Santa Clarita Marathon

It was a really good experience. The volunteers were friendly and helpful. The course being only on paseos was nice, did not have to deal with any car traffic. Plenty of water stops, the cupless water stops worked really well. However,there were a few spots on the course that weren't clearly marked, and some runners went the wrong way for a short time. No porta potties at the start of the race, only a couple of stalls in the park bathroom. Lots of parking, but it was 3/4 of a mile from the start. I would definitely recommend this race, and I will do it again. New organizers, new course, after no race for 4 years.

Santa Clarita Marathon is a small, well organized local event. The course starts on a wide street. After 3 miles, it loops along the bank of a dry river bike route; and local parks. The scenic is valley view about the same all the way. Although it is small event, there were plenty well staffed and well stocked aid stations. There were volunteers to guide the ways in all road branches, junctions. Without their guidance, I may get lost somewhere along the way. Consider the size, there were many spectators along the way. Some sit on their balconies to cheer for the runners. It was a very nice day for running a marathon in 2019. The run started in cold morning. When we got into half way, the temperature got higher and air was dry. The California fire were in the neighborhood these few days. There was no pollution or any hint of impact to the event.

Mile 9-13 is slightly downhill but 7-9 is slightly uphill. Most of the other race is fairly flat and goes through a combination of natural parkland (though you run on asphalt) and regular roads. A few highlights for me: Pace runners at many different levels so its easy to find one going your desired speed; tons of volunteers and community members cheering you on; the starting and finish lines are fairly close together, making it easy for friends and family to find you; they have a loud and high-energy drum corps pounding away right near the finish line so that you get that last burst of energy to cross the finish line.