Run by the Sea
- Date
- October 4, 2026
- Distance
- Run by the Sea 4k · Run by the Sea 12k · Run by the Sea Half Marathon
From the Organizer
Run by the Sea returns to lovely Wilder Ranch State Park on Sunday, October 4th! This unique Half Marathon, 12K run, and 4K run/walk meanders along the gorgeous coastal bluffs of California's Central Coast in Santa Cruz and consists mostly of flat, packed dirt trails. Participants will enjoy scenic coastal views while passing along the bluffs and Wilder Ranch park trails. Get ready to take in the natural beauty of the Monterey Bay, the serene flats of Wilder Ranch's meadows, and maybe even catch a glimpse of some dolphins - no other race is quite like it!
Now in its 10th year, Run by the Sea is organized by the Santa Cruz Track Club and benefits the track club's youth program, Bike Santa Cruz County, and Santa Cruz Mountain Trail Stewards.
Race Headquarters and Parking
4K Route
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
76°
Typical Low
51°
Chance of Rain
7%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Santa Cruz, 2 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Santa Cruz, CA
Elevation
36 ft
Nearest Airport
SJC
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport · 26 mi
Time Zone
Pacific Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Run by the Sea, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
118
Days to train
- Race
- Run by the Sea
- Date
- October 4, 2026
Coming Up
More Running races near Santa Cruz, CA
Summer 2026 Santa Cruz Track Club All Comers Meet
Less than a mile away
2026 Santa Cruz Sunrise Rotary Firecracker Run
Less than a mile away
San Lorenzo River Trail Run
Less than a mile away
Race Thru the Redwoods
5 miles away
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Run by the Sea?
- Run by the Sea is a running race held in Santa Cruz, California on October 4, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the Run by the Sea?
- Sunday, October 4, 2026 in Santa Cruz, California at Wilder Ranch State Park, Santa Cruz, CA. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Run by the Sea?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Run by the Sea
Oct 4, 2026