RACE WEEKEND GUIDE
Thank you for joining us for the 2026 Surf City Marathon presented by Biofreeze event weekend! Please read the information below to answer your questions about race weekend. Safe travels to Huntington Beach – Surf City, USA – and we look forward to hosting you at the race!
EVENT SCHEDULE
Friday, January 30th
12:00 - 6:00PM
RACE EXPO &PACKET PICK-UP
Bring your bib # email confirmation (to be sent Wednesday) and your ID to expedite the pick-up process. Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K, and Beach Mile participants can pick up their bibs. LOCATION: Huntington Beach Parking Lots – 21291 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
12:00 - 5:00PM
BEER GARDEN
Enjoy a beer while you're at the Race Expo and support Ainsley's Angels in their mission to educate, advocate, and celebrate inclusive communities while connecting everyone through empowerment and belonging.
Saturday, January 31st
10:00AM - 4:00PM
RACE EXPO & PACKET PICK-UP
Bring your bib # email confirmation (to be sent Wednesday) and your ID to expedite the pick-up process. Beach Mile participants can pick up their bibs until 10:30am. LOCATION: Huntington Beach Parking Lots – 21291 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
11:00AM
BEACH MILE START
Huntington Beach – Start on the Sand 21291 Pacific Coast Highway Huntington Beach, CA 92648
11:00AM - 3:30PM
BEER GARDEN
Enjoy a beer while you're at the Race Expo and support Ainsley's Angels in their mission to educate, advocate, and celebrate inclusive communities while connecting everyone through empowerment and belonging. Beach mile participants can claim their complimentary beer after their race.
All distances will begin utilizing a wave program, you will line up according to your pace time per mile. Your race time begins when you cross the Start.
Sunday, February 1st
6:00AM
GEAR CHECK OPENS
6:30AM
MARATHON START
7:15AM
HALF MARATHON START
11:00AM
5K START
8:00AM - 1:30PM
BEER GARDEN
Enjoy a post-race beer and celebrate your accomplishment with your fellow runners. Marathon, half marathon, and 5K participants will be able to claim a complimentary beer after their race. ID is required. All proceeds from beer sales support Ainsley's Angels in their mission to educate, advocate, and celebrate inclusive communities while connecting everyone through empowerment and belonging.
Race Start Line at Intersection of Pacific Coast Highway & Huntington St
Race Start Line at Intersection of Pacific Coast Highway & Huntington St Wave schedule: 1. Wheelchair Start – 2. Corral A (3:45 & Under) - 3. Corral B (3:45 – 4:15) - 4. Corral C (4:15 – 5:00) - 5. Corral D (5:00 – 5:45) - 6. Corral E (5:45+) -
Race Start Line at Intersection of Pacific Coast Highway & Huntington St Wave schedule: 1. Corral A (1:30 & under) - 2. Corral B (1:30 – 1:45) - 3. Corral C (1:45 – 2:00) - 4. Corral D (2:00 – 2:15) - 5. Corral E (2:15 – 2:30) - 6. Corral F (2:30 – 2:45) - 7. Corral G (2:45+) -
Race Start Line at Intersection of Pacific Coast Highway & Huntington St
PACKET PICK-UP
Friday, January 30th
Saturday, January 31st
Getting to the expo
Plan your trip to the Race Expo to save time and money!
Driving to the Expo: Avoid detours and road closures while driving to the Race Expo. Use the buttons below to navigate to surrounding Parking Lots to avoid traffic detours that will add time to your trip.
Go metro to the race expo
Go Metro to the Race Expo and avoid traffic congestion! The Race Expo is a XX minute walk from
Use XX as your destination
Packet Pick-Up FAQS
Participants are required to pick up their race bib during the Race Expo unless you have upgraded to race day packet pick-up or VIP. Race day packet pick-up instructions will be emailed on Wednesday, for those that purchased this service. This service can be added in your MyEvents account by clicking "Purchase merchandise".
Beach Mile participants may pick up on Race Day (Saturday) prior to 10:30am for no extra charge, but to avoid long lines, we recommend picking up on Friday during the Race Expo.
Bring your confirmation email with your bib number (to be sent Wednesday) to expedite the pick-up process.
Yes, please send your proxy with a copy of driver's license (digital picture is OK) and your confirmation email to expedite the pick-up process. Confirmation emails are sent Wednesday. Proxies may only pick up packets for up to 3 people.
Yes, you may switch down in distance, if there is still capacity. Please visit the Registration Solutions tent at the Race Expo to make this request.
BEACH MILE
January 31st 2025
Start Time:
11:00am
Location:
21291 Pacific Coast Highway,
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Join hundreds of runners and run a mile on the famous sands of Huntington Beach. With the Pier looming large in the background, get your feet a little sandy as you take on the challenge of running one mile on the sand!
