It starts on Bay Avenue, goes along West Cliff Drive and makes a keyhole loop before returning to the Mark Abbott Memorial Lighthouse. Of course, we’re talking about the 16th annual She Is Beautiful 5K/10K Run, which cruises into Santa Cruz on Saturday, May 9.
With the race just a few months away, spring is already in the air for runners, walkers, joggers and stroller pushers, as four more trainings and meetups precede the race day: Wednesday, January 21st 7 pm at Fleet Feet Aptos; Saturday, February 21, 8 am at Fleet Feet Monterey; Saturday, March 7, 8 am at REI in Berkeley; and Sunday, April 19, 8 am at Verve Coffee, Seabright location. No registration is needed, just show up.
She Is Beautiful has evolved from 500 people in 2011 to 6,000 in 2025, and added a second race in Santa Barbara. She is Beautiful was founded and is directed by sisters Melissa McConville and Sara Marie Tanza with a mission “to get people moving forward physically, emotionally and spiritually.”
The Jan. 21 session includes a presentation by the Hoka shoe company and a run. “We welcome every level,” McConville added. “We normally plan a route, always routes that are easy, safe. You are not required to stay in a pace group.”
Anyone who registers for the race is invited to attend a free, 90-minute yoga session March 29 in the Warriors stadium. This year will be a candlelit flow led by Hannah Muse.
“We want it to be more than just a race,” said McConville. “We want it to really feel like a community space where people can show up wherever they are. We welcome strollers.”
Both races finish at the lighthouse, which is also the site of a post-race festival. The 10K extends up into Natural Bridges, “which is so beautiful,” McConville says.
She is Beautiful is in a partnership with the Walnut Avenue Women and Family Center, a public benefit organization dedicated to improving quality of life for women, children and families. SIB has donated over $200,000 to the center. Registration to SIB is now open and includes access to all pre-event race activities, a cute race T-shirt or tank top, access to the post-race festival and free race photos. Register for She is Beautiful at runsheisbeautiful.com
