Santa Cruz Island Eco-Extreme Trail Half Marathon
Prisoners Harbor, United States • 24 Oct 2026
Santa Cruz Island Eco Extreme Trail Half Marathon
The Santa Cruz Island Eco Extreme Trail Half Marathon is a 13.1 mile wilderness trail run held on Santa Cruz Island in Channel Islands National Park on October 24, 2026. The course begins at sea level at Prisoners Cove, traverses Nature Conservancy protected lands, crosses the central valley and island highlands, climbs to island peaks and ridges, and returns to Prisoners Cove.
Organizers use a private Island Packers boat for transport to and from the island; the boat transfer often includes wildlife viewing. Race packets are distributed at Island Packers in Ventura Harbor on race day and participants may bring a small day pack with a change of clothes that can be delivered to the finish area.
Entry is limited by the National Park Service and registration opens June 20, 2026. There are no on-site registrations; a waitlist is used when the field is full. The event is presented by Ventura County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue and operates as a non-profit; entry fees support the sheriff’s volunteer search and rescue unit.
The course is described as an extreme wilderness run and is not intended for first-time runners or trail walkers. Several steep single-track sections may require walking. A cutoff policy requires participants to reach the second-to-last aid station by a specified time so that search and rescue can transport slower runners off the island before the return boat departs. The course and event plans may be changed or canceled for reasons beyond organizer control, and entries are non-refundable. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.