You will be notified via email, to the email you used to register for the waitlist. The email will come from RunSignup.

When registrants transfer or defer their event, spots open up and the next in line will be notified. We can’t predict when this will happen, but anticipate spots will continue to open prior to event day.

Each individual (per Runsignup account) can add 2 individuals to the waitlist.

Once you are removed from the waitlist, you will have 48 hours to register. After April 1st, all registrants will have 24 hours to redeem.

There is no fee to initiate the transfer, but the recipient of the registration must pay a $10.00 fee to redeem the transfer. The individual transferring the registration will not receive a refund, per our refund policy signed during the registration process.

*Please note: Any purchased add-ons will NOT be transferred.

How it Works: Click Here for Help Guide

The FINAL EXTENDED DEADLINE to initiate a transfer is April 12th, 2026. The deadline to redeem a transfer is April 13th, 2026. 

We recommend securing your spot in the 5K ASAP, and getting on the Half or Full Marathon waitlist. If you end up being able to register for both events, you will still qualify for the Combo Crush.

FILL OUT THIS FORM TO TRANSFER YOUR EVENT.

*Select options may become unavailable when events sell out!

ADD VIP HERE – CLICK ‘MANAGE REGISTRATION’, THEN ‘ADD-ONS’ in the grey toolbar, THEN ADD YOUR QUANTITY AND CHECK OUT.

You can confirm your registration FIND A PARTICIPANT HERE

ON RACE WEEK, REGISTERED PARTICIPANTS WILL RECEIVE THEIR BIB NUMBERS VIA EMAIL AT LEAST 3 DAYS BEFORE THE RACE. NOTE: OUR EMAIL WILL ONLY SEND ONE EMAIL TO AN EMAIL ADDRESS. IF THERE ARE MULTIPLE REGISTRATIONS ON A SINGLE EMAIL ADDRESS, UNFORTUNATELY OUR SYSTEM CAN ONLY SEND OUT A CONFIRMATION FOR ONE OF THE REGISTRANTS. THIS IS MADE EVEN MORE CONFUSING AS THERE SEEMS TO BE NO RHYME OR REASON AS TO WHICH REGISTRANT IS SELECTED.

IF FOR SOME REASON A PARTICIPANT DOES NOT RECEIVE AN EMAIL WITH A BIB NUMBER VIA EMAIL OR HAVE A CONFIRMATION, MOST ISSUES CAN BE RESOLVED BY COMING TO THE OC LIFESTYLE AND FITNESS EXPO OC FAIR & EVENT CENTER, 88 FAIR DRIVE, COSTA MESA) AFTER THE EXPO HAS OPENED AND LOOKING UP YOUR NAME/BIB NUMBER. IF THE ISSUE STILL EXISTS, GO TO THE SOLUTIONS TABLE AND THEY WILL BE ABLE TO ASSIST YOU. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE YOUR ID AND IF POSSIBLE, A COPY OF YOUR REGISTRATION.

YOU CAN REGISTER UNTIL RACE DAY, UNLESS SPECIFIC EVENTS SELL OUT.

YES. WE REQUIRE CHAIR ATHLETES TO COMPETE IN THE FULL MARATHON ONLY AND HANDCYCLISTS MUST NOT EXCEED A 5:00 MINUTE PER MILE AVERAGE PACE (2:11 MARATHON).

THE OC MARATHON AND HALF MARATHON COURSES ARE ABSOLUTELY WALKER-FRIENDLY, AND WE WILL BE AT THE FINISH LINE WITH YOUR MEDAL NO MATTER HOW LONG IT TAKES YOU TO COMPLETE YOUR RACE. HOWEVER, THERE IS AN OFFICIAL COURSE TIME LIMIT OF A 16:00 PER MILE PACE — 3.5 HOURS FOR THE HALF MARATHON AND 7 HOURS FOR THE FULL MARATHON. PARTICIPANTS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO TAKE A BUS TO THE FINISH LINE IF THEY FALL BEHIND THIS PACE, BUT ONCE THE OFFICIAL TIME LIMIT IS EXCEEDED, THE COURSE WILL BEGIN TO REOPEN. THIS MEANS ROADS WILL REOPEN TO VEHICLE TRAFFIC, AID STATIONS WILL DISMANTLE, AND DIRECTIONAL SIGNAGE WILL BE REMOVED. PARTICIPANTS WHO CONTINUE BEYOND THE OFFICIAL PACE MUST PROCEED AS PEDESTRIANS, USING SIDEWALKS AND CROSSWALKS AND FOLLOWING NORMAL TRAFFIC LAWS.

