In 2021, I ran the Run Native Santa Barbara Half Marathon in 1:29. It was my quickest half marathon since 2018 after I PRed. I believed: I’m lastly coming again and possibly going to be quick sufficient to chase some PRs (LOL 1:22). That didn’t occur, and three days later, I fell and harm my again. That began an sickness and damage cycle that lasted for about two years. It was solely in 2025 at Mountains 2 Seashore that I ran a 1:29 once more.
I’ve not been able to return to the Run Native Santa Barbara Half Marathon. I didn’t wish to run loads slower, really feel depressing, or examine myself, so I stayed away from the race. This yr, I believed it could be the yr I used to be in related health. I do know I’m, it simply was not my day and that’s okay. Two days later, my interval got here and all of it is smart. I’m somebody who can run properly on my interval, however by no means the times main up. I normally simply really feel very drained and with decrease power…so all of it is smart.
A couple of questions individuals have requested in regards to the Run Native Santa Barbara Half Marathon:
Is the Run Native Santa Barbara Half Marathon hilly?Sure. The course has a number of climbs in each the primary and second half, with the hardest stretch between miles 10 and 12. It isn’t the quickest half marathon in California, however the views make the race price it.
Is the Run Native Santa Barbara Half Marathon a very good race for novices?It may be. The beginning and end space is straightforward to navigate, and there may be sturdy crowd help. Runners needs to be prepared for hills and plan their pacing across the altering terrain.
Does the Run Native Santa Barbara Half Marathon promote out?Sure, it may. Lately the race has grown and has reached capability. If the occasion is in your checklist, register early so you aren’t scrambling the week of the race.
What’s the climate normally like for the Run Native Santa Barbara Half Marathon?Climate can differ, however anticipate delicate temperatures with some humidity. The race begins early, which helps, however the solar and coastal moisture are noticeable by mid race. In 2025, it was about 65 and cloudy firstly.
Is the Run Native Santa Barbara Half Marathon a quick course for PRs?It is dependent upon your strengths. The course has a number of rolling hills and lengthy climbs that sluggish many runners down. In the event you deal with hills properly, you’ll be able to run a robust time. The top is difficult since you are drained and the very last thing you wish to do is climb from miles 10-12. In the event you want flatter programs, you could wish to save your PR try for a sooner route.
My in-laws came visiting, and all of us went right down to Santa Barbara round 10:30 am. I used to be disenchanted that the Run Native Santa Barbara Half Marathon expo ended at 2 pm the day earlier than the race. It’s inconvenient for these touring to Santa Barbara to run. The Santa Barbara race has near 5000 individuals and for these which are coming from out of city Friday will not be an choice and to come back in earlier than 2 is difficult.
The packet pickup was chaotic. We arrived round 1:30 pm and it was busy and messy. It will appear many individuals confronted the same concern we did. My husband stayed within the automotive as a result of there was no parking.
After packet pickup, we ended up going to the zoo and strolling round. In all probability not the neatest pre race resolution, but it surely was enjoyable. We ate an early dinner and relaxed. It was a quiet night time. I wakened at 4:30 am for the 7 am begin and did a mile warmup at 6 am. I felt first rate. Not wonderful, however first rate.
The final time I ran this race, it was a lot smaller. It has grown loads, and this yr it seemed prefer it bought out. With the race being larger, I did discover there have been quite a lot of areas that have been so crowded. the streets are pretty slender for the quantity of runners on the course…The organizers added 4 corrals, and runners might select the one which matched their tempo.
At 7:01, we began. I felt good early. I settled near the 1:30 pacer. Once I glanced down and noticed 6:33 tempo, I figured it was GPS error. The primary mile of the Run Native Santa Barbara Half Marathon is flat, and I ran a 6:43. I felt sturdy and hopeful that I’d run my quickest half shortly. I felt actually good and that was the theme till round mile 7.
I remembered the course was hilly however forgot how hilly. The following mile climbed and I ran a 6:57. The 1:30 pacer drifted forward, however I believed I’d make it up on the downhill. I ran a 6:52, then hit the downhill and ran 6:41 and 6:48.
Through the downhill, the 1:30 pacer absolutely dropped me. I’ve a love and hate relationship with tempo teams and after I seemed later they got here in at 1:29. Despite the fact that the pacer was about 30 seconds forward, I knew I used to be nonetheless on 1:30 tempo. I saved reminding myself to run my very own race and that simply because they have been off tempo didn’t imply I used to be. However round mile 7, my physique simply felt flat. It was like I couldn’t choose up my legs.
I hit midway in 44:55, which averages to 1:29:50 for those who run the tangents so I knew I would wish to choose it up if I wished a sub 1:30. I additionally knew the again half was hillier. It was hotter and extra humid than I like, however I saved shifting.
Working again by means of the beginning space was enjoyable. There have been a shocking variety of spectators, and the Run Native Santa Barbara Half Marathon actually is a superb spectating race. In the event you’re spectating the Run Native Santa Barbara Half Marathon, you’ll be able to just about stand in a single spot then go to the race end and see runners a number of occasions.
Round mile 7, I had hassle getting my gel down, doubtless as a result of it was humid and my physique simply wasn’t feeling it.. Not horrible and never nice, however very within the center. Two days later, my interval got here. I can run properly when my interval is right here (and man I’ve had some good exercises on it) however the days main up, not a lot and I normally simply really feel drained and flat. I don’t know why I didn’t put two and two collectively.
Miles 7 by means of 13.1 turned a psychological grind. After mile 9, each flip felt uphill. After we left the primary ocean view and city, I believed the downhill needed to be coming. It was not. Miles 10 by means of 12 have been a gradual climb. I fully forgot there was mainly two miles uphill on the finish of Santa Barbara. I instructed myself not to take a look at my watch as a result of it could solely frustrate me. Afterward, I noticed I ran a 7:28 and seven:35.
After we turned towards the end, I knew the final mile was downhill and might be quick. This yr the end included extra uphill earlier than the bridge, however I nonetheless pushed. With nearly 100 toes of drop, I ran a 6:33 last mile and completed the Run Native Santa Barbara Half Marathon in 1:32:07.
I’m not overly enthusiastic about my time, but it surely was not horrible both. Truthfully to really feel so flat and nonetheless run a 1:32 on a hilly course is thrilling. My physique didn’t have it on the day and that’s okay. I used to be comfortable since I not too long ago moved into the 35-39 age group that I received the age group. How enjoyable.
The Run Native Santa Barbara Half Marathon continues to be some of the scenic and difficult half marathons in California. The hills, coastal views, and robust neighborhood help make it a memorable race whether or not it goes completely or not. I’ll at all times suggest it for runners in search of a gorgeous however trustworthy course. Even on an off day, the race jogged my memory why I get pleasure from coming again to Santa Barbara.
There have been a few issues I didn’t love: from the slender streets to the race packet pickup occasions, however in all a very good race.
You may see Strava right here and all race recaps right here.
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Questions for you:
Have you ever run the Run Native Santa Barbara Half Marathon?
What’s your favourite half marathon?
