THE BEST ISLAND WILDERNESS RUN
SANTA CRUZ ISLAND
ECO EXTREME 21K
WAS ON NOVEMBER 2, 2024
2025 SANTA CRUZ ISLAND ECO EXTREME RACE WILL BE IN LATE OCTOBER OR NOVEMBER 2025
No access for running except race day. Private Property.
The Islay Wilderness Course.
This exciting Islay 13.3 miles route is entirely in the wilderness and has been facilitated by the kindness and gratitude of The Nature Conservancy and the UCSB Research Center.
The Islay Course is mind blowing island wilderness.
We wonder how John Muir or Annie Montague Alexander would describe the course.
Annie Montague Alexander was the type of natural woman who “…preferred to enter her upstairs bedroom through the window rather than bothering to use the stairs.”
Let’s go with her description.
The run starts at the red barn as usual. After 167 feet we turn right up the oak studded canyon to the Central Valley. This has never been run before in any race. This canyon reminds us of Wood Canyon at Pt Mugu State Park ( a perfect training route for you is in this canyon).
The 2.5 mile long oak canyon gains 155 feet in elevation from the start. It has 5 total creek crossings. There are 2 creek crossings that are about 20 to 40 feet wide and 4 to 12” deep. Will I get my feet wet? Yes you will and you will love it !!
When we tell you that this is one of a kind, nowhere else on the Pacific Coast of the United States we mean it. We have been going out surveying the course with staff from both organizations and every time our SAR rescuers come back they cannot stop talking about the wildness of course.
The canyon has a lot of shady areas which is nice . Mugwort and Sumac, Island Poppy, Sages, buckwheats.
We make a right turn at our first Aid Station on the UCSB bypass trail and start our real first climb of about 100 feet in a 1/2 mile. We come back to the Central Valley and head south for about 1/2 mile. Run through hundred-year-old giant eucalyptus forest.
When we come out of that forest there will be an aid station.
Now is the Central Valley main climb . This climb reminds us of the original climb coming out of Scorpion Harbor on early 2011 races or twice the climb aspect of the main climb coming up and out of Prisoners Harbor on the traditional course.
It’s 3/4 mile straight up hill. There are a couple switchbacks that offer shade and some rest. Like the other two courses. This is the equalizer hill and every runner will be walking up this hill. The elevation gain is 800 feet in roughly an eighth of a mile.
Even the most elite runners will walk up this hill. It will take between 20-30 minute to get up. In 2024, our elite runner’s averaged a 14.4 mile on this climb. Here you will be turning around and looking at the Santa Barbara Channel, the Mainland, the Island Fox course, the canyon you came up, the Central Valley and geological and ecological views that are gonna simply consume you.
This is wilderness so you’re going to see plants, trees, shrubs, and chaparral that you’ve never seen before that are isolated for 1 millions of years out on the island.
For this section of the run, we recommend you practice on the Chumash Trail at Point Mugu State Park when it’s not filled with weekend Warriors or you do the Ray Miller Trail at Point Mugu State Park when it’s not filled or the overlook trail from Sycamore Canyon up. In any case find a bad ass hill to get your training in. If you’re a legacy runner then just do any of the training you’ve done before for the last five years of the hills. Run Hills.
So you make it up to the summit, There will be an aid station and medic there to help you out and you’re gonna turn right northbound looking down at Santa Rosa Island and Anacapa on a good day San Nicholas Island, and maybe even San Miguel Island and Santa Barbara Island, hell you might even be able to see Catalina. It will be hot.
You will travel 2.8 undulating up and down miles along the ridge line. Your views looking into the central Valley and towards Santa Rosa and the entire west coastline of Santa Cruz Island is epic.
It’s an exposed ridge route up and down very similar to the Navy Road on the traditional Island Fox course. About 361 feet of downhills and double that of relative moderate short uphills. At the end of that 2.8 miles there will be an Aid Station at which point you will turn right and head back down to the Central Valley. It will be 2 miles all downhill Islay Canyon Trail. When you get down to the Central Valley, there will be an aid station and you will be near the UCSB Research Center.
You will once again take the UCSB trail to the main Oak Canyon Riparian Trail, and head down to victory back to the beach at prisoners.
You will cross those original 5 Creek crossings that have water and your feet are going to love them. Lots of shade finishing up the last 2.5 miles. Most runners averaged about 8 -9 minute miles down the canyon to the finish.
Words can barely describe how beautiful this course is. The Search and Rescue team have logged tens of thousands of miles running and hiking and every one of them say this is a breathtaking course.