TO HELP PARTICIPANTS STAY ON PACE, A “BALLOON LADY” WILL WALK AT THE BACK OF BOTH THE FULL AND HALF MARATHONS AT THE 16:00 PER MILE PACE. IF YOU FALL BEHIND HER, YOU ARE CONSIDERED BEHIND OFFICIAL COURSE TIME. YOU MAY STILL FINISH, BUT YOU SHOULD EXPECT REDUCED COURSE SUPPORT AND REOPENED ROADS. TURN-BY-TURN PRINTED DIRECTIONS AND BOTTLES OF WATER ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST AT WATER STATIONS FROM MILES 13–26 AND FROM SAG VEHICLES. WE RECOMMEND CARRYING A FULLY CHARGED PHONE SO YOUR FAMILY CAN REACH YOU IF NEEDED. NO MATTER YOUR PACE, WE WILL BE THERE TO CHEER YOU ON AT THE FINISH LINE AND AWARD YOUR MEDAL.

Not registered yet?  Simply choose the ‘Charity Runner’ option during registration and set up your fundraising page then.

Already registered? Become a fundraiser HERE.

ALTHOUGH WE WOULD MUCH PREFER TO HAVE YOU RUN WITH US IN-PERSON, THE VIRTUAL OPTION IS STILL AVAILABLE. YOUR LEGACY AND/OR BEACH CITIES CHALLENGE STATUS WOULD STILL BE IN-TACT AFTER YOU SUBMIT YOUR RESULTS.

-TRACK YOUR RUN WITH A VIRTUAL FITNESS TRACKER (FITBIT, STRAVA, RUNKEEPER, ETC.)

-COMPLETE THE VIRTUAL 13.1-MILE RACE (HALF MARATHON) OR 26.2-MILE RACE (FULL MARATHON) AND SUBMIT PROOF THROUGH THE VIRTUAL RUN SUBMISSION LINK BY MAY 30

-RECEIVE YOUR FINISHER’S MEDAL AND 2026 OC MARATHON SHIRT IN THE MAIL! IF YOU COMPLETED THE BEACH CITIES CHALLENGE, THE COMBO CRUSH, OR BECAME A LEGACY RUNNER, YOU’LL BE AWARDED FOR THOSE AS WELL!

DEFERRAL DEADLINE: FRIDAY, APRIL 17TH, 2026

If you cannot participate after you have registered, you can defer your registration to next year meaning your entry will be reserved and paid for come 2027. The event you are currently registered for is the event you will be deferred into.

The next race date is May 2nd, 2027.

Due to advanced ordering and preparation, we cannot refund your fees.

IT’S ABOUT PERFECT, EXACTLY WHAT YOU WOULD EXPECT IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. FOR THE LAST 14 YEAR, THE RACE HAS BEEN HELD ON THE FIRST SUNDAY IN MAY. IN THE 14 YEARS THAT WE HAVE HELD THE EVENT ON THE FIRST SUNDAY IN MAY, WE HAVE HAD ONE RAIN DAY AND IT WAS A DOOZY. IN FACT IT EVEN HAILED! MOST YEARS THE DAY BEGINS AT 58° AND TOPS OUT AROUND 70. IF THE CLOUDS BURN OFF, IT CAN GET WARM WITH OUR WARMEST DAY NEARING 80° AROUND NOON.

There will be 7 water/hydration stations on the front half and another 8 on the second half. Gatorade will be served at four of the first half stations and at five on the second half. We will have Energy Gel/drink at one location on front half and one on the second half. Please see the course map for details!

