The fast and scenic Ventura Marathon is back! This point-to-point marathon is the perfect amount of downhill starting in Ojai and ending in downtown Ventura. The course winds along the paved paths of the Ojai Valley Trail and Ventura River Trail bringing runners toward the coast and one of Southern California’s most popular surf destinations. Qualify for Boston or run a new PR and spend a weekend in beautiful Ventura. The Ventura Half is Half the distance, but just as fast and beautiful. This point-to-point half marathon gently rolls downhill from Ojai into downtown Ventura. After cruising into the finish, enjoy a cold craft beer and the Belgian Waffle breakfast – you’ve earned it!
The marathon features:
– Fast downhill point-to-point course
– USATF certified Boston Marathon qualifier
– Waffle breakfast
– Craft beer (1) included
– Tech T-Shirt
– Professionally chip timed
– Boston Qualifying Pace Groups
– Finishers medal
– Post-race party
– Reusable tote bag
– Hand Made Art Awards 1-3rd
Brewfest is back! BEER + MUSIC + FUN Ventura’s Local Craft Beer Garden features tastings from local craft brewers at Ventura’s Mission Park. Sip on a variety of craft beers while enjoying a laid back atmosphere with music, food, vendors, games, races and more. The event takes place alongside the Ventura Marathon on Saturday, giving craft beer fans an opportunity to whet their taste buds. Buy tickets for the Ventura Brew Fest when you purchase your registration.
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Kudos to the race orgaizers for this one
This year there were huge storms just before the race weekend. The race organizers had to make the final call to hold the race Saturday morning after some last minute … MORE
This year there were huge storms just before the race weekend. The race organizers had to make the final call to hold the race Saturday morning after some last minute route changes due to road conditions. The course was still certified! The organizers worked tirelessly to make this another great even and race day the weather was perfect. Rian on Saturday, Sun on Sunday, Rain on Monday. Wow
New Half PR and well done race
The Ventura half marathon production was seamless. The website was incredibly thorough, easy to access and navigate and there were proactive notifications for for participants to know when/how to pick … MORE
The Ventura half marathon production was seamless. The website was incredibly thorough, easy to access and navigate and there were proactive notifications for for participants to know when/how to pick up packets, shuttle info, locations, change in finish location, etc.
If you have done Mountains to Beach (and I think there are a couple other races that use this route) then you are familiar with the course. M2B has you run a bit up in Ojai. Ventura Half had its start in Ojai; (shuttle buses at the fairgrounds were plentiful and left regularly and quickly). We started on a school track (so smart), with banners posted along the track for corrals. The course is a net downhill, the first mile is a slight incline, slowest mile of the race. Then there are about 6 miles of mostly fast but not crazy downhill followed by 2-3 miles of net down but some baby inclines to manage. The the last few miles are mostly flat, some short downhills and a few longish inclines just as you are starting to fade. I questioned my ability to hold my pace around mile 11…the flats felt hard. But, I dug in and kept my pace about 20-30 seconds below the pace had set up to that point. Last point 1 felt long, LOL, but it was a .1 with lots of flags and spectators. (the course itself has very few; doesn’t affect me personally). No crowding at the finish, easy to find your crew. It was COLD at the top. I didn’t take a gear-check bag but wish I had. I had an old mylar sheet and some throwaway gloves and man was I glad! But, by mile 10 I was glad I dressed in shorts and tank with arm sleeves. I took my own fuel so can’t comment on the pit stops but they seemed to be well spaced out. I bested my prior Half PR by over a minute, I think, and cut 9 minutes off my last Half in January (Hilly the other way, LOL) I recommend it for a PR or a weekend in Ventura of if you just want to get your race season started.
Great Fast Course
Really pretty course. Be sure to get there with enough time to get to the buses. And make sure you get on the right bus. Pack layers as the weather … MORE
Really pretty course. Be sure to get there with enough time to get to the buses. And make sure you get on the right bus. Pack layers as the weather has been all over the place each year.
As advertised - very fast downhill race
It was my first time running this race hoping to get to qualify for Boston (sub 3). I wanted a slight downhill race, but not an insanely stupid downhill like … MORE
It was my first time running this race hoping to get to qualify for Boston (sub 3). I wanted a slight downhill race, but not an insanely stupid downhill like what Revell advertises. Overall it’s about an 800 foot decent from the beautiful town of Ojai.
