The Ventura Marathon offered a Full Marathon, Half Marathon, Century Bike Ride, 5K and a Kids Run. The swag went right along with the race’s theme. They gave all the runners a reusable shopping bag, the bib was one of my favorites, and the medals were awesome!

The race expo was outdoors and fairly large. They had plenty of food vendors, other race vendors, along with clothing merchants

I didn't have to leave that early for the start line, as I stayed in a hotel nearby. I just had to cross over a foot bridge that took me right to the start line. The course runs from the Ventura Pier towards the Oxnard Harbor and back. It began to get hot at 7:30 am, and by 8 am it was about 80 degrees. Up until about mile 6 or 7 my Garmin was on point with the mile markers. Then out of no where they were off. I thought that maybe I had lost connection with the satellites for a while. Then as I neared the next aid station I asked a few people and their GPS's were off also. Apparently, the mile markers were off over a half a mile. (They accidently used someone else's marks at the turn around)
I ended up walking the rest of the race, but was so proud of myself for finishing it even though mentally I was over it. ( I considered quitting at mile 10. The heat and knowing the course would be long was really getting to me) Overall, I thought the race was well organized and the swag was great. However, I am disappointed that the race was over a half a mile too long.

There are 4 distances available: Marathon, Half Marathon, Half Marathon relay, and 5k.

Bib pick up:

Bib pick up was quick and easy. T-shirts are nice and colored depending on your distance. The goodie bag contained some cool samples including KT Tape! Something every Runner needs at some point.

The Course:

Somewhat scenic and flat for the most part with a couple of little inclines. Lot's of aid stations filled with water and electrolyte drinks. The course for me I found to be pretty boring, as there was nothing but road running and all you could see for miles ahead was road.

Volunteers:

Very encouraging and great at keeping the Water available for Runners as we passed the stations which was great.

Post Run:

Lot's of drinks and snacks foods - Water, Sports drink, Coffee, Hot Chocolate, Coconut Water, Chocolate Milk, Banana's, Chips, Candies, Granola Bars and we were also given a coupon for both a free Beer and Wine which I didn't use.

Food trucks were also on site as well as live Bands, Massage area and merchandise vendors.

Swag:

Tech Tee, Running sleeves, bottle of wine, finishers medal, recovery jacket, and free race pictures.