Course ranked one of the MOST LIKELY to qualify for Boston in THE NATION! The Clif Mountains 2 Beach Marathon is 26.2 miles of mountain and beachfront scenery. Starting in beautiful downtown Ojai California, the course begins at just over 700 ft. and gradually descends to sea-level over 22 miles, and …
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Course ranked one of the MOST LIKELY to qualify for Boston in THE NATION!
The Clif Mountains 2 Beach Marathon is 26.2 miles of mountain and beachfront scenery. Starting in beautiful downtown Ojai California, the course begins at just over 700 ft. and gradually descends to sea-level over 22 miles, and finishing near the historic Ventura, California Pier. The course is a lightning fast, USATF certified Boston Marathon Qualifier (CA16047RS). Space is limited so don’t wait and miss out. We
The course begins in Downtown Ojai with a 6 mile loop which brings runners back by the start “Mountain 2 Beach Marathon”area which makes for great spectating as it heads towards mile 7 and the community of Meiners Oaks. After several miles, the course takes a right onto the Ventura River Bike Path to Santa Ana Blvd, a beautiful country road. After several miles trending downhill, runners begin to see civilization again on Ventura Ave, the most direct route to the City of Ventura. After a tour of downtown Ventura, runners make one of the final turns and come face to face with the famous Ventura Beach front. Try not to get distracted by the beauty as you still have just over a mile to go. More than a mile of beach side running brings you to the finish line and festival. Over the 26.2 miles you will see beautiful mountain peaks, the Ventura River Basin, the gorgeous Ventura Promenade, and the world renowned Ventura Coast line. There is a total downhill of over 700 feet.
The Clif Mountains 2 Beach Half-Marathon is a fast, beautiful, point to point 13.1 mile course. The race starts at the Ventura Unified School District Headquarters, and heads north just outside Ventura and then runs gently downhill to the Ventura beachfront finishing just past the historic Ventura Pier with the Clif Bar Mountains 2 Beach Marathon finishers.The half-marathon is limited to the first 1750 entrants.
The Clif Mountains 2 Beach Half-Marathon course is designed to be fast with a little down hill to give the 13.1 milers a similar experience to the marathoners. A shuttle will take the participants to the start line at the Ventura Unified School District building. From there, the runners run north towards Ojai on streets and our paved bike path till mile 4 where they will start the gradual downhill winding through Ventura’s west side valley to Ventura and the gorgeous oceanfront with views of the Channel Islands. Try not to get distracted by the beauty of the area as you still have more than a mile of ocean side running to do. The finish line and festival are directly adjacent to the beach which beckons you for a post race soak. The course should run lightning fast!
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Downhill to a beach finish.
My 4th time running this race. Course has improved over the years. You run about a 10k loop and then head down towards the beach. I like this race because … MORE
My 4th time running this race. Course has improved over the years. You run about a 10k loop and then head down towards the beach. I like this race because my family can pull over on the side of the road and cheer for me multiple times over the course. Lots of volunteers. I haven’t qualified for Boston yet but I have dropped 29 minutes since my first time running this.
Fast course with a few rolling hills
This was my first time running this course, and I loved it! Packet pick-up was efficient and allowed for race distance changes at the table. The expo itself was a … MORE
This was my first time running this course, and I loved it! Packet pick-up was efficient and allowed for race distance changes at the table. The expo itself was a small affair and didn’t take too long to peruse through.
The bus shuttles that took participants to the starting line ran on time, and there were plenty of available porta-potties around that area. This is always a worry of mine on race day, and I didn’t have any trouble going to the restroom 3x before the start. The weather was around mid-50s at 6AM, but I took refuge with other runners in an open post office building, so it wasn’t too bad.
The course itself was well marked and scenic in the beginning, with mountain views and an idyllic countryside feeling. I had enough room on the path to set my own pace and appreciated that pacer groups were set at 3 minutes faster than BQ qualifying times (e.g. 3:32 instead of 3:35). The backdrop does change from mountains to more of an urban feel later on with mostly industrial fields and areas without much shade, which can make the last few miles difficult as the temperature did hit 70F with sunny skies near the end. Though advertised as net downhill, the drops didn’t feel as dramatic as the elevation map suggested, and I found the course a good challenge overall since a few rolling hills were sprinkled in near the latter half of the race. As for electrolyte fluids and water, the stations were well spaced for the most part, but I wished there was an extra water station between miles 24-26 as I was parched by the time due to the blistering sun. The ocean view on that last mile though was uplifting and definitely helped put some pep in my step.
