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
