SCHEDULE
Race Weekend
1:00PM – 7:00 PM
GARDEN PARTY
Location: Solvang Park
All participants (21 years of age and older) that pick up their bib on Friday will receive a complimentary beverage at our Garden Party. Guests are welcome to join and purchase a beverage —all proceeds go to the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County. Enjoy live music, vendors, wine happy hours, and a photo booth while you pick up your race bib and prepare for the next day’s race!
1:00pm - 4:00pm - Sage City Band
4:00pm - 7:00pm - DJ Oli (@olithedj)
1:00PM – 7:00 PM
EXPO &
PACKET PICK-UP
Location: Solvang Park
All participants are required to pick up their race bib, event shirt, and event tote bag at the Race Expo, which is FREE and open to the public. At the Expo, you will receive your race bib, event shirt, event tote bag, and other race information. Those who have purchased admission tickets to Saturday's Post-Race Wine Festival are encouraged to pick up their ID wristband on Friday to use the Express wine glass pick-up lanes on Friday. All runners and guests are encouraged to visit the Garden Party in Solvang Park after picking up their race materials.
FRIDAY MAY 8, 2026
SATURDAY MAY 9, 2026
5:30 AM
GEAR CHECK OPENS
Location: Solvang Park
Look for the "GEAR CHECK" area in the same tent where you picked up your bib on Friday. Clear, plastic gear check bags will be available on race morning to store your gear. Go to the station attributed to your last name to leave your gear.
7:00 AM
RACE START: HALF MARATHON & RELAY
Location: 565 Atterdag Rd, Solvang
Start your 13.1 mile journey just blocks from the heart of Solvang! Stop by Solvang Park before the race to visit the restrooms, drop your gear at gear check, or fill up your water bottle. 1st Leg relay participants can head to the start line for the start of their race. 2nd Leg relay participants can get a shuttle to the Relay Transition Zone (first shuttle at 6:30am, last shuttle at 7:15am) from the front of Solvang Park.
7:10 AM
RACE START:5K
Location: 565 Atterdag Rd, Solvang
Start your 5K journey just blocks from the heart of Solvang! Stop by Solvang Park, visit the restrooms, drop your gear at gear check, or fill up your water bottle.
7:45 AM - 12:00 PM
BEER GARDEN
Location: Solvang Park
All runners 21+ are welcome to join the Beer Garden after finishing their race to celebrate by purchasing a cold beverage. All proceeds from sales of beverages in the Beer Garden will go directly to the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County in their quest to transform hunger into health.
9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
WINE FESTIVAL
Location: Solvang Park
Celebrate your 13.1 accomplishment in style as you taste from local wineries. All participants 21 years of age and older have the opportunity to purchase tickets to the post-race wine festival to enjoy tastings from over a dozen local wineries.
Because of space limitations, only guests that are 21+ with wine festival passes are allowed to enter inside the wine festival area.
Guests without tickets are allowed to congregate on the outside of the perimeter of the festival, and because the perimeter is a short picket fence, attendees are able to hang out with their friends across the fence. Guests or runners without tickets are also able to visit the Beer Garden area, which has beverages for sale.
No animals are allowed in the wine festival.
INFORMATION
Pre-Race
PACKET PICK-UP
All Participants are required to pick up their race bib during the Race Expo, unless you have pre-purchased race day packet pick-up. Race day packet pick-up instructions will be emailed on Thursday, May 7th to those that purchased this service.
PACKET PICK-UP FAQS
Yes, race day packet pick-up is still available for $22. Participants can purchase this option by visiting their ACTIVE MyEvents account and clicking “Purchase merchandise” and selecting "Race Day Packet Pick-Up.
Race Day Packet Pick Up will be in the Solvang Park parking lot, starting at 5:30am Saturday morning.
All participants should bring your BIB number email (to be sent Thursday evening of race week) to expedite the pick-up process.
