I don't remember much about this race; I think it was my 2nd or 3rd marathon, but it was called the Pacific Shoreline and I'm pretty sure this was the … MORE
I don’t remember much about this race; I think it was my 2nd or 3rd marathon, but it was called the Pacific Shoreline and I’m pretty sure this was the inaugural year and they still used the tags from your bib. It did not coincide with Super Bowl then. The course was different than now; at least one of the streets you run now was still just a 2-lane road with no shoulder. My finish time is a guesstimate, I was using a bib from a neighbor….but I don’t think I broke 4.5 hours till the mid-2000s. I lived in Huntington Harbor, so this was a local race for me. I like that is still going and has gotten so large!
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Pacific Shoreline
I don't remember much about this race; I think it was my 2nd or 3rd marathon, but it was called the Pacific Shoreline and I'm pretty sure this was the … MORE
I don’t remember much about this race; I think it was my 2nd or 3rd marathon, but it was called the Pacific Shoreline and I’m pretty sure this was the inaugural year and they still used the tags from your bib. It did not coincide with Super Bowl then. The course was different than now; at least one of the streets you run now was still just a 2-lane road with no shoulder. My finish time is a guesstimate, I was using a bib from a neighbor….but I don’t think I broke 4.5 hours till the mid-2000s. I lived in Huntington Harbor, so this was a local race for me. I like that is still going and has gotten so large!
my favorite beach city challange
Out of the 3 beach city challenge . surf city is my favorite its fast , flat the scenery is the BEST. running right by the beach KILLER @!!!!! and … MORE
Out of the 3 beach city challenge . surf city is my favorite its fast , flat the scenery is the BEST. running right by the beach KILLER @!!!!! and the after party with the live is awesome 🙂 on 2019 will be our third time running and I’m so excited to run it again.
Always a chill time at surf city
Great volunteer support, awesome running on the water. This is the second time I've ran this race and I enjoyed it very much. Only frustrating bit is where the half … MORE
Great volunteer support, awesome running on the water. This is the second time I’ve ran this race and I enjoyed it very much. Only frustrating bit is where the half marathon and full come together at the end of the race, there isn’t much separation and you get lumped together with a bunch of people that are walking but hey
Do you enjoy long runs on the beach?
The course is flat with the exception of a little spur out to the park. The temperature starts to warm up as the day goes on, but who doesn't need … MORE
The course is flat with the exception of a little spur out to the park. The temperature starts to warm up as the day goes on, but who doesn’t need an excuse to slow down during those finishing miles. The water stations were great – offering water and Nuun in different cups, so you wouldn’t grab the wrong beverage. And Clif product was on the course at a couple of spots. We stayed at the host hotel and just walked to the start in the morning – it was a little more expensive, but it was nice not having to get up earlier and drive and park. It is also nice to grab a shower after the race and enjoy the local restaurants and bars for a proper recovery. Originally, we were going to stay at a hotel closer to a shuttle stop, but we changed our minds at the last minute. I’m glad we did. As far as the running goes, it seemed like a lot of people participating in this Race-cation were more interested in having a good time with friends and family than setting PRs. Nothing wrong with that, but it follows the mellow and laid back vibe that goes with the beach. I would totally race here again.
Great fist half
Pretty flat course with slight rolling hills. Cliff gels at mile 8 - 9 with as many as you want and so many flavors to choose from it was easy … MORE
Pretty flat course with slight rolling hills. Cliff gels at mile 8 – 9 with as many as you want and so many flavors to choose from it was easy to find my favorite. Have you tried their lime? It tastes like key lime pie filling, what a treat!! Perfect timing too! It was a very long straight run to the finish, sorta boring, but with views of the ocean which can NEVER be a bad view. It was my first half (I’ve run many fulls) and it was F. U. N. fun!!!! Super nice surfboard medal.
