Featuring a course along the edge of Monterey Bay, a new marathon event is arriving in Santa Cruz, CA, this autumn/fall. The Santa Cruz Marathon’s inaugural event is set for October 25, 2026, positioning the city and community as a destination for endurance sport enthusiasts.
In addition to the 26.2-mile headlining distance, the event, organised by event management company Motiv Sports, will also feature a half marathon, a 5K and a Race Expo. Motiv Sports has announced that both the marathon and the 5K are completely sold out, with limited entries remaining available for the half marathon.
Motiv Sports creates, markets, manages and delivers endurance events internationally. David Reid, Director at IRONMAN 70.3 Santa Cruz, has been brought in by Motiv Sports to assist with local engagement.
David Reid said “Santa Cruz is known for its unique style and attitude, and it was important to the Motiv Sports team and me to infuse that iconic culture into every element of the race. It’s so critical to have that perspective from the very start of planning, and it translates into an authentic Santa Cruz experience for every participant, whether they are local or visiting our city. This is sure to become another key California running event, and we’re looking forward to making a splash with this first year running.”
The event lineup of partner brands includes 2XU performance apparel, Honey Stinger race-day fuel, Runna training support, Crystal Geyser hydration and Siete post-race snacks.
The race courses run along the ocean edge of the Santa Cruz coastal community, from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, surf spots such as Pleasure Point, the Hook, and Steamers Lane, through Capitola Village, West Cliff Drive and Wilder Ranch State Park. The route finishes on the beach near Cowell’s. Participants will receive a shirt and finisher medal featuring neon colours and images of the Santa Cruz coastline.
The inaugural race joins the Golden State Challenge alongside eight additional races. The portfolio of California races showcases oceanfront views, beach city streets, and wine country landscapes. As participants complete races, they earn rewards such as socks, hats, and shoe bags. Those who participate in all nine events of a 5K or greater distance within the same calendar year will be awarded a Golden State Challenge medal hanger and four complimentary entries to events in the series for the following year.