Yes, please send your proxy with a copy of your driver's license (a digital picture is OK) and your confirmation email to expedite the pick-up process. Confirmation emails are sent Thursday evening of race week. Proxies may only pick up packets for up to 3 people.
Yes, you may switch your distance if there is still capacity. Please visit the Registration Solutions tent at the Race Expo to make this request.
You will be prompted to pay any additional price difference.
You must run the race for which you are registered for, or you may be disqualified.
Friday, May 8, 2026 | 1:00PM – 7:00PM
Location: Solvang Park
All are welcome at the Garden Party! All participants (21 years of age and older) who pick up their bib on Friday will receive a complimentary beverage at our Garden Party. Guests are welcome to join and purchase a beverage—all proceeds go to the FoodBank of Santa Barbara County. Enjoy live music, vendors, wine happy hours, and a photo booth while you pick up your race bib and prepare for the next day’s race!
1:00pm - 4:00pm - Sage City Band
4:00pm - 7:00pm - DJ Oli (@olithedj)
The City of Solvang has multiple free parking areas in town. Enjoy free public parking lots while visiting the Race Expo, or find plentiful street parking available adjacent to Downtown Solvang.
Parking Lots:
464 Alisal Road
1616 Oak Street
INFORMATION
Race day
HALF MARATHON, HALF RELAY & 5K
SATURDAY, MAY 9, 2026
START TIME
Half Marathon & Relay begins at 7:00 AM
5K begins at 7:10 AM
START LOCATION
All distances will start in downtown Solvang at the intersection of Atterdag Road and Laurel Ave.
Solvang Park will act as the hub for pre-race activities, including Gear Check and Race Day Packet Pick-Up.
HALF MARATHON & 5k faqs
HALF MARATHON AND RELAY
The half-marathon and relay #1 will begin on a self-seeded corral system.
Participants that plan to run a quicker race should position themselves near the front of the start chute. Those that plan to take longer to complete the distance should plan to start toward the back of the pack to avoid impeding those that are running at a faster pace.
5K
The Santa Barbara Wine Country 5K offers an intimate start line experience, limited to just 300 runners. With a single-wave start at 7:10 AM, all participants must be in position and ready to go on time. There are no additional waves. The start line will close promptly at 7:12 AM, so plan ahead, arrive early, and be ready to run.
Opens at 5:30am
Located in Solvang Park (same location as packet pick-up)
Available for half-marathon, relay, & 5K participantsClear gear check bags will be available for pick-up at Packet Pick-Up. You must use the clear gear check bags to check your items. Luggage, large bags, or backpacks will not be accepted.
A numbered gear check tag will be attached to your race bib. Please tear off this tag and affix it to your gear check bag with the provided zip tie to ensure that your bag is easily identifiable.
Gear check will stay in the same location and will not move during the race. The finish line is adjacent to Solvang Park, which will make it easy to pick up your gear after you finish.
Note for Relay Runners: gear check will remain in the same location throughout the entirety of the race. Your gear check bags will not move to the Relay Transition Zone nor will a bag drop-off be available at the Transition Zone. Please plan accordingly.
All bags that are not picked up by participants will be taken back to the event office and held for one week. Afterward, all items will be donated to a local charity. Any clothing items left at the start line of each race or discarded on the course will be collected and donated to a local charity.
Aid stations will be located at the locations listed below. There will be water, Gatorade Electrolytes, and portable restrooms provided at all aid stations along the course.
Half Marathon
Miles 1.5, 3, 5.8, 6.9, 8.3, 9.9, and 11.7
Honey Stinger Energy gels will be provided at the aid station at Mile 8.3.
5K
Aid Stations will be located at the miles listed below. There will be water and Gatorade Electrolytes provided at each aid station along the course.
5K Miles: 1, 2.
HALF MARATHON
The half marathon has a course time limit of 3.5 hours. Participants must maintain a pace of 16 minutes, 10 seconds per mile to complete the race. Due to the nature of the rural roads on the course, if a participant falls behind the established pace time, they may be asked to join the sweep vehicle to be moved forward on the course.
