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Mountains 2 Beach Marathon
Race Details:
- Location: Ventura, CA, USA
- Race Date: 04/18/2027
- Race Distances: Full Marathon, Half Marathon
What This Race Counts Toward:
Boston: Yes
World Marathon Majors: Yes
Mountains 2 Beach Marathon Description
The Mountains 2 Beach Marathon is a net-downhill, Boston qualifying race that begins just over 700 feet up in the Ojai Valley foothills and descends toward the Pacific Ocean, finishing near the historic Ventura Pier. The point-to-point course drops steadily over the first 22 miles before flattening out along the coast, making it one of Southern California’s fastest and most popular Boston Qualifier courses. A half marathon runs the same route. With cool coastal mornings and a gentle downhill grade, this is a favorite for chasing personal records.
Always check the official race website for the most accurate and up-to-date race information and logistics.
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Mountains 2 Beach Marathon Additional Details:
Sixteen water stops keep runners covered along the Mountains 2 Beach course, with electrolyte drink added in at nine of them, dense enough support that hydration rarely becomes a concern even on a warmer morning. The final stretch delivers one of the better payoffs in California racing: more than a mile of running directly along the beach before the finish, waves visible the whole way in. At Ventura State Beach Park, the post-race festival brings out live music, a beer garden, and an expo-style vendor area, giving finishers a real reason to stick around rather than just grabbing water and leaving. Few marathons close out with quite this much ocean underfoot in the final mile.
Course Information
Profile: Downhill
Type: Point to Point
Surface: Road/Pavement
Pace Groups: Yes
Time Limit: 5 hr 40 min
# of Finishers
Half Marathon: 1,300 to 1,500
Marathon: 1,755
Elevation Details
Elevation Gain: 536 ft (163 m)
Elevation Loss: 1,260 ft (384 m)
Average Temperature
- Low: 50°F
- High: 60°F
Train Smarter for Race Day
A great race starts long before the starting line. Whether you’re chasing your first finish or hunting a new PR, a structured training plan takes the guesswork out of race prep — building your fitness, your confidence, and your mileage at the right pace for you.
Explore plans for every distance and experience level, from your first 5K to your next ultra.
Things to Do in Ventura, CA, USA
Make the most of race weekend — here’s how to fill the time before and after you cross the finish line.
Scenic Drives & Viewpoints
Grant Park
Take in panoramic views of the coastline and Channel Islands from Grant Park, perched above downtown Ventura — a relaxed, flat way to spend a rest day.
Museums & History
Museum of Ventura County
Explore revolving exhibits on regional history and culture at the Museum of Ventura County — an easy, indoor, low-impact stop after race day.
Outdoors & Trails
Ventura Coastal Trails
Bike or walk more than 15 miles of coastline trails through oak glens and seascapes around Ventura, suited to all abilities — an easy option for tapering or recovering legs.
Sports & Entertainment
Ventura Harbor
Try stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, or a harbor cruise at Ventura Harbor, the gateway to Channel Islands National Park — a relaxed, low-impact way to spend an afternoon after race day.
Food & Drink
Ventura Taco District
Sample tacos and local eats in Ventura’s vibrant Taco District, a favorite stretch for refueling after a long run — a relaxed way to refuel after race day.
Arts & Culture
Rubicon Theatre
Catch a world-class professional performance at the Rubicon Theatre in downtown Ventura — a relaxed, indoor way to spend a taper day after race weekend.
Landmark
San Buenaventura Mission
Visit the historic San Buenaventura Mission in downtown Ventura, the last mission founded by Junípero Serra — an easy, flat, low-impact stop after race weekend.
Hotels & Lodging Near the Mountains 2 Beach Marathon
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Featured Race
A pancake-flat course made for chasing a PR — and a Boston Qualifier.
Boston Qualifier: Yes