Santa Cruz Island EcoExtreme 2027 - Half Marathon

Expected October 2027

Our best guess from a single past year. We'll firm it up when the organiser confirms.

Distance

21.1km

Cutoff

Cutoff at the second to last aid station, timed so that Search and Rescue members can get runners back to the start by 4-wheel drive before the boat leaves the island.

Terrain

Trail

From last year's edition. Details may change once confirmed.

Overview

The Eco-Extreme Half Marathon covers 13.1 miles across Santa Cruz Island, one of the Channel Islands off the Ventura coast. Runners set off from Prisoners Cove at sea level and climb through the Nature Conservancy wilderness, the central valley and the island highlands, peaks, valleys and mountains before returning to the cove, with steep single track sections that even experienced runners walk. Entries are limited by the National Park Service and the run is not suitable for trail walkers or first-time runners. The day starts with a 6am Island Packers boat from Ventura Harbor, where race packets are handed out from 5am, and ends with a complimentary after-party lunch on the island before the boat heads back.

Prisoners Cove start and finish at sea level
Nature Conservancy Wilderness on Santa Cruz Island
Central valley and island highlands, peaks, valleys and mountains
Private Island Packers boat crossing with whales and dolphins

The practical side

Start / Finish

Start

Prisoners Cove, Santa Cruz Island, reached by private Island Packers boat from Ventura Harbor

Finish

Prisoners Cove, Santa Cruz Island, followed by the after-party lunch and the boat back to Ventura Harbor

Terrain

Remote island wilderness trail. Rough, steep single track through the Nature Conservancy wilderness, with sea level sections at Prisoners Cove and climbing through the central valley, island highlands, peaks, valleys and mountains.

Route

Starts at sea level at Santa Cruz Island's Prisoners Cove, climbs through the Nature Conservancy Wilderness, crosses the central valley and island highlands, peaks, valleys and mountains, then returns to Prisoners Cove. The published route can change on race day once runners are on the island.

Race Day

Arrive at Island Packers, 1691 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura Harbor, between 5:00 and 5:45am to collect your race number and grab bag. Early arrivals should aim for 5am, later arrivals for 5:30am. The boat departs at 6am sharp. Runners then tackle the 13.1 mile wilderness course on Santa Cruz Island and finish with a complimentary after-party lunch before the boat returns to Ventura.

Good to know

What to bring

water bladders or waist packs with bottles

course number visible on shorts or front of shirt

Recommended

What you get

Race photos

Race number and grab bag collected on race day

Day pack with a change of clothes transported to the finish for the after-party

Private Island Packers boat ride out to the island and back

Entry supports the Ventura County Sheriff's Volunteer Search and Rescue Unit

Food after the finishComplimentary after-party lunch on the island after the finish.

On the day

Changing facilities

Bag drop

Food vendors

First aid on course

ParkingNo. This is a Non Profit Race. The National Park Service is not a sponsor of the race and does not have race details. Do not call Island Packers with race questions. They are gracious and donating a big chunk of the transportation for us, we don't want to bother them. So bother us, we have standby operators 24 hours a day to answer your emails.

ShuttleThe private Island Packers boat is assigned to the race event for the whole day and carries runners out to Santa Cruz Island and back.

Aid stationsAid stations are on course, with a cut-off enforced at the second to last aid station · 5 aid stations with water and emergency medical care · Basic aid with limited water; no filling of large bottles or bladders · Medics (paramedics) at all aid stations

Before you enter

RefundsThere are no refunds. The event is fully non-profit and your entry supports the Ventura County Sheriff's Volunteer Search and Rescue Unit. If the race is cancelled for reasons outside the organiser's control, the money is still used for the non-profit cause and can be taken as a donation tax write-off.

TransfersEntries are non-transferable. You cannot resell, trade, lend, or give your entry to a friend.

DeferralsIf the entire race has to be cancelled for one of the listed reasons, the organisers will make every attempt to move the race and all entries. There is no planned backup date.

If the race is cancelledThere is no planned backup date. If the race is cancelled, entries are not refunded; the money is still used for the 100% non-profit cause, can be taken as a donation tax write-off, and the organisers will make every attempt to move the whole race and entries if it has to be cancelled.

Bad weatherThe course can change from the published description on race day on the island. Marine weather, natural disaster, marine equipment issues, pandemic, permit changes, Nature Conservancy research conflicts, National Park Service restrictions or changes to the federal permit, changes in law, Island Packers or Nature Conservancy requests, and weather or health issues are all treated as events outside the organiser's control.

Time limitWe hate cut off times. We have to incorporate one into this race due to the boat ride back and logistics. You will have to finish within 3:30 hours. Our aid stations will advise you if you won't make the cut off. You will be taken to the finish area and can enjoy the festivities. Email us if you have cut off questions.

Collecting your numberOn RACE DAY rally on the grass area near the dock at Island Packers, 1691 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura (at Ventura Harbor). Show up between 5:15 and 5:45 AM and be ready to walk onto the boat with your packet. You will get a race briefing on the boat ride out to the Island. The boat leaves at 6:00 AM sharp.

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Santa Cruz Island EcoExtreme 2027 - Half Marathon

Overview

The practical side

Good to know

What happens if the race fills up?

How do runners get to Santa Cruz Island?

What time does the boat leave Ventura Harbor?

Can I bring a change of clothes for after the run?

Is food provided after the run?

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