Relay teams also have a combined course time limit of 3.5 hours. Both legs of the relay will need to finish the half marathon distance in the allotted time, or they may be asked to join the sweep vehicle to be moved forward on the course.
5K
The 5K has a course time limit of 1 hour. Participants must hit the turnaround at mile 1.5 within 30 minutes of the start time, or by 7:40am. If runners do not reach the turnaround by this time, they will be asked to turnaround and head back towards the finish.
The top 3 male, female, and non-binary finishers overall in the Half Marathon and 5K will receive an award.
The top male, female, and non-binary finisher in each age group of the Half Marathon and 5K will receive an award.
Please see the age groups below:
20 & Under, 21-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+
The top relay team in the following divisions will also receive an award. Please see the divisions below:
All Female
All Male
All Non-Binary
Co-Ed
Awards must be picked up on-site at the Results tent. There is no team competition at this event.
Have your friends and family track your progress while you run your race.
Tracking Website: CLICK HERE
OR Download the app & sign up for text updates from different spots along the course!
Unofficial race results will be posted live on the website on race morning, or participants can scan the Results QR code on their BIB. You will also receive an email with your official race finish time in the early afternoon of race day.
RELAY INFO
SATURDAY, MAY 9, 2026
START TIME
Half Marathon & Relay begins at 7:00 AM
RELAY #1 START LOCATION
Relay leg #1 runners will start at the half-marathon start line in downtown Solvang at the intersection of Atterdag Road and Laurel Ave.
Solvang Park will act as the hub for pre-race activities, including Gear Check and Race Day Packet Pick-Up.
RELAY #2 START LOCATION
Relay Leg #2 runners will start at the relay transition zone. Leg #1 runners will finish here and hand off to leg #2 runners.
Transition Zone Starts: 2890 Grand Ave, Los Olivos, CA 93441
HOT TIP: Relay #2 runners taking the shuttle should pick it up in front of Solvang Park to get dropped off at the Relay Transition Zone in Los Olivos. The relay shuttle begins at 6:30am, and the final shuttle leaves at 7:15am.”
HOT TIP #2: Runners getting dropped off at the Relay Transition Zone should use the following address to navigate:
2434 Alamo Pintado Ave, Los Olivos, CA 93441
RELAY FAQS
Opens at 5:30am
Located in Solvang Park (same location as packet pick-up)
Available for both half-marathon and relay participants
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Clear gear check bags will be available for pick-up at Packet Pick-Up. You must use the clear gear check bags to check your items. Luggage, large bags, or backpacks will not be accepted.
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A numbered gear check tag will be attached to your race bib. Please tear off this tag and affix it to your gear check bag with the provided zip tie to ensure that your bag is easily identifiable.
-
Gear check will stay in the same location and will not move during the race. The finish line is adjacent to Solvang Park, which will make it easy to pick up your gear after you finish.
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Relay leg 1 participants should note that gear check will not be moved to the relay transition Zone finish. Please plan accordingly.
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Relay leg 2 participants should note that there will not be gear check drop-off at the Relay Transition Zone. Please plan accordingly.
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All bags that are not picked up by participants will be taken back to the event office and held for one week. Afterward, all items will be donated to a local charity. Any clothing items left at the start line of each race or discarded on the course will be collected and donated to a local charity.
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Relay team members will receive the same bib number. The timing chip on each runner’s bib is the same and will determine the total relay team time.
Team members can run either leg 1 or leg 2 of the relay. You do not need to notify us of which leg you plan to do.
Leg 1 is 5.8 miles of mostly uphill running.
Leg 2 is 7.3 miles of both uphill and downhill running.
The leg 1 portion of the race, measured at 5.8 miles, includes most of the uphill climbs on the course. Leg 1 runners will start with the main race start at 7:00am and finish their leg at the Relay Transition Zone in Los Olivos.
