Mountains 2 Beach Marathon - Race Reviews

I was able to register late for this race because the law enforcement refused to allow the race to be held when it was scheduled. That decision was made due to lack of staffing during a holiday weekend, but the many race day blunders made me wonder if there was some chafe in staffing. The race started 17 minutes late because the national anthem singer was late. I hated standing around as the sun rose above the hills on what was expected to be a warmer than average race day. Then the mile markers ended up not matching up and it was obvious the course was off. My pacing group seems to be really off as it started slow, but then started running 20 seconds faster per mile once we got to mile 7. Not sure if they were trying to make up time because of the misdirection or if this was just the plan due to the down hill portions of the race. The course felt like something I would run in training and didn't really impress me. The weather was sunny and warmer than you would want for running 26.2 miles. I honestly thought about dropping out to save my legs for another race (I've ran 30 marathons and was seeing if I could get a BQ before the fall) but there was no race personal or medical tents for long stretches of the race. I should have gone with my gut and just waited to run CIM in the Fall.

I've run 30+ marathons, ranging from small field sizes (27 participants in my gender) to huge (10s of thousands). This one BY FAR was the worst organized race. After being notified less than 2 months before the race that it would be delayed 1 week, I didn't think it was a big deal, even though I had to pay extra for airfare and make adjustments to hotel and car rental. But not only did the race start 17 minutes late, we were misdirected by the lead cyclist/moto AND by someone standing on the road where we were SUPPOSED to turn (someone in front of me tried to run on it following the signage, but he was turned away and told the course changed), resulting an extra 1/2 mile of running with plenty of elevation gain (and increase of 71 feet compared to previous years). There were only 2 places in the first half of the race where electrolytes were being offered, and some tables we had to grab our own drinks (which the race director later blamed on reduction of volunteers due to covid). Gear check bags were not given at the expo, causing me to assume there was no gear check (even though the website said there would be) and wearing only light throwaway clothes in the 2+ hours I was waiting in the cold before the race started. It turns out that there WERE gear check bags at the start line, and the race director explained that he does that because people lose their bags (who does that?!) and he didn't want to waste plastic. Although the race organizers KNEW the runners went too long on the course, they did absolutely nothing in the following hours, even though they had plenty of time and could have easily moved the 25 mile timing mat to the correct 26.2 mile distance so that the final mat could still be used for the half marathoners. The organizers claimed the extra distance was .38 mi, but according to everyone's GPS watches it was actually 0.48-0.50 extra miles added between miles 3 and 5. After taking NO responsibility for the course error (which resulted in a LOT of extra climbing for the runners, not just distance), the organizers finally made an adjustment to the finish times by looking at the paces run in the early miles and subtracting the prorated time accordingly - essentially pretending the course error did not exist. The RIGHT way to make the adjustment is to calculate how long it took for the runners to cover the marathon distance based on the penultimate timing mat and delete the extra distance run at the END, as that's what races are supposed to do - measure the time it takes for people to run 26.2 miles! It often takes runners less time to cover 0.38-0.50 mi run in the first few miles than it takes to cover the same distance at the end, so the race's time adjustment gypped every runner who ran a faster pace in the beginning vs the end. The organizers have repeatedly blamed the cyclist/moto leading the runners, but that is simply wrong - not only were we also misdirected by someone standing on the correct road where we were SUPPOSED to turn, but that error would not even be possible if they had a couple of cones blocking us from missing the turn and if there were course marshals correctly directing us. (I told the race director about my experience of hearing someone incorrectly directing us while standing on the road, and his response was that it must have been a bystander. What?! Even if that were true, which seems unlikely, that would not have happened if an official course marshal was at that intersection directing runners - and the lead cyclist - correctly.) To say that I am disappointed by this race is a massive understatement. The race director claimed that he wanted to make it up to the runners, but nothing but a (short) time adjustment was offered & and we still don't even know if it will be accepted by Boston or NYC. Suffice it to say, I will NOT be running this race again. EVER.