THE COURSE, BOTH THE FULL AND HALF ARE NET DOWNHILL COURSES, STARTING AT 170′ AND ENDING AT 60′. THE COURSES REACH A HIGH POINT JUST AFTER MILE 1 AT 260′ AND THE LOWEST POINT IS AT MILE 7 AT 10′. THE FIRST FEW MILES ARE ROLLING BUT THERE ARE TWO HILLS ON THE HALF MARATHON, JUST AFTER 7 (55′ TOTAL) AND AT MILE 11 (45′) AND ON THE FULL MARATHON, THE OVERPASS AT MILE 14 LOOMS LARGE BUT HAS ONLY 50′ OF ELEVATION CHANGE. THE MOST COMMON COMMENT I GET IS, “IT WAS HILLIER THAN I THOUGHT BUT I GOT A PR.”

THE OFFICIAL COURSE TIME LIMIT IS A 16:00 PER MILE PACE (3.5 HOURS FOR THE HALF AND 7:00 HOURS FOR THE FULL).  

PARTICIPANTS ARE NOT REQUIRED TO TAKE A BUS TO THE FINISH LINE IF THEY FALL BEHIND THIS PACE, BUT ONCE THE OFFICIAL TIME LIMIT IS EXCEEDED, THE COURSE WILL BEGIN TO REOPEN. THIS MEANS ROADS WILL REOPEN TO VEHICLE TRAFFIC, AID STATIONS WILL DISMANTLE, AND DIRECTIONAL SIGNAGE WILL BE REMOVED. PARTICIPANTS WHO CONTINUE BEYOND THE OFFICIAL PACE MUST PROCEED AS PEDESTRIANS, USING SIDEWALKS AND CROSSWALKS AND FOLLOWING NORMAL TRAFFIC LAWS.

TO HELP PARTICIPANTS STAY ON PACE, A “BALLOON LADY” WILL WALK AT THE BACK OF BOTH THE FULL AND HALF MARATHONS AT THE 16:00 PER MILE PACE. IF YOU FALL BEHIND HER, YOU ARE CONSIDERED BEHIND OFFICIAL COURSE TIME. YOU MAY STILL FINISH, BUT YOU SHOULD EXPECT REDUCED COURSE SUPPORT AND REOPENED ROADS. TURN-BY-TURN PRINTED DIRECTIONS AND BOTTLES OF WATER ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST AT WATER STATIONS FROM MILES 13–26 AND FROM SAG VEHICLES. WE RECOMMEND CARRYING A FULLY CHARGED PHONE SO YOUR FAMILY CAN REACH YOU IF NEEDED. NO MATTER YOUR PACE, WE WILL BE THERE TO CHEER YOU ON AT THE FINISH LINE AND AWARD YOUR MEDAL.

THE COURSE IS ABSOLUTELY WALKER FRIENDLY!  WALKERS THAT FALL BEHIND MAY BE ASKED TO UTILIZE SIDEWALKS AND INTERSECTION WALKWAYS AS ANY NORMAL PEDESTRIAN. WE PROVIDE TURN-BY-TURN INSTRUCTIONS AND A BOTTLE OF WATER TO THOSE THAT REQUEST. NO MATTER HOW LONG IT MAY TAKE YOU, WE WILL BE AT THE FINISH LINE FOR YOU AND YOU WILL GET YOUR MEDAL.

YES. WE HAVE PACE TEAMS FOR ALL OF THE MILESTONE TIMES AND Boston Qualifying TIMES. 

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STROLLERS ARE NOT ALLOWED FOR THE SUNDAY MARATHON OR HALF MARATHONS UNLESS SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS ARE REQUESTED AND GRANTED BY THE OC MARATHON RACE DIRECTOR  AND A SIGNED WAIVER IS COMPLETED. REQUESTS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN ADVANCE BY CONTACTING INFO@OCMARATHON.COM.

APPROVED REQUESTS MAY INCLUDE ABLE-BODIED ATHLETES/PARENTS PAIRING WITH ATHLETES WITH DISABILITIES OR IN THE RARE INSTANCE A REQUEST TO BREAK A RECORD, ETC. WE DO ALLOW STROLLERS IN OUR SATURDAY 5K ALTHOUGH WE ASK THAT THEY START NEAR THE REAR.

IN-LINE SKATERS, BICYCLISTS, AS WELL AS PETS WILL BE PROHIBITED ON THE COURSE IN ORDER TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF ALL RUNNERS.

