The 36th edition of the Life Time Sea Otter Classic concluded on April 19, 2026, in Monterey, CA, following four days of competition and community events. Organised by Life Time, the festival reported record registration numbers and notable growth in industry participation.
According to the company, there was a 30% increase in industry professionals attending and a 44% increase in on-site media compared to previous editions. The event, held at the Laguna Seca Recreation Area, typically hosts over 1,000 brands and approximately 70,000 attendees.
The final day featured the Downhill Elite Finals, where Jill Kintner won the elite women’s field with a time of 02:04.336. In the men’s race, Neko Mulally took the victory in 01:52.457, finishing less than half a second ahead of the runners-up.
Frank Yohannan, Founder and Event Director of the Life Time Sea Otter Classic, said “The 2026 Life Time Sea Otter Classic has been our biggest and best yet. We had a record number of registrations across races and recreational events.”
He added “What makes the Sea Otter Classic so special is that sense of connection – between brands and riders, pros and fans, families and friends.”
The festival included the Fuego XC presented by Specialized, where over 600 riders competed on a 21-mile course through Fort Ord. Here, Dan English secured the win in the elite men’s field, while Emma Wilcox triumphed in the women’s elite race. Junior riders also competed in the Fuego Short, a six-mile loop with 2,400m of elevation.
New additions for the 2026 season included a Trail Run that attracted over 700 participants. The Enduro race was also expanded to a two-day, four-stage format for the first time. Other returning events included the Brompton World Championships and the eMTB Race presented by Aventon.
The final day was designated as Family Day, offering complimentary admission for two adults accompanying children aged 12 and under. Activities included the Sea Otter Egg Hunt, a Balance Bike Rally for toddlers, and kids’ races on the Laguna Seca track.
Life Time operates more than 185 athletic country clubs across the US and Canada. Its cycling portfolio includes events such as the Life Time Grand Prix and the Sea Otter Classic, which is regarded as a primary season-opening festival for the international cycling industry.
www.seaotterclassic.com
www.lifetime.life
