Welcome to race weekend
Please read the information below to answer your questions about race weekend. We look forward to welcoming you in Santa Cruz, USA, and wish you safe travels on your journey to the race!
Event Schedule
Times subject to change. Each day is hidden once it wraps — check back here for live updates throughout the weekend.
5K, Half Marathon, & Marathon participants are required to pick up their race BIB during Packet Pick-up on Friday or Saturday, unless you have pre-purchased Race Day Packet Pick-Up.
Friday
Oct 23- 4:00 PM – 6:30 PMDepot Park, 119 Center Street, Santa Cruz
Early Packet Pick-Up
Saturday
Oct 24- 10:00 AM – 4:00 PMDepot Park, 119 Center Street, Santa Cruz
Race Expo Packet Pick-Up
Sunday
Oct 25- 5:30 AMLocation: Cowell’s Beach Main Parking lot
Gear Check Opens
- 7:00 AM
Marathon Start
- 7:15 AM
Half Marathon Start
- 7:15 AM
5K Start
- 7:30 AM – 1:30 PMLocation: Cowell’s Beach
Post Race Festival
Packet Pick-Up
Depot Park, 119 Center Street, Santa Cruz
- Friday Oct 23
- 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM
- Saturday Oct 24
- 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Bring your QR code confirmation email (sent Thursday of race week) and a photo ID to expedite pick-up. BIB numbers will not be assigned until arrival on-site.
5K, Half Marathon, & Marathon participants are required to pick up their race BIB during Packet Pick-up on Friday or Saturday, unless you have pre-purchased Race Day Packet Pick-Up.
Can I pick up my packet on race day?
5K, Half Marathon, & Marathon participants are required to pick up their race BIB during Packet Pick-up unless you have pre-purchased Race Day Packet Pick-Up. Race day packet pick-up instructions will be emailed on Thursday of race week for those that purchased this service. Race Day Packet Pick-Up opens at 5:30am on race day at Pier Plaza. To purchase that, log into your Let's Do This account
- Click the button below, then enter your booking ID.
- From your dashboard, click 'Manage' next to your name.
- Under 'Make Changes,' click 'Purchase or view add-ons' to add Race Day Packet Pick-Up to your registration.
- Need help finding your booking ID? Reach out to Let's Do This by clicking this link.
What do I need to bring?
Your QR-code confirmation email (sent Thursday Race Week) and a photo ID. BIB numbers will not be assigned until arrival on-site.
Can someone else pick up my packet?
Yes — send your proxy with a copy of your ID and your confirmation email. Proxies may pick up for up to 3 people.
Can I change my distance?
Please visit the Solutions Table at packet pick-up to change your distance subject to availability.
Packet Pick-Up Parking
Recommended parking: Beach Boardwalk Parking: 515 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Beach Boardwalk Parking WebsiteMarathon, Half, 5K
- Marathon
- 7:00 AM
- Half Marathon
- 7:15 AM
- 5K
- 7:15 AM
Gear Check
Opens at 5:30am – All items must be picked up before 1:00pm Gear Check will be available for all Sunday participants. Gear Check drop off will be in the Cowell’s Beach Main parking lot (there’s no parking here). Gear Check pick up will be in Cowell’s Beach. Clear gear check bags will be provided at bib pick-up. All items must be placed in this clear bag.
On-Course Support
Please find the locations of the aid stations along each of the three courses. Water, electrolytes, and portable restrooms will be provided at the stations listed below:
Honey Stinger Energy Chews will be provided: Marathon course at the aid station at Mile XXXX Half Marathon course at the aid station at Mile XXXX
Pacers
Pacers will be available for the Marathon & Half Marathon distances. Pace groups from Too Legit Fitness. will be available with the following minutes-per-mile pace times:
Course Time Limit
5K – 1 Hour Half – 4 Hours Marathon – 6 Hours Participants falling behind these paces will be moved ahead by race staff to finish the race.
Awards
Marathon, Half Marathon, & 5K: Overall Award Medals will be available for the top 3 female, male, and non-binary winners. Age Division awards are given to the top 3 female, male, and non-binary finishers in each age division. Age categories: 5K: Under 15, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+ Marathon & Half Marathon: Under 20, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+ Awards must be picked up on-site at the Awards table after the race. Please note, we do not offer prizes or Age Division awards to Virtual participants.
Getting to the Start
Start Line
Anticipate heavy traffic and be aware of road closures:
Need description including the main street closed from where to where
Arrive Early
We recommend arriving at least 60–90 minutes before your start to park and check your gear.
Race Day Parking
Rates are set by individual lot operators and subject to change.
Lots fill quickly on race morning.
Beach Boardwalk Parking: 515 Beach St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Beach Boardwalk Parking WebsiteBike Parking
Want to share? Details OR where not to park bikes
Driving
From Highway 17 or Highway 1, take the Ocean Street exit and head south on Ocean Street to San Lorenzo Blvd. Turn right onto San Lorenzo Blvd, then left onto Riverside Ave. Park in the large lot across from the Boardwalk.
Athlete Tracking
Have your friends and family track your progress while you run your race.
Download the app & sign up for text updates from different spots along the course!
Finish Line Festival
Festival
- Open Times
- 7:30 AM - 1:30 PM
- Location
- Cowells Beach
Commemorate your Race
Finisher Photos
Make sure to wear your bib on the front of your body and bring your best smile to race day! FinisherPix will be on course capturing you in action. Click below to register your email to be notified when your photos are ready after the race.
Register for PhotosPersonalize your Medal
We know you’ve been training for a Personal Record, and a great way to celebrate is with an iTAB! Your iTAB will be customized with your name and finish time and will be mailed to you post-race. iTABS are also available for pre-purchase in our shop!
Pre-Order your iTABFollow Us
Follow us on Instagram for all the latest updates and tips heading into race weekend.
Don’t forget to tag us & use #RunSantaCruz
@RunSantaCruz ↗
Official Merch Shop
The official 2026 Santa Cruz Marathon merchandise store is open! Check out the latest styles and order now to secure your size. Style your Endurance with Attitude! Orders placed on or after XXXX will be available for event-weekend pick up only. Use code: XXXX to remove the shipping fee for in-person pick up.
Shop now
Golden State Challenge
Take on California's premier race series. Complete events across the state and earn the 2026 Golden State Challenge rewards.
Learn more
Register for 2027
Register on-site for the 2027 Santa Cruz Marathon. By registering on-site, you can expect to receive the absolute LOWEST pricing for the event, which is only available at the 2026 Race Expo! Visit the Santa Cruz Marathon marketing booth in the event expo to secure your spot! Keep an eye on your inbox for your super early bird offer!