INTRODUCTION: I am a race-walker with a median marathon completion time of 5:20:04. The Mountains 2 Beach Marathon was my fiftieth 26.2-miler accomplished. COURSE: It was a great day for a marathon: weather at the start line was 48 degrees, 90 percent relative humidity with winds from the east at 2 mph with gusts up to 3 mph. The race started at the Spanish Colonial Revival Arcade and headed east out of town into the orange groves framed by the surrounding hills and mountains. We returned to the start line at mile 6 and headed west toward Meiner Oaks, with the course's most significant incline taking place during the seventh mile. At mile 9 we proceeded south for the next 14 miles, either on rural two-lane roads or on bicycle trails parallel to the Ventura River. Most of the downhill part of the course took place between mile 9 and mile 19. From a heat standpoint, we benefitted from the fact we were heading closer to the ocean with the cool coastal breezes heading inland. Miles 23 through 25 took us through downtown Ventura. With the buildings blocking the wind, this was the warmest part of the course. The final mile took us on a walkway alongside the beach where we could enjoy the sight and scent of the ocean. Finish line temperature was 64 degrees, 72 percent relative humidity, with wind from the southwest at 6 mph with gusts up to 14 mph. ORGANIZATION: Well executed event. The very helpful organizers and volunteers at the expo allowed us to pick up our bibs, finisher jackets, bus and pasta dinner tickets before the official opening. The pasta dinner held at the expo was spartan but satisfactory. The school bus transportation from downtown Ventura to the Ojai ran smoothly. Enthusiastic water stop support at mile 15; otherwise, ordinary. Traffic control was well done. After the marathon, those of us who pre-ordered finisher jackets were informed of manufacturing flaws on some of the items. Two months later, the organizers followed-up by mailing new jackets to us--extraordinary. SPECTATORS: Lots of thumbs up provided by the passing vehicles. The only music on the course was a taiko ensemble at mile 18. CONCLUSION: Given this has one of the fastest average completion times in the country and the focus is on qualifying runners for Boston, the race is enjoyable for the back-of-the-packer as well. For the most part, it is a quiet race that allows us to enjoy the Ojai Valley and Ventura beach. Well done, Ventura County.

I had heard great things about this race from some other NYC based runners. Packed up the family and headed to Ventura. We loved Ventura and I enjoyed seeing Ojai which was scenic and running down the road with orange trees on both sides was terrific. I wasn't expecting much in the way of spectators so I wasn't disappointed. I PR'd but not by as much as I had hoped but that was due to a five week training gap in March/early April. Loved the race. It was a destination race and it exceeded my expectations. Dinner tip the night before - Cafe Fiore on California St.

Everyone should PR on this downhill course. That being said, the best parts where the first 6-7 in and around beautiful Ojai and the finish along the beach boardwalk. The miles in between were not so nice. Not much to look at heading down to Ventura and a stretch on a bike path. In several spots there were bikes, non race runners and even pedestrians with strollers on the course walking against the racers. The finish line and finish area were pretty cool. I liked how the runners walked into the ice cold surf for their post race 'ice bath'. The food provided at the finish was sad, bring your own. Not much of an expo, so bring anything you need beyond the very basics. The bus loading in the morning was painful to watch. They had a row of buses waiting, but would only load one at a time. There was a good sized line of runners and loading even two at a time would have been much better. Be early to catch your bus, I was on time for my assigned load time, but had to rush to check my bag and get to the start because of the slow loading and subsequent late arrival. Also no check bags or tags provided until you got to the bag check at the start line. I don't get why they weren't passed out at expo if they had them. Picking up checked bags disorganized and took way too long. Don't plan on checking a bag unless you absolutely have to. Not much in terms of spectators until you hit the beach. Overall I would not run this race again, but its a BQ course and Ojai was beautiful.

