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Surf City Marathon
Race Details:
- Location: Huntington Beach, CA, USA
- Race Date: 02/07/2027
- Race Distances: Full Marathon, Half Marathon
What This Race Counts Toward:
Boston: Yes
World Marathon Majors: Yes
Surf City Marathon Description
The Surf City Marathon runs along the Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach, California each February, passing Bolsa Chica State Beach and the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve for stretches with water on both sides. The flat, fast, Boston-qualifying course pairs with a half marathon and 5K the same weekend. Cool winter temperatures and laid-back Southern California surf culture give this beachfront race its signature charm.
Always check the official race website for the most accurate and up-to-date race information and logistics.
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Surf City Marathon Additional Details:
All distances start to the Beach Boys’ “Surfin’ USA,” with local surf clubs cheering from the sand as the gun goes off. Aid stations appear more than 20 times along the marathon course, stocked with water and Nuun electrolyte at close intervals, so hydration is rarely an issue. Finishers collect a surf-themed medal alongside bananas, Dole fruit cups, and chocolate milk at the line. Between the ocean views, the reliably good weather, and the beach-town atmosphere, it’s easy to see why this stays one of the most popular winter marathons in Southern California.
Course Information
Profile: Mostly Flat
Type: Out and Back
Surface: Road/Pavement
Pace Groups: Yes
Time Limit: 6.5 hours
# of Finishers
4,000 to 4,600 Half Marathon
1,300 to 1,400 Marathon
Elevation Details
Elevation Gain: 85 ft (26 m)
Elevation Loss: 85 ft (26 m)
Average Temperature
- Low: 51°F
- High: 69°F
Train Smarter for Race Day
A great race starts long before the starting line. Whether you’re chasing your first finish or hunting a new PR, a structured training plan takes the guesswork out of race prep — building your fitness, your confidence, and your mileage at the right pace for you.
Explore plans for every distance and experience level, from your first 5K to your next ultra.
Things to Do in Huntington Beach, CA, USA
Make the most of race weekend — here’s how to fill the time before and after you cross the finish line.
Sports & Entertainment
Surf City Surf Lessons
Take a surf lesson near the pier with a local surf school, embracing the spirit of Surf City USA — a relaxed, low-impact way to spend an afternoon after race day.
Landmark
Newland House Museum
Step into 1898 Huntington Beach at the Newland House Museum, the city’s oldest structure and a window into local ranching history — an easy, indoor, low-impact stop.
Arts & Culture
Downtown Art Walk
Browse local artists’ work during the monthly Art Walk, displayed in galleries, studios, and businesses throughout downtown Huntington Beach — a relaxed, low-impact evening outing.
Museums & History
Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum
See artifacts tracing the evolution of surfing at the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum, honoring the sport’s legends — an easy, indoor, low-impact stop.
Food & Drink
Duke’s Huntington Beach
Sample Hawaiian-inspired cuisine and the famous Hula Pie at Duke’s Huntington Beach, an iconic beachfront restaurant by the pier — a relaxed way to celebrate the finish line.
Scenic Drives & Viewpoints
Huntington Beach Pier
Walk the 1,850-foot Huntington Beach Pier, the heart of Surf City USA with sweeping ocean views — an easy, flat, low-impact stop after race day.
Shopping
Pacific City
Browse boutiques and dining at Pacific City, an oceanfront shopping destination just steps from the sand — an easy, flat stroll for a post-race souvenir after race weekend.
Outdoors & Trails
Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
Hike the easy three-mile trail through Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, spotting birds, fish, and ocean vistas along the wetlands — a flat, low-impact option for tired legs.
Hotels & Lodging Near the Surf City Marathon
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Featured Race
A pancake-flat course made for chasing a PR — and a Boston Qualifier.
Boston Qualifier: Yes