WHERE TO STAY?

I'm pretty excited about running a half marathon in this venue. It looks absolutely gorgeous. I've been to Santa Barbara before - by the coast. Is that the part of Santa Barbara where people stay for this race? Or do they stay more in the wine region?
Does anyone have any recommendations as to where to stay to get maximum enjoyment out of this beautiful destination race?

I would recommend the Holiday Inn in Solvang, particularly if you have a few days to spend before the race. The hotel right near the finish line, and they give free wine tasting passes to guests. :)

Solvang is one of the most picturesque and unusual tourist attractions I have ever been to.

Aside from the wind tasting, you can get some of THE BEST pastries ever made, almost anywhere in town!

Solvang is an entire town set up like a Danish village of old, you can take a tour on the Honen (which means, I understand, "little hen"). The Honen is a turn-of-the-20th-century street car pulled by draft horses.

The Royal Copenhagen Inn is a great place to stay, and very reasonable. It has a swimming pool, great food, and is within limping distance of the finish line. :)