Surf City Marathon and Half Marathon
This event has passed, here are some recommended events:
This event has passed, here are some recommended events:
Event summary
Challenge yourself in one of the most picturesque courses in the USA. Great for novices and seasoned pros alike, the route cruises down the Pacific Coast Highway, past the famous Huntington Beach Pier before a crowd-lined finale. Come for the spectacular landscape and the vibrant race atmosphere.
Your organiser
Motiv Running has partnered with some great races that embody the local flavor and traditions of their respective communities. Register to run one near you today, or click below to see even more classic races from around the country!
How to enter
Tickets available until Sat Feb 01 2020
What's included:
- Unique commemorative medals
- Free long-sleeve tech t-shirt
- Surf city Tote bag
- Course marshalled
- Distances marked
- Pacers
- Aid stations
- Chip timed
Marathon
Run 26.2mi
Half Marathon
Run 13.1mi
5K
Run 5km
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Frequently asked questions
Are strollers permitted on the course?
Strollers are allowed for both the 5K and the Half Marathon events. However, they will be strictly prohibited for the marathon and the Cowabunga Challenge.… read moreAre there pace groups at this event?
Yes, details of which can be found below: Half Marathon: 1:30, 1:40, 1:45, 1:50, 1:55, 2:00, 2:10, 2:15, 2:20, 2:30 Marathon: 3:05, 3:15, 3:30, 3:40, 3:50, 4:05, 4:20, 4:35, 4:50, 5:00, 5:20… read moreWhere can I access official race photography?
Result photograph's will be uploaded to https://www.motivrunning.com/run-surf-city/results-photos/ around 24 - 48 hours after the event. All entrants will also receive an email with race photos.… read moreRunning Events in the United States
Running Events in the United States
Route description
Route description
This spectacular oceanfront course is an exclusive Southern California favorite! Run by the famous Huntington Beach pier and continue through scenic Huntington Central Park. You’re bound to see local surfers catching waves as you hit the beachfront running path at Bolsa Chica State Beach.
More than 2,000 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?
Widely regarded as one of the best courses in the country, the route is generally flat and ideal for those completing their first half or full marathon and seasoned pros alike.
Marathon:
The marathon has a course limit of 7 hours, equalling approximately 13:43 per mile. The course will close at 1330.
Half Marathon:
Due to its size, the Half Marathon will start in waves with groups of around 1,000 kicking off every 2 - 3 minutes.
Regardless of wave time, the course will close at 1330 giving a cut-off time of around 5 - 5.5 hours.
Schedule:
Saturday
Active LifeStyle Expo
Cowabunga Beach Challenge
Sunday
0630: Marathon start
0700: 5K start
0745: Half Marathon start
This is an incredibly popular race, so please ensure you leave ample time to get parked and warmed up before your race starts.
Huge crowds usually gather on Main Street for this race and it would be great to see as many friends and family cheering the runners over the finish line.
Volunteers are an integral part of making this event the fantastic spectacle which it is and Motiv Running have a number of opportunities available.
In return, volunteers will receive a free volunteer t-shirt, work with like-minded people and have the opportunity to make a real difference.
If you would like to find out more and get involved, simply follow the link here: https://www.motivrunning.com/run-surf-city/get-involved/volunteers/
2000 Main St, Huntington Beach, CA 92648, USA
Get directionsAddress: Huntington Beach, California
**Carpooling is fun:
**
Do you have friends who will be running in the Surf City Marathon and Half Marathon? The easiest way to be able to save on stress and minimize traffic is by carpooling. Find runners in your area by connecting on our social media channels. The best way to carpool is to meet outside of Huntington Beach, park at a shuttle location and shuttle to the Start Line.
**Ride Share Drop Off / Biking:
**
We have set aside a Drop Off ONLY location at Beach Blvd. and Atlanta Ave. There is no parking available at this intersection. There is no parking available in the shopping center at this location, you WILL be towed.
For those of you who live closer and would like to bike to the event, we will have bike racks available. Please note: There will be NO monitoring of the bikes. Please bring your own lock to ensure security. The race organizers are NOT responsible for lost or stolen items.
**Timing:
**
Please remember that this race will have 17,000+ participants, plus family and friends. There will be traffic. Please plan accordingly.
