2026 Ventura Marathon

The 2026 Ventura Marathon, scheduled for Sunday, February 22, 2026, takes place in Ventura, California, starting in Ojai/Meiners Oaks and finishing in Downtown Ventura. The event follows a net-downhill course that includes a mix of paved roads and bike paths, offering runners a scenic route from the Ojai Valley toward the coast. The weather in Ventura on this date is expected to be mild, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 60°F and mostly clear skies. Participants can anticipate a fast, well-marked course with a combination of rolling terrain and flat sections, though some narrow and rough sections on the bike path may require careful navigation. The race is USATF certified and serves as a Boston Marathon qualifier, drawing runners from across the country.

What distances are available for this event?

• →Full Marathon
• →Half Marathon

What is the race date and start time?

• →Full Marathon: Sunday, February 22, 2026, starting at 6:30 AM
• →Half Marathon: Sunday, February 22, 2026, starting at 6:30 AM (run in waves)

Where does the race start and finish?

• →Full Marathon: Starts at McNell Rd in Ojai (between Grand Ave and Reeves Rd) and finishes in Downtown Ventura, approximately 0.5 miles from the Ventura County Fairgrounds
• →Half Marathon: Starts at S La Luna Ave in Meiners Oaks (between W Lomita Ave and W El Roblar Dr) and finishes in Downtown Ventura, Ventura, CA 93001

What is the course profile?

• →Full Marathon: A net-downhill point-to-point course that includes roughly 50% standard roads and 50% paved Ojai Valley Trail and Ventura River Trail
• →Half Marathon: A fast, gently rolling downhill point-to-point course that mostly follows the tree-lined, paved Ojai Valley Trail and Ventura River Trail

What are the course conditions?

• →Full Marathon: Some narrow sections (1–2 people across) on the bike path later in the race, with a rough surface
• →Half Marathon: Approximately 4 miles into the race, the path narrows and becomes rough in sections, requiring runners to single up

What is included in the registration?

• →Tech T-Shirt
• →Finishers Medal
• →Reusable Shopping Bag
• →Custom Race Bib
• →Post-Race Belgian Waffle Breakfast for all finishers
• →One (1) Craft Beer for participants 21+ years old
• →Professionally Chip Timed
• →Pace Groups available
• →Gear Check available (donate old clothes or retrieve post-race)
• →Post-Race Party
• →Aid Stations with Water and Tailwind Endurance Fuel (Mandarin flavor) every 1.5–2 miles

What is the race certification?

• →The 2026 Ventura Marathon is USATF Certified and serves as a Boston Marathon Qualifier

What are the race awards?

• →Awards are given based on chip time
• →Categories include 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place for Male, Female, and Non-Binary
• →Age Group Awards are given in 5-year increments from "19 & Under" up to "80+"
• →Awards are hand-made and available for pickup at the Awards Tent on race day

What is the course map and route status?

• →The course submitted for permits utilizes the preferred Ojai Valley/Ventura River Trail route
• →The route remains subject to change due to emergency road construction, police support availability, or natural disasters
• →Detailed routes can be viewed on Plot-A-Route (link provided in original registration materials)

What is the race schedule for packet pick-up?

• →Packet pick-up on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Mission Park, Downtown Ventura, CA 93001
• →Race day packet pick-up on Sunday, February 22, 2026, from 5:30 AM to 6:15 AM at respective start lines
• →VIP/Race Day Pick-Up costs an additional $20 and must be selected during registration or paid on-site (cash/card)

What are the shuttle and parking logistics?

• →Parking is available at Ventura County Fairgrounds for $10 cash/credit or free throughout Downtown Ventura
• →Full Marathon shuttles depart the Fairgrounds between 4:20 AM and 4:30 AM; arrive by 4:20 AM
• →Half Marathon shuttles depart Fairgrounds at 4:30 AM and 5:30 AM; arrive 10 minutes prior to departure
• →Drop-offs are allowed at the start line for both events
• →No shuttles return to the start line after the race

What are the important course notes?

• →The 2026 course submitted for permits utilizes the preferred Ojai Valley/Ventura River Trail route
• →The course remains subject to change due to emergency road construction, police support availability, or natural disasters

What are the registration deadlines and policies?

• →Deferrals and transfers are due by Thursday, February 19, 2026
• →Deferral to 2027: $20 fee
• →Transfer to another runner or distance change: Must be completed via RunSignUp by end of day on the deadline
• →Downgrading distance results in no refund of the price difference
• →Refunds are not offered by the race directly; only available through RegShield/FanShield if race insurance was purchased at registration

What is the weather forecast for the event date?

• →The weather in Ventura on February 22, 2026, is expected to be mild, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 60°F and mostly clear skies

What race facilities and amenities are available?

• →Aid Stations with Water and Tailwind Endurance Fuel (Mandarin flavor) every 1.5–2 miles
• →Port-a-potties at every aid station
• →Gear Check available
• →Post-Race Party
• →Professional chip timing
• →Pace Groups available
• →Hand-made Age Group Awards
• →Post-Race Belgian Waffle Breakfast for all finishers
• →One (1) Craft Beer for participants 21+ years old