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Run the Surf City Marathon in Huntington Beach
The Huntington Beach Surf City Marathon just celebrated its 27th anniversary! The Surf City Marathon, an event that beckons both BQ hopefuls and amateur runners, has become a hallmark for runners seeking a flat and picturesque course along the breathtaking Pacific Coastline. In 2023, the event drew an impressive participation of approximately 12,000 athletes, with 1,248 completing the marathon and 7,545 in the half marathon.
This year, 2023 was my nine year anniversary running the half Marathon at this event. This course also has the distinction of being my half marathon PR race.
The Surf City Marathon History
Originating as the Pacific Shoreline Marathon in 1996, the Surf City Marathon has undergone a remarkable evolution. From its humble beginnings with nearly 1,000 participants, the event surged in popularity. By 2008, an astounding 16,000 runners enthusiastically embraced the challenge. The marathon’s allure further skyrocketed, surpassing the significant milestone of 20,000 participants in the year 2010.
Getting to the Long Beach Marathon and Parking
Getting to this race is really easy and parking is great. For both the races and the expo, participants park in the beach parking adjacent the oil fields or on the residential streets. The earlier you arrive, the closer you are to the start/ finish line.
Porto Potty Town
The Surf City Marathon has a lot of porto potty’s right next to the start line. They are very convenient. The beach also has multiple indoor restrooms along the way from parking. In all they do a very good job. But I always recommend bringing your own TP. The course also offers porto potty’s along the route – always expect a short line.
Expo and Race Village
The Surf City Marathon’s Race Expo and Race Village is all outdoors and under tents. The expo is large – it offers Surf City Marathon race specific gear, fitness gear, nutritional products, and race essentials. It’s also the hub where participants gather to collect their race bibs, race shirts and legacy gear.
After the race, the Race Village has live music or a DJ, local vendors, food trucks Beer Garden and lots of celebrating.
Surf City Marathon Course
Miles 1–2: The course starts on Pacific Coast Highway amidst the ocean and the Hilton Waterfront Beach Hotel, the journey unfolds northward. In the initial stretch, behold the iconic Huntington Beach Pier, on the left—a teaser for what awaits along the beachfront path at mile 25 and shops and retail on the right.
Miles 2–9: Just past the second-mile marker, the course veers inland toward Huntington Central Park. The course gets very narrow here and it can be a bit challenging with all the runners trying to merge in. The incline begins here between miles 3 and 4, but as the old adage goes, what goes up – must come down.
Miles 9–15: Post mile nine, a turn onto PCH opens up to the ocean’s invigorating energy. The Bolsa Chica Reserve, an expansive 300-acre ecological marvel, unfolds on the right. A haven for wildlife and migratory birds.
Miles 16–25: Starting at mile sixteen, the course shifts to a beachfront running path, carved right over the sands. The route traces back to the pier, drawing energy from the cheering crowd above.
The Last Mile: Having made the pivotal turn at the pier, the final leg unfolds through the lifeguard station, back to the Pacific Coast Highway. The finish line beckons, less than a mile away.
Final Details
The race has a scheduled starting time of 6:30 AM for the full marathon and 7:30 AM for the half marathon, and runners have 6 hours to complete the half marathon course — which means it’s open to walkers as well as runners.
Click here for updated event information about the Surf City Marathon.
Race Information
Surf City Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K
Race Dates:
- 2024 – Feb 4, 2024
Events:
- Marathon
- Half Marathon
- 5K
- Beach Mile
- Expo
Total Event Size:
- 61st Largest Marathon in the US
- 12,000 Total Event Runners
Course Info:
- Profile: Majority Flat
- Type: Out and Back
- Road Surface: Road & Pavement
Elevation:
- Max Elevation: 87 ft
- Min Elevation: 2ft
- Elevation Gain: 371ft
- Elevation Loss: 362 ft
Boston Qualifier:
- Yes
Marathon PR and Course Score:
- 165th Fastest Course in US
- 11th Fastest Course in California
- PR Score: 99.15
- Course Score: 99.15
Marathon Race Finisher Size:
- 2023 Finishers: 1,266
- 2022 Finishers: 955
- 2021 Finishers: 1,084
BQ Percentages:
- 2023 Finishers: 7.6%
- 2022 Finishers: 11.5%
- 2021 Finishers: 5.2%