SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA COASTAL RUN

Terrain: Trail

Average daily running distance: 8-17 km (5-11 miles)

Longest distance in a day: 17 km (11 miles)

Group size: Up to 8 people

TABLE OF CONTENT 

Private Trips

What level of running is this trip suitable for?

Itinerary (day-to-day)

What’s included in the price?

What’s NOT included in the price?

Why choose this run?

What to bring along?
See Additional Information for more details on Payment Procedure and Cancellation Policy.

Private Trips

Private trips are available all year round – although the best time of the year to do it would be between April to mid-December. If you are interested in scheduling a private tour for the Southern California Coastal Run, then please refer to our contact form. Select subject “Other” and please mention the specific name of the running trip in the comment section.

What Level of Running is this Trip Suitable For? 

This is not a race! You should feel comfortable running for four days with distances between 8-17 km (5-11 miles). The two guides on each run allow us to split the groups into the required fitness levels so that the experience is enjoyable for everyone and no-one gets left behind.

ITINERARY

DAY 1 | ARRIVAL
Arrival and check-in at your hotel in Ventura, California.

DAY 2 | COASTAL MOUNTAIN RUN & BEACH PICNIC
Distance: 14 km & 457 m elevation gain (9 miles & 1500ft)
Following a quick introduction, we will take a 45-minute drive into the Santa Monica Mountains to get to our trailhead. Today’s run is an absolutely stunning 14-km point-to-point trail run with amazing ocean views (don’t forget your camera!). The route is mostly beautiful single track and a few miles of fire road. Snacks and sandwiches will be waiting for us at the finish before we head back to our hotel.

DAY 3 | ISLAND TRAIL RUN & BOAT CRUISE
Distance: 8, 11 or 17 km & 548 m elevation gain (5, 7 or 11 miles & 1800ft)
Today we will board our boat at Ventura Harbor for a one-hour boat ride to Santa Cruz Island in the Channel Islands National Park for today’s trail run. 27 different species of whales live in the channel and we may see some on our boat ride.

Today’s run will be on fire roads and single tracks with stunning views of the ocean and this unique island chain. You can choose between a 8, 11 or 17-km trail run. After the run, you can go for a swim if you like. There’ll be snacks and sandwiches before catching the boat ride back to Ventura. 

DAY 4 | MASH FILM SITE RUN & LOCAL BEER TASTING 
Distance: 8 or 11 km &~91 m elevation gain (5 or 7 miles & ~300ft)
Today, secluded deep in the Santa Monica Mountains, an easy-out-and-back recovery run will take you through a bit of Hollywood history. The run will mostly be on dirt roads to the exterior set site of the long-running television show MASH. Bring your camera along! Snacks and sandwiches will be waiting for us when we get back to the park. On the way back to the hotel we have the option to stop off at a local craft brewery.

DAY 5 | SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS
Distance: 17 km & 760 m elevation gain (11 miles & 1000 ft)
We are back in the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains for an 11 mile mostly downhill point to point trail run. This run starts at 760 m and has incredible views for you to remember as you wrap up your Southern Californian Trail running adventure. The run finishes at a campground. Here, there will be time for lunch and even a shower if you wish to depart from here for your journey home. 

Why Choose this Run? 

If you like coastal trail runs with amazing ocean views, then this is for you. This is a guided trail running trip in small groups of up to 8 runners.

It is recommended that you bring along a hydration vest with a 2 L bladder or 2 L running bottles. Weather on the coast can be a bit chilly (especially in the morning!) and hot in the afternoon. So, it is suggested that you pack for both. Rain, while unusual, can still happen. Trail running shoes are highly recommended. If you have your favourite electrolyte drink/powder or gels then feel free to bring those as well.