OC Marathon

Location: Orange County, California
Country: United States
Website: https://ocmarathon.com/
2025 Marathon Date: 03/05/2025
2026 Marathon Date: 03/05/2026
Winning Time 2025: 02:23:41
% Sub-3s: 2–5%
# Sub-3s: 50–99
Total Runners: 3k–10k

The OC Marathon, held annually in early May, offers runners a coastal Southern California race experience with a blend of urban scenery, seaside views and suburban calm. Starting in Newport Beach and finishing at the Orange County Fairgrounds, the course is point-to-point and features some mild rolling terrain in the first half followed by a flatter finish.

The race begins with a slight elevation drop, giving runners a fast early section through residential neighbourhoods. It then weaves inland toward Costa Mesa via the Santa Ana River Trail. The layout includes long straights, wide roads, and some underpasses, but is never especially technical. For sub-3 aspirants, the early downhills can encourage fast splits—though discipline is needed to avoid overcommitting too soon.

Weather in Orange County is one of the race’s biggest assets. Morning temperatures are typically cool for the region, and the start time is early enough to avoid the midday warmth common in Southern California. Conditions are usually dry, and while wind can occur near the coast, it rarely poses a major problem.

Crowd support is variable—dense at the start and finish, lighter in the midsections—but the event benefits from strong community involvement and polished organisation. Aid stations are frequent and well-equipped, and shuttle transport makes the point-to-point logistics manageable.

The OC Marathon is popular among recreational runners, but it also attracts a healthy contingent of competitive amateurs. The sub-3 cohort is large enough to provide company but not so deep as to crowd pacing strategy. The course offers good PB potential, particularly for runners accustomed to gentle elevation variation.

This race is well suited to athletes seeking a spring marathon with favourable weather, a laid-back Californian atmosphere, and just enough challenge to stay interesting without becoming overly technical.