Here in Huntington Beach (HB), the Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel, annually hosts the Surf City Run. They have a variety of options for running, including a full marathon, half marathon, 5K and a beach mile. People from all over the world come to HB for this event. Many people come because it’s a Boston Marathon qualifier and to compete for certain awards.
Surf City Marathon is partnered with the American Cancer Society and Ainsley’s Angels. A portion of the funds go to Ainsley’s Angels to help purchase wheelchairs, and for patient care programs as well as cancer research. Both groups are backed by numerous volunteers who come together for the marathon to honor cancer survivors and to raise awareness.
The actual course for the run is considered one of the best in Southern California. The marathon offers a flat route along the coastline. Runners pass by the famous Huntington Beach pier, getting a view of all the surfers out on the waves. The ocean breeze and shining sun makes runners far and near want to sign up. This year, the marathon has drawn over 15,000 entrants.
Running a marathon is a lofty achievement, and many people need to mentally prepare themselves before the run. A Huntington Beach local, Chris Roberts, said, “I just tell myself that it’s okay, just relax and enjoy, live in the moment.”
To future runners who may be thinking about running a marathon, Roberts said, “Take it slowly, try to join a group, so it’s easier to run, and to get tips and stuff.”
The Surf City Marathon course starts on Huntington St., running through Central Park, Bolsa Chica, returning back to Pacific Coast Highway (PCH). The first mile is run on PCH, miles 2 through 9 go through Huntington Beach Central Park, the next 7 miles run through the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, and the last 10 miles are on a running path paved over the sand. Average finishing times for runners are around 4 hours and 30 minutes. For competitive runners, their finish time is between 2-3 hours.
Some find it difficult to complete a full marathon, that’s why there are a variety of runs. Robyn Brown, a runner from Long Beach and entrant in the Surf City 5K said, “I challenged myself 3 years ago to do 6 5Ks a year, so Huntington Beach run is always the first run that I do.”
Brown finds confidence through her family’s support. She said, “My husband will be here when I finish at the end, and knowing that always makes it easier.”
The Surf City Marathon has a way of bringing people together. It doesn’t matter where a runner is from; everyone is welcoming and runs as a group. This is why the Surf City Marathon is so popular, with over 15,000 entrants coming to Huntington Beach every year for the run. This marathon is not only a feat of athletics, but a way to connect with a larger community.
