Huntington Beach may be officially known for its surf, but on Sunday it was all about the turf in the coastal town.
Thousands of runners hit the pavement along Pacific Coast Highway, despite the threat of rain, for the Surf City Marathon, soaking in the ocean views as they participated in the full and half marathons and a 5K race.
“The start and finish on Pacific Coast Highway, under the palm trees with the pier and in the distance – there is really no experience like it, anywhere in the world. It remains one of the most popular in Southern California,” said organizer Dan Cruz.
The event, now in its 28th year, is a Boston Marathon qualifying event, so it brings out serious racers who enjoy the competitive aspect of the run.
Some prefer the shorter routes also offered and participate for the fun atmosphere, with the sounds of Beach Boys in the backdrop and a beer garden at the finish line. Others come to support cancer survivors or other causes, or use the race as a platform for a fundraising goal.
“I love the spirit of race day, all the people coming together. It brings people together no matter your age, ethnicity, from across the country – all to achieve a common goal,” Cruz said. “It’s such a special feeling at the finish line.”
It’s one of the more scenic marathon runs in Southern California, with runners passing surfers catching waves near the Huntington Beach Pier, all the way up the coast to Bolsa Chica State Beach with the wetlands as the backdrop, and back down the beach path to end at Huntington State Beach.
The race isn’t just a one-day affair, but was a weekend filled with festivities that led up to Sunday’s races.
The Active Lifestyle Expo kicked off Friday and ran through the weekend, and a day before the bigger races, hundreds of runners showed up for a “Beach Mile” event, a short jaunt on the sand to and from the famed Huntington Beach Pier.
All the lanes on Pacific Coast Highway shut down for the race, the…
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