When you get back to the red barn at the finish line, we will have the traditional finish festival catered by Aloha steakhouse. We will have massages available great food, libation, and swimming.
SPLITS EXPECTED IF YOU WANT TO RUN A 3 hour RACE.( We practiced on the course)
Elevation Gain: 1,919 Feet
3 Hour Pace
Mile 1- 10:42 (Oaks and Creeks)
Mile 2- 11:10 (Oaks and Creeks)
Mile 3- 13.19 (UCSB Hills)
Mile 4- 10:48 (Eucalyptus Grove Central Valley)
Mile 5- 23:06 (Main Hill Climb)
Mile 6- 15:07 (North Along the Ridge for 2.8 Miles)
Mile 7- 16:33 (Ridgeline)
Mile 8- 15:22 (Ridgeline)
Mile 9- 11:26 (Down Islay Canyon Hill)
Mile 10- 11:51 (Islay and Central Valley)
Mile 11 - 11:31 (Back to the start down the oaks and creeks)
Mile 12 - 9:34 (Creek Crossings)
Mile 13 - 8:55
FUN FACT:
Annie Montague Alexander
Like us and all other naturalists, she wasn’t perfect. She clashed at times with the system.
Alexander was not born into a world that supported women paleontologists. She never thought of herself as a scientist, although she was fascinated with geology, paleontology, zoology, and the outdoors. However, she used her financial and business acumen to become actively involved in paleontology and the preservation of nature. She founded the museum at UC Berkeley and molded the university’s paleontology program into one of the top in the world.
Isla Course
Name: Santa Cruz Island Eco-Extreme Trail Half Marathon
Organizer: VENTURA COUNTY SHERIFF'S SEARCH AND RESCUE UPPER OJAI TEAM
All proceeds go to charity.
Sanction: USA Track & Field Event
When: November 2, 2024.
Registration: Active.com
Email us to get on notification list.
Location: Santa Cruz Island. Channel Islands National Park.
Prisoners Harbor , Ventura, California
Why: Run for a Sheriff's Search and Rescue charity, and visit the only true island wilderness in your local National Park.
Time: 5:00 AM to 5:45 AM Sign In at Ventura Harbor
6:00 AM Depart Ventura Harbor on Island Packers for Prisoners Harbor Santa Cruz Island
7:35 AM Arrive at Prisoners Harbor
8:15 AM Start of Race at Prisoners Harbor
10:30 AM Lunch and Finisher Race Banquet Begins
10:30 to 1:00 Food, Course still open to runners
1:00 Race Course Closed.
1:30 PM Finish lunch. Depart the Event on Island Packers
3:00 PM Arrive back at Ventura Harbor
Cost: $205 Includes Boat Ride, Race, Shirt, Medals, Festival, Food
( Sorry No refunds, if you cancel for any reason. or If we have to cancel due to the National Park Service, Weather, Permits, Boat Operator, of Health Compliance.)
Distance: Rugged Trail Half Marathon Eco (13 + miles)
Difficulty: Extreme Trail Running 13.1+ miles with 4:15 hour finish cut off time for safety.
Mostly steep hills.
Average Runner time is 2:45
Awards: T-Shirt for all runners. Free Lunch, Finisher Medals and great prizes for Men and Women's First Place.
805-871-6077 (Text Only)
CONTACT US:
The Course is 13.3 miles
The 2023 Santa Cruz Island 13.1 mile Eco extreme half marathon was Saturday November 2, 2024
THE COURSE CAN CHANGE DUE TO NATIONAL PARK PERMITS.
The same Sheriff's Search and Rescue volunteers will sign you in between 5am and 5:45 am at Island Packers 1691 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura (at Ventura Harbor) and provide you with your race materials including race number and grab bag. If you're an early bird get there at 5. If you procrastinate, get there at 5:30. You can bring change of clothes and other personal items that can fit in a day pack (please mark your bags) as the Island Packers Boat will be assigned to the race event for the whole day. You can get to your change of clothes (for the finish party) that will be delivered to the finish.
We will depart at 6am Sharp. Allow plenty of time to park your car and get signed in. We can't wait for late arrivals.
GENERAL INFO:
Remember, we have about a 1 to 1.5 hour, private boat ride to Prisoners Harbor. The giant boat holds 146 passengers and is very stable. You can go to Island Packers website to check out the boat "Islander." www.islandpackers.com Please to be sure and thank Island Packers on race day for their transportation support.
Prisoners Harbor, is on the south east end of Santa Cruz Island. We will be greeted by NPS Rangers who will help us with the 5 minute island briefing-orientation. The race will begin at sea level and the rugged trail will climb up a big mountain about 5 miles from the start . We encourage runners to run with water bladders or waist packs with bottles. We will have a total of 5 aid stations with water and emergency medical care.
