Fashion and foot speed will get the race started at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve when the annual Lululemon 5K “Run with the Roses” sprints off.
The third-annual run, which is expected to draw around 2,500 participants, follows part of the Tournament of Roses parade route on Colorado Boulevard, just hours before the famous New Year’s Day parade begins.
This year, the money that’s earned through the race will go to support a Los Angeles-based nonprofit called It’s Bigger Than Us, which helps organize disaster-relief initiatives.
Thousands of runners will close out the year of 2025 assembling around the starting line at 240 W. Colorado Blvd. Last year, the location, which already had rows of bleachers in place for the next day’s parade, was a busy hive of excitement, with loud music blasting, lights flashing, and racers trotting in place to get warm.
Many people come to run in costume, with some creative teams showing their stuff in a festive spirit. While there is a competitive element to the 5K, most people are there to support charity, to take part in a social happening, and to start their year off with a good and hearty workout.
With hundreds of people camped out along Colorado Boulevard in anticipation of the parade, the 5K run also has its own built-in cheerleaders, who fervently encourage the runners on with cheers and applause.
This year, organizers are offering a new challenge tied to an early starting gun.
“For competitive runners, the new ‘Beat the Countdown’ challenge offers an early start and a thrilling goal,” according to organizers of the race. “Complete the 5K in under 20 minutes before midnight for the ultimate bragging rights and special recognition.”
Registration for the race opened on Oct. 20. Last year, it very quickly sold out, topping at 2,500 participants.
The race course itself will proceed east from Pasadena Avenue along Colorado Boulevard.
Runners will then loop back at Hill Avenue and return west on Colorado, crossing the finish line at 300 E. Colorado Boulevard, next to Los Robles Avenue.
Last year, earnings from the race were divided between the nonprofit Fostering Dreams Project, which brings dance and the performing arts to underserved communities, and Women’s Sports Foundation, which fosters female potential through sports.
According to It’s Bigger Than Us’s website, the group is “a movement fueled by compassion, collaboration, and a shared commitment to creating resilient communities.”
The group offers a range of programs for families and children.
Like last year, a Lululemon pop-up shop is planned to be open at the end of December on Colorado Boulevard. The brand will offer limited-edition merchandise, as well as Tournament of Roses products.
The 137th Rose Parade is both a Pasadena and international tradition. This year’s theme is “The Magic in Teamwork.”
While there will be many running fans in attendance, the 5K event is also looking for interested volunteers to help hydrate runners, distribute medals, and cheer on participants.
“All volunteers receive 25% off at the Pasadena Lululemon store or pop-up location,” according to organizers.
Jarret Liotta is a Los Angeles-based freelance writer and photographer.