YES. WE REQUIRE CHAIR ATHLETES TO COMPETE IN THE FULL MARATHON ONLY AND HANDCYCLISTS MUST NOT EXCEED A 5:00 MINUTE PER MILE AVERAGE PACE (2:11 MARATHON).

ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST ATTEND THE OC LIFESTYLE AND FITNESS EXPO TO PICK UP THEIR BIBS AND PACKETS ON FRIDAY BETWEEN 3:00 P.M. AND 7:00 P.M OR SATURDAY, BETWEEN 10:00 A.M. AND 5:00 P.M. YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO SHOW YOUR IDENTIFICATION TO PICK UP YOUR OWN RACE BIB, D-TAG TIMING CHIP, TECHNICAL SHIRT OR T-SHIRT.

IF YOUR TRAVELS PLANS DO NOT ALLOW YOU TO BE ABLE TO GET TO THE EXPO DURING THESE HOURS, YOU MUST ORDER THE BIB TO BE MAILED IN ADVANCE TO YOUR HOME OR OFFICE. THERE IS A $35 FEE FOR THIS SERVICE AND THE SHIPMENT ONLY INCLUDES YOUR BIB, (4) SAFETY PINS AND AN EVENT INFORMATION PAGE. NOTE: BIB SHIPMENT IS SUBJECT TO A CUTOFF DATE WHEN BIBS ARE SENT TO THE PRINTER BY ROUGHLY END OF MARCH/EARLY APRIL EACH YEAR (EXACT DATE SUBJECT TO CHANGE).

YES, WE HAVE UPS AS OUR PERSONAL ITEMS GEAR CHECK PARTNER, AND THEY WILL HAVE UPS TRUCKS AT THE START LINE. YOU WILL WANT TO USE THE PULL OFF TAB FROM THE TOP OF YOUR BIB AND PLACE YOUR ITEMS IN THE CLEAR GEAR CHECK BAG THAT YOU WILL RECEIVE AT THE EXPO. UPS WILL THEN DELIVER YOUR ITEMS TO THE FINISH LINE. TRUCKS WILL BE LABELED WITH A BIB # RANGE TO MAKE IT SIMPLE TO LOCATE YOUR ITEMS.

ANY CLOTHING LEFT AT THE START LINE OR ANYWHERE ALONG THE COURSE WILL BE COLLECTED AND DONATED IMMEDIATELY. PLEASE DO NOT PLAN ON RETRIEVING THESE ITEMS LATER, AS THEY WILL NOT BE HELD OR RETURNED.

  IF YOU DO DISCARD YOUR CLOTHING ON THE COURSE, PLEASE DO SO AT A WATER STATION!

SPORT PHOTO GROUP WILL BE THERE ON THE COURSE AND AT THE FINISH LINE TO CAPTURE YOU IN PHOTOS AND VIDEO ON THE DAY OF YOUR BIG RACE.
PHOTOS WILL BE AVAILABLE ONLINE WITHIN 36 HOURS AFTER YOU HAVE FINISHED AND ALL PARTICIPANTS WILL BE ABLE TO ORDER A DIGITAL PACKAGE, ORDER PRINTED PHOTS AND BE ABLE TO DOWNLOAD A FREE FINISHER CERTIFICATE.
YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED VIA EMAIL (IF IT WAS PROVIDED ON YOUR REGISTRATION FORM) WHEN THE PHOTOS ARE READY. AFTER THE EVENT WE WILL POST A LINK TO THE WEB SITE FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE.

YES, THE OC MARATHON IS A BOSTON QUALIFIER AND USATF CERTIFIED. YOUR HALF MARATHON TIME WILL NOT QUALIFY YOU FOR BOSTON. GOOD LUCK!

VISIT THE INFORMATION TOWER, LOCATED IN THE FINISH LINE FESTIVAL AT THE OC FAIR AND EVENT CENTER. AT THE START LINE, VISIT THE VOLUNTEER CHECK IN TENT. 