**Directions:
**
Please allow ample time for you to be able to travel to the parking lot of your choice, park, and shuttle to the Start Line. A great way to plan and see where you will park and shuttle on Race day, is to explore the area when you arrive at the Expo for Packet Pick Up. Please note that Beach Blvd. is the busiest street and should be avoided if possible for optimal traffic flow.
FROM THE NORTH 405 – DRIVING SOUTH
Exit at Warner or Brookhurst toward the beach. Travel south on Brookhurst to the beach lot (recommended). If you take Warner, turn south (toward the beach) on Magnolia, and park in the beach lot.
FROM NORTH PCH – DRIVING SOUTH
Turn left (inland) at Warner. Follow Warner all the way to either Newland or Magnolia. Turn south (toward the beach) and follow Magnolia all the way to PCH to the beach lot.
FROM SOUTH PCH – DRIVING NORTH
Turn left into the beach lot at Brookhurst, Newland, or Magnolia.
**Parking:
**
You have several options when parking for the Surf City Marathon, Half Marathon & 5k. We highly recommend having more than one option on race day as our parking lots fill up FAST. Please make sure that you carefully read all street signs to avoid no parking areas.
**Expo Parking: Friday/Saturday:
**
The City of Huntington Beach Parking lot (enter off Beach Blvd & PCH) will have limited parking available, the fee for the city lot is $15*. Metered parking is also available along PCH for $1.50/hour, 2 hours max. Please bring exact change. Parking is also available at Pacific City for an additional fee.
*City/State/Privately owned parking lot fees may change without notice.
**Race Day Parking:
**
The City of Huntington Beach Parking Lot (enter off Beach Blvd and drive North into the lot) will be available to Surf City Marathon pass holders (VIP/Media/Vendors) and will have limited parking available for $15* on race day.
*City/State/Privately owned parking lot fees may change without notice.
Free parking with shuttle service is available at the State Beach Parking Lot (enter off Beach Blvd & PCH and drive South into the lot). Paid and Validated parking is available at Pacific City (see below) and other locations within walking distance to the race site. Our 2020 Parking & Shuttle Map will be available in November.
**Pacific City:
**
Directly across from the race site, Pacific City offers underground parking.
Self-Parking: Self-Parking may be accessed from Pacific View Avenue, between 1st Street & Huntington Street.
Self-Parking Rates*:
– $2.00 for every 20 minutes
– $35.00 max at 6th hour
– Monday through Thursday, the first three (3) hours are complimentary (with a validation from participating merchants).
– Friday through Sunday, the first two (2) hours are complimentary (with a validation from participating merchants).
– Only one validation honored per ticket
*City/State/Privately owned parking lot fees may change without notice.
**Half Marathon Overflow Parking:
**
Details on overflow parking will be made available in November.
**Shuttle:
**
Parking and Shuttle Map
Race Day Shuttles
We will have FREE shuttle service from designated event parking lots indicated on the map, including Overflow Parking. 2019 Shuttle Map available here.
Shuttles are round-trip. Shuttle service will start at 5:00AM on Race Day and will service all lots until 1:30PM. Shuttles will come at approximately 15-minute intervals.
Marathon
Half Marathon
5K
Cowabunga Beach Challenge
Route description
Route description
This spectacular oceanfront course is an exclusive Southern California favorite! Run by the famous Huntington Beach pier and continue through scenic Huntington Central Park. You’re bound to see local surfers catching waves as you hit the beachfront running path at Bolsa Chica State Beach.
More than 2,000 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?
Widely regarded as one of the best courses in the country, the route is generally flat and ideal for those completing their first half or full marathon and seasoned pros alike.
Marathon:
The marathon has a course limit of 7 hours, equalling approximately 13:43 per mile. The course will close at 1330.
Half Marathon:
Due to its size, the Half Marathon will start in waves with groups of around 1,000 kicking off every 2 - 3 minutes.
Regardless of wave time, the course will close at 1330 giving a cut-off time of around 5 - 5.5 hours.
Schedule:
Saturday
Active LifeStyle Expo
Cowabunga Beach Challenge
Sunday
0630: Marathon start
0700: 5K start
0745: Half Marathon start
This is an incredibly popular race, so please ensure you leave ample time to get parked and warmed up before your race starts.
Huge crowds usually gather on Main Street for this race and it would be great to see as many friends and family cheering the runners over the finish line.
Volunteers are an integral part of making this event the fantastic spectacle which it is and Motiv Running have a number of opportunities available.
