Santa Monica Classic Drew 7,600 Runners
The event saw a 20% surge in demand and raised $54,000 for neurological research.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Running
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A total of 7,600 athletes participated in the Santa Monica Classic on September 13, 2026. The race series raised over $54,000 to benefit neurological disease research programs.
Why it matters
The event experienced a 20% increase in participation demand compared to previous years, reflecting a growing interest in local athletic community challenges. Proceeds from the race contribute to ongoing efforts in neurological study.
The race included 5,300 runners in the 10K, 2,100 in the 5K, and 270 children in the Kids Run. Winners included Esteban Prado, who finished the men's 10K in 30:25, and Maggie Shearer, who won the women's 5K in 18:26.
The players
Esteban Prado
He is the runner who secured victory in the men's 10K category at the Santa Monica Classic.
Jennifer Cardenas Sandoval
She is the athlete who placed first in the women's 10K race.
Dae Seo
They finished as the winner of the nonbinary 10K division.
Gabriel Planty
He took the top position in the men's 5K competition.
Maggie Shearer
She earned first place in the women's 5K event.
The details
The 10K course spanned 6.2 miles, beginning at Ocean Avenue and Broadway before passing Tongva Park and City Hall. Runners participating in the 5K, a 3.1-mile route, traveled north on Ocean Avenue before turning onto San Vicente.
Timeline
The Santa Monica Classic took place on September 13, 2026.
The Rose Bowl Half Marathon and 5K is scheduled for January 2027.
The ASICS Los Angeles Marathon is scheduled for March 2027.
Season Trajectory
The Santa Monica Classic functions as a foundational event within the larger Conquer LA Challenge series. This series will continue with the Rose Bowl races in January and reach its conclusion at the ASICS Los Angeles Marathon in March.
Participants who completed the Santa Monica Classic are now on track to continue the Conquer LA Challenge series. The competitive results set new benchmarks for local runners aiming for upcoming marathon and half-marathon qualifying times.
The takeaway
Large community races like the Santa Monica Classic provide significant financial support for medical research while fostering local fitness culture. Runners looking to stay active can leverage these seasonal events to maintain training momentum throughout the year.
What happens next
The Conquer LA Challenge series features the Rose Bowl Half Marathon and 5K in January 2027, followed by the ASICS Los Angeles Marathon in March 2027.
Further reading
For more information on upcoming regional races, visit the Running section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Santa Monica Daily Press.
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