This is an "eco-race" and want to make sure there is no trash left on the trails (goo, wrappers etc).
Please carry out all water bottles and even micro trash..
NO PHOTOGRAPHING THE MAIN RANCH HOUSES AND RESEARCH STATION.
The course is demanding and runners must be in excellent condition and have trail running experience. This is not a course for a first time trail racer. This is not a walk course.
There will be a 4:00 hour cut-off time.
We offer a wave early start 20 minutes prior for runners who estimate a time beyond 3:30 hours.
We can't stress enough that this is a rugged, but one of a kind trail run.
The view of the Pacific is endless. Watch out, you will head downhill from this point and many people say the last 2 miles down to the finish is as hard as the first three mile climb from the start. The final race finish will be on the trail, at about 353 feet above the ocean. It will be on a gentle upper meadow that is above Prisoners Harbor. Once you cross the actual finish line you will be given some water and can cool down as you walk about 300 yards to the actual Prisoners Harbor Day Use Area.
We will provide finisher medals, lunch, water, lunch, beer and wine to everyone at the day use area below the finish line. You can retrieve any of your day packs with clothes, your own snacks etc at the day use area.
If you are in piss-pour shape, old, like me, the run will take 3 1/2 hours.
We have to cut off the course at 4 hours for safety. Any aid station will get you back to the start and finish area.
Good luck, enjoy the day in the wilderness and don't complain to us if you get tired, muddy and wet.
Remember there is free catered food, free beer and free wine at the finish. "
The Nature Conservancy and National Park properties are majestic, make sure you take in the sights. The remainder of the race is on trails that continue the pattern of hills and downhills. You will have an opportunity to see island wildlife including Fox and Bald Eagles. This is a Eco-Half Marathon.
The focus of the event is to promote healthy activities, all while supporting Rescue and SAR charities.
FINISH:
You will be rewarded with great, free, catered lunch with tons of food by Aloha Steakhouse, free drinks, free wine from Opolo Wineries, free beer from Firestone Brewery.
But wait there is more the best Finisher Medal ever designed and even a dip in the ocean..
The boat will depart for Ventura at 1:30pm and arrive back at your car by 2:45 to 3:30 PM
Frequent Asked Questions:
Prior Race Results: Click Here
Where do I show up Race day: Island Packers 1691 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura (at Ventura Harbor). For Directions: www.islandpackers.com
Car Parking: We have plenty of parking at the harbor. Do not leave valuables in the car. We are not responsible for theft.
Race Packet Pick Up: On RACE DAY rally on the grass area near the dock at Island Packers, 1691 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura (at Ventura Harbor). Show up between 5:15 and 5:45 AM and be ready to walk onto the boat with your packet. You will get a race briefing on the boat ride out to the Island. The boat leaves at 6:00 AM sharp. You snooze you lose
Cancellation: Our SEARCH AND RESCUE Attorney made us put this in ( Just a little pun): There are no refunds. You can not resell or trade, LEND OR GIVE your entry to a friend. This includes if your dog stole your keys and you couldn't make it in time for the boat to leave the harbor. If a Tsunami or other act of God occurs we are just happy to be alive, no refund.
IMPORTANT: There is no race plan B. If the Island Packers boat is unable to get to the island due to weather, NPS, HEALTH LAW, permits or policy that we can’t control, no general refund.)
If it is pouring rain, we will likely still go. You will be miserable and have the best story to tell your friends or friend, or dog, for the rest of your life.
If the weather stops us from going to the island, you will have made a difference to search and rescue with your donation and still get cool tee shirt and we will all have a wine and beer-fest at the harbor. So you get the idea, no refunds (Read Above ), this is 100% for charity.
IF YOU KNOW YOU ARE NOT GOING TO MAKE THE RACE, AND YOU HAVE ALREADY PAID. PLEASE TEXT US.
805-558-8987 . THIS IS A FUND RAISER
What do I get for the entry fee: Cool T-Shirt, we take pride in our T-Shirt designs. A nice finisher medal to show off to your friends back at work on Monday. Bragging Rights, yes, a great Half-Marathon-Eco-13.3 mile trail run. It is unique and as rare as the Island Fox. Yes, this is the orginal Santa Cruz Island 13.3 mile Eco-Trail Run.
What else? A great, free, finisher party by our sponsors, beef, fish and vegi food wraps, salad, chips, cookies by Aloha Steakhouse, beer by Topa Topa Brewery and wine by Opolo Winery. We also have water, gatorade and sodas. Dolphin and Whale watching both ways out to the island. Finally you get the satisfaction to help others through this SAR fundraiser... In 2023, runners never stopped talking about the race finish party. We had great awards also.
