Imagine the smell of salt in the cool ocean breeze paired with the adrenaline rush of crossing a finish line.
For 28 years, Huntington Beach, known around the world as “Surf City” has been home to the Surf City marathon, regarded as one of the most scenic and fastest courses in Southern California.
Tens of thousands of spectators and runners join together every February to witness the beauty of the Pacific Ocean as the sun rises and the Marine Layer slowly burns away.
I was born and raised in Huntington Beach and knew that my first marathon would be at home, surrounded by familiar landmarks, familiar faces, and the nostalgia of childhood memories.
This article will provide you with first-hand insight on all aspects of the Surf City Marathon, what to expect, and how you can make the most of this incredible race.
Surf City Marathon
If you’re considering what your first or next marathon should be, the Surf City marathon in Southern California’s Huntington Beach should be at the top of your list.
Boasting an impressive 15,000+ runners, this award-winning, 26.2-mile Boston-Qualifier will undoubtedly exceed any expectations you have of a memorable race weekend.
As a mostly flat course, the runners will find themselves primarily back and forth along Pacific coast highway and the Huntington beach bike path, but also with a sight-seeing adventure through the Wetlands and a journey through the Huntington Beach Central Park.
Surf City Half Marathon
The event also features the Surf City half marathon, a 13.1-mile race that mimics the full marathon pretty closely.
With the same start line and finish line, the key difference between the full and half marathon is twofold. First, the half marathon does not journey far enough inland to enjoy the early morning fog that imposes itself throughout Central Park.
Secondly, the half marathon runners will not endure a second set of looping along the coastal bike path.
Be sure, however, that the beauty of Pacific coast highway and all that Huntington Beach has to offer will not be missed during the half marathon.
Course Difficulty
Both the Surf City marathon and half marathon are considered easy courses, and a great option for beginners or those participating in their first race.
The course is primarily flat for the entire duration with level road and path conditions throughout.
Training and Preparation
Even the easy courses such as the Surf City marathon require a substantial amount of training and those who plan to participate should take the steps necessary to ensure they remain safe and capable of completing the races.
Because there are no hills or trails in either the Surf City marathon or half marathon, a standard training plan could be followed. At a minimum, I would recommend 8-10 weeks of training for the half marathon, and 14-18 weeks training for the full marathon.
Each individual will be at different levels of performance and capability and will have different training needs. There are Long Run Tips that runners can follow to ensure they are best prepared for when the big day comes.
Huntington Beach Weather
Just like the majority of Southern California, the weather in Huntington Beach is favorable year-round with average temperatures ranging from 50-70F in the Winter months and 65-85F in the Summer Months.
The Surf City marathon takes place in February, the rainiest month for Huntington Beach, with an average rainfall of just over 3 inches.
Those preparing for the race should expect temperatures in the low 50’s at the start of the race with likely overcast and chance of light rain.
By the end of the race, the sun will likely have burned off any remaining marine layer with temperatures rising in the mid-to-high 60’s. Of course, these are averages, and the actual temperatures are likely to vary each year.
Winds are also probable near the coast and likely cool in temperature as they pass over the Pacific Ocean. Typical wind direction would be facing the runners as they move Northward; however, this past race was the opposite, with headwinds coming from the South.
Marathon and Half Marathon Elevation
For the Surf City marathon, the total elevation gain is roughly 370 feet with maximum and minimum elevations of 90 feet and 0 feet, respectively. The primary change in elevation is during the inland portion of the run as the participants head down Edwards Hill towards Central Park and then back up as they return to Pacific coast highway.
The Surf City half marathon has a total elevation gain of roughly 100 feet with similar maximum and minimum elevations of the full marathon. Although the half marathon runners also head inland, the course returns to the coast prior to reaching the steep hill on Edwards St.
Surf City Marathon Expo
The expo for the Surf City marathon and half marathon takes place the 2 days leading up to the event. Held right on Pacific coast highway, just a few blocks South of the pier, runners can pick up all of their event necessities and purchase any last-minute gear they may need for the race.
Event T-Shirts and Bibs
One of the benefits of the Surf City marathon events is the running shirt that highlights the uniqueness of Huntington Beach. All participants are expected to attend the expo on one of the two days to check-in to the race, pick up their bib that has a built-in tracker and shows their individual participant number, and pick up their running shirt. Runners are required to wear their bib throughout the duration of the race; however, the running shirt is optional.
Sponsors
Several companies sponsor the Surf City marathon and can be supported during the expo and after the events.
Snail’s Pace Running Shop
OS1st
Shokz
OOFOS
The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel
TruMoo
Rivalz
Cedars Sinai
Gatorade
Aquafina
5 Points Plaza
Rivian
Michelob Ultra
Dave’s Killer Bread
Ghost
Runna
Parking & Drop-off Locations
The downtown area of Huntington Beach can prove difficult to park even when no events are taking place, so participants and spectators should plan their parking well in advance.
