Overview
The Ventura Marathon draws approximately 1,500 finishers each February on a point-to-point coastal road in Ventura, United States. It targets winter Boston qualifying as a separate February event from Mountains 2 Beach, with a faster-feeling ~900-foot descent and no opening Ojai loop. The February course drops about 900 feet from Ojai through citrus groves and the Ojai–Ventura bike path to a downtown festival finish. It is a different winter race from the April Mountains 2 Beach Marathon (https://www.marathonfocus.com/marathons/united-states/mountains-2-beach-marathon), which adds a six-mile East Ojai loop and typically sells out months earlier. The route is net downhill overall.
Ventura Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
Ventura Marathon 2027 race day
The next Ventura Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 7 February 2027 with a 7:00 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 180 m of climbing on a net downhill then mostly flat layout.
Ventura Marathon course route
Starts in Ojai and finishes in downtown Ventura on the beachfront. The February course drops about 900 feet from Ojai through citrus groves and the Ojai–Ventura bike path to a downtown festival finish. It is a different winter race from the April Mountains 2 Beach Marathon (https://www.marathonfocus.com/marathons/united-states/mountains-2-beach-marathon), which adds a six-mile East Ojai loop and typically sells out months earlier. Moderate terrain throughout. The net descent rewards aggressive pacing but punishes the quads late.
Ventura Marathon elevation profile
The Ventura Marathon course is net downhill then mostly flat over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 180 metres of climbing and 220 metres of descent, with a net descent of 40 metres from start to finish.
Entry requirements
The Ventura Marathon uses open online registration at venturamarathon.com with no ballot or qualifying standard for the mass field. Sign-up for the February race typically opens the previous summer and the flat coastal course is a popular winter Boston-qualifier. Tiered pricing increases closer to race day, though the modest field size means places usually remain available until late winter.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Ventura Marathon a Boston Qualifier?
- The Ventura Marathon is a Boston Qualifier. The Ventura Marathon holds a certified 42.195 km course that can be used for Boston Marathon qualifying times, subject to current Boston Athletic Association standards and the race's USATF (or equivalent) certification status in the registration year.
- What is the Ventura Marathon elevation profile?
- The Ventura Marathon has 180 metres of total climbing and 220 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is net downhill then mostly flat, with 40 metres of net descent from start to finish.
- How long is the Ventura Marathon?
- The Ventura Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Point-to-point coastal road from Ojai to downtown Ventura on the beachfront.
- What time does the Ventura Marathon start?
- The 2027 Ventura Marathon starts at 7:00 am local time on Sunday, 7 February 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.venturamarathon.com/ confirm any last-minute schedule changes.
- Where does the Ventura Marathon start and finish?
- Starts in Ojai and finishes in downtown Ventura on the beachfront. Updated course maps are published at https://www.venturamarathon.com/ each year.
- When is the Ventura Marathon and how do I register?
- Ventura Marathon is typically held in February. Registration opens through https://www.venturamarathon.com/ and may use a lottery or tiered entry when demand exceeds capacity.
- Is the Ventura Marathon course flat?
- The course includes net downhill then mostly flat. Study the official course profile at https://www.venturamarathon.com/ before setting pace targets.
- What landmarks does the Ventura Marathon pass?
- The route follows Ojai Valley roads, citrus groves, the Ojai–Ventura bike path, and finishes on the downtown Ventura boardwalk.
- What weather should runners expect at Ventura Marathon?
- Usually cool and dry at the start with mild coastal air by the finish.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
