Run by the Sea

Sun, Oct 4, 2026, 8:15 AM PDT

Location: Santa Cruz, CA; Wilder Ranch State Park, 95060
Type: RUN

At a glance

Run along Santa Cruz's gorgeous coastal bluffs and serene meadows, enjoying Monterey Bay views while supporting local community programs.

Scenic
For a Cause

Discover the natural beauty of Santa Cruz with Run by the Sea, an event that winds along the stunning coastal bluffs and serene meadows of Wilder Ranch State Park. This unique run offers a chance to experience the Monterey Bay's picturesque views on mostly flat, packed dirt trails. Now in its 10th year, the event supports vital local non-profits, including the Santa Cruz Track Club's youth program, Bike Santa Cruz County, and Santa Cruz Mountain Trail Stewards. Choose from a Half Marathon, 12K, or 4K run/walk.

What to expect

Experience stunning coastal views along the bluffs and Wilder Ranch park trails.
Run mostly on flat, packed dirt trails.
Choose from a Half Marathon, 12K, or 4K run/walk distance.

Standout details

Gorgeous coastal bluffs
Wilder Ranch State Park setting
Benefits local youth and trail programs
Mostly flat, packed dirt trails

Auto-drafted from the public listing — confirm details on the official event page before signing up.

Distances & registration

3 options

Registration for all distances is through the official signup link above.

4K
Sun, Oct 4, 8:30 AM PDT · From $48.70
Opens Jan 6, 2026, 5:12 AM PST · Closes Oct 2, 2026, 7:59 PM PDT
12K
Sun, Oct 4, 8:15 AM PDT · From $59.30
Opens Jan 6, 2026, 5:12 AM PST · Closes Oct 2, 2026, 7:59 PM PDT
Run by the Sea Half Marathon
Sun, Oct 4, 8:00 AM PDT · From $75.20
Opens Jan 6, 2026, 3:59 AM PST · Closes Oct 2, 2026, 7:59 AM PDT

Vibe Check

Push Potential

Trail + hills

Mostly trail

The course

Trail
Hilly
Timed race

From the organizer

Run by the Sea returns to lovely Wilder Ranch State Park on Sunday, October 4th! This unique Half Marathon, 12K run, and 4K run/walk meanders along the gorgeous coastal bluffs of California's Central Coast in Santa Cruz and consists mostly of flat, packed dirt trails. Participants will enjoy scenic coastal views while passing along the bluffs and Wilder Ranch park trails. Get ready to take in the natural beauty of the Monterey Bay, the serene flats of Wilder Ranch's meadows, and maybe even catch a glimpse of some dolphins - no other race is quite like it!

Now in its 10th year, Run by the Sea is organized by the Santa Cruz Track Club and benefits the track club's youth program, Bike Santa Cruz County, and Santa Cruz Mountain Trail Stewards.

Race Headquarters and Parking

4K Route

12K Route

Half Marathon Route

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