M2B Race Summary: Really, really enjoyed running M2B2017. It was a great day and a really enjoyable course. Our pre race meal at Barrel 33 was fantastic too! My dad and I set out to hold 8:12's as long as we could. Our training was sub par-his due to injury, mine due to post partum with baby #3. We were optimistic but realistic. We both need a 3:40 due to our ages. I ran CIM in 2014 and got a BQ but not enough buffer time to get in. Pros: 1) 5:00 bus was perfect. We rode it, used the port a pottie, lined up and ran. Not much time for anything else. By no means rushed, but not a lot of extra time just standing around. This works well for me. I don't like to wait. Some people complain about how cold it is. Not me. I love it. There are two thrift stores in Ventura if you need a throw off. 2) Course is absolutely downhill with long downhill stretches. First three are uphill and you could lose it mentally if you didn't do your homework with the course elevation chart. But after that, wow, down down down. 3) Race is small and not crowded. Never had to jockey for position. Wave start in the beginning worked well. 4) I ran 26.20. On the dot. Not an inch further for the first time in 17 races (10 half, 7 full). 5) Spectators as well as many of the runners appear to be experienced. People cheering in Boston jackets telling you '8 more miles to Boston' is inspiring (to me). 6) Free race pics, amazing! Cons 1) The road divots in the teenage miles are a major problem. Dad and I were going well together and he twisted his ankle and fell. Possibly broke his ankle. We separated at mile 15.5. Along the way we witnessed other falls along that path. Apparently another lady broke her nose. I realize you should be cautious and stay away but the mind is not working so well at this point and having to think about miles of divots is not great. 2) A little research about aid stations and electrolyte availability led me to use a hand bottle. Thank goodness for that decision. 3 consecutive stations without 'fluid'. I believe that would equate to nearly 6 miles without any option besides water. I saw many people with fuel belts on. Plus the stops don't have many volunteers and at one stop you had to run over to some fence posts to get your cup. 3) The expo is small and not a lot of hype. No bags for your race number and shirt and I never saw where to get a gear check bag. This isn't a deal breaker for me because I throw my race bag away but some people could be put off by this. 4) I mentioned researching the elevation chart. Mile 24 is gut wrenching. It is so late in the race for a long uphill. Plus I was under the impression you could see the ocean earlier in the late miles but it is at mile 25. Brutal! 5) If you trained in cold weather, get ready. It is a moderate temp but it gets hot at the end. I wore tons of sunscreen and a visor. Do not overdress! 6) Post race food is super sad. It doesn't reflect anything fresh and healthy. Two pieces of licorice, 1/4 bagel, sliver of watermelon and some pretzels and gummy bears? And all of it thrown in one container. Yuck! I am from Oklahoma and when I come to California I expect something California'ish for post race nutrition. Bottom line-great race. If I did it again, I would know exactly what to do to be ready and that would make it a near perfect race to BQ and PR.

I have run Mountains 2 Beach Marathon two previous years and BQ it both times. What made the race so good was the course. Now to accommodate more runners the course no longer runs down the gentle bike path but on the road in a different area. I would rather deal with the old finish line than run in traffic and be cursed at by the locals for the traffic jams. They did a much better job with expo taken it out of the high school. Please keep your race small and bring back the old course. It really made it a better race.

This point to point course is one of the best Boston Qualifying courses on the West Coast. Its a small race (a few thousand) which is nice and growing. It starts early at 6:00 am from Ojai, CA when the temperature is usually cool (1,400ft elevation) and finishes in Ventura (Sea level). In 2016, the course was altered (wider) to accommodate the growing number of runners. Its a fast course but has become more of a tactical course with the slight course changes. The first 5 miles are slightly elevated as you run a loop in Ojai. You then start your decent towards Ventura. At Mile 16 there is a slight upgrade, but once over the hill its all downhill. The views as you run down hill are spectacular. Fan support is sporadic because of the nature of the course but picks up the last 6 miles of the course when you truly need it. The race is over Memorial Day weekend so hotel accommodations need to be made ASAP. You also need to register before January because it always sells out. They offer a wait list and allow bib transfers. The race Director clearly knows how to run a race and the course is spectacular. They offer shuttle transportation from Ventura to the start line. I have run marathons all over the country and it is truly one of my favorite PR courses. In 2016, I coached 17 runners to new PRs with 4 of 5 becoming BQrs. I have run it three times, and it has never disappointed! I highly recommend it if you are looking for a PR!!!

I ran this race two years ago and this year was a new course. There's still the same 700 foot drop net, but mile 2-3 was a surprisingly tough uphill followed by a hairpin turn and then the fastest mile of the race. The trek down Ventura avenue is tough because of how poorly paved the road is, but the finish is better now, since the old course broke your heart when you passed the finish for a last out and back. The portapotties were really crowded and I couldn't find the hand wash, but otherwise the race was very well organized. The fans were sparse, but the community cheer teams were wonderful pick-me-ups.