BEACH MILE FAQS
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To avoid long lines on race morning, it is recommended that Beach Mile participants pick up their race bib during Friday's Race Expo (12:00pm - 6:00pm).
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Beach Mile participants can also pick up their race bib at the Race Expo on Saturday morning prior to their race between 10:00-10:30am
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Beach Mile participants can park in the Huntington Beach “Beach” parking lots adjacent to the Race Expo for free on Saturday. Participants must enter the parking lots at the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Beach Blvd and head into the north lots. Parking will be free during the Beach Mile and Race Expo and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
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For additional hourly paid parking options in Huntington Beach, please visit the city’s Official Guide to Parking in Huntington Beach.
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Gear Check is NOT offered during the Beach Mile. Given the adjacency of the race to the Beach Parking Lots, participants can leave items in their vehicles during the race if needed. Participants can pick up their race gift in the Race Expo after completing their race.
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All Beach Mile participants 21 years of age and older will be able to visit the Beer Garden within the Race Expo and claim a complimentary beverage from Michelob ULTRA after their race. Additional beers will be available for purchase with all proceeds going to Ainsley's Angels.
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Those interested in visiting the Beer Garden must visit the age verification station and present their ID to obtain a wristband.
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Michelob ULTRA Beer Garden
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Saturday, January 31st
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11:00am - 3:30pm
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Participants that complete Saturday’s Beach Mile and a race on Sunday are eligible to earn a Combo medal. The following combination of events are eligible for the “Cowabunga Challenge”
medal:
Beach Mile + 5K
Beach Mile + Half Marathon
Beach Mile + Marathon
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Those participating in two races over race weekend will have the COMBO box on their Sunday race bib denoted with a marking. If you are participating in two races but do not have the “COMBO” designation, please visit the Solutions table in the Bib Pick-Up tent with your bibs and our team will be able to give you a COMBO sticker.
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There are no awards for the top finishers of the Beach Mile, however every finisher will receive a finisher medal upon completion of the race!
Half Marathon, Marathon & 5K
February 1, 2026
Start Time:
Marathon - 6:30am
Half Marathon - 7:15am
5K - 11:00am
Location:
AT INTERSECTION OF PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY & HUNTINGTON ST. HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA 92648
Marathon, Half Marathon, & 5K FAQs
Marathon:
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Wheelchair Start –
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Corral A (3:45 & Under) -
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Corral B (3:45 – 4:15) -
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Corral C (4:15 – 5:00) -
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Corral D (5:00 – 5:45) -
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Corral E (5:45+) -
Half Marathon:
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Corral A (1:30 & under) -
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Corral B (1:30 – 1:45) -
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Corral C (1:45 – 2:00) -
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Corral D (2:00 – 2:15) -
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Corral E (2:15 – 2:30) -
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Corral F (2:30 – 2:45) -
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Corral G (2:45+) -
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Participants can check gear with us to be held during the race. Clear, gear check bags will be provided on race day in the Gear Check tent. Luggage or large bags will not be accepted. Gear check will open at 6:00am and close at 1:30pm. All bags that are not picked up by participants will be taken back to the event office and held for one week. Afterward, all items will be donated to a local charity. Any clothing items left at the start line of each race will be collected and donated to a local charity.
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Please find the locations of the aid stations along each course listed below. Water and portable restrooms are provided at all aid stations.
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Electrolytes will be provided at the stations with asterisks below.
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Energy Chews will be offered at Mile 8.5 on the half marathon course and miles 12 and 22 on the marathon course.
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5K: Mile 1.5*
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Half Marathon: Miles 1.5*, 2.5, 4.5*, 5.5, 7*, 8.5*, 9.5*, 10.5, 11.5*
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Marathon: Miles 1.5*, 2.5, 4.5*, 6*, 7*, 8.5*, 9.5, 11*, 12*, 13*, 14.5, 15.5*, 19*, 21*, 22.5*, 25.5*
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Join pacers from A Snail’s Pace running team as they look to lead you to the finish line in your goal time. Look for our pacers and their goal finish time signs in the start chute and join them on your way to a great finish!
Half Marathon: 1:30, 1:40, 1:50, 2:00, 2:10, 2:20, 2:30, 2:40, 2:50, 3:00
Marathon: 3:00, 3:10, 3:30, 3:50, 4:00, 4:10, 4:20, 4:30, 4:45, 5:00, 5:15, 6:00
The official course time limit for the marathon is 6.5 hours (14:53 minute/mile pace) and 4.5 hours for the half marathon (20:36 minute/mile pace).