Expo was very small, really cool beer vendors. If I wasn’t going for a PR I would have joined In on the fun.
Shuttles were good. school buses take you up to Ojai. A bit bumpy but i dont think public rides invest much into decent shocks.
Medium sized race, so wasn’t a crazy corral start like some of the majors.
Course was absolutely gorgeous in Ojai as the sun rose upon the mountains. a slight uphill around miles 5-7 at a turnaround in town mean you should scale back just a bit, but once you hit the peak and then on the trail, the gradual downhill means you can really open up your stride. The Ojai river trail was so pretty and well shaded, however, this year in 2019 they had to change the course due to construction, which meant shipping you out in the hot sun on a road. There was a really steep hill about mile 17, which I conquered but after mile 20 it started to get really hot and there wasn’t much fan support so times could suffer.
However, the end was well supported and finish line was well stocked with food and waffles!
In other years when the trail isn’t fully closed, you’re more shaded as you don’t hit the open sun until mile 20, but overall I though Ventura did a great job! It’s definitely a PR worthy course; I just missed Boston by a min 55 but I think a bit cooler weather could have helped.
In my opinion, if you’re looking for a gradual downhill race to aid in a PR that’s not a Revell, Ventura is a great option.
I love the location north of LA for a smaller Southern California vibe, and it’s not a crazy big race.
Ventura is like second home to me for a chill vacation spot so I’ll be back sometime to run.
Ran It For a PR
Organization: Smooth sailing, for the most part. Easy packet pick-up with no lines in the afternoon. There were more than enough start line shuttles, and I only had to wait … MORE
Organization: Smooth sailing, for the most part. Easy packet pick-up with no lines in the afternoon. There were more than enough start line shuttles, and I only had to wait a couple minutes in line. Gear check drop off was a little bit of a mess because they handed out bags at the drop point instead of giving you one with your bib. Could be improved by making it clear ahead of time that you can bring and use your own bag for gear check.
Course: I chose this course specifically because it’s almost all downhill for a shot at a PR (which I accomplished). It is an easy course with few sharp turns and despite being run primarily on running/biking path, the race is small enough that it’s never crowded except for the usual 1/4 mile crowding. But the scenery isn’t great. The hills near the start are nice, but your back is to them. The second half of the course runs by a lot of industrial and commercial distribution sites, and sometimes you’re sandwiched between that and a highway. And, yes, Ventura is in the race name, but don’t expect to see the ocean.
Course support: Minimal spectators since you’re running through a sparsely-populated area. Decent turnout at the finish line. Good encouragement from course volunteers, though (no “Almost there!” statements).
Medal: Nice design, but I would appreciate having a half marathon-specific medal.
Shirt: A low-end, unbranded technical shirt. Again, it is not race-specific. This is a relatively expensive race with a corporate sponsor…I’d feel a lot better about the value and being appreciated if there were at least half marathon-specific medals and shirts.
Final note: This race is attractive for a PR chance and as part of a weekend trip to Ventura. But at no point during or after did I think, “Great race, I’ve got to come back.”
Ventura Marathon - Just Do It
This is a good scenic course with up and down hills - not a downhill course in my opinion plenty of rolling hills along the way. I have done this … MORE
This is a good scenic course with up and down hills – not a downhill course in my opinion plenty of rolling hills along the way. I have done this 3 years now and will do it again next year.
A excellent run
The aid stations were excellent. The hydration with water and Nuun was fine. The most unique aspect of the race was that it was mostly flat. The race is recommended … MORE
The aid stations were excellent. The hydration with water and Nuun was fine. The most unique aspect of the race was that it was mostly flat. The race is recommended to others because it was an excellent experience. The course was fine.
Just do it!
I would recommend this race - rolling hills to start - good descent in the middle leading to rolling hills and a flat finish. I will do it again next … MORE
I would recommend this race – rolling hills to start – good descent in the middle leading to rolling hills and a flat finish. I will do it again next year!
LaceUp and Run!
Lexus LaceUp Ventura is the second stop in a four part race series. Packet pickup was at Mission Park from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm on Friday and 7:00 am … MORE
Lexus LaceUp Ventura is the second stop in a four part race series. Packet pickup was at Mission Park from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm on Friday and 7:00 am – 6:00 pm on Saturday. For Full and Half Marathon participants unable to attend packet pickup on Friday or Saturday, VIP packet pickup was available on Sunday morning for $20. In addition to the Half and Full Marathon on Sunday, there was a 5K and 1 Mile downhill race on Saturday. There was no additional fee for race morning packet pickup for the Saturday races.