YES, THERE ARE PORTABLE RESTROOMS AT EACH WATER STATION!  YOU CAN VIEW ALL COURSE SUPPORT BY REVIEWING THE COURSE MAP

NO PROBLEM!  EACH WATER STATION HAS THE ABILITY TO CALL FOR A SAG VEHICLE TO PICK YOU UP, BRINGING YOU TO THE FINISH LINE  SIMPLY ASK A WATER STATION VOLUNTEER FOR HELP AND THEY WILL LET YOU KNOW NEXT STEPS.

FOR THE SATURDAY OC 5K, THE ANSWER IS YES. IN FACT, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT RUNNERS COME TO THE EXPO ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON, GET THEIR PACKET, ENJOY THE CELEBRATE OC FESTIVAL AND RUN THEIR 5K. THEY SHOULD THEN STICK AROUND AND ENJOY THE BANDS.

FOR HALF AND FULL MARATHON, THE ANSWER IS NO. RACE-DAY BIB PICK-UP IS NOT AVAILABLE ON SUNDAY FOR THE FULL OR HALF MARATHONS.

ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST ATTEND THE OC LIFESTYLE AND FITNESS EXPO TO PICK UP THEIR BIBS AND PACKETS ON FRIDAY BETWEEN 3:00 P.M. AND 7:00 P.M OR SATURDAY, BETWEEN 10:00 A.M. AND 5:00 P.M. YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO SHOW YOUR IDENTIFICATION TO PICK UP YOUR OWN RACE BIB, D-TAG TIMING CHIP, TECHNICAL SHIRT OR T-SHIRT.

IF YOUR TRAVELS PLANS DO NOT ALLOW YOU TO BE ABLE TO GET TO THE EXPO DURING THESE HOURS, YOU MUST ORDER THE BIB TO BE MAILED IN ADVANCE TO YOUR HOME OR OFFICE. THERE IS A $35 FEE FOR THIS SERVICE AND THE SHIPMENT ONLY INCLUDES YOUR BIB, (4) SAFETY PINS AND AN EVENT INFORMATION PAGE. NOTE: BIB SHIPMENT IS SUBJECT TO A CUTOFF DATE WHEN BIBS ARE SENT TO THE PRINTER (ROUGHLY APRIL 1ST EACH YEAR).

A FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER MAY PICK UP YOUR BIB IF AND ONLY IF THEY HAVE A COPY OF YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE.

PACE GROUP LEADERS WILL BE HOLDING SIGNS WITH TIMES ON THEM. PLEASE MAKE YOUR WAY TO THE SIGNS THAT DISPLAY YOUR PACE GROUP.

SATURDAY 

THE 5K STARTS AND FINISHES AT THE OC FAIR & EVENT CENTER, SO THERE ARE NO SHUTTLES ON SATURDAY.

SUNDAY

PRE-RACE BUS SHUTTLES: (NOT HOTEL SHUTTLES) WILL RUN FROM THE FINISH LINE AT THE OC FAIR AND EVENT CENTER (OCFEC) AT 88 FAIR DRIVE, COSTA MESA TO THE START LINE AT FASHION ISLAND, NEWPORT BEACH. THEY BEGIN SHUTTLING RUNNERS AT 3:45 AM AND CONTINUE WITH THE LAST BUS LEAVING THE OCFEC AT 5:30. WE WILL SEND OUT A SHUTTLE TIME FOR EACH PARTICIPANT. PLEASE DON’T WAIT FOR THE LATER SHUTTLES AS THEY GET PACKED AND YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS THE START OF YOUR RACE.

POST RACE SHUTTLES: FOR PARTICIPANTS THAT PARK AT THE START LINE, THERE WILL BE SHUTTLE SERVICE BACK TO THE START LINE FOLLOWING THE RACE. THE SHUTTLES WILL PICK YOU UP IN FRONT OF PACIFIC AMPHITHEATRE AND DROP YOU OFF AT THE START LINE. POST RACE SHUTTLES RUN FROM 9 AM – 1 PM, AND DEPART APPROXIMATELY EVERY 15 MINUTES. 

HOTEL SHUTTLES – HOTELS MAY OFFER A SHUTTLE TO THE START AND BACK FROM THE FINISH. THESE, IF PROVIDED, WILL BE ORGANIZED BY THE INDIVIDUAL HOTELS, NOT THE OC MARATHON. YOU MUST CONFIRM THE SHUTTLE TIMES AND AVAILABILITY WITH YOUR HOTEL.