Start Line: Leg 1 runners will start at the main start line located at the intersection of Atterdag Rd and Laurel Ave. The start line is a short walk from Solvang Park. The race starts at 7:00am.
Finish Line: Leg 1 runners will finish at the Relay Transition Zone. Leg 1 runners should look for the Relay Transition ahead signs on course that denote the start of the Relay Transition Zone. There, leg 1 runners will "hand off" to their partner. The timing chip on each runner’s bib is the same and will determine the total relay team time. You do not need to hand off your bib.
Post-Race Taste of Wine: Relay Leg #1 runners will be able to enjoy a sip of wine after finishing their part of the race! Once the first-leg runners finish their portion of the relay, they can walk across the street to the park to pick up their commemorative mini tasting glass and toast to their finish with wine and camaraderie! For safety reasons, no runners are allowed to partake in wine until AFTER they have run their leg of the relay. Look for the Relay Runner signs to enter the park area to pick up your tasting.
Post-Race Shuttles:
Shuttles are available to return to Solvang Park after your race. Please review the Shuttles section above for departure times.
The last shuttle back to Solvang Park leaves at 9:10am.
You can also be picked up at the Relay Transition Zone (use address: 2434 Alamo Pintado Ave, Los Olivos, CA 93441).
The leg 2 portion of the race is 7.3 miles in length and includes most of the downhill descents on the course (although it does also include some uphill sections). Leg 2 runners will wait for their leg 1 runners to arrive at the Relay Transition Zone before starting their race and finishing back in Solvang.
Start Line: Leg 2 runners will start at the Relay Transition Zone in Los Olivos. Leg 2 runners can take a shuttle from Solvang Park to the Relay Transition Zone. Please review the Shuttles section above for departure times. You can also be dropped off at the Relay Transition Zone (use address: 2434 Alamo Pintado , Los Olivos, CA 93441). Leg 2 runners should look for their relay partner at the Relay Transition Zone and begin their race once the leg 1 runner arrives. The timing chip on each runner’s bib is the same and will determine the total relay team time. You do not need to hand off your bib.
Finish Line: Leg 2 runners will finish at the race finish line on Copenhagen Dr. adjacent to Solvang Park. There will not be transportation back to the Relay Transition Zone after 7:15am.
Post-Race Taste of Wine: Relay Leg #2 runners will be able to enjoy a sip of wine after finishing their part of the race! Once second leg runners finish their portion of the relay, they can visit the T-Shirt Tent in the Race Expo and pick up their commemorative mini tasting glass and toast to their finish with wine and camaraderie! For safety reasons, no runners are allowed to partake in wine until AFTER they have run their leg of the relay. Look for the Relay Wine Glass sign in the T-shirt tent to pick up your tasting.
SHARE YOUR RACE DAY JOURNEY
Race day is almost here and your friends and family don’t have to miss a single step! By sharing this link, your supporters can follow your race in real time and cheer you on with text alerts and messages:
HOW IT WORKS
LIVE TEXT ALERTS
Your loved ones can sign up for free text updates as you cross checkpoints. (No phone needed on your end. Your timing tag does all the work!)
REAL-TIME TRACKING
Friends and family can see your live progress on the course.
SHOUT OUTS
Supporters can send you encouraging shout-outs right from the tracking link. If you’re using the Santa Barbara Wine Half app, those shout-outs will even play in your earphones during the race!
Take Your Race Experience Up a Notch
Download the app to unlock extra race-day features
Mile-by-mile splits
Tips on tackling the course
Fun facts & landmarks along the way
Upcoming aid station details
Seamless music + app use
RACE DAY PARKING & SHUTTLE OPTIONS
Please note that Mission Drive (CA-Hwy 246) will be closed between 5th Street and Alisal Drive due to course closures
.
If traveling east toward Solvang via Hwy-246, please use 5th Street to Oak Street to access street parking and lots.
If traveling west toward Solvang via Hwy-246, please use Alisal Drive to Oak Street to access street parking and lots.