The finisher’s medal had a nice design of waves with an insert for your photo, but the tech tee was somewhat plain. Free race photos were a plus though. Post-race food was not too exciting and consisted of a bagel, banana, fruit, and licorice. I did get to ring the BQ gong which was a nice touch after setting a PR and achieving my goal. Overall, I found this race well-organized and runner-friendly, though the post-race fuel could use some improvement.
Great Course and well organized
I really enjoyed this race. The course was beautiful and I was able to achieve a PR and Boston Qualifying time. I would have liked to see more vendors at … MORE
I really enjoyed this race. The course was beautiful and I was able to achieve a PR and Boston Qualifying time. I would have liked to see more vendors at the expo and more free swag. As with every other race I’ve ever done, the lines for the bathrooms were too long and they ran out of toilet paper early on. There were plenty of aid stations with water and electrolytes. Overall it was a great experience and I would love to participate in this race again!
Had a blast
I was the 2:20 pacer for the half marathon, second year in a row doing that. This race is my favorite as it's local to me and I am a … MORE
I was the 2:20 pacer for the half marathon, second year in a row doing that. This race is my favorite as it’s local to me and I am a legacy runner of the race. Love running in my city and telling everyone about it. Enjoyed running it with others and helping them meet their goal – one actually exceeded her goal of 2:30, running with my group to start and finished strong.
Two-timer - like it!
This is a nice race. The area is a nice, pretty area of California. The race is well done with water, security, road closures etc. This time of year has … MORE
This is a nice race. The area is a nice, pretty area of California. The race is well done with water, security, road closures etc. This time of year has been great weather and run conditions. It is not too large, so not too packed. BQ qualified 2x’s so far 🙂
BQs waiting to happen
The course it the highlight of this race.... Well, the first 20 miles of it. You have just a couple of easy climbs and lots of gradual downhill. The last … MORE
The course it the highlight of this race…. Well, the first 20 miles of it. You have just a couple of easy climbs and lots of gradual downhill. The last section as you get into Ventura is not too exciting, though, until you actually get to the beach.
5th Mountains 2 Beach
I have now run Mountains 2 Beach 5 times and have qualified for Boston all but one time here. I was not a fan the first time on the new … MORE
I have now run Mountains 2 Beach 5 times and have qualified for Boston all but one time here. I was not a fan the first time on the new course but after the second I have learn to like it. I like the size of the race and hope it keeps the small field of runners. One of the best aspects is the race director and his willingness to differ your race to the following year. My first year here I had an injury and could not run. He moved it to next year with no issues. The expo continues to get better over the last couple of years. Thanks!
Fun course for runners with to PR/BQ!
I completed the Mountains 2 Beach Marathon in Ojai in 2017. The weather was very pleasant- sunny and cool (to start). I had read and saw this course advertised as … MORE
I completed the Mountains 2 Beach Marathon in Ojai in 2017. The weather was very pleasant- sunny and cool (to start). I had read and saw this course advertised as FAST, with lots of downhills. I had reviewed the course description and elevation chart; while running it, though, I only found two or three areas with a noticeable downhill. The rest was more gradual. In fact, I kept waiting for the downhills to open up, and was surprised I did not “find” them. Of course, I noticed and felt each and every incline!
The expo is small, but I liked that. It is not flashy. I really enjoyed that they offered a pasta dinner for runners, with the proceeds benefiting the local high school.
I found agree with a previous review that aid stations, at least compared to bigger productions, are sparse. They also did not use different cups to help differentiate between water and electrolyte fluids; instead, the volunteers just yelled out “fluids” or “water.” I would recommend that they use two different colored cups or something to help runners quickly recognize the difference (or for those who may not hear over their headphones). I also found that there were not many portapotties compared to other events; but, I never saw a queue at a rest stop. For this race, I think the majority of participants are laser-focused on achieving a PR or BQ!
