The SBI Marathon was held on November 12th this year and next year’s will be on November 10th 2012. There’s also a half marathon and a marathon relay; early registration (until March 31) is $95 for the full, only $60 for the half and $240 for the relay.
THE EXPO
The expo was held on Friday from 10am-8pm at the Earl Warren Showgrounds. There was plenty of parking and even at 6pm it was super easy to grab bibs and completely uncrowded.
The expo wasn’t big and there weren’t a ton of freebies, but the race shirts were technical tees from Adidas which was kinda cool and different from what you normally see.
THE START
The race starts out in Goleta at the Dos Pueblos High School (the half started in Santa Barbara); there wasn’t parking at the start so you could be dropped off or park at UCSB and take a shuttle.
We were dropped which worked out great and was super quick and easy. I’d definitely recommend having someone drop you off and then your car isn’t out in Goleta when you’re finished either.
There were plenty of porta potties at the start and another nice thing is that the high school gym was open for runners to sit in there in the warmth (it wasn’t even that cold outside) and have access to real bathrooms. There was also bottles of water available.
THE COURSE
The race started right on time at 7:15; I saw a 3:30 and 4hr pacer which was nice for a smaller sized race.
The only negative about this race was the course – I felt like so much of it was in the outskirts of Santa Barbara that you didn’t really get to see that much of SB. I’m sure it’d be a logistical nightmare, but it’d be awesome to run up/down State Street or just more miles along the ocean.
We ran through UCSB and Isla Vista which was cool to see:
And the foothills are pretty too:
We ran on a wooded bike path for a few miles in the middle of the race which was nice to break up the monotony and run through something different.
The course isn’t flat: the first half has a few very mild rollers, but the second half has Godzilla – a mile long decline at 22 and the about a .4 steep mile incline at 23. That hill was a killer, but the rest of the course is downhill to the finish.
THE SUPPORT
There wasn’t a ton of people out, but as with a lot of small town races, the people who are out cheering are super friendly and excited for you.
The runners themselves were also friendly; I talked to a lady runner for a few miles and was congratulated at the finish by another guy who I had been following the whole race. People just seem to be friendlier in smaller towns and races.
There was water every 2 miles and 7 GU Brew energy drink stations. GU gels were available at miles 9 and 19. I thought the aid stations were manned well and more than adequate; I never felt thirsty or wishing there were more stations.
THE FINISH
The finish was on the track and football field at the Santa Barbara City College which was a great place for a finish. Like I said, it’s downhill, right along the ocean and very pretty. And there’s tons of close parking right there.
It was fun that so many people gathered on the football field to hang out and lay on the grass; it kinda seemed like a party. And the weather was gorgeous – sunny but not too warm.
There was a medic tent right at the finish (I was asked by 2 or 3 people if I needed anything) and also an area to take pictures and then some food: water, granola bars, cookies, samples of cookies and food trucks out in the parking lot.
THE SUMMARY
Overall, I really enjoyed this smaller race – the people are friendly, it’s easy to do (great logistics, no waiting, no backups, no overcrowding), the weather was awesome, it’s affordable, the last part of the course is tough but it’s a fun finish.
I’d rank it a 8.19 out of 10.
TIPS:
-Book a hotel early as there aren’t a ton of affordable hotel options in Santa Barbara.
-Check the weather and plan accordingly. Santa Barbara has pretty mild weather year round, but it was suppose to rain on race day but never did.
-Have someone drop you off at the start – easy and convenient.
-Spend an extra day in Santa Barbara to really enjoy the city and see some of the things that you won’t on the course.
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you make it look so easy
I love reading your reviews of different races! Thanks for sharing!
I agree, you make it look easy. Like you’re not actually running the marathon, just passing through on you Vespa.
I love it though, it makes me hope some day running will be easy for me to.
Jessica
runnintobeskinny.com
You run a marathon like I run a minute. You make it look and sound so easy!!! Love reading about every single race that you run, keeps me motivated that I can actually do this!!!
You are my running inspiration. I keep telling my running partner that I want to be you when I grow up. haha.
A few posts ago you mentioned that you use special insoles in your running shoes. What kind do you use? I my foot doctor has me using super feet. If you have already posted about this, sorry I missed it. I tried to read all of your back posts when I started following a few months ago, but it’s a lot to remember!
they are inserts from road runners sports, just the generic brand ones that they use a machine to mold to your feet. i think they cost about $70 and the brand is maybe superfeet or something?
Love Santa Barbara, my fav city in Cali. Would be fun to run a race there!
Looks like a nice course! Ur seriously making me consider venturing over to the West coast for a race!
Great update! I am looking for a race in California for my 50 State Tour, but my wife wants to do Big Sur!
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