7 running events in Santa Barbara, California

From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find running events and connect with the local endurance sports community.

• Walk for Water 5k Santa Barbara [runsignup.com]
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  Sat, Aug 22, 2026 at 10:00 AM

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  Walk Their Journey. Change Their Future.

  Join us for a powerful and transformative experience at the Walk for Water 5K Charity Fundraiser, co-hosted by Pathway To Tomorrow and Drop of Water. This...

  Walk Their Journey. Change Their Future.

  Join us for a powerful and transformative experience at the Walk for Water 5K Charity Fundraiser, co-hosted by Pathway To Tomorrow and Drop of Water. This isn’t just a walk—it’s a step into the daily reality that millions of women and girls in Africa face just to access something as basic as water.

  Every day, women and girls spend 200 million hours hauling unclean water, often walking miles under a burning sun, along dangerous paths, carrying heavy containers. Every two minutes, a child dies from a water-borne disease, and 1.5 million children under five die annually in Africa from diarrhea caused by unsafe water.

  Ethiopia, Africa’s second most populous country, is in the grip of this devastating water crisis. Nearly half of its 125 million people lack access to clean water, according to UNICEF.

  The situation is even worse in rural areas — where 80% of Ethiopians live and are hit hardest by this crisis, forcing women and girls to walk long distances just to find unclean water. Girls are expected to miss school to collect water for their families. Each journey robs a girl of her education, her safety, and her childhood. For far too many, these walks end in tragedies, like gender-based violence and death — not just exhaustion.

  We walk not just for awareness—but for action.

  This 5K fundraiser challenges participants to take 7,000 steps, representing the average distance many walk each day to collect water. As you walk, you’ll carry not just steps—but stories. Stories of resilience, hardship, and hope. You'll walk in solidarity with those who can’t just turn on a tap.

  We’re asking each participant to go further by asking friends, family, and coworkers to sponsor their steps with a donation to the cause, or join their team to fundraise or walk alongside them!

  Our goal? To raise $250,000 to fund 2 deep borehole wells and rural piping systems in up to 16 rural villages in Ethiopia. This will provide clean, safe, and sustainable drinking water for up to 16,000 people.

  Your steps can change a life. Your walk can build a well.

  Register today. Walk their path. Bring water home.

  The 5K route is taking place at Leadbetter Beach - 801 Shoreline Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

  The course is scenic, starting at the beach, along the water. If driving to the 5K walk, its best to park at parking lot on the right as you enter to find us (near Shoreline Cafe).

  2 Miles 5k Run Walk

  801 Shoreline Dr, Santa Barbara, California, 93101, United States
  OpenStreetMap Google Maps
• Santa Barbara Triathlon & Beach Festival [santabarbaratriathlon.com] [Register at runsignup.com]
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  Sat, Aug 29, 2026 at 7:00 AM

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  Incredible coastal views as you cycle the challenging bike course.

  Take in the view of the channel islands as you toe the water’s edge of the Pacific Ocean at the 2026 Santa Barbara Triathlon & Beach...

  Incredible coastal views as you cycle the challenging bike course.

  Take in the view of the channel islands as you toe the water’s edge of the Pacific Ocean at the 2026 Santa Barbara Triathlon & Beach Festival. Then, experience the beautiful backdrop of the Santa Ynez mountains as you cycle the challenging bike course. Finish with a beachfront run that ends with music, refreshments, and plenty of great finish-line vibes!

  1 Miles 5k Duathlon Run Swim Triathlon

  1118 E Cabrillo Blvd., Santa Barbara, California, 93103, United States
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• She.is.beautiful 5k & 10k Santa Barbara 2026 [runsheisbeautiful.com] [Register at raceroster.com]
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  Sat, Sep 12, 2026 at 8:30 AM

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  She.is.beautiful 5k & 10k Santa Barbara 2026 will take place on Saturday, Sept. 12th 2026 at 8:30am

  ALL LEVELS WELCOME!

  Run, walk, jog, or stroller push.

  Let's celebrate life, love, challenge,...

  She.is.beautiful 5k & 10k Santa Barbara 2026 will take place on Saturday, Sept. 12th 2026 at 8:30am

  ALL LEVELS WELCOME!

  Run, walk, jog, or stroller push.

  Let's celebrate life, love, challenge, resilience, and all you are capable of.

  Our longstanding community partner is

  Girls Incorporated of the Greater Santa Barbara Area

  Swag Included with Race Registration:

  👚Women's cut custom She.is.beautiful Race Shirt

  🛍️Custom She.is.beautiful Goody Bag

  📸Free race photos

  🎟️Access to the event offerings

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  When do I get my Race Swag? All swag will be picked up at the in-person event. If you plan to sign up for our virtual event and plan to participate virtually, your swag will be shipped to you.

  Can I get my bib shipped to me ahead of time if I'm participating in-person but can't make the September 11th bib pick up in Santa Barbara? Yes, for those participants that plan to come in-person to the event but can't make the bib pick up, if you would like your bib shipped ahead of time please purchase the $10 bib shipping in registration and your bib will be shipped ahead of time.

  Be sure to follow us on Facebook or Instagram leading up to race day!

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  Please note:

  YOUR ENTRY FEE IS NON-REFUNDABLE.

  Your entry fee is nonrefundable and nontransferable. If the event is cancelled due to a force majeure event, including, but not limited to natural disasters or pandemics, there are no refunds for this event.

  You will have the opportunity to protect your purchase by enrolling in the Race Roster Enhanced Refund Protection Program during registration.

  5k 10k Run Virtual Walk

  321 East Cabrillo Boulevard, Santa Barbara, California, 93101, United States
  OpenStreetMap Google Maps
• Santa Barbara Half Marathon & 5K [santabarbarahalf.com] [Register at raceroster.com]
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  Sun, Nov 08, 2026 at 7:00 AM

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  The 2026 Santa Barbara Half Marathon presented by HOKA welcomes runners from around the world for an incredible weekend celebrating the global running community!

  🚨 The event sold out a month early in...

  The 2026 Santa Barbara Half Marathon presented by HOKA welcomes runners from around the world for an incredible weekend celebrating the global running community!

  🚨 The event sold out a month early in 2025 and we anticipate an earlier sell out in 2026!

  👉 5K registration will open at a later date. Registered participants for the Half Marathon will receive first opportunity to register friends & family.

  ❤️ Proceeds from the event benefit the Santa Barbara Running Association as well as various local community organizations.

  5k 21k Half Marathon Run Virtual

  727 De la Guerra Place, Santa Barbara, California, 93101, United States
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Local Clubs & Organizations