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Santa Monica Classic

Getting Race Ready: Navigating the Santa Monica Classic 10K & 5K Courses

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BlogvibeIf you’re training for the Santa Monica Classic, it helps to understand the terrain so you can train and prepare more effectively.

Both the 5K and 10K courses are the same as last year (see the course map here). You’ll see, the start line is close to the finish line, both on Ocean Avenue.

The 5K includes time on Ocean Ave, going up gradually about 115 feet and then down the same. It is a mostly unseen, slight up and down, but there is a difference.  Four blocks on San Vicente to Fourth Street does have a higher incline. But after the u-turn, it is all downhill in the second half.  This allows you to speed up at the end.  Slightly slower the first half and faster on the second, makes this course a blast.

For the 10K, from the start, you’ll go slightly downhill, in general, then return, slightly up.  This continues past the start, with a slight unseen uphill to San Vicente.  There you go up a bit of a hill, but only to Fourth Street.  Four short blocks.  Then you fly back to the finish line, about a mile and a quarter away.  Listen to your breathing.  Don’t go too hard too soon, and you will have a blast on this course.

Here are some other tips to consider when getting ready for race day:

  • The course is all on road and mostly flat so training on pavement or track will be most efficient. Because there’s a slight increase in elevation towards the end of the race, make sure to include some long, steady inclines to at least one workout a week.Blog2vibe
  • September in Los Angeles is usually still very warm. The earlier 10K start time (7:00am) will be a little cooler but figure it’ll take most people 45 – 75 minutes to complete the race. The 5K starts at 8:30am but will be a much shorter race time. Remember: When the heat goes up, the pace goes down.  It takes more energy to cool your body on a hot day. Watch the weather leading up to race day but don’t obsess. Know how long you’ll be out there and what you want to wear/carry. Train with your race day outfit so you know it’s comfortable and weather appropriate.
  • Finally, Santa Monica beach is steps away from the race. A quick dunk in the ocean after celebrating at the Finish Festival on the 3rd Street Promenade will be wonderful recovery. Bring your beach towel and flip flops and leave them in your car! (remember, there is no gear check at the Santa Monica Classic)

As you gear up for your next race, remember that the LA Road Runners (LARR) is here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re training for the iconic Los Angeles Marathon or any of the exciting McCourt Foundation races, our premier training program offers comprehensive in-person training along with a wealth of free online resources—training plans, newsletters, and expert articles—to ensure you’re fully prepared for race day. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to enhance your running journey; discover more about what LARR can do for you today! Click here for more information.