There are multiple parking options in Solvang on race day, including parking lots and street parking. Parking lots open at 5:00 AM.
Oak St. Parking (1616 Oak St., Solvang, CA 93463)
This is the closest parking to the finish line (2 blocks) but the number of available spots is limited and sure to go quickly.
Park Way Parking (482 Alisal Rd, Solvang, CA 93463)
The closest lot to Solvang Park is available for free parking, but only has a limited number of spots available.
Solvang Public Parking (1556 Mission Dr., Solvang, CA 93463)
This lot is 2 blocks from Solvang Park and is available for free parking but will fill up fast given its location right off Mission Drive.
Solvang Village Square (320 Alisal Rd, Solvang, CA 93463)
This lot is 5 blocks from Solvang Park but easily accessible off Alisal Rd, especially for those traveling west on Highway 246.
Street Parking
Street parking is available in Solvang’s neighborhoods. Please be respectful of our neighbors and adhere to all posted parking regulations.
There will be two pre-race shuttles available for participants looking to get to the start line of their race. Spectators can accompany participants on shuttles.
Shuttle from Buellton to Solvang Park
Pick-up location: in front of Santa Ynez Valley Marriott (555 McMurray Rd, Buellton, CA 93427)
Pre-race shuttle times: first shuttle to Solvang Park leaves at 5:20am, last shuttle leaves at 6:50am
Return shuttle times: first shuttle to return from Solvang Park to Marriott leaves at 10:00am, last shuttle leaves at 12:00pm
Shuttle from Solvang Park to Relay Transition Zone
Pick-up location: in front of Solvang Park
Shuttle times: first shuttle to Relay Transition Zone leaves at 6:30am, last shuttle leaves at 7:15am (second leg runners).
Return shuttle times: first shuttle to return from Relay Transition Zone to Solvang Park leaves at 8:00am, last shuttle leaves at 9:15am (first leg runners).Please use the following addresses if you are getting dropped off at the start line.
Start Line/Solvang Park
411 2nd St, Solvang, CA 93463
Relay Transition Zone (2nd Leg Runners)
2434 Alamo Pintado Ave, Los Olivos, CA 93441
GETTING TO THE STARTLINE
There are multiple ways to get to the start line – parking lots that are walking distance or our official event shuttles. We recommend carpooling or taking the shuttles if you plan to enjoy the post-race wine festival.
Make sure you leave ample time to get to the start on race day morning. Anticipate heavy traffic and be aware of road closures.
START LOCATION:
565 Atterdag Rd, Solvang
START TIMES
Half Marathon 7:00 AM
5K 7:10 AM
INFORMATION
Post Race
Wine festival
The post-race wine festival will feature local wineries from the area pouring tastings. The wine festival is an add-on ticket that can be added to your race weekend by purchasing passes. It is not included with your race entry.
Passes must be purchased to attend. Online passes for the wine festival are currently sold out.
More wine festival passes may be available for purchase on Saturday, May 9th. Please visit the SOLUTIONS tent at the Race Expo to inquire if additional passes are available for purchase. If available on-site, wine festival passes will be $50.
FAQ'S
The wine festival will feature a dozen local wineries pouring tasting portions for attendees to sample during the duration of the Wine Festival.
Be sure to visit the Bubble Bar section of the Wine Festival (across from the main park section) to enjoy pours of local California sparkling wines.
Also featured at the Wine Festival in the gazebo of Solvang Park area is live music from the Jayden Secor Band from 9:30am – 12:00pm. Enjoy sips of wine, live music and camaraderie with your fellow runners after your race!
Those that have pre-purchased wine festival passes will have their pass denoted on their race bibs. Runners will show their race bib on Saturday after the race to pick up their wine glass and enter the festival. Those that purchased more than (1) festival pass will receive guest tickets when picking up their race bib.
