Date
February 22, 2026
Field Size
Medium (500 - 1,999)
PR Score
101.4 / 100
BQ Rate
21.9%
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Net downhill profile makes the course easier on your legs, especially in the second half.
BQ rate of 21.9% among finishers, showcasing its potential for qualifying efforts.
Medium field size of 1,089 finishers allows for a more manageable race day experience without overwhelming crowds.
Held in February, giving runners a chance to escape colder climates and enjoy mild weather.
With a PR score of 101.36, this marathon delivers a downhill gradient that can significantly lighten the effort needed for your race. Close to 22% of finishers qualify for Boston here, indicating that a good number of runners find success on this course. Expect a scenic route along the California coast, where the ocean views can be both a distraction and a motivator as you push through the miles.
Ventura Marathon carries a Medium qualifier likelihood — a solid BQ opportunity for well-prepared runners who arrive race-ready. Historically, around 21.9% of finishers have posted Boston-qualifying times here. The net-downhill profile creates genuine PR conditions, but demands respect — early miles require disciplined effort to avoid blowing up late.
Take advantage of the downhill sections by maintaining controlled effort early on; don't go out too fast. Save energy for the final miles, where slight inclines can appear, and ensure you have enough left to push through those last stretches.
Ventura is a medium-size winter marathon with a downhill profile and a coastal finish-area experience that is easier to navigate than larger California races. Runners should review official instructions for start transportation, gear check, and parking because the course profile may separate staging from the finish. Spectators will generally have better access near Ventura and later-course sections than at the higher or more remote start areas.
Use downhill marathon-pace segments to learn how fast the course can feel without overstriding early.
Prepare for coastal winter variability by practicing nutrition and layers in cool, breezy conditions.
Strengthen calves, quads, and hips with eccentric work so the 101.36 PR score translates to a BQ attempt instead of late-race damage.
No elevation data was found in the course profile file.
Historical average based on 3-year data for this race date
Temp
60.9°F / 43.5°F
Conditions
Partly Cloudy
Precipitation
0.00 in
Wind
12.7 mph
Historical averages · Source: Open-Meteo · Actual conditions will vary
Typical conditions: Cool (35–50°F). Winter races reward layers at the start line — most runners strip down after the first few miles as effort warms them up.
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Last reviewed:July 2026