Santa Cruz, California, to Host New Marathon in October

Santa Cruz, California, is getting set for its inaugural marathon event — and it’s running off to a strong start.

The Santa Cruz Marathon will feature three races, a marathon, half marathon and 5K, on October 25. With just over a month before race day, organizers announced that marathon and 5K spots have sold out. Interested runners can still register for the half marathon or join the waitlist for either of the sold–out races.

The event is a collaboration between leaders in the Santa Cruz community and Motiv Sports, a California–based company focused on managing and marketing endurance events.

“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,” said David Reid, race director of IRONMAN 70.3 Santa Cruz. Reid was brought in by Motiv Sports to guide community engagement efforts ahead of the Santa Cruz Marathon.

The marathon, half marathon and 5K will all begin on the Santa Cruz Boardwalk and run along the Monterey Bay before wrapping up at Cowell’s Beach, where a post–race festival will be held. The marathon route stretches into Wilder Ranch State Park.

Runners of all distances will catch seaside views ahead of finishing at the beach. Finishers will receive a shirt and medal designed with images of the Santa Cruz coastline.

The weekend will also feature a race expo on October 24 at Depot Park in Santa Cruz, which will also function as a packet pick–up site for runners. Local businesses and brands can sign up to set up a booth for the more than 4,000 expected participants to explore.

The Santa Cruz Marathon is one of nine races featured in California’s Golden State Challenge, a series of running events held across the state throughout the year. These additional races include the Golden Gate Half Marathon in San Francisco, taking place this year on November 1, the Surf City Marathon along the Pacific Coast Highway, which will next be held in February 2027, and the Santa Barbara Wine Country Half, which will be run in May 2027.

Runners who complete four events of 5K or greater distance within the same calendar year earn a Golden State Challenge medal.