ENDURANCE
WITH ATTITUDE
The inaugural Santa Cruz Marathon will be a run on the edge in every sense. Rugged bluffs, crashing breaks, and a boardwalk that’s weathered storms, bands, and even vampires set the stage for miles with attitude.
Join us for year one and claim your place where endurance meets rebellion.
Scenic & Varied Coastal Route
A dynamic course winding through seaside towns, landmarks, bluffs, and surf spots.
Historic & Iconic Landmarks
From the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk to Capitola Village and Wilder Ranch.
Authentically Santa Cruz
Surf culture, grit, and a fiercely independent local spirit.
Nature Meets Culture
Monarchs, redwoods, ocean views, and 100+ years of history in one race.
Exclusive 2027 medal
An Santa Cruz Marathon medal that only finishers earn.
Unique race tee
A trendy, performance tee that will make you feel good on race day and beyond.
A ROLLERCOASTER
ON THE COAST
The Santa Cruz Marathon delivers a route as bold as the city itself. Starting along the historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, runners will take south through seaside streets and Capitola Village, before turning back toward Santa Cruz for a beachside finish.
Marathoners push further north, taking on the rugged trails and sweeping ocean vistas of Wilder Ranch State Park. A mix of all the bluff and coastal wilds that test the legs and inspire the spirit.
It’s truly a rollercoaster on the coast, blending land and sea, history and rebellion, grit and beauty into one unforgettable run...
MARATHON
NOW $169
HALF MARATHON
NOW $129
5K
NOW $75
2026
MEDAL & RACE SHIRT
Sign up to our newsletter to be the first to know when your 2026 Santa Cruz Marathon medals and race shirts drop!
COMING
SOON
2027 RACE SHIRT
AND MEDAL
COMING SOON
FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes, you can switch distances if space is available. Log into Let’s Do This, click “Edit” → “Transfer,” and select your new distance.
Need help finding your booking ID? Reach out to Let's Do This by clicking this link.
Race Extras can be selected during registration. If you did not purchase at the time of registration, log into your Let's Do This Account:
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Manage your booking here then enter your booking reference.
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From your dashboard, click 'Manage' next to your name.
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Under 'Make Changes' click 'Purchase or view add-ons' to add Race Extras to your registration.
Need help finding your booking ID? Reach out to Let's Do This by clicking this link.
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All registration fees are nonrefundable. This race, in accordance with management executives, city officials, and local law enforcement, has the authority to cancel any of the events for emergency purposes such as, but not limited to, inclement weather, a pandemic, or a threat of terrorism. If such emergency conditions force cancellation, refunds cannot be provided.
This policy applies to all registrants, whether you are injured, have an unexpected family/business emergency, have a medical emergency, or anything else. Race entry fees and ancillary purchases are non-refundable and non-transferable under any and all circumstances.
Defer Your Entry: You may defer your entry to the 2026 event. Deferrals must be processed by the registration team and an administration fee of 50% of the 2028 registration fee will be charged. You will pay this fee when you register for the 2028 race. The deferral will expire after the 2028 event, and you will not be able to defer your registration again. Deferrals must be requested by emailing info@runsantacruz.com prior to [TBT].
Additional purchases (itab, FinisherPix, race day pick-up, etc) will be refunded at the time of cancellation. You will need to purchase these items again when registering for 2028.
When you completed your registration and purchased your entry, you should have received a confirmation email from ‘Let’s Do This’ containing all the details of your event booking, including your booking reference. If you have a booking ID, please try to enter your details in this link to access your entry. Check that your email address is correctly typed and with no errors. Need help finding your booking ID? Reach out to Let's Do This by clicking this link. Still not sure? Send us an email at registration@motivsports.com.
Absolutely, if you are a run club, or part of a run club, please reach out to info@runsantacruz.com or DM us on Instagram @runsantacruz, we'd love to talk cheer zones, collabs and more!
Yes, so make sure you secure your place soonest at the best price of the year.
Check out our full FAQ list here.
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