FAQ
You can use our AI powered RunConcierge to get in depth information as well as a list of commonly asked questions below. Still can’t find an answer? Email us at [email protected]
EXPO & PACKET PICKUP
Where do I collect my bib and race shirt?
Kick-off your Santa Barbara Half Marathon presented by HOKA + UCLA Health 5K weekend with a special packet pick-up along Santa Barbara’s waterfront! The event is FREE for the entire community. Enjoy live music, drinks, community run, yoga, kids activities and more!
Location: Santa Barbara Carousel House
Packet Pick-Up Hours:
Friday, November 7: 2:00pm – 6:00pm
Saturday, November 8: 10:00am – 2:00pm
Get Directions: Google Maps | Apple Maps
Parking: There are two City of SB waterfront lots across the street from the Carousel House off of Garden St. Please adhere to all parking fees and restrictions in downtown Santa Barbara. There is no official special event parking throughout race weekend.
I can’t make the Expo/packet pickup now. What are my options?
Your friend, colleague, or family member can pickup your bib & shirt for you! They will need your registration QR code and a photo of your ID.
Alternatively, you can purchase bib mailing or race morning packet pickup during registration, or after registration at the event store linked here. The deadline to purchase bib mailing is Wednesday, 10/29 by 11:59PM PST.
Can I have a friend/family member collect my bib number and shirt for me?
Yes! If you can’t make the Expo, a friend, colleague or family member can collect your bib & shirt for you. They will need your registration QR code to check you in.
I did not receive an email with my bib number or QR code
We use dynamic bib assignments, so you will not receive a pre-assigned Bib #. It will be assigned on race weekend or has been assigned if you opted for bib mailing.
Your QR code will be sent to you on Race Week, ahead of Friday’s Packet Pickup
Do you offer shirt size exchanges?
Yes, but only after you finish the race! Shirts can be exchanged at the post race festival on State Street, while supplies last.
START LOCATION
When does the race start?
7:00am – Half Marathon presented by HOKA Wave #1 Start
8:30am – UCLA Health 5K Wave #1 Start
10:00am – HOKA Kids Fun Run
📍 Half Marathon & 5K Start Lines located on Cabrillo & State, and linked here
📍 The Kids Run starts near State St. & Yanonali, linked here. We will group kids by age groups beginning with the youngest and ending with the oldest. Parents & guardians are allowed to run with their children, but please be mindful of everyone!
👉 Handcycle Participants will begin 2-3 minutes ahead of the Half Marathon or 5K first wave start.
Where does the race start?
📍 Half Marathon & 5K Start Lines located on Cabrillo & State, and linked here
📍 The Kids Run starts near State St. & Yanonali, linked here. We will group kids by age groups beginning with the youngest and ending with the oldest. Parents & guardians are allowed to run with their children, but please be mindful of everyone!
Will there be a bag/gear check?
Yes! Gear Check is available beginning at 5:30am. Exact location to be linked here shortly.
DEFERRALS, TRANSFERS & REFUNDS
How do I switch/transfer my distance?
To switch/transfer to another distance or another person use this link
Note: participants are responsible to pay a price difference to upgrade their distance. There are no refunds/price difference if you choose to switch to a shorter distance. The price to upgrade your distance will be the amount at the time of transfer, not when you originally registered.
You can transfer to another distance or another person all the way until race weekend (Saturday, November 8th @ 11.59pm)
Can I cancel or get a refund?
Unfortunately, registration is nonrefundable. However the following alternative options are available:
Transfer to another person here
Transfer to participate remotely/virtually here
The last day to defer to 2026 is Sunday, November 2nd
I registered for the in-person event, but want to switch to the virtual run. How do I do that?
You can switch to the virtual event via this link
Note: participant is responsible for any price difference from when initially registering. The price difference between distances will be the amount at the time of transfer, not when you originally registered.
You can transfer to virtual all the way until race weekend (Saturday, November 8th @ 11.59pm)
I registered for the virtual event, but want to switch to in-person. How do I do that?
You can switch to the live event via this link
Note: participant is responsible for any price difference from when initially registering. The price difference between distances will be the amount at the time of transfer, not when you originally registered.
You can transfer to the live event all the way until race weekend (Saturday, November 8th @ 11.59pm)
COURSE REGULATIONS
What is not permitted on course?
The following items are not permitted on the course: Dogs or any pets, skateboards, bicycles, roller blades, baby joggers, and any other type of vehicle (other than official Marathon vehicles).
The use of wheeled devices by participants is limited to approved AWD wheelchair, and duo team participants only.
These regulations are for your safety and the safety of the other participants in the race. We reserve the right to disqualify and remove anyone from the course who has any of the above items.
Are trained service animals allowed on course?
Participants who require a trained service animal in accordance with California law are encouraged to email [email protected] so we can best support your journey.
Can I wear my headphones / earbuds?
Yes! But please note: to enjoy all that our race has to offer and for the safety of all participants, we encourage a headphone/earbud-free environment during the running of all of our races. You must be able to hear any verbal instructions or commands from race staff.
What are the course time limits?
There is a 3 and half hour time limit for the Half Marathon. This is approximately a 16-minute/mile pace from the gun start. The 5K will have a ~ 1 hour time limit (approximately 20 minutes per mile). Participants unable to keep up with the course time limit may be redirected as the course closes to allow regular vehicular traffic to resume.
What are the AWD (athletes with disabilities) guidelines and event rules?
Run Local happily welcomes all athletes to participate in our events. Athletes with Disabilities (AWD) include, but are not limited to the following athletes: Blade Runners, Visually Impaired Runners, Adaptive / Guided Runners, Pushed Athletes, Push Rim & Racing Chair.
To participate as an AWD athlete, you must notify the Race Director of your participation a minimum of 20 days in advance. This allows our staff to ensure the safety and security of each athlete on the course and prepare the ES (early starters) corral for athletes.
To ensure your spot and be approved as an AWD participant please contact: [email protected]. Should there be a duo team, a coupon code may be provided for the pusher/coach by emailing: [email protected]
Are there any age limitations for the Half Marathon & 5K?
Yes, you must be at least 13 years old on race day to run the Half Marathon. All ages are welcome in the 5K, however!
REGISTRATION & TEAMS
When is the deadline to register?
Online registration will be open until each race distance sold out. (UPDATE: we are sold out in 2025!)
If you are a last minute sign up you’ll need to come to the Solutions tent race morning to collect your bib. Please note: Your shirt size may be sold out if you wait until the last minute to sign up. You may also register at the packet pickup & get your bib then!
I registered my child for Kid’s Fun Run - do I also need to register to run with them?
Nope! Adults do not need to register to run with their child in the HOKA Kid’s Fun Run.
How do I create a team or manage my team?
During registration you can create a team so you can work toward your finish line journey together. One team member will be the captain and then others can join.
We also have team programs for run crews, corporate teams and more. Visit our Teams Page for more information.
Already on a team and want to confirm who is registered? Visit Race Roster’s Teams Page.
Need help creating your team? Visit Race Roster’s Team “How Do I Create a Team” Page.