VENTURA MARATHON FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I pick up my packet race morning?

Yes, there is a $20 fee for both the full and half marathons. Please read our explanation and sign up for this option HERE.


Is there a Gear Check?

Yes, there is a free gear check at each starting line starting at 5:30 AM Sunday morning for the full marathon, 6:00am for the half marathon. All gear must be picked up by 1:30 PM.


When and Where is packet pick-up?

You can view packet pick up information HERE.


Can a friend/family member pick up my packet?

Yes. You will need to give your friend a photocopy of your ID.


How long is the shuttle ride to the start?

The full shuttle will generally take 30 - 40 minutes and the half marathon shuttle will generally take 20 - 30 minutes.


Is the full marathon a Boston Marathon Qualifier (BQ)?

Yes. The marathon is a USATF certified Boston Marathon qualifying race.


Is the half marathon a New York Marathon Qualifier?

Unfortunately as of 2024 the New York Marathon is no longer accepting half marathons to qualify (unless it is a New York Road Runners race.)


What are the course time limits?

The half marathon has a 5 hour time limit and the marathon has a 6 hour time limit.


Can I get a refund?

No, we do not offer refunds unless you purchased race insurance during the registration process (this is handled by a 3rd party insurance company). We do however allow event transfers where you transfer your entry to another runner. Read more about the refund policy, HERE.


What happens if the race is canceled?

Ventura Marathon reserves the right to cancel any race due to weather, air quality or other natural factors outside of our control. In the event of a cancellation, participants will be notified via email, text and social media. If transferring their entry to another race, participants will receive a code equal to the amount of their original payment to use on a future entry. Click HERE for more information on refunds, cancellations and deferrals.


Can I transfer to a friend or sell my entry?

Yes, you can transfer to a friend (or to a non-friend). Please do not wait until the last minute. If you sell your entry, you are responsible for collecting payment from that person. Our system simply allows the transfer to occur. Please do not use our social media channels as a marketplace to sell your entry.


Can I defer to next year?

We do allow deferrals for $20. Please click HERE for more info.


Can I switch distances?

Yes, you can switch distances up until February 23rd on RunSignUp. After February 23rd you will be required to switch distances at the solutions table at packet pickup. If you move up in distance you will be required to pay the current difference in price. If you move down there will not be a charge, nor will any money be refunded. To switch events, click HERE.


Are strollers or dogs allowed?

Yes, strollers are allowed. No, dogs are not allowed in the race or at the finish line expo. We love dogs but our finish line venue prohibits them and our insurance company does not allow them in the race.


Are headphones allowed?

Headphones are strongly discouraged at RRCA sanctioned events. Their use presents a serious hazard to runners participating in street races where emergency vehicles enter the course and may not be heard by runners who are listening to music. The wearing of headphones would make it difficult or impossible for you to hear an emergency vehicle approaching from behind, the shout of another runner, etc. It would be difficult or impossible to enforce a ban on headphones at the Ventura Marathon; however, their use is discouraged for the aforementioned reasons. If you choose to wear headphones you should be aware of these safety concerns. If you choose to wear headphones you should be aware that it will increase the burden of your liability should you be involved in an accident/altercation during the course of the race. If you do wear headphones, we request that you consider only plugging in one ear so you may be more likely to hear what’s going on around you and that you please remove the headphones entirely at the start line, so you may hear the instructions given and remove them entirely as you approach the finish line so you may hear the instructions given.


Still have questions? Please email VenturaMarathon@gmail.com


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