Santa Barbara Half Marathon Presented by HOKA & UCLA Health 5K Sells Out, Sets Registration Record

October 21, 2025

5th Anniversary Weekend-Long Festival Takes Place Friday, November 7 through Sunday, November 9; Event Supports the Santa Barbara Running Association and Various Local Youth Organizations

Santa Barbara, Calif. (October 21, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ — The Santa Barbara Half Marathon presented by HOKA and UCLA Health 5K, has officially sold out its 5th anniversary event with 7,000 registered runners, marking the largest running event in Santa Barbara history. The race—which includes the Half Marathon, 5K, and HOKA Kids Fun Run presented by Cowabunga Daily—will take place on Sunday, November 9, 2025, with festivities spanning the entire weekend.

“This year’s sell-out is a testament to the incredible community support and the growing national and international appeal of our event,” said David Monico, local resident and Event Director of the Santa Barbara Half Marathon. “We’re looking forward to producing our best and largest event ever in 2025, welcoming runners from 45 states and 11 countries to experience the magic of Santa Barbara’s waterfront and Funk Zone.”

Since 2021, the event has supported the Santa Barbara Running Association and various local community organizations through direct donations, participant donations, and the event’s volunteer program, which features teams and clubs from all local high schools as well as UC Santa Barbara and Westmont College. To date, the Santa Barbara Half Marathon has raised over $130,000, and this year alone it expects to raise more $60,000.

Participants will also enjoy a unique 2025 medal and participant shirt designed by local award-winning illustrator, dad, and runner Daniel Sulzberg, celebrating the eclectic environment of Santa Barbara. In addition, this year’s participant shirt marks the first edition of Run Local’s partnership with Known Supply, bringing 100% fair trade, organic cotton t-shirts to all 7,000 participants, as well as an exclusive Run Local x Santa Barbara Half merchandise line available online and at the event.

The weekend will kick off on Friday, November 7, and Saturday, November 8, with the Palm Park Festival presented by the Santa Barbara Independent at the Carousel House, featuring live music and community activations. The Sunday, November 9 races will culminate in the Funk Zone Finish Line Festival, featuring the HOKA Club House, recovery and corporate team zones, as well as local breweries, restaurants and entertainers celebrating every runner’s achievement throughout the morning.

For more information, visit https://www.santabarbarahalf.com, https://www.runlocalevents.com and follow the event on social at @runlocalevents.

About Run Local®

Founded in 2012, Run Local’s mission is to inspire movement in your community™. The organization has produced events in the San Francisco Bay Area and throughout California, including the Oakland Marathon (March), San Jose Half & 8K (June), and the Santa Barbara Half presented by HOKA & 5K (November). Each of its events celebrates the local running community, artists, and the unique diversity of each region. For more information, visit runlocalevents.com and join us on social @runlocalevents.

Media Contact:

David Monico
Event Director, Santa Barbara Half Marathon
david@soulfocussports.com
(805) 452-3580