In return, volunteers will receive a free volunteer t-shirt, work with like-minded people and have the opportunity to make a real difference.
If you would like to find out more and get involved, simply follow the link here: https://www.motivrunning.com/run-surf-city/get-involved/volunteers/
2000 Main St, Huntington Beach, CA 92648, USA
Get directionsAddress: Huntington Beach, California
**Carpooling is fun:
**
Do you have friends who will be running in the Surf City Marathon and Half Marathon? The easiest way to be able to save on stress and minimize traffic is by carpooling. Find runners in your area by connecting on our social media channels. The best way to carpool is to meet outside of Huntington Beach, park at a shuttle location and shuttle to the Start Line.
**Ride Share Drop Off / Biking:
**
We have set aside a Drop Off ONLY location at Beach Blvd. and Atlanta Ave. There is no parking available at this intersection. There is no parking available in the shopping center at this location, you WILL be towed.
For those of you who live closer and would like to bike to the event, we will have bike racks available. Please note: There will be NO monitoring of the bikes. Please bring your own lock to ensure security. The race organizers are NOT responsible for lost or stolen items.
**Timing:
**
Please remember that this race will have 17,000+ participants, plus family and friends. There will be traffic. Please plan accordingly.
**Directions:
**
Please allow ample time for you to be able to travel to the parking lot of your choice, park, and shuttle to the Start Line. A great way to plan and see where you will park and shuttle on Race day, is to explore the area when you arrive at the Expo for Packet Pick Up. Please note that Beach Blvd. is the busiest street and should be avoided if possible for optimal traffic flow.
FROM THE NORTH 405 – DRIVING SOUTH
Exit at Warner or Brookhurst toward the beach. Travel south on Brookhurst to the beach lot (recommended). If you take Warner, turn south (toward the beach) on Magnolia, and park in the beach lot.
FROM NORTH PCH – DRIVING SOUTH
Turn left (inland) at Warner. Follow Warner all the way to either Newland or Magnolia. Turn south (toward the beach) and follow Magnolia all the way to PCH to the beach lot.
FROM SOUTH PCH – DRIVING NORTH
Turn left into the beach lot at Brookhurst, Newland, or Magnolia.
**Parking:
**
You have several options when parking for the Surf City Marathon, Half Marathon & 5k. We highly recommend having more than one option on race day as our parking lots fill up FAST. Please make sure that you carefully read all street signs to avoid no parking areas.
**Expo Parking: Friday/Saturday:
**
The City of Huntington Beach Parking lot (enter off Beach Blvd & PCH) will have limited parking available, the fee for the city lot is $15*. Metered parking is also available along PCH for $1.50/hour, 2 hours max. Please bring exact change. Parking is also available at Pacific City for an additional fee.
*City/State/Privately owned parking lot fees may change without notice.
**Race Day Parking:
**
The City of Huntington Beach Parking Lot (enter off Beach Blvd and drive North into the lot) will be available to Surf City Marathon pass holders (VIP/Media/Vendors) and will have limited parking available for $15* on race day.
*City/State/Privately owned parking lot fees may change without notice.
Free parking with shuttle service is available at the State Beach Parking Lot (enter off Beach Blvd & PCH and drive South into the lot). Paid and Validated parking is available at Pacific City (see below) and other locations within walking distance to the race site. Our 2020 Parking & Shuttle Map will be available in November.
**Pacific City:
**
Directly across from the race site, Pacific City offers underground parking.
Self-Parking: Self-Parking may be accessed from Pacific View Avenue, between 1st Street & Huntington Street.
Self-Parking Rates*:
– $2.00 for every 20 minutes
– $35.00 max at 6th hour
– Monday through Thursday, the first three (3) hours are complimentary (with a validation from participating merchants).
– Friday through Sunday, the first two (2) hours are complimentary (with a validation from participating merchants).
– Only one validation honored per ticket
*City/State/Privately owned parking lot fees may change without notice.
**Half Marathon Overflow Parking:
**
Details on overflow parking will be made available in November.
**Shuttle:
**
Parking and Shuttle Map
Race Day Shuttles
We will have FREE shuttle service from designated event parking lots indicated on the map, including Overflow Parking. 2019 Shuttle Map available here.
Shuttles are round-trip. Shuttle service will start at 5:00AM on Race Day and will service all lots until 1:30PM. Shuttles will come at approximately 15-minute intervals.