I liked that the race organization was very smart to label the distance to the next set of portapotties at each one, which was helpful.
Came for a BQ and got it!
Fast course with almost perfect weather. A well-organized event with lots of water stations along the way. People cheering us on increased as the miles piled up- a nice boost. … MORE
Fast course with almost perfect weather. A well-organized event with lots of water stations along the way. People cheering us on increased as the miles piled up- a nice boost. Decent expo, medal, and post-race support. Free photos.
I showed up to the expo having forgotten my registration and waiver but was able to fill out new paperwork and get my bib with no problems. The expo was small but efficient. I boarded the shuttle bus at 430 am and it dropped me off about 45 minutes before the race, as promised. The start was right on time and organized into three waves to keep us from bunching up.
The first half of the race was ideal. Running through Ojai and the surrounding orchards at sunrise and then steadily downhill through shady streets and bike paths. As we entered Ventura’s outskirts we passed through a few miles of industrial yards and the course became increasingly exposed. The sunlight was draining but tempered by ocean breezes. After 24 miles of descent the final 2.2 were flat and finished right along the beach.
I finished almost three minutes below my goal time which should get me to Boston, and I know the course made a big difference. I ran with a pace group through mile 14, until the pacer announced she was running 3-4 minutes faster than planned. I backed off but paid for it during the last five miles.
There were about 3500 runners in the marathon, so I could stretch out and find enough space for the entire race. Overall a smooth operation that let me focus 100% on running.
Fast downhill but prepare your legs!
I ran this race in 2012. The new course is better. Less congested. Beautiful scenery. Miles 11 to 17 were tough (rolling hills with some fairly steep downhill stretches). Prep … MORE
I ran this race in 2012. The new course is better. Less congested. Beautiful scenery. Miles 11 to 17 were tough (rolling hills with some fairly steep downhill stretches). Prep your legs with lots of downhill training runs and strength training! Course aid stations were a little sparse. And never enough port-potties for desperate runners!! This was a major issue. When aid stations are spaced further apart then the race MUST provide like 6 or 7 porta-potties at each aid station. Not just 2! No runner wants to wait in line when they’re trying to achieve a BQ or PR. The last few miles through downtown Ventura are busy with traffic running parallel to the runners. Street is quite pitted and pot-holed.
Best BQ Course in CA
This is not for Rock N' Roll and Disney runners. This is a beautiful rural marathon with a fast-as-hell downhill course. The party doesn't start until you get to the … MORE
This is not for Rock N’ Roll and Disney runners. This is a beautiful rural marathon with a fast-as-hell downhill course. The party doesn’t start until you get to the finish, but there you’ll be surround be very happy BQer’s! Sign-up early, it always sells out. You’ll never regret running this race and giving it all you have. RD is AWESOME too!
Good race
Well organized, good scenery. They boast a downhill race but leave out a good incline from mile 2-3. Then, it's mostly downhill. Good race swag. I would do this race … MORE
Well organized, good scenery. They boast a downhill race but leave out a good incline from mile 2-3. Then, it’s mostly downhill. Good race swag. I would do this race again.
Underwhelming, I expected more/ better
This was my first time running Mountains 2 Beach (but my 28th half marathon). If I had to sum up my experience in one word I'd say: underwhelmed. Don't … MORE
This was my first time running Mountains 2 Beach (but my 28th half marathon). If I had to sum up my experience in one word I’d say: underwhelmed.
Don’t get me wrong, the race is very well done. Nicely organized. No real complaints. But, as far as the half goes, it isn’t scenic. Not really. There are about 2 miles of bike trail that are nice. There’s also a lot of industrial views, chain link fence and pothole-ridden Ventura Ave (out and back) — that street is awful, I mean downright dangerous how torn up it is. I know that isn’t the race’s fault but they do choose the streets it runs on.
Apparently, they changed the start area of the Half this year so it doesn’t go up as high as it used to. It never went all the way to Ojai like the marathon course but sounds like they took a lot of the downhill fun out of it.
Overall, I’d call this “High School to Beach” cause there’s nothing Mountains about it. Boo. Again, no real complaints about the race. It was just kinda ‘meh.’