Online sales of wine festival passes have closed. More wine festival passes may be available for purchase on Saturday, May 9th. Please visit the SOLUTIONS tent on Race Day to inquire if additional passes are available for purchase. If available on-site, wine festival passes will be $50.
Runners that have pre-purchased wine glasses will have their purchase denoted on their race bib. Those that purchased more than (1) festival pass will receive guest tickets when picking up their race bib. Please visit the Solutions table if you have any questions about your guest festival passes.
Wine glass distribution will begin at 8:30am on Saturday in the parking lot adjacent to Solvang Park. Runners that have purchased wine festival passes can show their race bib at the distribution tent to pick up their wine glass. Guests with festival tickets can turn in their ticket to pick up their wine glass.
Wine Festival pass holders are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to pick up their wine festival wristband verifying their age on Friday during Packet Pick-Up hours. Those that have their wristband prior to Saturday will be able to use the Express Lanes on Saturday to pick-up their wine glasses.
Because of space limitations in Solvang Park, only those with festival passes that are 21 years of age or older will be able to enter the enclosed Wine Festival or Bubble Bar area. No one under 21 (including infants or those in strollers) will be permitted within the Wine Festival or Bubble Bar.
Those without passes will be allowed on the outside of the perimeter fence of the wine festival to converse with friends that are inside. Dogs are not allowed within the Wine Festival or Bubble Bar. No alcohol is allowed outside of the fence line of the Wine Festival or Bubble Bar. Due to our event permit, anyone in the wine festival providing alcohol to anyone outside of the festival will be asked to leave. We appreciate your cooperation!
A Beer Garden will be open to all attendees 21 years of age and older from 7:45am to 12:00pm. This is open to all; no wine festival pass is required to enter the Beer Garden.
Guests will be able to purchase beer for just $5 each; 100% of the proceeds benefit the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County.
Please note: No complimentary beer will be offered in the Beer Garden—all beer must be purchased to support the Foodbank. ID is required for entry.
No one under 21, including infants or children in strollers, is allowed in the Beer Garden, Wine Festival, or Bubble Bar. Dogs are not permitted in the Beer Garden.
Results and awards
Unofficial race results will be posted live on the website on race morning, or participants can scan the Results QR code on their BIB. You will also receive an email with your official race finish time in the early afternoon of race day.
The top 3 male and female finishers overall in the half marathon will receive an award.
The top (1st place) male and female finishers in each age group (listed below) will also receive a bottle of wine from a local winery partner as their award. Awards must be picked up on-site in the Race Expo footprint at the Age Group Awards tent. Due to the nature of the award (bottle of wine) awards will not be mailed.
20 & Under*, 21-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+The top relay team in the following divisions below will receive a bottle of wine from a local winery partner as their award. Awards must be picked up on-site in the Race Expo footprint at the Age Group Awards tent.
All-female, all-male, co-ed
*The top finisher in the 20 & Under age group will receive a merchandise credit.
OFFICIAL MERCH
The official 2026 Santa Barbara Wine Country Half Marathon and Relay merchandise store is open! Check out the latest styles and pre-order your favorites for pick-up at the merchandise booth during race weekend!
All orders placed on or after April 29th will be available for pick up only.
Use code: SEEYOUINSOLVANG to remove the shipping fee.
1 down, 3 to go! Complete 4 Californian races of 5K or more by the end of 2026 and earn an exclusive medal. Whether you run one at a time or mix and match your 2026 series, the choice is yours! Learn more about the challenge, explore the rewards, and check out the races that make up the Golden State Challenge
Register
FOR 2027
Come visit us at the Marketing tent and get an awesome limited edition wine KOOZIE when you register for the 2027 Santa Barbara Wine Country Half, scheduled for May 8th, 2027—at the lowest price of the year!
Also, we will be repping the Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon & Rosé 5K and our Golden State Challenge with some EXPO promos!
COMMEMORATE YOUR RACE
ThANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS
MAY 9, 2026 • SOLVANG, CALIFORNIA