LEARN MORE

WE SUGGEST PARKING AT THE FINISH LINE –  OC FAIR AND EVENT CENTER AT 88 FAIR DRIVE, COSTA MESA. FINISH LINE TO START LINE SHUTTLE SERVICE WILL BEGIN AT 3:45 A.M. AND CONTINUE UNTIL 5:30 AM.

PARKING DAILY AT THE OC FAIR AND EVENT CENTER WILL BE $15 (CARD PREFERRED). YOU CAN ALSO PURCHASE A PARKING PASS ON FRIDAY OR SATURDAY FOR $15 FOR SUNDAY AT THE EXPO WHEN YOU’RE PICKING UP YOUR BIB. THIS WILL MAKE THE LINES MOVE FASTER SUNDAY MORNING.

THERE IS LIMITED PARKING AT THE START LINE, IN APPROVED LOTS ONLY.  PLEASE VISIT THE PARKING PAGE FOR APPROVED LOTS AND DIRECTIONS.

YES!  THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF PORTABLE TOILETS AT THE START LINE (INSIDER TIP – USE THE PORTOS BY THE SHUTTLE DROP OFF) 

IN ADDITION, SEVERAL PORTOS ARE LOCATED JUST BEFORE MILE 1 AND AT EACH WATER STATION. 

IF YOU ARE GETTING DROPPED OFF, OR PARKING AT THE START LINE, PLEASE PLAN ON ARRIVING AT LEAST 1.5 HOURS BEFORE YOUR START TIME. PLAN FOR HEAVY TRAFFIC ON JAMBOREE/COAST HWY, AS ALL VEHICLES MUST ARRIVE FROM JAMBOREE/COAST HWY TO ACCESS RUNNER DROP OFF AND/OR PARKING

LOCATE ALL CHALLENGE MEDALS IN THE SANTA ANA PAVILION. AFTER EXITING THE FINISH LINE CHUTE, THE SANTA ANA PAVILION IS ON YOUR LEFT HAND SIDE. 

LIVE MUSIC, VENDORS, AND MORE WILL START AS EARLY AS 8AM AND GO UNTIL NOON.

YES. ITEMS OF VALUE THAT HAVE BEEN TURNED IN WILL BE LOCATED AT THE INFORMATION TOWER AT THE OC FAIR & EVENT CENTER DURING THE EVENT HOURS.  UNCLAIMED ITEMS WILL BE HELD AT THE OC MARATHON OFFICE FOR 30 DAYS AFTER THE EVENT AND THEN DONATED TO CHARITY.  

YOU MAY EMAIL US AT INFO@OCMARATHON.COM FOR 30 DAYS AFTER THE EVENT TO CHECK FOR YOUR ITEMS. 

PLEASE NOTE: ANY CLOTHING OR BAGS LEFT AT THE START LINE, NOT CHECKED INTO THE UPS TRUCKS, WILL BE COLLECTED IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE START OF THE RACE AND DONATED TO THE SALVATION ARMY. PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE ITEMS AT THE START LINE

POST RACE SHUTTLES: FOR PARTICIPANTS THAT PARK AT THE START LINE, THERE WILL BE SHUTTLE SERVICE BACK TO THE START LINE FOLLOWING THE RACE. THE SHUTTLES WILL PICK YOU UP IN FRONT OF PACIFIC AMPHITHEATRE AND DROP YOU OFF AT THE START LINE. POST RACE SHUTTLES RUN FROM 9 AM – 1 PM, AND DEPART APPROXIMATELY EVERY 15 MINUTES. 

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PARKING DAILY AT THE OC FAIR AND EVENT CENTER WILL BE $15 (CARD PREFERRED). YOU CAN ALSO PURCHASE A PARKING PASS ON FRIDAY OR SATURDAY FOR $15 FOR SUNDAY AT THE EXPO WHEN YOU’RE PICKING UP YOUR BIB. THIS WILL MAKE THE LINES MOVE FASTER SUNDAY MORNING.