I loved the old M2B course. Miles of gentle downhill on an urban trail; calm, quiet, easy to get into a rhythm. However, due to the number of registrants this year (almost double last year's) 99.9% of the course was moved to the roads. For out-of-towners, better course and elevation info should have been posted on the website. Many segments of the new course were quite fast, but with steep downhills you need to pace carefully or your quads will be shot in the final miles. No elevation gains were too daunting, but a couple hills around mile 16 and some rises in the closing miles could slow you down. Road surface was also uneven in places and I witnessed a couple sprained ankles and face plants. The volunteers were fantastic and there were plenty of aid stations (admittedly a problem in previous years due to difficulty in setting up stations on the urban trail). I just wish the race could have been capped. Even with 3 waves it was tough to get into a groove during the 1st couple miles (no one paid any attention to the cones), and in the home stretch the slower 5K/half marathoners straying in the middle of the lane could be an issue if you were trying to book it in. This race is obviously geared toward BQ hopefuls, which is great, but it's gotten too big for my taste. Love Ventura & this is my 3rd time running this race (PR'd here 2 years ago) but probably won't return.

Signed up for this based on the feedback of getting a BQ. It's a small race which is good. The packet pickup at Ventura HS was a nightmare. No parking, unorganized, crammed into a small courtyard. Should have put it in the gym or a larger venue. No communication at the packet pickup other than rumors that gear check bags were going to be handed out at the start line. People handling out bibs and shirts did not know answers to questions. The shuttles ran on time and start line bathrooms seemed to be adequate. The course leaves something to be desired. First of all is the horrible hairpin turn at the 0.8mi mark. Really? 1500 people all bunched together doing a hairpin turn, horrible layout. The rest of the course was ok, paved bike path and some road. Previous comments said water stations were sketchy. They were all stocked and staffed fine for me. The Cliff Shot stations were not as advertised, I had to stop to ensure I got the flavor I wanted (I usually don't stop or walk through the stations). The last 5K is really tough mentally. You pass the finish and have to go out another 1.5mi and then come back to the finish. The post race festivities were good, but crowded. The lack of parking at the finish required me to walk another two miles after the race.

Pros (i.e. first 16 miles): 1. Race starts in Ojai, which is a very cute and beautiful little town. 2. Weather at the start was fantastic, overcast, low to mid 50s. 3. Path for much of the first 16 miles is downhill, shaded, and quite pretty. Cons: 1. There are poles all over the center of the running path that are about groin height and are entirely unmarked. Scary, especially going downhill, and with a crowd of runners to block your view. 2. Course becomes flat, unshaded, full sun, periodically quite windy, and hot at about mile 17. Run past industrial areas and the freeway. 3. Not enough aid stations at this portion of the course - I got pretty dehydrated waiting for the station at mile 20. I know it is hard for them to get stations onto a fenced-in bike path, but needs to be done considering heat and sun. 3. Run right past the finish at mile 23 :( 4. The finish clock was off of the actual course time this year (made me look faster than I actually was), which definitely affected how hard I kicked it at the end. The finish line festival was very nice, though the expo is pretty much nonexistent. Overall not a bad local race, but I think the hype for BQing is overrated, especially if you know you will run slower than 3:30. If you are a southern Californian, it's not a bad one to do, but I wouldn't come here assuming that the course guarantees a PR.

Pros: The start and the first part of the course are quite nice. It runs along a little trail beside the road that allows for family or friends to be able to easily see you at many spots. Beer afterward was nice along with some music which was enjoyable. The after-race was solid. Pretty good fan support at the finish. Cons- They had some weird type of electrolyte drink that was not available at the expo for sampling and they really dropped the ball on that. Come to think of it they may not have even had it on course as I took water and some small bottles of my own powerade for the course. They don't seem to like to tell you until after you sign up that you could potentially get stopped at the train track at about mile 20. If you are running a 2:55-3:10 pace you could get stopped. I did not get stopped but that would have been brutal if your running well. The course is not as fast as you might think. The downhill start is nice but the finish really levels off. You go right past the finish area at about mile 21 and you almost do an out and back for the final five miles. This was probably the worst part because you just kept waiting for the turnaround point. The temperature was also pretty warm. Spectators were sparse until the end.