There are multiple Huntington Beach Parking lots off of Pacific coast highway, some that are paid and some that are free. Many of the free lots are a bit further from the event but have provided shuttles that bring you closer to the start line. The free parking areas include the Civic Center, Edison High School, and many of the Beach lots between Beach Blvd. and Brookhurst St. These lots have continuous shuttles starting at 5:00 am.
Additionally, the downtown area has free street parking North of 7th St, however, spaces are limited as they are residential areas.
For parking closer to the Surf City marathon start line, there are several paid parking options such as the Pacific City Parking structure, Main Street Promenade, and the Strand Parking lot. Parking fees for these areas are not solidified as they are not controlled by the event officials.
For participants getting dropped off, it is important to note that many of the streets will be shut down for the event. A prime drop-off location is on the corner of Beach Blvd. and Atlanta Ave. which is just south of Pacific coast highway. From here, participants will need to walk a few blocks to the start line.
Gear Check
The Surf City Marathon does provide a gear check option for all participants between 6:00 am and 1:00 pm on race day. The gear check area is in the Huntington Beach Lots near the expo location.
When a participant requests a gear check, they will provide the attendant with the tear-off portion of their bib. Once all of the needed gear is in the provided bag, the attendant will secure that portion to the bag and store it safely by bib number.
Even if you do not plan to check anything, it is important to at least know the option is available and where the location is. On multiple events I have had to check items I did not plan to (prescription eyeglasses I forgot to leave in my car, a GoPro camera that had a dead battery, etc.).
Marathon Course Description
Start Line
Both the Surf City marathon and half marathon begin on Pacific coast highway on the corner of Huntington St. The runners face North as the National Anthem was sung, and the countdown began.
For the marathon runners, the countdown ended promptly at 6:30 AM as they took off down the coast, quickly passing the Huntington Beach pier.
Miles 1-3
The first mile of the race follows North on Pacific coast highway, passing the Pacific City outdoor shopping and dining mall, Main Street, and the Huntington Beach pier.
The next couple of miles down PCH provide stunning views of Huntington City Beach and the early-morning surfers, as well as the famous “Dog Beach” where locals get a chance to let their pups off the leash and get their paws wet.
Just before the 3rd mile marker, the runners will make a right turn down Seapoint Street as they continue their journey inland.
Miles 4-8
The trip down Seapoint street takes the runners alongside the Southend of the Wetlands, a marshy area of more than 100 acres, and home to much wildlife.
Further inland, the course makes a right turn on Garfield Avenue followed quickly by a left turn down Edwards Street towards the Huntington Beach Central Park and Library. This area of Surf City is known for some of the most stunning homes and communities such as Seacliff, The Bluffs, St. Augustine, and many more.
This Southernmost tip of Edwards Street is also well-known by locals for its steep hill and is the only quick elevation change on the entire course. This point, however, is the decline.
At the bottom of the hill, the runners find themselves at the beginning of beautiful Central Park where they will loop each of the walking trails around Lake Huntington and Talbert Lake from miles 5 through 8.
Miles 9-10
To complete the inland portion of the Surf City Marathon, the runners then head back towards Pacific coast highway as they start the Edwards Hill incline. Fortunately for most, the decline is only about 25 meters with the remainder of the course showcasing the scenic beauty and flatness of Huntington Beach.
Miles 11-16
With the runners back on Pacific coast highway for the remainder of the race, they continue North alongside Bolsa Chica state beach towards Sunset Beach, a small subdivision of Huntington Beach featuring enviable beach-front properties.
Just beyond the mile-12 marker, the course U-turns South on Pacific coast highway for nearly 4 miles until 14th Street where the runners drop down to the Boardwalk for the final loops of the race.
Miles 17-26.2
The final lap of the Surf City marathon once again takes the runners North on the Boardwalk through Huntington City Beach and Bolsa Chica State Beach.
After 5 miles straight North, one final U-turn is all that remains. Although the weather is usually ideal in Huntington Beach, I will caution that the wind can play factor in your performance. The wind typically follows the coastline, either North or South, so one portion of this final lap is likely to have the wind in your face.
As this was my first full marathon, Mother Nature found it suitable to graciously provide me with 17 mph headwinds in the final stretch. As tough as it was, the finish line was right back near the starting line, just South of the Huntington beach pier where the runners are greeted with their medals, snacks, and of course the Beer Garden.
Half Marathon Course Description
Miles 1-4
The first four miles of the Surf City half marathon follow the same route as the full marathon.
Miles 4-6
The split point between the two events occurs just beyond the Huntington beach Wetlands on Edwards St. As the full marathoners continue down Edwards Hill toward the Library, the half marathon participants will turn left onto Overlook Dr. where they will be stunned by the overlook view that appears.
This local favorite sight-seeing area features walking trails and a view of Pacific coast highway. After a quick loop in the backyard of The Bluffs community, the half marathon participants head back to Pacific coast highway for the second half of their run.
