Santa Barbara Half-Marathon November 3, 2007

The 31st annual running of the Santa Barbara News-Press Half Marathon offers you a chance to run in not only the city's largest footrace, but one of the most beautiful races in the entire country.

The start, finish and post-race activities take place at beautiful Leadbetter Beach. After the race, enjoy food and beverages under the palm trees with your friends and family. Spend the rest of the day sunning at the beach or exploring downtown Santa Barbara's many restaurants, stores, museums and parks.

The course is a scenic, but challenging run through Santa Barbara's central beach community and the exclusive Montecito area. You'll pass by a bird refuge, Santa Barbara's Pacific oceanfront, Stearns Wharf and Shoreline Park. Enthusiastic beach area crowds will encourage you as you set your pace along the course of both flat and hilly areas.

The sister event to the Half Marathon is the 5K Fun Run/Walk.

During the last decade, the Half Marathon has donated more than $300,000 in proceeds to the United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County, the Santa Barbara News-Press Student Athlete Scholarship Fund and local high school, community college and university track and cross country programs.

Official Website: http://www.newspress.com/halfmarathon