Full Marathon Information

Marathon Details

The fast and scenic Ventura Marathon is back this year. This point-to-point marathon is the perfect amount of downhill starting in Ojai and ending in Ventura. The course winds along the paved paths of the Ojai Valley Trail and Ventura River Trail bringing runners towards the coast and one of Southern California's most popular surf destinations. Qualify for Boston or run a new PR and spend a weekend in beautiful Ventura.

Race Date: Sunday, February 22nd, 2026

Race Time: 6:30 am

Race Start Location: On McNell Rd in Ojai between Grand Ave and Reeves Rd.

Race Finish Location: Downtown Ventura

Shuttle from Ventura: Event parking is available at the Ventura County Fairgrounds ($10 cash or credit card) and throughout downtown Ventura. Runners will park and board a shuttle to the start line from the Fairgrounds. All marathon shuttles will depart the county fairgrounds between 4:20 AM and 4:30 AM. The finish line is less than half a mile from the Fairgrounds. For more info please visit http://www.venturamarathon.com/the-weekend/shuttles-parking-and-drop-offs 

Getting Dropped Off At The Start Line: Runners can get dropped off at their respective start lines. Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the start. For more info please visit http://www.venturamarathon.com/the-weekend/shuttles-parking-and-drop-offs 

Features

• Fast Net Downhill Point-to-Point Course
• USATF Certified (Boston Marathon Qualifier)
• Waffle Breakfast
• Craft Beer (1) Included for Those 21+ Years Old
• Tech T-Shirt
• Professionally Chip Timed
• Pace Groups
• Finishers Medal
• Post-Race Party
• Reusable Shopping Bag
• Custom Race Bib
• Hand Made Age Group Awards

Packet Pickup

Pre-race packet pickup will be on Saturday, February 21st. VIP packet pick-up is available on race day for $25. For packet pick-up info click HERE. For information on race morning pick up click HERE.

Course

View on Plot A Route

*Please note there was a change made (01/15). There is a portion of the bike path closed for repair/upgrades and we found out it will not be completed in time (it is a big section of the bike path between Santa Ana Rd and Maricopa) so we had to modify. The start and finish lines are the same as initially planned (Start is on McNell in Ojai and finish is on Main St in Downtown Ventura.) We are finalizing the traffic control plan and getting it USATF certified  (ensuring it is a BQ).

*Course subject to change. We do not plan for the routes to change however if something happens (i.e. Police Department can no longer provide support in an area because of a pandemic, emergency road construction, natural disasters, etc) we may need to alter a course. This is true for just about any road race (unless it is on private property).

Awards

Marathon awards are based on chip time and will be provided to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers in the following age categories:

Age Groups:

• 19 & Under
• 20 - 24
• 25 - 29
• 30 - 34
• 35 - 39
• 40 - 44
• 45 - 49
• 50 - 54
• 55 - 59
• 60 - 64
• 65 - 69
• 70 - 74
• 75 - 79
• 80+

Aid Stations

We will have water and Tailwind Endurance Fuel (mandarin flavor) stations approximately every 1.5 - 2 miles. Every aid station will have water and a port o potty. Tailwind Endurance Fuel is an all in one fueling source (carbs and electrolytes). It is built for optimal performance and easy on the gut, but you need to get used to it in training to make sure it works with your body.

Course Time Limit

The course has a six-hour time limit (this is equivalent to a 13:43 minute per mile pace).

Pace Groups

Beast Pacing will be managing our pace groups. We do not have seeded corrals so please line up behind the appropriate pacers. Our field size is moderate which allows for honor system based positioning. The plan is to have pacers at the following marathon times:

• 3:00
• 3:05
• 3:10
• 3:20
• 3:25
• 3:30
• 3:35
• 3:40
• 3:50
• 3:55
• 4:05
• 4:20
• 4:35
• 4:50
• 6:00

*Please note Beast Pacing does its best to supply pacers at the above levels and the pacers will do their best to hit these times but it is not guaranteed so always be prepared to pace yourself.