This race is just okay. The race has a weird thing where they assign you to a shuttle to the start based on how early you registered for the race. The later you registered, the earlier the shuttle you're assigned, starting at 4am. There's no transparency here as the organizers offer no explanation, so you really have no idea what the cutoff is/was to get assigned to a later shuttle. Nevertheless, being on a 4am shuttle wasn't such a bad thing. I got to use the port-a-potties multiple times with no line and do a bag drop, again with no line. The same can't be said of those who were 'rewarded' with a 5am shuttle time. The course is a gentle downhill, although it feels rolling at times, so your quads don't feel completely beat up by the time the downhill is over. Apparently, the course was changed for 2014 from other years, to eliminate some of the previous out and back through Ventura. The first 10 miles in Ojai is a bit redundant, as you run past mile markers 8-10 at mile 3-4. Ojai is also a bit of rolling hills. There aren't many spectators and some of the roads aren't closed. The LE did a pretty good job of halting traffic, but there's still the potential that you may be stopped for a bit. The course is mostly a bike path, which although beautiful at times, is dreadfully boring. There is an industrial portion with lots of graffiti around mile 17-ish, but I wouldn't say that it was sketchy, The water stations were kind of a mess and they seemed more understaffed the further into the race you ran. The closing miles needed more water stations. It was hot, with full sun exposure on the final 5k, and only 1 water station in sight. The self-service station ran out of water or the water was hidden somewhere, who knows? When you crossed the finish mat, you were greeted by volunteers cutting the chip off of your shoe. Understandable, but the organizers should consider mentioning this requirement in the pre-race information. All you want to do is get some water and get out of the heat, but instead you have to wait in a line to get your tag cut off (before they give you water!). After all of that running in the hot SoCal sun, the post race food consisted of a quarter of a banana, a quarter piece of bagel, a quarter piece of melon, and a bottle of water. And the volunteers wouldn't give you another slither of anything. So, overall, the race could be better. They need better sponsors to give out actual food at the end. Additionally, ditch Fluid. Nobody even knows what that is. Stick to Gatorade and Powerade. Finally, the race organizers should offer some sort of post-race survey on the actual event. Constructive criticism is a good thing.

The course is the star of this race. Mostly flat, scenic and well-designed with a gorgeous first third by the ocean and a dramatic last few miles climaxing with a pleasant downhill at the finish. In between is a mostly pleasing sortie through Long Beach parks and waterways and CSULB campus. The scenery is spectacular along the beach but still decent enough as you head inland around mile 9. Mild hills between miles 2 and 3 and then miles 17 and 18 shouldn't slow you down too much and both immediately reverse back downhill. Starting at 6 am and separating the marathon runners from the half-marathoners was a key move that makes navigating the narrow bike path by the beach much more manageable. It also guarantees that even if you get a hot or humid day, at least half of the marathon won't be brutal for most runners. In 2014 it was warm and humid but the sun rarely penetrated the marine layer so the effective temps were manageable (started in the high 60s and stayed there for three or more hours.) Crowd are sparse in the early morning hours, but by the time you reach CSULB the crowds swell and there is tremendous support from students and locals. Organization is generally good. Water stops and Gu / Powerade stations were well spread out and mostly well-manned. The variety of bananas, donut holes, gummy bears, orange slices, etc. available during the last 6 miles was formidable. The fact that you only have around three or four thousand marathoners makes it a much more local-feeling race if not intimate. The finishing medal (a seashell offset on a circle) was substantial, heavy, large and good looking. Corrals are informal but it's pretty easy to make your way up closer if you are worried about being stuck behind slowpokes. Race started on time an bib chips were accurate and non-invasive. Several of the mile markers (including mile 1) were not entirely accurate, though most were fine. This was my 7th marathon and the only change I would make would be to hold the race a month or two later to insure cooler temps. Other than that, this is a well run marathon that gave offers the possibility of a fast time and an enjoyable race experience and is one I will consider doing again.

