which keeps this event friendly for active parents, while pets are usually discouraged for course safety. The race runs rain or shine, and if you are cheering instead of racing, Pine Knot Avenue sidewalks give you a clean view of the action. For simple logistics, stay in The Village or West Shore so you can walk to the start, or choose quieter cabins near Boulder Bay or the East Shore through Lake.com; most years you will find a small gear corral near the start, water stations on course and at the finish, and limited day-of registration that can close if the event hits capacity.