New Marathon Joins Santa Cruz Community, Nears Sell-Out Weeks Ahead of Event

Locals, industry experts and major brands come together to launch the Santa Cruz Marathon this October

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. – Featuring an iconic course along the edge of the Monterey Bay, a new marathon event is arriving in the City of Santa Cruz this fall. The Santa Cruz Marathon’s inaugural event is set for Oct. 25, continuing to position the city and community as a prime destination for endurance sports events in the state and the country. In addition to the 26.2-mile headlining distance, the race will also feature a half marathon, a 5K and a Race Expo. Even as a first-time event, the race has seen major demand since opening registration. With more than a month remaining before the race, organizers announced that both the marathon and the 5K are completely sold out. Those interested in participating can still register for the half marathon, which has limited entries available.

The new event is being brought to life by both locals and industry experts who work on top running events across the country. Production of the event is led by Motiv Sports, a California-based company that creates, markets, manages and delivers world-class endurance events all around the world. David Reid, a county leader and the race director of IRONMAN 70.3 Santa Cruz, has been brought in by Motiv Sports to ensure a strong understanding of the local landscape and engagement with the community.

“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 Reid. “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 also brings together a lineup of premium partner brands that enhance the participant experience. Those partners include 2XU performance apparel, Honey Stinger race-day fuel, Runna training support, Crystal Geyser hydration and Siete post-race snacks.

The race courses run the ocean edge of the Santa Cruz coastal community, from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk,  surf spots like Pleasure Point, the Hook, and Steamers Lane, through Capitola Village, West Cliff Drive and Wilder Ranch State Park. Runners will experience a dynamic route that winds along the seaside, historic landmarks, ocean bluffs and endless ocean views. Their tour of Santa Cruz wraps up on the beach near Cowell’s. Participants will receive race swag including a shirt and finisher medal featuring bold neon colors, images of the Santa Cruz coastline and specific designs for each distance to mark the accomplishments of finishers.

The inaugural race will join the Golden State Challenge, alongside eight additional races. The portfolio of California races showcases all the state has to offer: scenic oceanfront views, famous beach city streets, wine country landscape and more. As participants complete races, they earn special rewards along the way including socks, hats, shoe bags and more. 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 to display their bling. Plus, they’ll earn “The Golden Ticket,” granting them four complimentary entries to events in the series for the following year.

For more information about the Santa Cruz Marathon, visit www.runsantacruz.com and follow the event on Facebook and Instagram.

ABOUT THE SANTA CRUZ MARATHON AND MOTIV SPORTS

The Santa Cruz Marathon is set to host its inaugural event in 2026 as the city-signature marathon. The event will offer three distances: the marathon, half marathon and 5K, all showcasing the iconic City of Santa Cruz, with tours of Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Capitola Village and Wilder Ranch State Park. The race is a part of the Golden State Challenge, a portfolio of California road races that showcase California’s scenic oceanfront views, famous beach city streets, wine country landscape and more. As participants complete races, they earn special rewards along the way. The Santa Cruz Marathon is produced by Motiv Sports. Motiv Sports was founded in 2015, and creates, markets, manages and delivers world-class endurance events all around the world.

###