Nice flat beach run
Most of race is on PCH. Probably about 4 miles is not. It is kinda of a there and back run. Mile 9 has the cliff shots. Neighborhood nice about … MORE
Most of race is on PCH. Probably about 4 miles is not. It is kinda of a there and back run. Mile 9 has the cliff shots. Neighborhood nice about cheering. Easy to get to start area when staying at nearby hotel. We like the Hyatt a lot. Bummer was the long run for the beer afterwards. Line was slow which was killer after you just finished. Warmer than I thought. Enjoyed the run. Efficient start with delayed group starts. Neighborhood area was crowded for one road where there was back and forth for one section all runners on one side of the street. Other than that felt like spread out enough. Loved the beach. Tent area set up well. Race pick up super easy. Don’t get bob mailed to you. They don’t mail your shirt or safety pins and over charge you to just mail your bib.
Beautiful Race Along the Ocean!
This is a stunning course along the water in Huntington Beach. There is a small offshoot, but for the majority of the race you can see the ocean right next … MORE
This is a stunning course along the water in Huntington Beach. There is a small offshoot, but for the majority of the race you can see the ocean right next to you! Rolling hills the whole course with great aid stations! Water, nu’un, plenty of volunteers, and an awesome wooden surfboard medal at the end to complete the day!
The unique medal keeps me coming back.
Parking is always a nightmare. The course has long straight sections that get quite boring. A few Surf bands that play along the course are awesome. MORE
Parking is always a nightmare. The course has long straight sections that get quite boring. A few Surf bands that play along the course are awesome.
Perfect Winter day in So. California
It's a great race, I've done it in year's past. Flat course, perfect scenery. Please read my blog below on my personal experience with the race. MORE
It’s a great race, I’ve done it in year’s past. Flat course, perfect scenery. Please read my blog below on my personal experience with the race.
Surf City most beautiful run.
There is so much energy, 17,000 runners...by the ocean..flat and on paved highways. This race is very well organized..very pleasant run....it is very very nice. So so enjoyable to run. … MORE
There is so much energy, 17,000 runners…by the ocean..flat and on paved highways. This race is very well organized..very pleasant run….it is very very nice. So so enjoyable to run.
Always an enjoyable race!
Unfortunately, this year i had to walk the entire race (injury). Previous years, I was running the race. Experience from these two point of views, corrals are always a mess. … MORE
Unfortunately, this year i had to walk the entire race (injury). Previous years, I was running the race. Experience from these two point of views, corrals are always a mess. Some aid stations were limited for the back of the pack. Overall, this is race is always great. See you all next year.
Organized Race
Lots of helpful volunteers, vendors, and BEER Garden! Interesting vendors, lots of volunteers on course. The race could have started a little earlier as it gets so hot in SoCal. MORE
Lots of helpful volunteers, vendors, and BEER Garden! Interesting vendors, lots of volunteers on course. The race could have started a little earlier as it gets so hot in SoCal.
My 9th Surf City
This race is a lot of fun. I spent time at the Expo talking to great exhibitors, walking, running, talking to friends and finally reaching the end of the run. … MORE
This race is a lot of fun. I spent time at the Expo talking to great exhibitors, walking, running, talking to friends and finally reaching the end of the run. This is the place to either qualify or take your time and enjoy yourself.
Nice race
Done this race many times and as always the volunteers were very friendly. There were nice views with relaxing location. Occasional ocean breezes help to cool you off. It should … MORE
Done this race many times and as always the volunteers were very friendly. There were nice views with relaxing location. Occasional ocean breezes help to cool you off. It should start earlier, though.
Can't wait to do it again!
The scenery is breathtaking! Running down Pacific Coast Highway is the best! This was my most enjoyable half! Looking at the beach and waves took mind off my legs. The … MORE
The scenery is breathtaking! Running down Pacific Coast Highway is the best! This was my most enjoyable half! Looking at the beach and waves took mind off my legs. The expo was great. Lots of good vendors. The after party was fun! Well put-together race!
