Full marathoners, half marathoners and 5k runners will return to coastal Orange County on May 5, 2014 to test their will, fortitude and fitness along a scenic race course for the annual OC Marathon. Now in its 10th year, the race has grown each year to become one of the biggest annual events in OC with thousands of participants, volunteers and vendors.
The weekend kicks-off on Friday, May 2 with the Allergan Health and Fitness Expo at the OC Fair & Event Center exhibit halls where guests can browse through hundreds of vendor booths. Race participants can pick up their race packets at the expo on Friday between 4-8 pm and Saturday, May 3 between 9-6 pm. People who want to run in one of the races will also have the opportunity to sign up if they haven’t done so yet.
Runners can choose between the full marathon, half marathon and Wahoo’s 5k each of which takes place on Sunday, May 4. The marathon starts in Newport Beach and winds along the coast. Runners head inland along the Back Bay and continue up Red Hill Avenue in Costa Mesa adjacent to John Wayne Airport. The course then curves west and passes by Segerstrom Center for the Arts and South Coast Plaza before turning north into Santa Ana. After a few miles, runners head south along the Santa Ana River Trail and back into Costa Mesa until the finish line at the OC Fair & Event Center. See the complete racecourse route with the marathon map, half marathon map and 5k map.
Participating Costa Mesa hotels offer runners the chance to be close to the start and finish of the race. Whether you are from Southern California, or somewhere else, the hotels’ proximity to the racecourse is a benefit that allows runners to get additional rest before the big race. On top of that, the participating Costa Mesa hotels offer free shuttle services to the start of the race and back to the hotel after the race is over. Be sure to book your room today, because they fill up quickly.
If you’re planning on visiting the Costa Mesa or Newport Beach area on May 4, be sure to consult the road closure information page. The road closure and delays will begin at 5 am, and in some areas, may last until 3 pm.
If you haven’t yet registered for the race, you can still get regular pricing through March 31. After that date, the prices will go up. Anyone 16 and older can register for the full marathon, 14 years and older for the half marathon and the 5k is open to all ages. After the conclusion of the races, stay for the Wahoo’s Finish Line Festival at the OC Fair & Event Center. The festival will feature food from Wahoo’s, beer, vendor booths, giveaways and live music.
Visit the OC Marathon website for more information. Whether you’re running, or just cheering, the OC Marathon is a spectacle to witness. With the racecourses running alongside some of Orange County’s top destinations, it’s easy to see why the OC Marathon continues to grow in popularity.
