The Ultimate Guide To The 30th Annual Pride Of The Valley 5K: Date, Records, And The Famous In-N-Out Finish

Contents
The Pride of the Valley 5K Run & Walk is an iconic Southern California summer tradition, and the 30th Annual event, scheduled for Saturday, August 2, 2025, in Baldwin Park, CA, is set to be the biggest yet. This community race, which has grown from a local fun run into a highly competitive road race, brings together elite runners, local families, and fitness enthusiasts from across the region to celebrate health, community, and the heritage of the San Gabriel Valley. This year’s race, hosted by the City of Baldwin Park, marks a significant milestone—the 30th Anniversary—and introduces an exciting new distance: the Pride of the Valley 10K. Whether you are chasing a personal best on the fast, flat course or simply looking to enjoy a morning walk with friends, this event offers a unique blend of high-stakes competition and family-friendly fun, all culminating in a highly anticipated, delicious reward at the finish line.

Event Profile: The 30th Annual Pride of the Valley Run & Walk

The Pride of the Valley 5K is more than just a race; it is a cornerstone event for the City of Baldwin Park, reflecting a decades-long commitment to community wellness and competitive running. The 2025 edition promises to honor this tradition while introducing new elements to attract a wider range of participants.
  • Event Name: 30th Annual Pride of the Valley 5K Run & Walk
  • Host City: Baldwin Park, California
  • Date: Saturday, August 2, 2025
  • Start Time: 7:30 AM PDT (Tike Trot), 8:00 AM PDT (5K/10K)
  • Location: Morgan Park (Start/Finish Line, 4100 Baldwin Park Boulevard)
  • Distances: 5K (3.1 miles), 10K (6.2 miles), and the Tike Trot (Half-Mile for children 8 and under)
  • Course: A fast, USATF-certified route running north on Baldwin Park Boulevard and through local city streets before finishing back at Morgan Park.
  • Perks: Commemorative T-shirt, Finisher’s Medal, and the famous In-N-Out Burger Voucher for all registered finishers.
  • Competition: Cash prizes for overall male and female 5K winners, plus a cash bonus for breaking a course record.

The Course: A Fast Track Through Baldwin Park’s Core

The Pride of the Valley 5K is renowned in the Southern California running circuit for its flat and fast course, making it a prime location for setting a new personal record (PR). The race begins and ends at the historic Morgan Park in Baldwin Park, a central hub for the community. The route takes runners north along Baldwin Park Boulevard, guiding them through the vibrant city streets. This design not only provides a competitive surface but also offers a beautiful tour of the city, complete with local residents cheering on the runners. For the 30th Anniversary, the new Pride of the Valley 10K distance will challenge runners to complete the original 5K course twice, doubling the opportunity for a high-performance finish. The race organization is meticulous, featuring 19 different age categories to ensure fair competition across all demographics. The clear, well-marked route, coupled with the early morning start time, provides ideal running conditions before the heat of the day sets in.

Course Records and Elite Runners: The Who’s Who of Running

What truly elevates the Pride of the Valley 5K is its rich history of attracting top-tier talent. The race's record list is not merely a collection of times; it reads like a who’s who in running, offering current participants the unique chance to compare their performance against some of the sport's most accomplished athletes. The competitive nature of this event is underscored by the cash prizes offered to the overall male and female winners, along with a significant cash bonus for anyone who manages to break the existing course records.

Legends of the Pride of the Valley Course

The following athletes hold some of the most impressive times on the Baldwin Park course: * Sydney Gidabuday: Set the male 20-24 age group record with an astonishing time of 14:00 in 2017. Gidabuday’s record stands as a testament to the course’s speed and the high level of competition. * Fernando Cabada: A prominent name in long-distance running, Cabada holds the male 25-29 age group record with a time of 14:23, set back in 2008. * Valerie Sanchez: Holds the female 25-29 age group record with an incredible time of 16:44, set in 2018. * Mariel Mendoza: Set the female 20-24 age group record in 2017 with a time of 16:46. Other notable runners who have graced the event and placed highly include Nico Young, Juan Paredes, Shimelis Abebe, Chris Verdugo, Jace Aschbrenner, and Asefa Gebrasellis, further cementing the race’s reputation as a proving ground for running excellence.

The Unbeatable Finish: Why Runners Keep Coming Back

While the competitive atmosphere and fast course are major draws, the Pride of the Valley 5K is most famous for its unique and highly anticipated finisher's reward: the In-N-Out Burger Voucher. Every registered runner who successfully crosses the finish line is presented with a voucher for a free, fresh burger from the iconic California fast-food chain, In-N-Out. This culinary perk has become a legendary part of the race experience, offering a perfect, savory reward after 3.1 or 6.2 miles of hard work. The combination of a challenging race and a satisfying, local treat creates a memorable experience that keeps participants eagerly returning year after year.

A True Community Celebration

The event is a true community affair, beginning with the Tike Trot, a half-mile fun run designed for the youngest participants (ages 8 and under). This ensures that the entire family can be involved in the summer tradition. The Tike Trot starts at 7:30 AM, setting a spirited tone for the main events that follow. The City of Baldwin Park leverages this event to promote health, fitness, and community cohesion. It provides an opportunity for local businesses to engage, for high school cross-country teams (such as Ayala CA, who won the prep girls team competition in a past edition) to compete, and for residents to showcase their civic pride. The Pride of the Valley 5K is a prime example of a successful municipal event that blends competitive athletics with accessible community participation. The event's longevity—reaching its 30th Annual running—speaks volumes about its importance to the San Gabriel Valley. Whether you are aiming for a sub-15-minute 5K, tackling your first 10K, or simply enjoying the walk and the promise of a free In-N-Out burger, the 2025 race on August 2nd is an unmissable highlight of the Southern California summer calendar.
The Ultimate Guide to the 30th Annual Pride of the Valley 5K: Date, Records, and the Famous In-N-Out Finish
pride of the valley 5k
pride of the valley 5k

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