The course will have a rolling reopening that will be strictly enforced by the Huntington Beach Police Department and Surf City Marathon staff. Participants will be required to pass certain points on course by a specific time or they will have the option to either be a pedestrian and obey all traffic laws or be moved up on course by the marathon Sag Wagon:
● Mile 4.4 - Marathon runners must be past Edwards Street & Overlook Drive by 7:45am
● Mile 9.9 - Marathon runners must be past Seapoint Street & Pacific Coast Hwy by 9:07am
● Mile 16.5 - Marathon runners returning from Bolsa Chica must be past the 14th Street Path & Pacific Coast Hwy by 10:45am
Because the race will utilize a wave start; your official chip time will not start until you cross the start line. A tail vehicle will follow the last runner. A strict time limit will be enforced as Pacific Coast Highway needs to be re-opened for regular activity.
The finish line will close at 1:15PM sharp, so please pace yourself accordingly!
The top 3 male, female, and non-binary finishers overall in the marathon, half marathon, and 5K will receive an award.
The top 3 male, female, and non-binary finishers in each age group in the marathon, half-marathon, and 5K will receive an award.
Awards must be picked up on-site in the Awards/Medals tent. Awards will not be mailed.
Please see the age groups below:
Marathon: Under 20, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+
Half Marathon & 5K: Under 15, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+
Have your friends and family track your progress while you run your race.
Click here to sign up for text updates from different spots along the course!
Those that have paid for Race Day VIP access will be able to enjoy a private area in XXXX beginning at X:XX am on race day.
One of the perks of Race Day VIP is race day bib pick- up, which means that you can skip the Race Expo and go to the Race Day VIP tent directly on race morning to pick up your race number. Race Day VIP perks include private gear check, private restrooms, morning refreshments, a boxed lunch, and additional complimentary beverages.
Those that have paid for Race Day VIP will receive an email on Wednesday with additional information about the VIP experience.
RACE DAY PARKING & SHUTTLE OPTIONS
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Civic Center Park and Ride -The Civic Center parking lot (1900 Main Street, Huntington Beach) is a convenient option away from the closed traffic streets. A shuttle stop is located at the Civic Center parking lot and will drop off 1-2 blocks from the start/finish line. Shuttle service will start at 5:00am and continue on a rolling basis throughout the morning. The last shuttle will depart the shuttle pick-p zone on Pacific View Ave at 1:30pm. Please note – city staff parking areas are restricted from public parking and indicated as such with signs. Unauthorized vehicles who park in City Staff parking sections will be ticketed at their own expense.
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Edison High School Park and Ride - Parking is available in the school parking lot at Edison High School, located at 21400 Magnolia St., Huntington Beach. The parking lot can only be entered from Magnolia St., between Atlanta Ave. and Hamilton Ave. Shuttle service will start at 5:00am and continue on a rolling basis throughout the morning. The last shuttle will depart the shuttle pick-up zone on Pacific View Ave at 1:30pm.
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Beach Parking Lots Park and Ride - Beach Parking lots are located off Pacific Coast Highway and can be accessed by heading west via Beach Blvd, Newland St, Magnolia Blvd, or Brookhurst St. While these lots are generally a walkable distance to the start/finish line, two shuttle stops are located within these lots for those that want transportation closer to the start line. The first shuttle stop is located within the parking lot near Newland St. The second shuttle stop is located within the parking lot between Magnolia Blvd and Brookhurst St. Shuttle service will start at 5:00am and continue on a rolling basis throughout the morning.
For reference, here is the approximate walking distance to the Race Expo from each entrance:
- From Beach Blvd: approximately 0.5 miles
- From Newland St: approximately 1 mile
- From Magnolia Blvd: approximately 1.5 miles
- From Brookhurst Blvd: approximately 2.25 miles
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Please note, Huntington Beach Parking Enforcement can and will close access the the Beach City Lot (located at Beach Blvd and PCH) once it is full. In the event of heavy traffic, they may also opt to close the intersection at Beach Blvd and PCH, and detour traffic. It is advised to arrive early to avoid any delays.
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Additional paid parking lots are available in Huntington Beach close to the race start and finish lines. Please note some of these options below:
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Pacific City - The Pacific City parking lot (21010 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach - access via Pacific View Ave) is likely the most convenient of all parking lots as it is located 1 block from the start/finish line. The hourly parking rate is set by the parking operator, not race officials.
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Main Street Promenade - The Main Street Promenade Garage (200 Main St, Huntington Beach) is closest to the Huntington Beach Pier and all the restaurants/shops on Main Street. This lot is just 4-5 blocks from the finish line. The hourly parking rate is set by the parking operator, not race officials.
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Strand Parking - The Strand Parking lot (146 6th Street, Huntington Beach) is close to the Huntington Beach Pier and all the restaurants/shops on Main Street. This lot is 6-7 blocks from the finish line. The hourly parking rate is set by the parking operator, not race officials.