Parking on Sunday morning was at the Ventura County Fairgrounds for $5. Although there was plenty of parking available, the line to pay to get in got very backed up. Per the website, the buses for the Full Marathon departed from 4:45 – 5:00 am (with the race starting at 6:40 am) and buses for the Half Marathon departed from 6:00 – 6:15 am (with the race starting at 7:10 am). As I was waiting for a friend, I got on a Half Marathon bus at 6:10 am. We then got to the race start at 6:40 am. As the lines for the porta potties were very long, we immediately got in line to use one. I did not have time to stretch before the start of the race, which flared up my planter fasciitis during the run. I think the race would greatly benefit from having the Half Marathon buses start running earlier.
Of the races I have run in Ventura, this has been my favorite course thus far. While many Ventura races follow the same beach bike path up and down the coast, LaceUp Ventura starts inland in Ojai and finishes in Ventura. The majority of the course was along a bike path that was bordered by oak and eucalyptus trees. Around mile 9.5 the course became less scenic as we passed by oil drilling machinery. The path then paralleled Highway 33 until the final stretch to Mission Park. The course is mostly downhill and very PR friendly.
The aid stations and volunteers were great. They provided runners with water and Nuun. Two of the aid stations had Honeystingers, my favorite fuel. One station gave out full packages of Honeystinger gummies while the other gave out gels.
I felt bad for the faster Full Marathon runners once they caught up to the middle of the pack and slower Half Marathon runners. The first and second place runners had a bike marshall riding ahead of them instructing Half Marathoners to move to the right. All other faster Full Marathon runners were on their own and had to continually ask Half Marathon participants to stay to the right. Other than participants better observing race etiquette, I think some of this could be alleviated if the Full Marathon were to start at the same time as the Half Marathon. At present, the Full Marathon starts half an hour earlier. The middle of the pack and slower Half Marathoners would be even further along in the course and hopefully more spread out before the faster Full Marathoners catch up.
Upon crossing the finish line, I was surprised to see that cups were being handed out rather than full bottles of water. A volunteer gladly filled my handheld water bottle when I asked.
Upon exiting the finisher chute, runners could use tear off vouchers on their bibs to get a Belgium waffle (with optional whipped cream, syrup, fruit, pretzels and cookies) and Sierra Nevada beer. Nuun had a booth with coolers filled with a variety of Nuun flavors for people sample and fill their waterbottles. There were a variety of other vendors selling running related items and services. Free massages were available, but I did not partake in this. Altra hosted a planking competition for a free pair of Altra running shoes. Anyone who uploaded a photo to Instagram using the hashtag #lexuslaceup was able to pickup a print of the photo from the Print Shop booth. LaceUp also provides free race photos, which will be online in the next few days.
There was a lot to do at the finish festival and plenty of reasons to hang out after the race. The walk from the finish festival back to Ventura County Fairgrounds was approximately half a mile.
Any runner who participates in all four of the 2018 LaceUp events (any distance) will receive the LaceUp Challenge Medal upon completion of the series (it spins!). Runners who participated in the Foothill 5k Challenge in April can earn the Best Foot Forward Challenge Medal by running any LaceUp race. The series has also been added to the California Half & Full Marathon Series, which allows additional opportunities for half marathon runners to earn a challenge medal.
Anyone wishing to run 2018 Lexus LaceUp Palos Verdes (November 17th) or Riverside (December 2nd), use code LACEUPSARAH for 10% off.
Be ready for the first 10 miles
This course is similar but different than the Mountains to the Beach Marathon. This one started with a double loop around Ojia that took up the 1st 7+-miles. A lot … MORE
This course is similar but different than the Mountains to the Beach Marathon. This one started with a double loop around Ojia that took up the 1st 7+-miles. A lot of up and down before you head for a long steady downhill (with some rolling hills. Before heading into town for the finish. Really cold at the staging area for the start come prepared!!! Fun race will do again and again! Train for hills this race is not easy but worth every mile!
