How do I register for the OC Marathon?

Registration opens August 1 each year for the following May race. The race is open entry, meaning no lottery or qualifying time is required. It does sell out, so sign up as soon as the window opens.

Is the OC Marathon a Boston qualifier?

Yes, the OC Marathon is a certified Boston qualifier. The course is USATF certified and the point-to-point, net-downhill layout gives you a reasonable shot at hitting your standard.

What is the course like for elevation?

The course runs point-to-point from Newport Beach to Costa Mesa with a net drop of about 110 feet. It's essentially flat with no significant climbs, making it one of the more PR-friendly courses in Southern California.

What is the time limit?

The time limit is 7 hours, which is generous enough to accommodate a wide range of paces.

What is the typical race-day weather?

Expect a mild start in the mid-50s that can climb to around 70 by the time later finishers come in. The marine layer often keeps conditions comfortable early, but the back half can warm up if the sun breaks through.

How big is the field?

Recent editions have seen roughly 3,600 finishers, making it a mid-size event with a manageable feel on race day.

Where does the race start and finish?

The race starts in Newport Beach and finishes at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa. Many hotels are located near the finish area, and the nearest major airports are Long Beach (LGB) and Los Angeles International (LAX).

Sun, May 2 · 2027Costa Mesa, CASince 2004

OC Marathon

The OC Marathon runs a point-to-point course from Newport Beach to Costa Mesa on a nearly all-downhill route, making it a genuine shot at a personal best for runners ready to chase one.

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OC · US

OC

SUN, MAY 2

2027

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Race Overview

EST. 2004

The OC starts in Newport Beach and finishes at the fairgrounds in Costa Mesa. It's a point-to-point course that trends gently downhill the whole way, and on a good day it genuinely feels fast. The roads are mostly flat, the turns are manageable, and there's nothing on the course that should blow up your race if you run it smart. The one moment worth singling out is the stretch through the coastal neighborhoods early on, where the marine layer is usually still in and the air is cool. It won't stop you in your tracks, but it makes the first half feel easier than you expect. Don't let that fool you into banking time you'll need later.

This is a legit PR course. The net downhill is small, but combined with the flat profile it adds up to a fast day when conditions cooperate. It's also a Boston qualifier, though the BQ rate suggests most of the field is running for completion rather than time, so don't expect the competitive buzz of a qualifier-heavy race. Entry is open registration, which opens in August for the following May. The race does sell out, so register early once the window opens. If you've been chasing a time and want a course that's stacked in your favor, this one's worth the trip.

Field size

~3.6k

3,618 finishers

BQ rate

5%

Below national average

Time limit

7:00

Generous cutoff

Entry

Open

First-come registration

Course records

Men

2:14:06

Steven Martinez

2026

Women

2:37:43

Lenore Moreno

2016

The Course

Total ascent

—

Total descent

↓110 ft

Net elevation

—

Highest point

260 ft

Lowest point

10 ft

Course shape

Point to point

Different start and finish

This point-to-point course runs from Newport Beach to the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa. Net elevation is a modest 110-foot drop over 26.2 miles, with the highest point just 260 feet above sea level. Elevation change is minimal throughout, so there are no significant climbs to manage. The flat, net-downhill profile favors even or slightly negative splits. Runners chasing a PR can push from early on without saving legs for a late climb. The main pacing risk is going out too fast on the gentle downhill opening miles. Surface is predominantly road with few technical turns. USATF certified.

View official course map Past results

Race-Day Weather

10-year median

Low

55°F

High

70°F

30°MARATHON-IDEAL 45–60°80°

What to expect

May in Costa Mesa usually means a mild morning start in the mid-50s that climbs toward 70 by midday. The marine layer often keeps things cooler early on, which helps for the first half. But if the cloud cover burns off before you finish, the back miles can feel warmer than you planned for. It's not a hot race by most standards, but it's worth dressing in layers you can shed and staying on top of hydration once the sun comes out.

Entry

OPEN

Registration opens August 1 each year for the upcoming May race. The race typically sells out due to capacity constraints, so runners should register early.

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