Sombrero Marathon

The Sombrero Marathon takes place in Santa Clarita, California, in early May, with four distances all starting between 7:00 and 7:45 a.m. The marathon (26.2 miles) leaves first, followed by the half marathon (13.1 miles) at 7:15, the 10K at 7:30 and the 5K at 7:45, so the morning is staggered and each race gets its own start.

Santa Clarita sits north of Los Angeles, and early May mornings are typically pleasant before the sun climbs, so the early starts are a real advantage for the longer races. Marathoners should plan a conservative first half and carry or collect fluids at every aid opportunity, because the warmth tends to build toward the later miles.