Sold-Out Santa Cruz Marathon Brings Endurance and Edge at Inaugural Event

New multi-distance running event further secures Santa Cruz as an endurance sports destination with 4,600 runners taking part 

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. – The new Santa Cruz Marathon debuted on Oct. 25 with a sold-out crowd of 4,600 participants taking to the course along the edge of the Monterey Bay. Runners came to the event from 37 states and 19 countries. Organizers aimed to capture local culture to create an authentically Santa Cruz experience for resident runners and visitors alike. Part of the Golden State Challenge, the race joins a line-up of nine iconic California races.

“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 the Santa Cruz Marathon. “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 race featured a full marathon, half marathon and 5K along the seaside, historic landmarks, ocean bluffs and endless ocean views. Courses ran along 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. Finishers completed their journey on the beach near Cowell’s.

In addition to everyday runners, elite competitors showed up and showed out at the brand-new event. Their performances have set the standard for future editions. Lupe Palalia, the men’s marathon champion and first-place finisher, completed the 26.2 miles in 2:39:16, followed by the men’s marathon second-place finisher, Nick Kovaleski. David Roth took the third-place spot for the men’s marathon. The women’s marathon course was led by Irene Abfalterer, who finished with a time of 2:58:57. Second- and third-place finishers for the women’s marathon were Lauren Sand and Beverley Anderson-Abbs. 

Antoan Dimitrov, the men’s half marathon champion and first-place finisher, completed the 13.1 miles in 1:14:48. The women’s half marathon course was led by Gina Jacobs, who finished with a time of 1:24:08. Skyler Williams, the men’s 5K champion and first-place finisher, completed the 3.1 miles in 20:05. The women’s 5K course was led by Rachel Okun, who finished with a time of 20:52. 

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 launched in 2026 as the city's signature marathon. The event offers 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.

###