Merged two great races, had a few issues
This year Lexus Laceup and Ventura Marathon combined to form one event. It had the usual LaceUp expo with plenty of vendors and the beer garden/beach party was a two-day … MORE
This year Lexus Laceup and Ventura Marathon combined to form one event. It had the usual LaceUp expo with plenty of vendors and the beer garden/beach party was a two-day event. The shirts for Laceup this year aren’t the best, not a true tech shirt and the sizing on them is weird so they’re all going to end up going to goodwill. The 5K started extremely late, like 40 minutes. Not sure what the issue was, just kept getting told it would start soon. The warm-up I did before the race was essentially useless by the time we started. The course was just ok. It started with a short climb up Sanjon and went to downtown Ventura. I really wish they had utilized more of the coast and promenade for the race, but I know it’s tough when you have 3 different distances starting in 3 different places finishing in the same spot. The medal is really cool and the post-race party was fun. Loved the free Sierra Nevada beer! Hopefully next year they have more room and tables, once the 1/2 field starting finishing it got really crowded. Would also like to see the food truck option like the other Laceup races, the one brick hard waffle wasn’t cutting it.
First marathon
This was my first marathon. I chose it because it advertised all downhill. Technically, it was downhill but the decline was so gradual it felt flat. The last shuttle to … MORE
This was my first marathon. I chose it because it advertised all downhill. Technically, it was downhill but the decline was so gradual it felt flat.
The last shuttle to the race start was for 4:45 a.m. Like a lot of other people, we were there a little early and took an earlier bus. But then had to wait 1.5 hours to race start! It is cold and dark at 5:00 a.m. The start line area had no lighting except for headlights pointing toward the event people setting up the area.
The race route was well marked. I ended up walking more than half the marathon, so at cut off time I was handed a piece of paper to follow to get to the finish line. I don’t read the listed type of directions well and almost got lost. A map would have been much better.
I was fortunate that the timing mat was still up when I hit the finish line. It was picked up after me and there were still several participants on the course. I know they have to pick it up at some point but I felt back for the remaining runners who worked so hard to finish.
Well-Organized Race with Awesome Swag
I expected a flatter course based on previous participants' reviews, but I heard that they changed the 5K course this year, which had a couple of hills at the beginning. … MORE
I expected a flatter course based on previous participants’ reviews, but I heard that they changed the 5K course this year, which had a couple of hills at the beginning. I was a little disappointed that I didn’t get to run along the beach the whole time, but the start/finish line were beautiful and I got to enjoy the sunrise at the start. The race communications were second to none from start to finish and the swag was awesome! Gender-specific tech shirt, large reusable tote bag, water bottle, free photos (both digital & printed ones at the expo) and a beautiful finisher’s medal. We also got a free beer, waffles, fruit, and other snacks post-race while enjoying a live band. The expo was great and parking was pretty easy, too ($10 in the structure adjacent to the Ventura Pier). The only negative thing I have to add is that the 5K started about 30 minutes late without any sort of explanation and it was freezing after I checked my jacket in at the gear check! Will definitely do this race again in the future!
Super Fast Downhill Course
This was a new course for 2017. It was point to point so be sure to plan transportation accordingly. I would also recommend gloves or toss away clothes for the … MORE
This was a new course for 2017. It was point to point so be sure to plan transportation accordingly. I would also recommend gloves or toss away clothes for the start. It’s early and can be chilly further up. Lots of goodies at the finish are included with the race entry. Lines for food tended to be a bit long but totally worth the wait. This is also part of a series. If you do all 4 of their locations in one year you’ll ear a challenge medal! Totally going to do this one again in 2018.
Nicer course than previous
I ran this race as the "6 hour sweeper" to try and help those that were trying to finish under that time. The race was mostly well run. Not all … MORE
I ran this race as the “6 hour sweeper” to try and help those that were trying to finish under that time. The race was mostly well run. Not all downhill but I knew that being familiar with the area, so people needed to be aware. The elevation was shown on the website as well as at the expo. There were many aid stations which were manned by great volunteers, the police helped greatly with traffic control. The last few aid stations provided ice with the water and Nuun which really helped especially once the temperature started climbing. Nice size for the race, small enough to allow the runners to run on the bike path. Didn’t encounter too many others on the path that weren’t running the race – this is probably due to good notice provided in the weeks prior to the race. The street outside the start area for the marathon was not lit up to help those that were parking there or using the porta-potties. A diagram of the start area could have been provided on the website or explained at the expo, as well as showing which streets would be closed in case people were getting dropped off or driving to the start. Small complains compared to the rest of the race which went off smoothly in my opinion.
