Santa Barbara Half Marathon offers challenging race

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. —  On the same day Los Angeles and New York City hosted marathons, the Santa Barbara Running Association hosted the Santa Barbara Half Marathon.

The 13.1 mile race supports local youth running programs that provide access to the sport.

Participants received medals and long-sleeved Tech T-shirts

Phillip Reid of San Luis Obispo won the race.

"It's a great backdrop, you know, Santa Barbara and the harbor and downtown, but it was a little challenging," Reid said. "There are some good hills, there are some up hills and some downhills, but overall the crowd was great."

A lot of racers are making a comeback after seeing many events canceled at the beginning of the pandemic.