Marathon Information

*Garrett Reynolds on his way to winning the 2022 Ventura Marathon with a time 2:23:30.

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 toward 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 26th, 2023

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) 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 4:30 AM and 4:45 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
• Tech T-Shirt
• Professionally chip timed
• Pace Groups
• Finishers Medal
• Post-race party
• Reusable shopping bag
• Custom Race Bib
• Hand Made Age Group Awards (see below)

Packet Pickup

Pre-race packet pickup will be on Saturday, February 25th. VIP packet pick-up is available on race day for $20. For packet pick-up info click HERE. For information on race morning pick up click HERE

Course

Interactive Course Map Link

*Course subject to change. We do not plan for the routes to change however if something happens (ie 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.)

2023 Update - We have to use a detour around a section of the bike path that was damaged during the January storm. The course map has been adjusted. The portion of the bike path that was damaged is between Santa Ana Rd and Casitas Vista Rd and is currently closed. County Parks is unsure as to when it will be opened and is unable to allow us to use it at this time. The rerouted course will still be USATF certified (re-measuring the week of Feb 6th) making it a BQ.

2023 - Update V2 (02/25/2023) - We had to make another change because of flooding at the bottom of McNell. https://www.plotaroute.com/route/2167608?units=miles 

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 stations approximately every 1.5 - 2 miles. Every aid station will have water and nearly every aid station will have 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.