Santa Barbara International Marathon

November 09, 2013 · Santa Barbara, CA

Distance: 13.1 miles, 26.2 miles

Located in Southern California’s American Riviera, this point-to-point course begins in the scenic Goleta Valley with its lush lemon and avocado orchards, winds through Santa Barbara’s picturesque Mesa community, and finishes with a stunning two-mile descent to the sparkling Pacific Ocean. Finishers and their families can celebrate in charming downtown Santa Barbara with its abundance of quality shops, museums and restaurants, or hop on a wine-tasting or whale-watching tour for some adventure.

Click here for registration information

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Review

Returned in 2012 to run marathon the full after enjoying the 2011 half.

Registering was easy online and there were important news broadcast given via email and on Facebook.

Picking up the race material on Friday was simple, and getting to the start line Saturday morning was uncomplicated. Dos Pueblos High School was only 15 minutes from the hotel, and the drop-off was about 1/4 mile away. The gym was open and the heat was on, and it was great to stretch out on the floor as a way to warm up, and talk to friends as we tried to get mentally ready.

Start was delayed 15 minutes, but that was minor. I carried a camelback with my water and food, which made it convenient since I didn’t get bogged down with the runners stopping at the water stations. The route was absolutely beautiful, and there were plenty of local cheerleaders to cheer us on. There were also many hills, especially on mile 23 — WOW! But I expected it since I ran all the way up that hill during last year’s half marathon. This time I had to walk part of it … Ugh!

The finish line at the SB City College by the sea was beautiful, and I simply walked back to the hotel – so convenient.

I came home Sunday, day after the race, and registered to run the full marathon again in 2013. Yay!

Review

I ran the half marathon in 2011 and had an excellent experience. I’ll be returning in 2012 to run the full marathon.

Race info was sent out via email and also postings on Facebook. Everything was clear and up-to-date. Rusty Snow is a local and he also posted lots of important information on FB.

Course was beautiful with lots of trees and clear areas for running. There was a bit of a drag since after the start of the half marathon, it felt like forever before the first water station appeared. The path along the park was a little narrow, and it was a bit of a challenge trying to pass some of the slow runners. I loved that hill towards mile 10, and it was mostly downhill from there towards the ocean.

There were lots and lots of support at the end of the race. I loved being at that football stadium at the college.

It was an awesome run. I’m already registered to run the marathon November 2012.