How do I register for Mountains 2 Beach Marathon?

Registration is open to everyone until capacity is reached. The race sells out several months before race day, so it's worth signing up early. Elite athletes can apply separately with recent qualifying marathon results.

Is Mountains 2 Beach a Boston qualifier?

Yes, it is a certified Boston qualifier. The course is USATF certified and the net-downhill profile makes it a popular choice for runners chasing a BQ time.

What is the elevation profile like?

The course is point-to-point with a net drop of about 700 feet from start to finish. It starts at the highest point and descends gradually toward sea level, flattening out in the final miles as you approach the Ventura coast.

What is the weather typically like on race day?

April in Ventura is generally cool and mild, with temperatures ranging from the low 50s at the start to the upper 60s later in the morning. Humidity can be slightly elevated near the coast, and you may feel warming as you descend toward sea level.

How big is the field?

Recent editions have seen roughly 1,700 to 1,800 finishers, making it a mid-sized event with a competitive but accessible atmosphere.

Is the course USATF certified?

Yes, Mountains 2 Beach Marathon is USATF certified, so finish times are eligible for Boston qualifying submissions and other official purposes.

Sat, Apr 17 · 2027Ventura, CASince 2013

Mountains 2 Beach Marathon

Mountains 2 Beach runs point-to-point from inland Ventura County down to the Pacific coast, dropping steadily toward sea level on a fast, USATF-certified course that gives Boston hopefuls a genuine shot.

Net downhillOpenBQ Hotbed

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MOUNTAINS 2 BEACH · US

Mountains 2 Beach

SAT, APR 17

2027

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Race Overview

EST. 2013

Mountains 2 Beach starts inland and runs all the way down to the Ventura coast. The net elevation is in your favor the whole way, but don't let that fool you into going out too fast. The course loses elevation gradually, and the descent is spread across the first half rather than delivered in one clean drop. It feels easy early. It is not a free pass. Be patient in the first 10 miles.

As you close in on the coast, the course flattens out and you'll feel the marine air coming in. Temperatures are usually mild in April, low 50s at the gun and climbing toward the high 60s by the time the back-of-pack finishers come in, so the earlier you cross, the cooler it stays. A solid share of the field is chasing Boston, and the open registration means no lottery stress, but it does sell out well before race day, so register early. If a PR is on your mind, this course sets you up. The work is in not burning the downhill on mile one.

Field size

~1.8k

1,755 finishers

BQ rate

22%

Among the highest in the US

Time limit

6:00

Tight cutoff

Entry

Open

First-come registration

Course records

Men

2:23:46

Philip Schneider

2026

Women

2:51:28

Jenny Hitchings

2026

The Course

Total ascent

—

Total descent

↓700 ft

Net elevation

—

Highest point

700 ft

Lowest point

0 ft

Course shape

Point to point

Different start and finish

This point-to-point course drops roughly 700 feet net from start to finish, with the highest point near the beginning and the lowest at sea level. The descent is gradual and spread across the full distance rather than concentrated in one sharp drop, which rewards disciplined pacing over aggressive early banking. The back half flattens considerably as you approach the coast, so runners who treat the early downhill as free speed often pay for it late. Coastal exposure in the final miles can bring a light breeze. The course is USATF certified, making it a clean setup for a qualifying time if you manage effort on the way down.

View official course map Past results

Race-Day Weather

10-year median

Low

52°F

High

68°F

30°MARATHON-IDEAL 45–60°80°

What to expect

April in Ventura is generally cooperative for racing. You'll start in the mountains in the low 50s, which feels cool but you'll warm into it quickly as you descend. By the time you're on the coast the temperature is comfortable, though the back half can pick up a sea breeze that makes effort feel harder than your pace suggests. It's rarely a heat-management nightmare, but don't overdress at the gun.

Entry

OPEN

The race sells out several months early each year. Open registration is available until capacity is reached. Elite athletes may apply with recent qualifying marathon results.

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Logistics

For runners travelling in

Closest airport

BUR

54 mi

from the start

≈ 85 min transferManageable drive

What to expect

Most travelling runners fly into BUR, about 54 miles from the start, a manageable drive by rideshare or transit, roughly a 85-minute trip. Stay close to the start in Ventura, CA so you're not fighting race-morning closures and transit on tired legs. Arrive a day early to clear the expo and bib pickup, and build in buffer for gear-check and corral entry.