IF THEY WANT TO PARK AT THE START LINE, FOLLOW THE DIRECTION ON THE PARKING PAGE.  AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE, THERE ARE ALSO DIRECTIONS FROM THE START LINE TO THE FINISH LINE. 

YES! Locate the OC Marathon registration tent to sign up at the lowest price all year!

THE BEACH CITIES CHALLENGE IS A RACE SERIES THAT AWARDS A SPECIAL MEDAL TO RUNNERS THAT COMPLETE THE HALF OR FULL MARATHON AT EACH OF THE THREE PARTICIPATING EVENTS – SURF CITY MARATHON/HALF, THE OC MARATHON/HALF AND THE LONG BEACH MARATHON/HALF. RUNNERS CAN BEGIN AT ANY OF THE THREE AND DO THE NEXT TWO IN A ROW. THE LAST COUPLE YEARS HAVE HAD SOME CONFUSING BEACH CITIES CHALLENGE SCENARIOS BUT WE ARE FINALLY BACK ON TRACK.

THERE IS NO ADDITIONAL REGISTRATION FOR THE BEACH CITIES CHALLENGE. WE KEEP TRACK OF YOUR STATUS THROUGH YOUR NORMAL EVENT REGISTRATION.

about beach cities challenge

IF you RAN Long Beach in 2025 and surf city in 2026, you are eligible to receive beach cities medal at OC Marathon 2026.

If you run OC Marathon in May 2025, then Long Beach 2025 and Surf City 2026, you are eligible to receive medal at Surf City 2026.

RUNNING ANY OF THE EVENTS VIRTUALLY WILL MAINTAIN YOUR BEACH CITIES CHALLENGE STATUS.

FILL OUT THE APPLICATION ON THIS PAGE.

ONCE YOUR TEAM IS SET UP, EACH EMPLOYEE WILL BE ABLE TO REGISTER AS A CORPORATE TEAM MEMBER.

ACCESS TO THE PRIVATE CORPORATE HOSPITALITY TENT AT THE OC RUNNING FESTIVAL, DISCOUNTED PERSONALIZED TRAINING GEAR, PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS FOR THE OFFICE, GROUP PRICING THAT INCLUDES IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBERS, SOCIAL NETWORKING WITH OTHER OC BUSINESS, WINNERS FEATURED ON SOCIAL MEDIA, SPECIAL INCENTIVES FOR TEAM CAPTAIN (SUCH AS DISCOUNTED REGISTRATION), OPPORTUNITY TO PARTNER WITH ONE OF OC MARATHON’S CHARITY TEAMS, AND MORE!

REGISTRATION IS OPEN! IT’S NEVER TOO EARLY TO START TRAINING AND BUILDING YOUR TEAM.

THERE ARE MULTIPLE OPTIONS TO SUIT THE NEEDS OF YOUR TEAM. BUSINESSES CAN CHOOSE TO PAY ALL OF THE EMPLOYEE REGISTRATION FEES, A PERCENTAGE OF EACH EMPLOYEES REGISTRATION FEE, OR EACH INDIVIDUAL CAN PAY THEIR OWN. WE WILL CREATE A PLAN THAT WORKS FOR YOU!

WE CAN HELP WITH AS LITTLE OR AS MUCH AS YOU WANT! A FEW WAYS WE CAN HELP INCLUDE: INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS WITH TEAM CAPTAINS; INFORMATIONAL PRESENTATIONS FOR EMPLOYEES; PROVIDE PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS FOR THE OFFICE; CREATE PERSONALIZED TRAINING PLANS; TRACK REGISTRATION; CONNECT YOU WITH A CHARITY PARTNER FOR FUNDRAISING. LET US KNOW WHAT YOU NEED.

ABSOLUTELY! IT’S ONE OF THE MOST FUN AND REWARDING EXPERIENCES YOU CAN HAVE. WE HAVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR BOTH LARGE GROUPS AND INDIVIDUALS. PLEASE VISIT OUR VOLUNTEER PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

VOLUNTEERS MUST BE 16 YEARS OR OLDER, OR ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT. VISIT THE VOLUNTEERS PAGE TO SIGN UP FOR VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES WHEN AVAILABLE.

