The Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon is an ideal weekend combining running and fine wine! The gorgeous wine country setting in one of the world’s most desirable destinations makes this race appealing for runners from across the US and around the world.
The race takes place in the Santa Ynez Valley in Santa Barbara County about 35 minutes north of downtown Santa Barbara. The towns of Buellton, Solvang, Santa Ynez and Los Olivos are all located near the course. To help you plan your race weekend or extended holiday, we have secured room blocks and discounted rates especially for you.
Santa Ynez
The race begins in the township of Santa Ynez, situated just a mile from the intersection of State Highways 154 and 246. Despite the turn-of-the-20th-century architectural facades of Santa Ynez the town still boast plenty of conveniences including a historic saloon, a variety of restaurants, a luxury AAA 4-diamond rated inn and a charming bed & breakfast.
Los Olivos
At the half-way point of the race, at the intersection of State Highway 154 and Grand Avenue is Los Olivos which offers an authentic slice of Victorian-style with art galleries, boutiques, more than two dozen wine-tasting rooms and wine stores, historic stagecoach stop housing a gourmet restaurant, a top-notch inn and cafes from casual to elegant.
Solvang
The race finishes in Solvang. Named by Orbitz Worldwide Travel as one of the “Top 5 US Domestic Destinations with International Flair,” Solvang feels like Northern Europe, yet it is in the center of California. The prevalent Scandinavian culture is best enjoyed by strolling the flower-lined streets or stepping into authentic bakeries, more than 150 unique shops and art galleries, restaurants, and wine tasting rooms.
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara offers its visitors a unique feeling that’s more than wine and arts, more than sunshine and the crisp air off the Pacific, more than amazing food and natural beauty; Santa Barbara is all of these things wrapped into the richness of a big city with the feel of a small town. It is a unique way of life that’s both sophisticated and simple, refined and relaxed, where the culture of Europe meets the spirit of the West Coast.