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2025 Photos: here       
2025 Results: here

10th Anniversary Event

DECEMBER 7, 2025

5K/10K RUNNERS

Chip-timed 5K and 10K trail run on single track, dirt trail with water/aid stations. Prizes for top 3 male and female finishers in each distance.


HIKERS

Take leisurely hike through one San Diego County’s most scenic and beautiful spaces, with exclusive access to the Elfin Forest Reserve most people don’t have access to. Dog friendly!


TEAMS

Golden goat team competition and discounted pricing for groups of 5 or more.


ALL

All paid participants receive a commemorative technical t-shirt, finisher medallion and complimentary beer (21+)

REGISTER

NOTE: Accessing the race staging area prior to the morning of the event (by foot, bicycle, or vehicle by way of Via Ambiente) is prohibited due to the sensitivity of the area near the dam and water treatment facilities. Doing so will affect our ability to hold this race in the future. You are welcome to pre-run course if you access the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve (EFRR) from 8833 Harmony Grove Rd during EFRR’s regular hours of operation. Please stay on designated trails at all times.  

ELFIN FOREST RECREATIONAL RESERVE 

SAN DIEGO, CA

With a start/finish and post-race expo set at the base of the Olivenhain Dam, the Keepin’ It Rural 5k/10k is a unique event on the San Diego race calendar.

POST-RACE FESTIVAL

Enjoy the post-race festival with vendor expo, food trucks, beer garden, live band and raffle!

REGISTRATION PRICES

Event is limited to 350 participants, to allow plenty of space on the trail for runners and hikers. Prices increase as we approach race day, but due to the limited capacity, space may sell out earlier than the below schedule. 

10K Runners 

$70 – through October 31

$80 – November 1 - November 19

$90 – November 20 – December 6

$100 – Day of Event 

5K Runners 

$50 – through October 31

$55 – November 1 - November 19

$65 – November 20 – December 6

$70 – Day of Event 


5K Hikers & Families

Take the 5k course at a more leisurely pace. $50 for single hikers and $90 for family hikers (2 adults, kids 12 and under hike for free).  Non-chip-timed.

Event is limited to 350 participants, to allow plenty of space on the trail for runners and hikers. Prices increase as we approach race day, but due to the limited capacity, space may sell out earlier than the above schedule. 

One of San Diego County’s precious natural resources, the Reserve offers 11 miles of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails, as well as picnic areas and scenic mountain viewing points. The natural beauty of the Reserve includes such native plant communities as oak riparian, oak woodland, coastal sage scrub, and chaparral. Typically closed to public access, the Elfin Forest Keepin’ it Rural 10K/5K is a unique opportunity to enjoy a start and post-race festivities from the base of the Olivenhain Reservoir.

PACKET PICKUP & SCHEDULE

Race Day Schedule

6:30 AM:     On-site registration begins

7:00 AM:     Festival starts 

7:45 AM:     10K race begins

8:00 AM:     5K race begins

9:45 AM:     Both courses close

10:10 AM:   Kids Fun Run begins

10:15 AM:   Raffle winners announced

10:30 AM:   Award festival for 5K, 10K

Packet Pickup

Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 6pm-8pm


Location: 

The Lost Abbey's San Elijo tasting room (The Sanctuary at 1215 San Elijo Road)

FUNDRAISER


A portion of this year’s race proceeds will benefit the Escondido Creek Conservancy. The Conservancy focuses on the health and vitality of the Escondido Creek Watershed, which extends from above Lake Wohlford, through the City of Escondido, Harmony Grove, Elfin Forest, Olivenhain, Rancho Santa Fe, and into the San Elijo Lagoon in Solana Beach and Encinitas. Since 1991, the Conservancy has helped preserve over 7,000 acres of land. 


© 2025 Keepin’ It Rural 5K/10K