Huntington Beach, California - Super Bowl Sunday, February 3rd, 2008
Surf City Marathon

 

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Surf City Marathon

Course Information

"The Perfect Start/Finish"

Picture this..."a start wreathed in light fog, led out by a covey of restored classic woody sedans and lifeguard vehicles," complete with surfboard storage on top! Marathon & Beyond Magazine calls it a "perfect start/finish." All races begin to the soundtrack of the Beach Boys' Surfin' USA and the cheers of local surfers from Huntington Beach's original surfing club, The Longboard Crew. Surf City, Here We Run!

Surf City USA Marathon Course DescriptionWhere Else Will You Get Cheers from a Surfer?

Limited to 1,000 runners, this spectacular oceanfront course is an exclusive Southern California favorite! Run by the famous Huntington Beach pier and continue through scenic Huntington Central Park. Observe native surfers in their own natural habitat as you hit the beachfront running path at Bolsa Chica State Beach. More than 1,000 volunteers and several surf bands will be along the way cheering you on and making sure you have plenty of nourishment and energy!
Where else will you get cheers from a surfer?

Things to Know

About seven miles of the marathon course runs on the multi purpose beachfront running path that winds through the legendary surfing beaches of Southern California. This public path is not part of the closed course and you may encounter walkers, bicyclists, and others who are not participating in the race. It is only 8 feet wide in some places, which is why we limit the marathon event to 1,000 participants. Special Note to wheelchair participants: The Multi Purpose Beach Path has a speed limit of 8 MPH that must be observed at all times. Most wheelchair participants select our Half Marathon course, which stays on the main roadways.

Marathon Course Information View from Mile 6

  • Start Time 6:50 a.m.
  • Participant Limit - 1,000
  • The course limit is 6 hours, a pace of about 13:43 per mile.
  • Aid Stations inlcude water, energy drink, gel, and snacks
  • Official finish times, finisher medals, and post-race refreshments
    cannnot be guaranteed to any participants finishing over 6 hours.
  • An early start is not available.
  • USA Track & Field certified.
  • Official Boston Marathon qualifier
  • Highest point less than 100' above sea level
  • Steepest course grade is approximately 6%

Detailed Course Information

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILED COURSE DESCRIPTION AND MAP

 

Surf City USA Half Marathon Course Description

This award-winning course is considered one of the best half marathon courses in the country. As our most popular track, it is well known for being scenic and flat. Runners come from all over to experience this exhilarating run. Start along Pacific Coast Highway and pass by the famous Huntington Beach pier. Enjoy the beauty of the Bolsa Chica Wetlands as you start your turn. Kick it up a notch for the crowds at Main Street on your way to a monumental finish line moment! More than 1,000 volunteers and several bands will be along the way cheering you on and making sure you have plenty of nourishment and energy!

Half Marathon Course Information Surfer Crossing!

  • Wave Start Time: 7:50 a.m.
  • Participant Limit - 10,000
  • Highest point is less than 100' above sea level
  • Steepest course grade is approximately 6%
  • USA Track & Field certified
  • Course limit 6 hours
  • Official finish times, finisher medals, and post-race refreshments are not guaranteed to any participants finishing over 6 hours
  • An early start is not available

Half Marathon Wave Start

Due to its popularity, the half-marathon has a wave start. In a wave start, runners start in groups at 3-4 minute intervals. Groups are organized according to their individual predicted finish times. This way you can run with others who are similar in speed. When you register you will be asked to enter your expected finish time and your bib will be assigned accordingly. A wave start will allow you plenty of space along the course, at the aid stations and at the finish line, without affecting your chip time or the time you have to complete the race. All 1/2 Marathon participants will still have the "6-hour time limit" to complete the course. Please note, the wave start will pertain to the 1/2 Marathon start ONLY - not the Marathon start.

Detailed Course Information

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILED COURSE DESCRIPTION AND MAP

Surf City USA 5K

This ideal 5K course is perfectly flat and 100% on PCH along the beautiful blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. Start at the famous Huntington Beach pier at Main Street. Run north and make an easy turn to the finish on PCH for the Beach Party! It's a perfect run every time! Your race will be finished in time to grab a snack and watch the first Half Marathoners come in!

  • Start Time: 7:15 a.m. - THIS IS A CHANGE!
  • Participant Limit - 3,000
  • Start Location: PCH & Main Street - THIS IS A CHANGE!
  • Finish Location: Same finish line for all events (PCH, south of Main)
  • 100% on PCH - Oceanfront!
  • USA Track & Field certified

     

    Detailed Course Information and Map

    2008 5K and Kids Course Map
    5K RACE DAY & PARKING INFO

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    Race at a Glance