Nearly 20,000 runners will make waves at Orange County’s largest annual running event
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. – The Surf City Marathon presented by Biofreeze returns on Sunday, Feb. 1, celebrating three decades of recreational running and elite racing along Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach. Close to 20,000 runners are expected to take part in Orange County’s largest annual running event, which features a sold-out 26.2-mile marathon, 13.1-mile half marathon, 3.1-mile 5K and the Beach Mile. The 30-year celebration is set to feature local honorees who highlight surf culture, including Peter Townend, the first IPS/ASP World Surfing Champion and a pioneer in the sport of surfing, as well as perks for legacy participants. Registration is still open for the 5K and Beach Mile.
“The high demand we’ve seen for the marathon and the half marathon, alongside the continued popularity of the 5K and Beach Mile, make it clear: runners love returning to Surf City USA for an exceptional coastline experience that could only happen here,” said Phyllis Blanchard, VP of Commercial Partnerships at Motiv Sports, producer of the Surf City Marathon presented by Biofreeze. “Beyond just the oceanfront views, our participants can feel the authentic local connections and longstanding relationships that set this race apart. It’s what has made this event such a success for the last 30 years, and what will allow it to keep growing for the next 30.”
The race’s popularity is also evident in the 1,900 Longboard Legacy Program runners expected to return this year. Participants who return to the Surf City Marathon or Half Marathon for three consecutive years or more can take advantage of the Longboard Legacy Program. Perks for members include special apparel, race weekend upgrades and an additional Michelob Ultra beer at the post-race festival.
The event’s longevity is also thanks in part to its sponsors who invest in creating a memorable experience for participants. Notable sponsors for the 2026 race include the race’s Presenting Sponsor Biofreeze, which will bring out its fan-favorite Cooling Crew to mist runners with Biofreeze Pain Relief Spray on course and provide Biofreeze samples throughout the event. Sports Basement will be on hand with best-in-class running products to support last-minute runner needs, while science-backed compression brand 2XU will be showcasing its premier gear. Longtime partner TruMoo caps off the experience by serving ice-cold chocolate milk to runners at the finish line.
For more information about the Surf City Marathon presented by Biofreeze, visit www.runsurfcity.com and follow the event on Facebook and Instagram.
ABOUT THE SURF CITY MARATHON PRESENTED BY BIOFREEZE AND MOTIV SPORTS
The Surf City Marathon presented by Biofreeze, an annual marathon, half marathon, 5K and Beach Mile, held in Huntington Beach, is a longstanding and beloved endurance event. Known for its famous beachfront location, it features a variety of race distances along the iconic PCH. The event combines scenic ocean views, wide-open roads and temperate winter weather with a fast and flat course, making it popular among local and international runners. The brand leans into its Huntington Beach roots and pays homage to local surf culture. For three decades it has inspired hundreds of thousands to run breezy and connect with the laid-back yet adventurous spirit of Surf City USA. The Surf City Marathon presented by Biofreeze is produced by Motiv Sports. Motiv Sports was founded in 2015, and creates, markets, manages and delivers world-class endurance events all around the world.