Seasick: If you get seasick, the run should help you get your land legs. If you can't run after the boatride out and feel you can't start the race, you will be taken to Prisoner's Harbor with the race starting crew and enjoy the finishers lunch and party, maybe the free wine and beer will help.. You could also go out the day before on your own and camp, recover from that boat ride and start the race fresh on Saturday. You would have to let us know ahead of time for logistics and also arrange your own Island Packers one-way ride out on Friday. No refund. Last year not one person pulled out of the race for any boat ride or ocean issues.
Waiver: This is a trail run and a boat ride. You must have a signed liability release waiver from active.com at registration. Again, our Attorney made us do it. You will need to sign a release of liability for the Nature Conservancy.
Can I bother Island Packers TNC, UCSB or National Park Service with Questions: No. This is a Non Profit Race. The National Park Service is not a sponsor of the race and does not have race details. Do not call Island Packers with race questions. They are gracious and donating a big chunk of the transportation for us, we don't want to bother them. So bother us, we have standby operators 24 hours a day to answer your emails (Okay maybe, a little time delay). We love email and running..
Breakfast, Water, Lunch: Breakfast is on you. There is a galley with light snacks on the boat (bring some chump money). We will provide water at the start and at the four aid stations during the run. There will be food, water, beer and wine at the finish (all free).
We encourage you to run with your own water, as our four aid stations will be basic aid and have limited water for each runner. Due to the remoteness of the wilderness, we will not fill large water bottles or back pack bladders at aid stations.
Medical: We have MEDICS (PARAMEDICS AT STATIONS) at all aid stations. Please seek care from any staff member.
Aid Station: We have water and first aid at the aid stations. Carry in your own trail-energy-food. It is mandatory that you carry out all trash. You will be disqualified for throwing any trash, including micro-trash such as goo tabs, peels, wrappers.
Timing: We will have a timed USA Track & Field course.
Course Numbers:
You must have your course number visible on your shorts or front of shirt at all times.
You will get your numbers at sign in at Ventura Harbor.
Cut Off Time:
We hate cut off times. We have to incorporate one into this race due to the boat ride back and logistics. You will have to finish within 4:00 hours. Our aid stations will advise you if you won't make the cut off. You will be taken to the finish area and can enjoy the festivities. Email us if you have cut off questions.
This is an extreme trail race and not for first time trail runners. Don't expect to do this if you are a trail walker. You won't make it. You have to practice for this run. We can set you up with comparable practice trails on the mainland. You need to have your trail event mileage long run up to 12 or 13 miles already before race day.
PRACTICE ON HILLS, HILLS, HILLS
Expected weather / Temps on race day will start out as a cool boat ride out (bring sweats,pullovers to leave in your bag). In 2023, we had light fog at the start and in 15 minutes of running, blue skies. The Islander boat has interior (tables, benches) and exterior upper seating. The exterior can be windy and chilly if we have any fog. Normal race day can start at about 59-65 F. and will hit 80-85F in the upper , remote elevated mountain tops.
Last year it was nearly 80 at the summit and a cool 58 at the start.
Bathrooms: Yes. Wow, did we learn from last year. Read this three times to let it sink in. get it, Bathroom, "Sink In." Anyway, use the bathroom at the dock sign-in at Island Packers, and then use it again on the boat. Last year we had runners use the outhouse at the start and it took 30 minutes to get everyone in and out of the bathroom. , the line was long at the start. No bathrooms mid course. Do not use toliet paper on the course.
Can I get a boat ride back to Scorpion from the finish: No the boat will start and leave from Prisoners (the START AND FINISH) to Ventura Harbor.
Pets, Bicycles: The National Park Service prohibits them.
Can I bring my own lunch: Of Course. But no fires or cooking. Put the food in your personal bag with your change of clothes, mark your bag..
Smoking: Do you even have to ask, No
Can I secure a campsite there? NO NOT THIS YEAR
Is this an official distance race or is it a ½ marathon. This is an timed race. Ending up at 13.1 miles.
Can I make arrangements to have my wife/ husband or friend come on the boat and join me at the finish. Yes, they have to sign up as a runner. Remember this is for charity, so fork out the money for your fan club..
CONTACT US:
Phone
(805) 871-6077. TEXT ONLY
Please, we hate voice mails, WE ANSWER TEXTS, NEVER VOICE MAILS.
We are all Rescue volunteers and have work, lives, family and Volunteer service.
Text us is our preferred mode of communications.