Kendra's Race takes place on November 15, 2026, in Goleta, California, at Lot 6. The event offers both running and triathlon options across two distances: a 1-mile event and a 5-mile event. With a typical start time of 8:00 AM, participants should plan to arrive early for check-in and preparation. Entry fees range from $30 to $125 depending on the event and distance selected. Whether you're looking for a shorter warm-up effort or a more substantial training race, Kendra's Race provides flexible options for endurance athletes of varying levels.
From the Race Organizer
Our Story In 2006, after the death of their teammate and friend, Kendra Payne, the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) Triathlon Team changed the name of their annual triathlon to Kendra’s Race. The race has been held every year since then and each year the UCSB triathlon team generously donates a portion of the entrance fees to the Kendra Chiota Payne Memorial Fund. The 2026 Kendra's Race consists of a Collegiate Sprint Race, Age Group Sprint, 5k Fun Run, and Triathlon Relay. About the course: *Course maps are at the bottom menu of this page * The swim will start at Campus Point. Athletes will swim out 200m, take a left, swim for another 400m, take another left, and swim 200m back in to shore. They will then head up a flight of wooden steps to the transition area on Anacapa Lawn. The bike will consist of two laps of a circuit consisting of some relatively technical sections of bike path followed by more open sections on Los Carneros, Hollister, and Fairview. Athletes will head out on Lagoon Road before making a left turn into campus and zig-zagging their way through on the bike path. They will then take a left onto the bike path parallel to Los Carneros Road before taking another left turn onto Hollister Avenue which will lead to a left turn onto Fairview Avenue. Racers will then make a series of left turns back onto the Obern Bike path before continuing straight back into campus to begin lap 2. At the end of lap 2, racers will make a left turn back onto Lagoon Road before heading into transition 2. The run course consists of a 1 loop run over a rolling 5k course. It follows the UCSB lagoon and consists of paved and hard-packed trails. Racers will leave transition and run down to the lagoon. They will run on the trail system on the bluffs before dropping down to the lagoon where they will pass an aid station. Runners will continue along the lagoon to the turn around point. After turning around, runners will follow nearly the same route back before sprinting to the finish in lot 6. Race Weekend Schedule: Saturday: 1-6 pm: packet pickup at Goleta Trek - 320 S Kellogg Ave, Goleta, CA 93117, United States Sunday: 6:15 am: Transition area and race-day packet pickup/same day registration opens (Anacapa Lawn) 7:30 am: Same day registration and packet pickup close *Please make sure to bring a valid photo ID and have your USAT Membership number ready* 7:45 am: Transition area closes 8:00 am: Men's Collegiate Race Start 8:10 am: Women's Collegiate Race Start 8:20 am: Open Sprint Race Start & Sprint Relay Race Start 8:40 am: 5k Fun Run Start 10:30 am: Award Ceremony 10:45 am: Transition area opens for equipment retrieval Race Contact Information: If you have any questions about this race, please contact our race directors at kendrasracecommittee@gmail.com Kendra Chiota Payne Foundation: To learn more about the foundation and its mission to promote youth participation in sports, feel free to visit kendrachiotapayne.com Donations to the foundation can also be made here
Course & Travel Notes
At just 26 feet elevation, Kendra's Race Triathlon and 5k in Goleta offers minimal altitude considerations for pacing strategy. With sunrise at 6:33 AM and an 8:00 AM start time, you'll have good daylight from the beginning of the race. November weather in the area typically features highs around 69°F and lows near 44°F, with only a 10% chance of measurable rain, so pack layers to manage the temperature range. Santa Barbara Municipal Airport is conveniently located just 1 mile from the venue, making it an easy arrival for participants traveling by air.
⛰️ 26 ft elevation☀️ Typically 69°F / 44°F · 10% chance of rain✈️ Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) — 1 mi
Hotels Near This Race
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for November 15.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Goleta, CA.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is Kendra’s Race Triathlon and 5k 2026 — Goleta, CA?
Kendra’s Race Triathlon and 5k 2026 — Goleta, CA takes place on November 15, 2026. The race is held in Goleta, California.
Where is Kendra’s Race Triathlon and 5k 2026 — Goleta, CA held?
Kendra’s Race Triathlon and 5k 2026 — Goleta, CA is held at Lot 6 in Goleta, California.
Where can I find hotels near Kendra’s Race Triathlon and 5k 2026 — Goleta, CA?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Goleta. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