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Public Parking - The Public Parking lot (21622 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach) is located at the intersection of Beach Blvd and Pacific Coast Highway (entrance on Beach Blvd). This lot is 1-2 blocks from the start line of the race. The all-day rate is $15 for race participants (enter before noon) and will open at 4:30am. The parking rate is set by the parking operator, not race officials.
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*Parking at all of the aforementioned lots is not guaranteed and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please plan ahead and arrive early.
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Click Here for additional park and ride stations along the Metro’s A-Line
GETTING TO THE START
Make sure you leave ample time to get to the start on race day morning. Anticipate heavy traffic and be aware of road closures. Parking lots open at 5:00am for race participants.
Start Location
Intersection of Pacific Coast Highway & Huntington Street in Huntington Beach
Race Start Times
Marathon - 6:30am
Half Marathon - 7:15am
5K - 11:00am
SUNDAY POST-RACE
MICHELOB ULTRA BEER GARDEN
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1st
11:00am - 3:30pm
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Participants 21 years of age or older can make plans to join us at the post-race Beer Garden to celebrate their race with a complimentary beer! While enjoying music, participants can take their pick of Michelob Ultra, Michelob Ultra Zero, NUTRL and Kona Big Wave* after the race. Longboard Legacy runners - don’t forget to claim your second, complimentary beer.
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Additional beer can be purchased in the Beer Garden for $5 with proceeds going to Ainsley’s Angels to support their quest to build awareness about the importance of inclusion, through action, while transforming populations into all-inclusive communities.(while supplies last)
RACE DAY VIP
hose that have paid for Race Day VIP access will be able to enjoy a private area in XXXXX beginning at X:XXam on race day. One of the perks of Race Day VIP is race day bib pick- up, which means that you can skip the Race Expo and go to the Race Day VIP tent directly on race morning to pick up your race number.
Those that have paid for Race Day VIP will receive an email on Wednesday with additional information about the VIP experience.
VIP PERKS INCLUDE
RACE DAY PACKET PICK-UP
PRIVATE RESTROOMS
PRIVATE GEAR CHECK
MORNING REFRESHMENTS
POST-RACE BOXED LUNCH
VIP BEER GARDEN ACCESS
ADDITIONAL COMPLIMENTARY BEVERAGE
COMMEMORATE YOUR RACE
CHALLENGES & LOYALTY PROGRAMs
BEACH CITIES CHALLENGE
The Beach Cities Challenge is a participation challenge involving the Surf City Marathon presented by Biofreeze, Long Beach Marathon, and OC Marathon events. Participants that complete these races consecutively are eligible to collect an additional medal after finishing their race. Participants must have completed the following races (in person or virtually) to be eligible to complete the Beach Cities Challenge at this race.
2025 Hoag OC Marathon Running Festival– Half Marathon or Marathon
2025 Long Beach Marathon – Half Marathon or Marathon
Those completing their third race, and thus, completing the Beach Cities Challenge at the race will have the BCC box on their Sunday race bib denoted with a marking. If you are completing the Beach Cities Challenge at this race, but do not have the BCC designation, please visit the Solutions table in the Bib Pick-Up tent and our team will be able to assist you.
Cowabunga Challenge
Participants that complete Saturday’s Beach Mile and a race on Sunday are eligible to earn a Combo medal. The following combination of events are eligible for the “Cowabunga Challenge” medal:
Beach Mile + 5K
Beach Mile + Half Marathon
Beach Mile + Marathon
Those participating in two races over race weekend will have the COMBO box on their Sunday race bib denoted with a marking. If you are participating in two races but do not have the “COMBO” designation, please visit the Solutions table in the Bib Pick-Up tent with your bibs and our team will be able to give you a COMBO sticker.
Longboard Legacy Club
Longboard Legacy status is reached after running the marathon or half marathon distance at Surf City Marathon for three consecutive years. Runners can achieve legacy status by running any combination of either distance, if they are run consecutively. If the runner misses a year, they default on Legacy status and lose their legacy status.
Longboard Legacy status will be denoted on your race bib. Those that are eligible will be able to pick up their special-edition Longboard Legacy shirt in the Shirt Pick-up tent at the A Snail’s Pace Race Expo. Legacy runners are also eligible to receive a second, complimentary beverage provided by Michelob ULTRA in the Beer Garden. The extra beer/seltzer can be enjoyed in the Beer Garden on Friday, Saturday or on Sunday after the race.
Legacy runners must have their legacy status denoted on their bib to collect their Legacy perks. If you are a Legacy runner, but do not have a legacy sticker, please visit the Solutions table in the Bib Pick-Up tent and our team will be able to assist you.
OFFICIAL MERCH
Pre-order your official merchandise before visiting the race expo to secure your size! Items are sure to sell out, be sure to
secure yours today!
Official Merchandise will be available for pick up when you arrive at the expo up on Saturday, July 19th or on race day Sunday, July 20th.
Please use code N2S25 to remove the shipping fee.
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS
