Surf City Marathon

Location: Huntington, California
Country: United States
Website: https://www.runsurfcity.com
2025 Marathon Date: 02/02/2025
2026 Marathon Date: 01/02/2026
Winning Time 2025: 2:31:21
% Sub-3s: 1–2%
# Sub-3s: 10–49
Total Runners: 1k–3k

The Surf City Marathon is held each February in Huntington Beach, California, offering runners a flat, oceanfront course alongside Pacific views. The event has a beachside atmosphere and relaxed race-day vibe, making it a popular winter marathon for West Coast runners looking to start their season in a low-pressure environment.

The course begins near the Huntington Beach Pier and follows a mix of residential streets, beachfront paths, and the Pacific Coast Highway. The first half includes some gentle rolling stretches inland, but the bulk of the second half is flat and fast along the shoreline. The layout is straightforward, with out-and-back segments that provide visual reference points but can challenge pacing due to mental repetition and exposure to headwinds.

February weather in Southern California is ideal for marathon running. Cool morning temperatures, low humidity and a marine breeze create comfortable racing conditions for most of the event. While overcast skies are common, rainfall is rare and wind is typically light, though gusts along the coast can occasionally affect pacing on the return leg.

Race organisation is polished, with clear communication, ample parking, frequent aid stations and smooth wave starts. The event village is located by the beach and features gear check, refreshments, and vendor booths, contributing to a festive post-race environment.

Spectator support is patchy but friendly, with a mix of beachgoers, volunteers and supporters scattered along the route. The event attracts a mix of serious amateurs and recreational runners, with fewer competitive sub-3 athletes than other California marathons.

For sub-3 hopefuls, the Surf City Marathon offers a calm and well-organised setting with dependable weather and a fast final 10K. It is not a high-profile race, but its simplicity and predictability make it attractive to experienced runners looking for rhythm and conditions over crowds and spectacle. Those targeting an early-season benchmark or a controlled negative split effort may find the layout ideal.