Miles 7-13.1
The final portion of the Surf city half marathon is a single back-and-forth trip on Pacific coast highway. Once back on the coast, the participants will head North towards Sunset Beach before they U-Turn towards the finish line.
With multiple aid stations along the way, runners are encouraged to stay hydrated and fueled as they dig deep for the home stretch.
This final straight shot to the finish line reconnects with the full marathon participants for the last mile around 11th St. when the full marathoners leave the beachfront running path.
Aid Stations
Water stations for the Surf City Marathon are placed along the course every 1-2 miles with many of them having Gatorade and/or Gel Pack options. I highly recommend stopping at most, if not all, of these stations. Even if you’re feeling particularly good during these points in the race, hydration and fatigue can sink in quickly if you’re not diligent in consumption.
Marathon Water/Gatorade Stations
Mile 1.5 (Water only)
Mile 3
Mile 4.5
Mile 7
Mile 8.5
Mile 10/14.5
Mile 11/13
Mile 12 (Gel Packs)
Mile 16/24
Mile 18
Mile 19.5/22.5
Mile 21 (Gel Packs)
Mile 25 (Water only)
Half Marathon Water/Gatorade Stations
Mile 1.5 (Water only)
Mile 3
Mile 4.5
Mile 6/10.5
Mile 7/9
Mile 8 (Gel Packs)
Mile 11.5 (Water only)
Accommodations
For those out-of-towners planning to enjoy a weekend in Huntington Beach for the Surf City marathon, there are many highly rated waterfront resorts to choose from.
Here are three of the top recommendations for staying near the coast.
For those travelling with tighter budgets, it is important to note that the further inland you are willing to travel, the lower the expected accommodation rates will be.
Local Dining and Nightlife
With a very modern surfer vibe, Main Street and the surrounding downtown area of Huntington Beach has dozens of dining and nightlife options. In the immediate vicinity of the pier, some of the local favorites include Duke’s Huntington Beach, Fred’s Mexican Cafe, and Avila’s El Ranchito.
Many of the popular bars on Main St. include Baja Sharkeez, Aloha Grill, and Perqs.
For those willing to travel a bit further, one of the most popular Huntington Beach nightlife options is SeaLegs at the Beach, an outdoor bar and grill venue right on the sand in between Bolsa Chica State Beach and Sunset Beach.
The Famous Huntington Beach Pier
Bringing in nearly 4 million people per year since 1992, the Huntington Beach pier is one of the most famous piers in the world and one of the most iconic landmarks along Pacific coast highway.
Visible from Newport Beach to the South and Long Beach to the North, the pier is a local favorite for fisherman, tourists, and families who can enjoy the Southern California sun.
The pier is directly in line with the Huntington Beach downtown Main St and features dozens of restaurants, bars, clothing stores, and surf shops.
Huntington Beach Central Park
Much of the beauty of Huntington Beach Central Park can be seen during the full marathon race; however, there is so much the park has to offer than can only be experienced outside of the event.
As the largest city-owned park in Orange County, you can enjoy nearly 400 acres of endless activities. The park is split by Goldenwest Street, a North-South Street that extends all the way to Pacific coast highway.
The West portion of Central Park highlights the Shipley Nature Center, Equestrian Center, Lake Huntington, picnic area, restaurant, dog park, the Urban Forest, a Frisbee Golf Course, and a massive newly developed playground for kids and families.
With so much to do on the West side of the park, be sure to save some time for the second half! The East side of the park hosts the Huntington Beach Public Library, a smaller playground, the Park Bench Cafe, a full outdoor stage and amphitheater, a secret garden, the Playhouse Theater, and a full Sports Complex with just about every court/field you could imagine.
Additionally, the park holds an Adventure Play during the summer months where kids can explore and play on rope swings and bridges in the mud – a perfect way to cool down and soak in the scenery.
Huntington Beach Library
Since 1909, the Huntington Beach Public Library has been a source of library and cultural services to the community.
Throughout many renovations and re-developments, this library has been an iconic symbol of the city of Huntington Beach with both the interior and exterior displaying impressive and unique styles of art and architecture.
Overall Experience
Needless to say, the Surf City marathon exceeded any expectations I could have had for my first marathon. It is the one of the best events for beginners and experts alike and showcases the scenic wonders of historical Huntington Beach.
Fortunately, my GoPro was working for this event, and I was able to capture some exceptional footage of each of the beaches, Central park, the Wetlands, and all that downtown Main Street has to offer.
For those looking for their next adventure with breathtaking views, I will continue to recommend the Surf City marathon as one of those destined for your bucket list. I have already begun preparations for the next several events, and I hope Huntington Beach did not set the bar too high going forward.
Registration is already open for the 2025 event, so I recommend signing up as early as possible and creating a training plan that suits your needs to crush the gnarly spectacle that is the Surf City marathon in Huntington Beach.