New course changes left the race if anything a bit faster as two miles were taken away from the beach and added to the Ojai portion. However, weather was a bit warmer this year so overall I think times were a little slower. Aid stations were atrocious, no fixed spacing, no clear designation between 'fluid' and water. I had (4) dropped cups as cup was slammed or dropped before entering my hand and the worse part is because they were so thin, you only had one shot before you passed the aid station. At the 'unmanned' aid stations where I was confident I could grab a cup, somehow appeared a person to block me from the table and drop a cup in front of me! The half marathoners were a huge problem later in the race, walking 2 and 3 abreast blocking lanes for the faster marathoners. I would suggest starting them 30 minutes earlier. Where is this race going? If it is going to be a serious race for people wanting to qualify for Boston, then it needs to tighten up the overall experience. The awards however, were fabulous! Unfortunately the glasses weren't engraved as in the past.

This course is fast. It's a little quirky with a tight U-turn in the first mile, but it delivers on its promise of downhills built for speed. The scenery moves from majestic to industrial but the course stays fast and the merge with the half marathoners is painless. The only caution is that the last couple of miles are rough, as in the surfaces need to be repaved, so you need to be careful as exhaustion sets in. My one complaint is that the lines to the port-a-potties at the start were too long.

If your legs/knees can take the long stretch of down hills, this course is the best to set your personal record. Different from some other steep downhill courses, the route of this event runs through a gentle downhill bike route. The event is well organized with plenty of water stations, and couple of cliff bar supply stations. The road condition is reasonable good, except a few short sections, where the roads were very rough. A few weeks before the event, California had a few record setting hot days. The organizers thoughtfully prepared three extra minimum-service-water-stations to anticipate a hot day. It ended up an overcast mild day in the early morning. The weather turned to warm/hot later morning, where ocean breeze helped cooling down just in time. Many runners set their personal record here, including me. There are a few small cheering groups along the way. You may expect crowd cheering only at the finish line. Both Ojai (start) and Ventura (finish) are nice small town. One may enjoy the relax environment before/after the run. The race began with a wide road. Then, it turned to a narrow bike path. It was too crowded at the beginning of the bike path. There are many poles in the middle of the road. It would be nice to have warning flags to identify them, but there weren't any. It definitely is not a safe combination with the center of road poles and the crowded runners on the narrow path. Because of the narrow bike route, the Marathon is limited to 1600 runners. I enjoyed the smaller size event as the helps and services appeared more personal to individuals.

They changed the full marathon course a little at the beginning of the race. It started in downtown Ojai instead of at a HS. It added a little more hills because of that, but it happens all at the first half. The second half is still the same except it cuts out the last stretch inside the residential area which I hated. This is much better! What makes it a great place to PR is the sea level elevation, gentle downhill course and cool ocean weather near the end of May. A little more portable bathrooms during the course would be nice for the ladies. Men just pee on the side of the road anyway. The after race party is always nice in this race, great t-shirts and medals. I like the fact that they have a earlier packet pickup one week before at the Runner' Circle in L.A. that saves a lot of stress and traffic of picking up the packets on the race weekend. I love this race and it is like my superbowl race besides Boston! Will do it every year!

We knew this was going to be a hotter than normal day and the event sent out emails indicating such. They said they would have self serve water and encouraged us to carry our own bottles so I did. Water was completely gone at one of the normal stations and as I approached a self serve station around mile 22 the water containers were sitting in the boxes leaving the runners to break open the boxes to retrieve the water. This is still not a big deal other than now those who were not carrying containers to fill now had their lips all over the self serve containers. Super disgusting! More water stations should have been set up and I would discourage choosing the self serve as an option again due to sanitary reasons.

I've done 27 marathons, and always read these reviews , but have never posted until now. I have mixed feelings about this race. The course was absolutely beautiful, and if you love downhill runs, you'll love it. 750 foot drop over the course, with no parts that were steep enough that you had to put on the brakes. Ojai, the town where it starts is nice, and who wouldn't want to finish right in front of the ocean. There was not a lot of fans, but those who were out were great, and the course makes it easy for friends and family to see you several times quite easily. There were a couple issues with the organization that were subpar. There was not enough water stations on the course. Yes, it was hotter than past years, and they added 2 self serve water stations, but through the middle they were sometimes more than 2 miles apart, which is too far for a race in Southern California. There was not enough porta potties at the start, although it wasn't as bad as some races I've seen. The biggest potty problem was that the first ones after the start didn't come until 7.5 miles. Needless to say, there was a long line there. Finally, the finish line food was the stingiest portion I've ever seen. We've all come to expect a green banana, and a stale bagel, but, a quarter bagel, quarter banana, and a couple chips?? Come on guys! It sounds like I'm complaining too much, but I'd probably do this race again. These issues could be easily fixed, and if they are, I'll be back for sure.

