Running through the OC Fair instead of having a deep fried Oreo? Yes, please! Most fun 5k ever... 5 stars!!!!! What makes the OC Fair 5k Fun Run true to its name is the 5k course with its fun detours along the way! Yes, you probably will not set a new PR for a 5k if you're doing the fun detours, but the run will definitely be not as fun without them. Although for some, running through the actual fair grounds may be fun enough! Kudos to the race organizers for making most of the course take place inside the OC fair grounds. For 2019, the fun detours involved shooting a basketball, breaking a plate, shooting a ping pong ball in cup, and going on the actual stage of the Pacific Amphitheater. So excited that my aim was just right, and I broke a plate! Not a just a 5k medal gets added to my medal collection, but also a pretty cool donut pineapple plush!!! The fun run takes place at 8 am on a Sunday, and since the fair is not yet open to the public, there's free parking for 5k runners. Race bib and t-shirt pickup is also available on race morning, which is a big plus! There was a water station available in the middle of the course, and bottled water, snacks, and fruit were given out at the finish line. It was my very first OC Fair 5k Fun Run, and I found it well organized with lots of friendly volunteers and staff. A major bonus of the fun run is being able to see the animals and plants in the Centennial Farm area after the race. Centennial Farm is directly adjacent to the finish line area. Although, I'm not too sure if there will be access available next year or in future years. The Centennial Farm staff were happily greeting runners in the area while OC Fair security officers were making announcements that the fair is not yet open and that runners cannot be in the area. Luckily, the Centennial Farm staff won the disagreement/miscommunication while we there! Definitely cool to see the animals and plants without huge crowds. The highlights were getting to see the newly born piglets and calves, taking a selfie with a friendly cow, as well as getting a brilliant idea for an old and nonworking wheelbarrow! Having done a number of 10ks, half marathons, and a couple of full marathons, I have stated to friends and family that I can't see myself ever paying for a 5k again because it's just too short of a distance. The OC Fair 5k Fun Run has changed my mind. read more