More Than a Race. A Movement.
Run, connect, and help build futures at the Labor of Love: Merging Forces Run, a Labor Day race bringing runners, employers, workforce talent, and community supporters together in Long Beach.
Labor Day morning. Long Beach waterfront.
Join Merge Opportunities, CaliFlow Runs, employers, candidates, alumni, sponsors, and local supporters for a new race-day tradition built around movement and opportunity.
Start Labor Day with purpose.
This community race experience, created in partnership with CaliFlow Runs and Merge Opportunities, brings runners, employers, candidates, alumni, sponsors, and local supporters together to move for something bigger than a finish line.
5K
8:00 AM to 10:25 AM PDT. A flat, scenic waterfront course built for runners, walkers, first-timers, and community teams.
Includes $3.58 fee.
Sign Up for 5K10K
8:00 AM to 10:25 AM PDT. A fast beach path route for runners looking to stretch the distance and start Labor Day strong.
Includes $3.82 fee.
Sign Up for 10K1 Miler
8:30 AM to 10:25 AM PDT. A fun, approachable option for families, walkers, supporters, and anyone who wants the experience without the longer mileage.
Includes $2.50 fee.
Sign Up for 1 MilerKids Dash
9:15 AM to 9:30 AM PDT. A 400-yard dash built for energy, big smiles, and a strong finish-line moment.
Includes $1.90 fee.
Sign Up for Kids DashRun. Connect. Build futures.
Labor of Love: Merging Forces is designed to bring the Long Beach community together around workforce opportunity. Runners participate alongside employer teams, sponsors, candidates, alumni, and local supporters, creating a shared experience that turns awareness into connection.
Run for a reason.
Merge Opportunities is a Long Beach nonprofit supporting young adults ages 18 to 28 who face barriers to employment.
Many of the young adults we serve are navigating housing insecurity, justice involvement, or transition out of foster care. Merge helps them build confidence, develop real-world skills, access paid training, and connect directly to job opportunities.
- Paid training that builds job-ready skills
- Coaching and mentorship that creates confidence
- Employer connections that turn preparation into opportunity
- Support services that help remove barriers to work
Show up where future talent is already moving.
This event gives employer teams and sponsors a practical, high-visibility way to support workforce development while connecting with motivated candidates, alumni, and community partners.
Meet Talent
- Connect with candidates and alumni
- Support young adults entering the workforce
- Build visibility with job-ready talent
- Engage directly with the Merge community
Bring Your Team
- Create a branded employer team
- Run or walk together on Labor Day
- Build culture around community impact
- Turn team-building into real community value
Gain Visibility
- Show support for local workforce development
- Engage with runners and community supporters
- Demonstrate investment in Long Beach talent
- Be part of a high-energy community event
Easy logistics. Strong course. Good energy.
Everything is designed to keep the morning smooth, welcoming, and worth the early alarm.
Race Day, Made Easy
- Parking steps from the start and finish
- Quick and easy bib pickup
- 3.5 hours to complete the course
- Walk, jog, or run. All paces welcome
- Stroller and dog friendly
Timing & Awards
- Professional chip timing
- Instant ChronoTrack results
- Overall and age group awards
- Finisher medals for all participants
- Accurate results within minutes of finishing
Finish Line Vibes
- Free race day photos
- No upsells or photo packages
- Vendors, music, and community energy
- Spectator-friendly start and finish areas
- Bring your crew and cheer squad
Flat, fast, and easy to follow.
The course begins near the iconic lighthouse at Shoreline Village and continues through one of Long Beach’s most scenic waterfront routes. Participants will move through Shoreline Village and onto the beach path, creating a race experience that is accessible, scenic, and beginner-friendly while still offering a strong course for experienced runners.
Shoreline Aquatic Park
Located near Shoreline Village and the Queen Mary backdrop, the race starts in one of Long Beach’s most recognizable waterfront areas.
Long Beach, CA 90802
Monday, September 7, 2026
Move with purpose this Labor Day.
Join Merge Opportunities, CaliFlow Runs, employers, candidates, alumni, sponsors, and the Long Beach community for a new Labor Day tradition built around movement, connection, and opportunity.