Surf City Marathon Returns to Huntington Beach This Weekend, Welcoming 15,000 Runners

January 31, 2025

Southern California’s premier oceanfront race returns with a packed weekend of events, including the marathon, half marathon, 5K, and the fan-favorite Beach Mile. Before the marathon, runners will honor Huntington Beach Fire Department personnel for their bravery in battling Southern California’s devastating wildfires. City leader Gracey Van Der Mark will push a special needs athlete in the 5K with Ainsley’s Angels, spotlighting inclusion and accessibility in endurance sports.

HUNTINGTON BEACH (January 31, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ — One of Southern California’s most iconic marathons returns to the coastline this weekend as the Surf City Marathon presented by 361° celebrates its 29th edition. More than 15,000 participants are expected to take part, including Huntington Beach City Council Member Gracey Van Der Mark, who will be pushing a runner with special needs in the 5K as part of Ainsley’s Angels.

For Van Der Mark, serving the community has always been about one thing.

“I got into politics to fight and protect children and see them smile,” said Van Der Mark, who admits she isn’t typically one to wake up early for a 5K, but said she was inspired after seeing Ainsley’s Angels participants at past Surf City Marathon events and felt compelled to get involved.

“Our disabled children go through so much,” she added. “This makes them feel free and included. It’s wonderful. I spoke to one mother, and she said for just a moment, you forget some of the struggles.”

The Surf City Marathon, which starts and finishes in front of the iconic Huntington Beach Pier, follows a scenic course along California’s iconic Pacific Coast Highway, with the sand, surf, and palm trees providing a stunning backdrop.

The race expo opens at noon on Friday, January 31st with the Beach Mile kicking off the weekend’s running events at 11 a.m. Saturday. The main races take place Sunday, beginning with the marathon at 6:30 a.m., the half marathon at 7:15 a.m., and the 5K at 8:10 a.m.

The Surf City Marathon has built a strong relationship with Ainsley’s Angels, with all proceeds from the post race festival and beer garden donated to the organization.

“This is hands down our biggest fundraiser,” said Tricia Benton, an ambassador for Ainsley’s Angels’ Southern California chapter.

Wheelchairs used for Ainsley’s Angels participants cost between $1,600 and $6,000. In the past four years, funds raised through the Surf City Marathon have allowed the organization to purchase four chairs.

Benton knows firsthand how meaningful Ainsley’s Angels is to families. Her 15-year-old daughter, Bailey, was born with Down syndrome and cerebral palsy and is nonverbal.

“At these races, when she’s in that chair and running, her hands are flapping, and her legs are up in the air,” Benton said. “She’s smiling, she’s giggling. Even though she doesn’t have the words to convey it, I know she loves it. It’s the one thing we have for her.”

Van Der Mark said the Surf City Marathon, which has nearly three decades of history, has become an integral part of Huntington Beach.

“It’s a symbol of unity,” she said. “Everyone comes together. They run along PCH with the beach as a backdrop. It’s become part of our tradition, almost as much as the Independence Day parade.”

This year’s marathon includes a few logistical changes. The order of Sunday’s races has been adjusted, with the 5K now starting after the marathon and half marathon, rather than between them.

“That helps lessen congestion on the course,” said race director Julie Coleman. “It also helps with parking and shuttles.”

Additionally, the entire expo and Michelob ULTRA beer garden will be fenced in, rather than just the beer garden.

“Now, a runner can be with their family,” Coleman said. “You don’t have to leave the kids with mom or dad if you want to enjoy a beer or seltzer onsite at the venue.”

In a special tribute before the race begins, event organizers will honor the bravery and dedication of Huntington Beach Fire Department personnel who joined firefighting efforts to protect communities across the region.

“Our firefighters are the backbone of this community, and their selflessness extends far beyond city limits,” said Coleman. “Honoring them at the start line is our way of showing gratitude for their sacrifice and unwavering commitment to protecting others.”

With a mix of elite runners, weekend warriors, charity partners and community members like Van Der Mark taking part, Surf City Marathon weekend continues to be a celebration of sport, inclusion, and the Huntington Beach spirit.

For more information or to register for this weekend’s event, visit www.runsurfcity.com.