Marathon races near Camarillo

Santa To The Sea begins its half marathon at the giant Santa along Highway 101 in Oxnard, California, sending runners toward the coast in December. The race weekend features a half marathon, quarter marathon, 5K, Kids 1K, and a separate Diaper Dash, functioning as a family event as much as a road race. The half marathon is open to runners age 11 and older, while the shorter events offer options for children and newer runners. The race originated from a toy drive marking the relocation of the world’s largest Santa Claus from Carpinteria to Oxnard. This origin remains significant: Santa To The Sea is a nonprofit event that gathers toys for underprivileged children in Ventura County and raises scholarship funds for Oxnard College students. Its scholarship program, in partnership with Gene Haas and the Oxnard College Foundation, awards $500 scholarships to local high school students and adults pursuing further education.

The Ventura Marathon guides runners from Ojai to Ventura along California’s coast, offering full and half marathon distances designed for fast, downhill running. The full marathon begins in Ojai and concludes in Ventura, descending approximately 900 feet. The half marathon starts south of Ojai, drops over 500 feet, and finishes in Downtown Ventura. Both races cater to participants aiming for a personal best or a Boston qualifying time. The half marathon incorporates roads and the Ojai-Ventura bike path, while the full marathon follows a consistent downhill point-to-point course to the beach. The half course is USATF certified. The race weekend is based in Downtown Ventura, featuring a festival with exhibitor booths, waffles, craft beer, and proximity to local businesses. Ventura’s association with the X-Games contributes an additional element of sports culture to the event.