Mountains 2 Beach Marathon
Sunday, May 24, 2026
Elevation Gain
250m
Elevation Range
285m
Avg Temperature
60°F / 16°C
Course Profile
downhill
Course Map & Elevation
Course Overview
A net-downhill, point-to-point course with a 6-mile opening loop through East Ojai that climbs from 228m to 289m before returning to the start area. From km 10, the course descends steadily through the Ventura River corridor, dropping from 230m to sea level. Total net descent of 224m with 209m of gain (primarily in the Ojai loop). The unique challenge is the initial climb, the mid-course rollers, and the flat coastal finish on legs battered by 25km of downhill.
Key Segments
Ojai Loop
Terrain: 6-mile loop through East Ojai climbing from 228m to a high point of 289m around km 5, then descending back to 227m by km 10. Includes Ojai Avenue, Carne Road, Grand Avenue, McNell Road, and Gorham Road
Challenge: The opening climb of 61m catches runners off guard on a race marketed as downhill. The temptation is to hammer the descent back to the start, but the real downhill hasn't begun yet
Tactic: Run the uphill at controlled effort, not goal pace. On the descent back through Ojai, settle into goal pace but do not go faster. This loop is the warm-up — the race starts at km 10.
Meiners Oaks and River Corridor
Terrain: Rollers through Meiners Oaks (km 10-15, elevation 227-239m) before the sustained descent begins on SR-33, El Roblar Drive, and Rice Road. From km 15 the grade steepens, dropping from 220m to 99m through the Ventura River corridor
Challenge: The rollers around km 11-14 can feel frustrating after the Ojai loop. Once the real descent starts at km 15, the sustained downhill accumulates eccentric quad damage. Sun exposure increases through the inland corridor
Tactic: Stay patient through the rollers. Once the descent begins at km 15, settle into goal pace and let gravity work. Do not overstride. Take on fuel consistently through this section.
Ventura Avenue Descent
Terrain: Continued descent from 99m to 38m along Ventura Avenue and into the city. The grade moderates as the course approaches downtown Ventura
Challenge: The loss of steep gravitational assist reveals the accumulated quad damage. The transition from countryside to urban running changes the mental rhythm
Tactic: Maintain goal effort, not goal pace. This is the transition zone — if you paced the first 25km correctly, your legs should manage. If they are failing, shorten stride.
Downtown Ventura and Beachfront Finish
Terrain: The course flattens through downtown Ventura (38m to 6m) with a small rise around km 38-39 through the downtown area, then drops to the beachfront for the final 3km along the Pacific at 4-5m elevation
Challenge: 9km of mostly flat running on quads battered by 25km of downhill. The small downtown Ventura rise around km 38 feels much harder than it should. The ocean breeze can either refresh or frustrate
Tactic: Break this into 3km chunks. The downtown Ventura bump is brief — push through it. The Pacific views and beach crowds provide energy for the final push to the finish.
Race-Specific Training
- •Run long downhill runs of 15-25km at 2-3% grade to condition quads for the sustained eccentric loading from km 15-33, then add 5-8km of flat running at marathon pace at the end to simulate the beach finish on tired legs
- •Do not neglect uphill training — the opening 5km climb of 61m requires a controlled effort strategy. Practice race-effort uphills in training to learn your sustainable climbing pace
- •Incorporate eccentric quad strengthening exercises (heavy eccentric squats, walking lunges, step-downs) 2-3 times per week starting 10 weeks before race day to prepare for the cumulative downhill pounding
Conditions & Environment
Altitude
Start at 228m, high point 289m at km 5, finish at 4m (sea level). No altitude concerns. Net downhill of 224m with 209m total gain.
Weather
Late May. Inland start temps 12-18°C (54-64°F), rising to 20-27°C (68-81°F) by mid-morning in the valley. Coastal finish temps 15-20°C (59-68°F) with ocean breeze.
Sun & Wind
Significant sun exposure through the inland valley and river corridor with limited shade. Coastal section may have onshore breeze. The inland-to-coastal temperature transition can feel dramatic.
What to Wear
Light singlet and shorts from the start. Sunscreen essential. Visor or hat recommended for sun protection in the valley. The coastal breeze at the finish provides natural cooling.
Pacing Strategy
| Segment | Pace | Note |
|---|---|---|
| km 0-10 | Controlled effort, accept slower pace on the climb | Ojai loop with 61m climb to km 5 then descent back. Run by effort, not pace. Do not bank time here. |
| km 10-15 | Goal pace through the rollers | Meiners Oaks rollers. Stay patient — the real descent begins at km 15. |
| km 15-25 | Goal pace, let the grade work for you | The money section. Sustained descent through the Ventura River corridor. Controlled effort, do not overstride. |
| km 25-33 | Goal pace, maintain effort as grade moderates | Transition to flatter terrain through Ventura Avenue. Maintain effort even as pace may slow slightly. |
| km 33-42.195 | Push to the finish | Flat beachfront with a small downtown bump at km 38. Everything you saved pays off here. |
Race Day Tip
This course is NOT a straight downhill — the 6-mile Ojai loop climbs 61m before the descent begins. Train for the climb and the flat finish specifically. Most M2B runners practice downhill running but forget the opening climb and the final 10km of dead flat on destroyed quads. After every long downhill training run, add 5-8km of flat running at marathon pace. If you can do that in training, you can BQ on this course.
Race details subject to change. Verify with the official race website.
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