Loved this race!
The start line shuttle info seems daunting and confusing but is not at all on race morning. The first 2/3 of the course and the finish is stunningly beautiful! I … MORE
The start line shuttle info seems daunting and confusing but is not at all on race morning. The first 2/3 of the course and the finish is stunningly beautiful! I had no idea that the loop around Ojai was though orange orchards. I’d never been that close to an orange tree before. I also loved the canyon section of the run. It was very picturesque. I didn’t love the section coming into Ventura. It was a long straight endless looking road that came t the part when I was beginning to fade. It is what it is!! Great Race! Loved cheering for other runners in the beer garden that was along the final home stretch! Volunteers were fantastic!
Beautiful Course, Well-Produced Event
Fast and scenic course through the beatiful mountains from Ojai to Ventura finishing on the beach. Well put together. Great people, lots of water on course, and a cool finisher's … MORE
Fast and scenic course through the beatiful mountains from Ojai to Ventura finishing on the beach. Well put together. Great people, lots of water on course, and a cool finisher’s medal.
Mountains 2 Beach always a FAVORITE
The course has increased in difficulty each year - but in a good way. It's one of my favorite races. Last year, I PR'd at 1:52. The race is well … MORE
The course has increased in difficulty each year – but in a good way. It’s one of my favorite races. Last year, I PR’d at 1:52. The race is well organized. Good snacks post-race. Nice race t-shirts. This year – it was a lot easier to pick up BIB, too. The weather has always been GREAT. Nice and cool. Perfect run weather.
Well-run race, nice course/vibe/pacers.
Well run race, pretty course, awesome pacers (esp 3:38), good vibe. This year the weather was good for racing (low 60s, some drizzle), not so good for hanging at the … MORE
Well run race, pretty course, awesome pacers (esp 3:38), good vibe.
This year the weather was good for racing (low 60s, some drizzle), not so good for hanging at the beach. But I know the area and it can be warm and sunny!
Lots of stations to hydrate (only two with gels) Would love to see the aid stations set up to refill bottles and packs with water or Fluid !! Coming thru at an 8:30 pace, they were only ready with the cups – which is fine for many, but I plow thru 2-3 liters in 3.5 hrs (cups can’t handle that). Want to refill my 20 oz bottle quickly please. I surprised the volunteers with my need.
Seven Pacers BQED
Fantastic race, as the Pasadena Pacers President, I highly recommend this well organized race, it's one of our absolute favorite race's, the expo was the best one to date, with … MORE
Fantastic race, as the Pasadena Pacers President, I highly recommend this well organized race, it’s one of our absolute favorite race’s, the expo was the best one to date, with the minor changes in the course, you’ve managed to make it even faster, thank you for hosting a beautiful weekend.
Great marathon!
The mostly downhill course and abundant water stations make this a fantastic race! It's also small so you aren't fighting other runners the whole time which is really nice! MORE
The mostly downhill course and abundant water stations make this a fantastic race! It’s also small so you aren’t fighting other runners the whole time which is really nice!
Fast 1/2 Marathon to PR
A few years ago I ran the marathon, and this year I completed the half marathon distance. While the half marathon course itself is FAST - the scenery will not … MORE
A few years ago I ran the marathon, and this year I completed the half marathon distance. While the half marathon course itself is FAST – the scenery will not motivate you at all. For the first few miles, you are running up a bike path by wire fences with an oil refinery on your right, and after you make the the turn to go back to town, you are running past run-down strip malls and gas stations. The road is quite uneven at this point and you need to watch your footing. Run towards the center line – it seemed flatter there. The last mile along the beach is the best part of the run. If you you choose this event, the MARATHON is the way to go. You’ll enjoy the scenery of the mountains and shade of the trees as you run down the bike path.
The event itself is VERY well organized. The pick-up day was quick and there were a variety of vendors at the expo in case you needed more fuel, a new race belt, or extra socks. The aid stations were well stocked and the high school cross-country team volunteers were helping in handing out water, nutrition, and sports drink. There isn’t much cheering along the race, however there were a few spots where teams of people were out there.
Overall, I love this race, but will only return if I’m doing the marathon.