2014 was my second time running this marathon and it just keeps getting better. The shuttle service to the start ran like clockwork and we had plenty of space to spread out at the start area before the gun. The course was changed to add a few miles in Ojai and eliminate some of the less inspiring miles on the city streets in Ventura, a welcome change. The gentle downhill in between Ojai and Ventura is definitely runner friendly and mostly scenic, with plenty of aid stations along the way. There were not a ton of spectators but those who were out were enthusiastic. The finish is in a park right next to the ocean with room to lie down on the grass if you need to (I did) and the weather was beautiful. Keep up the great work, M2B!!!

What a great race! I read numerous blogs and reviews about this race before running it, and it appears that the race director did, too, and took a lot of suggestions to heart. Pros: 1) size!!! 1500 full marathoners. I hope they don't change that. 2) beautiful scenery for 24 of the miles 3) race director responds quickly to emails, Facebook messages, etc. 4) most of the marathon is on bike/running trails 6) excellent organization on course 7) great weather 8) easy downhill- you don't really even realize that you are going downhill Cons: 1) there is a mile or 2 in a sketchy area with a LOT of obscene graffiti. I Started counting how many times I saw the 'c-word'. 2) I think the Fluid company flaked on them. It was only available at 1 water station. 3) I don't think the gels were in the exact spots that they said they'd be at.

Very nice course and easy on the body. Last six miles or so is through housing along the beach but nice. Final 2 are at the waters edge pretty much and nice breeze for those that push hard in the end. Organization was tops. Provided bus transportation to the start was great service. Race staff were very accomodating and helpful. Will be going back to this one.

I decided to run this race on a whim, even though I wasn't in great shape. I trained for a month, and hoped that I did enough to get through the race in one piece. The weather was as nice as you could hope for from a Memorial Day weekend race. It was cool at the start and there is plenty of shade in the first part of the course. It was warmer at the end, but not bad. The course itself was great, There were some rolling miles in the first 10K around Ojai before heading downhill towards Ventura. The running path never seemed overly crowded in the middle of the pack and it was easy to get a rhythm and move up as the race went along. It was scenic for the first 17 miles or so and the last 10K was near the beach. I didn't enjoy the out and back loop with the half marathoners, but that had a lot to do with my lack of fitness catching up with me. Still, I ran 14 minutes under my BQ times and have the course to thank for that. Most of the course is on a path next to the highway between Ojai and Ventura, so that makes it easy for spectators to stop and see runners at many points along the way. Overall, this is a very good race, that offers runners a lot. It's a smaller race, so it doesn't have a big expo or a lot of on-course amenities. I don't know if the port-a-pot configuration at the start was the best, but overall, it's a well-run marathon that offers a great opportunity for a fast time. It is fun and friendly to runners and spectators, and is in a beautiful location.

Pros 1. The organizers are the best. I was not able to run the Ojai 2 Ocean Marathon last year due to an injury. They transferred my race,no one else does it. 2.I appreciate the small race only 1,500 marathoners and 1,500 for the half. 3.The course is fantastic. The loop through Ojai is a nice warm up.It is a downhill run but not so much as to kill you. The upper part of the course is beautiful,the last 9 miles can't compare. 4.Spectator friendly. Our support group was able to connect with us easily. 5.Cool medals and great volunteers! 6.We had a great pace leader.Very knowledgeable of the course and changed pace as needed. 7. Ojai and Ventura are great place for a marathon. Perfect weather,maybe a little a warm at the end. 8.And BEST of all they are not Rock & Roll and that group at Competitor. Cons 1.I don't really have any except for more food and drink at the finish. They just need to keep out the non runners in the finish corral.And maybe a clock on the course. Keep up the good work! And thanks for a great race. Where I not only ran a PR but BQ thanks again. Support your small race's and just say no to those other guys.

