Surf City USA ® Half Marathon Information
- Wave Start Time: 7:45 a.m.
- Participant Limit - approximately 10,000
- Highest point is less than 100' above sea level
- Steepest course grade is approximately 6%
- Aid Stations include water, VITALYTE sports drink, and a gel or block energy food.
- 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
Course Detail and Map
Updated Course Map Coming Soon
HALF MARATHON ELEVATION CHART
COURSE SUPPORT DETAILS
RACE DAY PARKING INFO
Half Marathon Course Overview
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 Wave Start
Due to its popularity, the half-marathon has a wave start. In a wave start, runners start in groups at 2-3 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. Please note: there may be approximately 25 minutes between the first wave and the last wave. Check the Wave Start Time Table to estimate your starting time. You should arrive at the start line in time for your wave start interval. 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.
A Perfect Start
First Wave Start Time: 7:45 a.m. (sunrise 6:47 a.m.)
Ave. Temp: 48 degrees
Picture this..."a start wreathed in light fog, led out by a covey of restored classic woody sedans and lifeguard vehicles," complete with surfboards 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.
Miles 1-2 Huntington Beach Pier & Main Street
Start on Pacific Coast Highway between the ocean and the Hilton Waterfront Beach Hotel. Running north, the Huntington Beach Pier and Main Street are less than a mile away. Wave to the three thousand 5K runners gathered at Main Street for the start of their race. At the 5K start banner, look to the left to enjoy the famous Huntington Beach Pier.
Miles 2 -5 Seapoint View
Just past the second mile marker, at the first retro surf band station, turn inland on Seapoint and head toward Huntington Central Park. On this stretch, you will encounter the course's only incline, between miles 3 and 4. Take your turn at the bluff, reenergize at the aid station and head down Seapoint back toward the ocean. Enjoy the ocean view all the way down to PCH.
Miles 5-7 Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
Just past mile five, take a right on PCH and absorb the energy from the ocean! Breathe in the fresh sea air as you continue north on the highway. The Bolsa Chica Reserve wetlands roll out to the right. This 300 acre ecological wonder is a sanctuary for wildlife and migratory birds. Bolsa Chica, along with the rest of Huntington Beach, CA, has some of the nation's best birding! Nearly half of the birds found in the U.S. have been seen in Huntington Beach. Sightings of great blue herons, snowy egrets and brown pelicans are common; lucky bird watchers can even spot a rare white pelican at the right time of the year.
Miles 8 - 13.2 The Home Stretch
Just before mile eight at Warner, turn back south on Pacific Coast Highway. The blue waters of the Pacific Ocean stretch out to your right and you are getting your second wind. Feel the fresh ocean breeze and take in the spectacular view. It's flat, it's fast, and it's all yours for the next five miles! Before you know it you are back at the pier, less than a half mile from the finish line. It's a straight shot from there, and the finish line banner is just ahead. Spectators line the highway to cheer you to the finish!
