More than 7,600 runners hit the oceanfront course Sunday, Sept. 13, for the 2026 Santa Monica Classic, which set an all-time fundraising record.

Over 270 charity runners on Team TMF raised more than $54,000 for neurological research, according to the Santa Monica Mirror. Both were all-time highs.

The race had sold out all general and charity entries more than a month before the starting gun, with general entry demand up 20% over the previous year, the Santa Monica Daily Press reported Sept. 1. About a third of participants also run the ASICS Los Angeles Marathon, according to the McCourt Foundation. Andy Reilly, director of marketing for the foundation, said at the time that the early sellout signaled growing trust in the event. "It's a signal to us that participants trust us to give them an incredible experience on race day and that they are eager to secure their spot," Reilly said in September, when entries sold out.

The McCourt Foundation, a nonprofit based in Los Angeles and Boston, produces the Classic as one of four annual races. Since 1992, the foundation has directed more than $7.2 million to neurological research.

Sunday's event featured 10K and 5K courses plus a half-kilometer Kids Run for ages 3 to 8. The Kids Run is part of the Kids Run LA Challenge, which also includes the Rose Bowl Kids Run and LA Kids Run. Children who finish all three earn a challenge medal.

Esteban Prado of Fountain Valley won the men's 10K in 30:25. Jennifer Cardenas Sandoval of Fontana won the women's 10K in 35:57. Dae Seo of South Pasadena led the nonbinary 10K field in 41:53. In the 5K, Gabriel Planty finished first among men in 15:26, Maggie Shearer won the women's race in 18:26 and Debbie Arevalo claimed the nonbinary title in 30:20.