Ha, Ha, just kidding. What I really want to say is stay away. Leave this race to those who want a smoking fast course and room to run. Check out the average time and the percentage BQ qualifiers. My prediction is the BQ percentage will keep going up. Word is spreading. Soon it will be a majority of the fast runners who register early and sell this limited field event out. Come here to run fast. This beautiful yet really fast course is perfect for the advanced or intermediate runner. If you don't care about the crowd, the scenery, or the food at the end of the race and want a fast time and predictable weather conditions, this event delivers.

I was sick when I ran this race, walked a portion of the first 6 miles, and still came in only 20 seconds over my required BQ time. The first 10K is a bit rolling, then the course has a long portion of gentle downhills, to hit the beach by mile 20. I really enjoyed this course - spectators are scarce but volunteers are very supportive. It's imoportant to conserve your energy and not take the downhills too fast, as when you come to mile 20 the temp warms up and the course isn't as pretty or shady. I really only have a few quibbles: 1. aid stations need to distribute fluids in larger cups (as I was sick I really needed to stop at each station and still felt parched afterward), 2. it would help to have volunteers monitoring the course the last 400 meters as bikers and walkers using the boardwalk will cross right in front of runners (this congestion is techinically what kept me from a BQ, as I was trying to pick up the pace in the last mile but it was difficult to shoulder people out of the way), and 3. more food and drink at the finish. The volunteers were cutting oranges into the thinnest slices they safely could and instead of handing out water bottles fluids were being kept at lukewarm temps in jugs. When I came over for cold water a volunteer had to take the jug away for refills and I ended up with a warm energy drink of some kind. Overall though, this is a terrific race to attempt a BQ and I'll likely come back.

You can't beat the course here - downhill for first 3 miles, uphill for next 2 to the highest point on the course, then solid downhill for next 10 miles, followed by gradual downhill for next 5 and flat 6 at the bottom. The first 18 are pretty scenic, while the Ventura part offers some nice beach views, but mostly neighborhood running. Organization was pretty good - they still need more port a potties at the start and having to walk a couple hundred yards to the start threw off my timing a bit. Also, they seemed to lack food/Gatorade at the end, but overall, pretty good race. I put up a PR and BQ and it felt like everyone was moving. Weather was perfect, too.

We chose this race specifically because of the elevation drop as my husband was hoping for a BQ and I was hoping for a PR. Neither of us had really trained seriously this season so it was something of a long shot but we figured the downhill course would give us an advantage. The course is absolutely gorgeous for the first 16 miles and I did build up a comfortable cushion, but I lost it all when the wheels fell off around mile 20 (as did my husband). Neither of us met our goals but we both had our 2nd fastest times so it wasn't a total failure. We were unable to find any reviews about this event ahead of time because it was previously run under a different name: 'Ojai 2 Ocean.' Having now seen reviews under that name I can say I agree with them all. The last 6 miles are horrendous and I would much prefer doing a 2nd loop around Ojai rather than that nasty out and back through the endless neighborhood. This would also provide some measure of relief against the pedestrian traffic on the boardwalk at the finish. I nearly tripped and fell when I tried to navigate around some bicycles that came directly into my path. Some conspicuous signage like 'Caution: Marathon in Progress' would have been nice! Crowd support was minimal but the scenery more than made up for it. Aid stations were fine but the finish line food was sparse. I don't know if they had more earlier, but by the time I finished it was just oranges, bananas, water, and Gatorade. When I am ready to run for a BQ, I will return to this race. Overall it was great if you can overcome the last 6 miles.

A scenic, interesting course, big net downhill with a little climb early in the first hour; mostly bike path with optional dirt trail for about 1/3 of the course. Good support, average treats at the end, and a very nice metal medal.

I just ran the Mountains to Beach Marathon as my tenth marathon with the intention of running a PR. I set a PR by 13 minutes!! It starts with a 10K loop around Ojai that includes gentle ups and downs, followed by a steady 13 miles of slight and gentle downhill, followed by a flat out and back in Ventura for the final miles. If you are looking for a PR or Boston Qualifier, this is the one for you. It is by far the fastest course I have run. It is a smaller marathon capped at 1,500 runners, and does not have as many spectators as the larger races. But it is a beautiful course. The only disappointment for me was not enough electrolyte fluid, particularly in the second half.