OC Marathon Reviews & Race Reports
8 reviews from runners who've completed this race
Reviews & Race Reports
Mile 24 Struggles — Many runners hit a wall at mile 24. Legs feel heavy, and the mental battle intensifies. Lean on your pacer here.
Scenic Course Highlights — The first half features stunning ocean views and charming neighborhoods. However, reports indicate the second half loses its appeal, transitioning into suburban sprawl and shopping areas.
Aid Station Support — Aid stations are well-stocked and conveniently placed. Volunteers are enthusiastic, providing much-needed support as you navigate the final miles.
Early Start Benefits — Starting at 5:30 AM is a plus for early risers. It feels like a regular long run but with a vibrant crowd. Make sure to arrive early to settle in and hydrate before the race.
Unexpected PB with no taper or time goals
The OC Marathon starts at 5:30am, which was ideal for me as an early morning runner, as it made it feel like just another Sunday long run, though one with thousands of other runners around. Even though I made it to the starting line area with plenty of time to eat a box of Mike and Ikes, use the porta potty twice and jog a half mile, I lost track of time and all sense of direction, not realizing I was on the opposite end of where the corrals were filling up. By the time I realized my oversight, the corrals were jam-packed, and the best I could do was squeeze in behind the 3:20 pacers.
Survived mile 22 struggle to achieve a 14-minute PR
Overall, things went well! Money can't but happiness but it can pay for a race entry and Adidas Pro Evo 1s, which are the shoes I raced in. It can also buy a multimillion dollar beachside house in Newport Beach, CA which makes great scenery to run by. Who owns these homes? What do they do for a living? Is shutting down the roads that lead to these homes once a year during a marathon my best chance at exacting justice against the bourgeoisie?... Where did I go wrong?
Struggled with humidity and hydration, but still finished strong.
This race felt hard from the beginning. I think a combo of the humidity and lack of hydration took a toll from the start. There were a pack of about 5 in the lead and I heard them talking about Olympic qualifying times at the start so I knew to let them go, I was trying to run my own race and stick to my A goal of sub 2:40.
Boring course and dangerous trail section led to a decision not to return.
0-15. Stuck with the 3:20 pacers this whole time without any issues. Since I did this race last year, the course and everything felt like deja vu (all over again haha). The first few miles of the course was a beautiful route along the coast and the Newport Beach Back Bay. The rest of the course was basically through suburbia hell - really unremarkable.
Enjoyed ocean views but lost interest in suburban sprawl
The race course was fun for the first half with nice ocean views as the sun started to peak over the mountains but became much less interesting in the 2nd half as the course navigated through a shopping mall and upscale suburban sprawl. Good energy from the crowd and nice smattering of different musicians along the way though which was a nice surprise.