Race Information
Start Time: Saturday May 9, 2009 at 7:00am
Distance: 13.1 miles (point-to-point - transportation provided)
Relay: 1st leg = 5.9 miles - Santa Ynez to Los Olivos, 2nd leg = 7.2 miles - Los Olivos to Solvang
Start Area: Maverick's Saloon at 3530 Sagunto St. in Santa Ynez, CA
Finish: Copenhagen at First St. and Solvang Park
Certification: This course is sanctioned and certified by USTAF. Certification number is CA08004R. Half Marathon distance
is 13.1 miles.
Time Requirements
To enter the half marathon you should be able to finish the course in 03:15:00 and keep a 15:00/mile pace or better. Casual walkers are not permitted in the half marathon due to this time limit. If you cannot keep the required pace on course, you will not be guaranteed course supervision by law enforcement and volunteers.
2-Person Relay
Team member A will run the first leg from the start line in Santa Ynez to the transition area in Los Olivos (5.9 miles) then touch team member B who will then run the second leg (7.2 miles) from Los Olivos to the finish line in Solvang. Transportation is provided to the transition area from Solvang and Santa Ynez and then back to the finish area. Team prizes are awarded in these categories: M/M, F/F, M/F and Mother/Sibling (M or F).
The Course
Prepare to take a scenic journey on this 13.1 mile course that winds through the Santa Ynez Valley bordered by the Sierra Madre Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. Starting in downtown Santa Ynez, the course passes through the artsy town of Los Olivos before finishing on Copenhagen Drive in the heart of historic Solvang. In between you'll wind through clusters of horse ranches, fruit orchards, lavender farms and vineyards. The first six miles of the course are relatively flat, then after a short but steep hill climb at mile 6 you'll run 5 miles of fast downhill until reaching Chalk Hill at mile 11. The final mile of the course is downhill and flat in the Danish town of Solvang where spectators will cheer you on Copenhagen Drive. Click the Course Description link at right to see a mile by mile detailed description of the course.
Course Maps
UPDATED INTERACTIVE COURSE MAP MapMyRun.com
- High Res JPG image (137 KB)
- High Res PDF format (1.55 MB)
Click image to enlarge
Elevation Map
Click image to enlarge
Aid Stations
Seven aid stations will be placed on-course between the start and finish areas. These stations are hosted by various non-profits, school teams and other groups. They are placed on-course at key locations and intervals approximately 1.5 miles apart.
Water will be offered at each aid station and HEED sports drink from Hammer Nutrition will be provided at each odd-numbered aid station. Gels and/or energy bars are provided in your goody bags but will not be placed at aid stations due to environmental concerns. Bring your own if you wish and please discard wrappers in trash recepticles at aid stations, or put them in your pocket… not alongside the road. Thank you.
Please show your appreciation as you pass each aid station and obey the law officers and course monitors who are working hard to keep you safe and happy.
Weather
May temperatures are typically very moderate and pleasant in the Santa Ynez Valley. Start time temperature can range from a cool of 50°F to low 60s and the high temperature in the afternoon will typically range from 68°F to 78°F. There is very little precipitation in May although it is recommended that runners bring adequate clothing for a range of temperatures and conditions.
Gear Check
There will be a gear check area at the start and relay transition area for runners to place their warm-ups and other items in a plastic bag. Bib number and name will be written on the bags which will then be transported to the finish area for pickup.
Timing / Results
We utilize the IPICO computerized chip timing system. Results are posted at the event and online. Elite runners will be positioned at the front. Be sure to return your chip to the collection boxes after you finish or you'll be charged a $20 fee.
Race Rules, Safety & Courtesy
Please stay on the right side of the road whenever possible and stay inside of the cones where indicated. Do not run in from the sides. It endangers you and other runners. No roller blades, skateboards, animals or bicycles on course without permission. Baby strollers designed for runners are permitted but must begin at the back of the starting line. Portable music with headphones are allowed but must be kept at low volume so runners can hear approaching traffic and verbal instructions from law enforcement and volunteers. Please obey law enforcement officers and volunteers at all times! They are positioned on course for your safety.
Thanks for your cooperation!
Official Race Photos & Video
Brightroom is the official race photographer. You may view and purchase photos from their website.
Race Video
The 2008 video is available now.