Quite simply, the best there is
It's hard to say what's the best part of this race - the incredible scenery, the well-organized and helpful staff, the small town beach vibe, the good cause, the favorable … MORE
It’s hard to say what’s the best part of this race – the incredible scenery, the well-organized and helpful staff, the small town beach vibe, the good cause, the favorable weather and terrain, or the fact you get all these perks at once!
Good event
Many pros and cons for this event. Let’s tart with the pros!!! Love the course. It was super easy. Great for a first time Half-er!!! ;) You can smell the … MORE
Many pros and cons for this event.
Let’s tart with the pros!!!
Love the course. It was super easy. Great for a first time Half-er!!! 😉 You can smell the blissful sea air and the sound of the crashing waves perks up your inner running spirit. If you need extra miles or cool down miles just stroll over to the pedestrian walkway along the shore line (best part for me was my extra few miles along the coast).
I have to add a few cons, unfortunately.
I’m glad I always carry my osprey hydration pack. The water stations were extremely overwhelmed and not able to handle the demand for the amount of runners. Some stations couldn’t fill the cups fast enough and lines started to form. Same for the electrolyte areas. Perhaps corralling like rundisney May be in order. Especially since it’s becoming such a popular event. I also state the coral idea because the course was so congested you couldn’t get around anyone for the first 4 miles. So if your planning on a PR it could be hindered for that reason. My husband and I have medical volunteered for many rundisney events and are super aggressive with our accessments and aiding of runners. Let no one slip through is our motto. But at the finish I had to stop numerous times to aid runners, with no medical staff in site. It took everything for my husband not to jump in a few times to aid. It was extremely hot, which we all know leads to many in the dunk tanks etc. perhaps allowing more medical personal to volunteer with proof of credentials, experience and background outside of the sponsorship hospital would be a great service.
Thank you for a beautiful course and to all the volunteers. You are greatly appreciated!!!
wonderful experience
I want other runners to know, I want them to join me next year 2019 will not regret it. The view of the ocean was amazing. well organize lots of … MORE
I want other runners to know, I want them to join me next year 2019
will not regret it. The view of the ocean was amazing. well organize lots of hydration station.
Good race for a PR...otherwise just OK
This course is very flat - only one minor hill around mile 4. Weather is usually nice for it, too, though this year was a little hot (probably around 70 … MORE
This course is very flat – only one minor hill around mile 4. Weather is usually nice for it, too, though this year was a little hot (probably around 70 by the time I finished). Those conditions make for a great PR course; I’ve run my PR here and my second fastest half marathon time as well.
Here’s why i think it’s just OK:
– Course is flat and fast, yeah, but it’s a really boring course – just a long out and back stretch mostly. And it’s a really CROWDED course. The half marathoners catch up with slower full marathoners around mile 5-6 and from then on you have to dodge slower runners. It’d be really de-motivating to be constantly passed by faster runners, and it was tiring to weave around people even 10 miles into the course
-Not a very spectator-friendly course, if that’s your thing. I don’t really care about lots of spectators and big crowds, but my family had a hard time finding a good place to cheer for me and that did bum me out
– Corral system is horrible. I was in the 1:30-1:45 corral and was dodging people walking in the first quarter mile. Overheard two guys next to me saying they were aiming for 2:10 halfs – why the heck were they in with 1:30 half marathoners then? Need to get a better system for putting people in corrals.
-Race shirt is nice technical fabric but is pretty hideous.
– Post-race food was adequate, nothing memorable.
Still, Huntington Beach is pretty nice place to hang out before/after the race, so it’s not a terrible option for out of town visitors looking for a nice winter race.
Great Race!
I would highly recommend this race. It is both flat and scenic making it an enjoyable run. The medal is also a huge plus. This is my favorite one I … MORE
I would highly recommend this race. It is both flat and scenic making it an enjoyable run. The medal is also a huge plus. This is my favorite one I have received so far!!