Good 2nd marathon
This was my second full marathon so I knew a bit more what to expect. The first half of the course was great - shady and up and down. The … MORE
This was my second full marathon so I knew a bit more what to expect. The first half of the course was great – shady and up and down. The second half leveled out and was just HOT by the time I reached it. There were plenty of aid stations and I loved that multiple ones had gel/fuel as well as water and electrolytes. The last few water stops even had ICE. So much appreciated. Since it was a PR for me I was bummed they didnt have a PR Bell to ring. The fruit enhanced ice water and live music at the finish line festival was greatly appreciated as well.
Much improved course!
Ventura Marathon and Lexus LaceUp series combined for this newly improved course! It takes elements of the old LaceUp course and the finish party area of the Ventura event. Overall, … MORE
Ventura Marathon and Lexus LaceUp series combined for this newly improved course! It takes elements of the old LaceUp course and the finish party area of the Ventura event. Overall, very nicely done! I really enjoyed this course. It is significantly downhill and I guess everyone’s opinions of what qualifies as “downhill” is different but even for the half marathon, the beginning portion of this race is mostly downhill. It is gentle but it’s there. If you want a screaming downhill course, choose one of the Revel races.
Unfortunately, the race started almost 30 min late (said due to road closures not being set which IMO, is the race’s fault). 🙁 AND, it was VERY COLD! Uncomfortably cold. With a 4:30 shuttle (up there before 5 am), that is almost TWO HOURS of waiting. I hope this race adds additional shuttle options (not just 4:30 and 5:30) AND provides space blankets and/or hot cocoa or coffee (if that works for your race plan) but … something to help runners stay warm. I’m not a wuss but it was super uncomfortable and despite how much I liked the course, it would borderline make me not want to do this one again if they don’t improve the start area.
The finish area makes up for it, mostly. Great spread of food plus Sierra Nevada beer and nice beer garden with a good band right by the pier. Nice!
A PR Course
Josh puts on a great race. We had a late start this year, but I'm sure it was out of the RD's hands. Short of that, I think it would … MORE
Josh puts on a great race. We had a late start this year, but I’m sure it was out of the RD’s hands. Short of that, I think it would be difficult to find anything wrong with this event.
After running many versions of this fast downhill course, my advice is this:
1. Just sign-up.
2. Train downhill miles (but don’t forget there are some uphills). Training the down will help you stay strong late in the race. Additionally, you will recover MUCH faster.
3. The start lines are cool, much cooler than the finish. Dress accordingly, either to drop bag or to donate.
4. Have fun on race day!!!
Fast course, but not all downhill
Very well organized, water station well stocked. Waffle breakfast, lots of food, and delicious water flavor. Also a cool band added the festive celebration @ the finish MORE
Very well organized, water station well stocked. Waffle breakfast, lots of food, and delicious water flavor. Also a cool band added the festive celebration @ the finish
Great race with an even better finish!
The good points: 1) Course it self was really nice - mostly bike/walk paths and then road closer to the finish line. It was very well marked and controlled. There … MORE
The good points:
1) Course it self was really nice – mostly bike/walk paths and then road closer to the finish line. It was very well marked and controlled. There were a few other runners and cyclists, but not enough to slow you down.
2) The post race party was great! There was plenty of food (waffles, fresh fruit, juice, pretzels, snack mix) and Sierra Nevada Beer!! Live band. Lots of products to check out.
3) Cute medal.
4) Shuttle service was good–I recommend the 530am (even though that one sells out faster than the 430am).
5) Aid stations were a plenty and well stocked.
6) The crowds along the run were AWESOME!! Such good energy.
Now for the bad:
1) Even though its billed a “downhill race” in my mind I think I was imagining more of a downhill and mentally found it harder than I think I anticipated. A few hundred feet over 13 miles isn’t really that significant.
2) We didn’t start until closer to 7, even though start time was 630. It was kind of a weird setup where everyone was just in a pile and then had to take this hairpin to get to the starting line
3) It was freezing cold at the starting line. Like uncomfortably cold–even with extra layers. I only looked at Ventura weather when I was planning and forgot that starting 13 miles inland was completely different. Definitely dress warm and bring stuff you can ditch shortly into the race.