Santa Barbara Tough Enough
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Santa Barbara Tough Enough
The Santa Barbara Tough Enough is a 59-mile event that runs mostly along the Transverse Range ridgeline. It starts at Toro Canyon Park in Montecito and finishes at Nojoqui Falls Park near Solvang. The course is run as a team relay for 2-5 people or as a solo ultramarathon. It is limited to 75 teams. The course mixes paved roads, one technical single-track leg, and fire roads.
The course has 10 named legs:
- Leg 1: 6.4 miles, starts at Toro Canyon Park and climbs to the Cold Spring Trailhead.
- Leg 2: ~3 miles, a narrow trail section up the West Fork of Cold Spring.
- Leg 3: ~4 miles, a steep climb from Gibraltar Road toward La Cumbre Peak.
- Leg 4: 9.25 miles, a mostly downhill run along Camino Cielo.
- Leg 5: 4.75 miles, a rolling trail section on Stagecoach and W Camino Cielo roads.
- Leg 6: 9.25 miles, features a long climb up Camino Cielo.
- Leg 7: 6 miles, continues on Camino Cielo down to Refugio Road.
- Leg 8: 6.1 miles, a downhill segment on Refugio Road to the Santa Ynez River.
- Leg 9: 6.75 miles, runs on paved roads through the Solvang area.
- Leg 10: 3.75 miles, a final push to the finish at Nojoqui Falls Park.
The event is self-supported. Teams are responsible for their own aid, food, and hydration. Participants are expected to help other runners in need when it is safe to do so. The course includes open traffic sections and unmarked trails, so runners must be aware of their surroundings.
After finishing, there are refreshments, pizza, and an after-party at Nojoqui Falls Park. All proceeds from the event benefit the charity Direct Relief. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