ALTHOUGH WE WOULD MUCH PREFER TO HAVE YOU RUN WITH US IN-PERSON, THE VIRTUAL OPTION IS STILL AVAILABLE. YOUR LEGACY AND/OR BEACH CITIES CHALLENGE STATUS WOULD STILL BE IN-TACT AFTER YOU SUBMIT YOUR RESULTS.

TRACK YOUR RUN WITH A VIRTUAL FITNESS TRACKER (FITBIT, STRAVA, RUNKEEPER, ETC.)

COMPLETE THE VIRTUAL 13.1-MILE RACE (HALF MARATHON) OR 26.2-MILE RACE (FULL MARATHON) AND SUBMIT PROOF THROUGH THE VIRTUAL RUN SUBMISSION LINK BY THE END OF MAY

HOW DO I SUBMIT PROOF? FILL OUT THE FORM VIRTUAL RUN SUBMISSION LINK  TAKE A SCREENSHOT OR A PICTURE OF YOUR RUN RESULTS FROM YOUR FITNESS TRACKER!

RECEIVE YOUR FINISHER’S MEDAL AND 2026 OC MARATHON SHIRT IN THE MAIL! IF YOU COMPLETED THE BEACH CITIES CHALLENGE, THE COMBO CRUSH, OR BECAME A LEGACY RUNNER, YOU’LL BE AWARDED FOR THOSE AS WELL!

YES! EMAIL INFO@OCMARATHON.COM FOR THE FORM TO MAKE THE CHANGE.

YOU CAN PLAN A RUN ANY TIME BEFORE MAY 30.

PARTICIPANTS CHOOSE THEIR OWN RACE COURSE. WE ASK THAT YOU DO NOT RUN ON THE ROADS OF THE EVENT COURSES, AS THEY ARE MUCH DIFFERENT ON EVENT WEEKEND DUE TO CLOSURES AND POLICE ASSISTANCE WITH TRAFFIC. SHOULD YOU CHOOSE TO RUN A SIMILAR COURSE TO THE ACTUAL, YOU MUST OBEY ALL LAWS AND TRAFFIC SIGNALS AND STAY ON SIDEWALKS AS THERE WILL BE NO POLICE ASSISTANCE. WE ALSO ASK THAT YOU DO NOT RUN IN GROUPS, PER THE CDC RECOMMENDATIONS DURING SOCIAL DISTANCING TIMES.

YES. IF YOU RUN THE VIRTUAL OC MARATHON OR HALF MARATHON IN 2026, YOU WILL MAINTAIN YOUR BEACH CITIES CHALLENGE STATUS. IF THE OC IS YOUR FINAL RACE IN THE SERIES, WE WILL INCLUDE THE BEACH CITIES MEDAL IN YOUR SHIPMENT.

YOU WILL RECEIVE A FINISHER’S MEDAL, RUNNER’S BIB, AND THE EVENT T-SHIRT. ALL MATERIALS WILL BE MAILED TO YOU.

VIRTUAL RUNS ARE UNOFFICIAL RESULTS AND DO NOT COUNT FOR ANY QUALIFICATION STANDARDS.

VIRTUAL RACE RULES

THE VIRTUAL RUN OPTION WILL ALLOW YOU TO MAINTAIN YOUR LEGACY STATUS OR MAINTAIN YOUR STATUS WITHIN THE BEACH CITIES CHALLENGE.

VIRTUAL RACE ENTRY FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE AND NON-TRANSFERABLE. NO EXCEPTIONS.

VIRTUAL RACE RESULTS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY MAY 30

ELIGIBLE RACES:

VIRTUAL FULL MARATHON

VIRTUAL HALF MARATHON

VIRTUAL 5K/COMBO CRUSH

VIRTUAL 5K

VIRTUAL PARTICIPANTS WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR AGE GROUP OR OVERALL AWARDS.

VISIT RUNNING CLUBS FOR MORE INFORMATION ON OUR ACTIVE CLUBS IN THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA, AS WELL AS HOW TO GET INVOLVED.

YES, ACCESS OUR TIPS HERE. YOU CAN ALSO TRAIN WITH OUR PARTNER A SNAILS PACE, ACCESS MORE INFORMATION ON THEIR TRAINING ACADEMY HERE.