Category: Marathon Blog

Human Options: A Safe Haven for Survivors of Relationship Violence

DONATE TO HUMAN OPTIONS We are excited to welcome Human Options as a new partner to this year’s Hoag OC Marathon! Since 1981, Human Options has provided hope and support for individuals affected by relationship violence in Orange County. Founded by four passionate women, the organization has since impacted over 500,000 lives, working to ensure […]

8 Week Marathon Training Schedule 

Marathon runners

You’ve set your sights on a marathon, but where do you even begin? Eight weeks might not seem like enough time, but with the right plan, it’s possible. This schedule is built for runners who already have some experience and want to push further.  Each week, you’ll go longer, stronger, and smarter without risking burnout […]

Marathon Training Plan for a 3:30 Finish: Your Complete Guide 

Runners on a race track

The 3:30 marathon is a solid benchmark for endurance and speed. To sustain the right pace over 42.2 km, every part of training matters, whether long runs, intervals, recovery, or race-day strategy.  In this article, you’ll find a structured plan designed to build strength, improve efficiency, and maximize performance. Each training phase is broken down […]

Higher Ground: Building Pathways to Success

DONATE TO HIGHER GROUND For more than a decade, Higher Ground Youth & Family Services has played a vital role in supporting families throughout Orange County, CA. Founded in 2013, this nonprofit family resource center was established with the goal of providing wrap-around services, family support, and community resources to youth and families in need. […]

Right Hand Angels: Inspiring Change, One Family at a Time

DONATE TO RIGHT HAND ANGELS At Right Hand Angels, their mission is simple yet powerful: to inspire hope in our disabled community by integrating educational support, advocacy, and informative research, while also contributing to the health and well-being of families.  Founded by Robin Totsch in May 2007, Right Hand Angels began as a response to […]

Project Possible: Celebrating Team Jake’s 19th Year at the OC Marathon!

DONATE TO PROJECT POSSIBLE Year 19 for Team Jake at the OC Marathon feels like a revival of sorts. The OC Marathon and Project Possible have continued to find ways to lift each other up for 19 years, and this year feels like a celebration of all who have participated–from runners to water station leaders […]

Skate Like A Girl: Building Bridges, Not Barriers

DONATE TO SKATE LIKE A GIRL We are excited to announce that Skate Like A Girl is back again as an official charity partner for the 2025 OC Marathon! They are a unique nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering skaters, particularly young women and trans individuals, to grow into strong, confident leaders who advocate for social […]

Roll With the Wind: Ainsley’s Angels Empowering Inclusive Communities

DONATE TO AINSLEY’S ANGELS Ainsley’s Angels has become an integral part of the OC Marathon over the past few years, and  this year we are thrilled to have them on as an official charity partner! This incredible nonprofit organization pairs up disabled athletes with able-bodied runners, offering everyone the chance to participate in endurance events, […]

See You at the Finish Line… IBD Cures! [Team Challenge]

DONATE TO Team CHallenge Team Challenge is the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s endurance program, created to raise funds to accelerate cures for IBD and support critical patient programs. With exclusive entries to premier races around the world like the TCS NYC Marathon and the BMW Berlin Marathon, plus many ways to get involved here at […]

Tempo Run: What it is, Benefits, and How to Do it

If you’re training for a marathon, you might have heard of tempo runs but aren’t sure how they fit into your plan. For instance, if your pace feels stagnant or long runs leave you drained too soon, a tempo run might be the missing piece in your training.  What, then, is a tempo run? This […]

Marathon Training Plan Under 4 Hours: Your Complete Guide 

If breaking the four-hour mark feels out of reach, know that countless runners have done it, and so can you. But endurance alone won’t get you there. You need a plan that sharpens speed, builds stamina, and keeps fatigue under control when the race gets tough.  Training with precision makes the difference, and that’s what […]

Project Youth OC: 21 Years as an OC Marathon Charity Partner

DONATE TO PROJECT YOUTH OC Since the OC Marathon’s inception in 2004, Project Youth OC has been one of our official charity partners, successfully raising over $900,000 to support at-risk youth and their families. For more than 50 years, Project Youth OC has been committed to empowering young individuals and breaking cycles of poverty and […]

Changing Lives, Changing the World: Team World Vision

DONATE TO TEAM WORLD VISION Team World Vision is a longtime charity partner of the Hoag OC Marathon, and we are happy to have them back again for 2025! They are a nonprofit Christian Humanitarian organization committed to supporting children, families, and communities around the world in reaching their full potential by tackling the root […]

Turning Grief into Growth: Support Gloves For Grief at the 2025 OC Marathon

DONATE TO GLOVES FOR GRIEF We’re proud to partner with Gloves For Grief for the 2025 Hoag OC Marathon! This incredible organization focuses on creating healing experiences for those who are grieving and provides a supportive community where you can come as you are and connect with others who truly understand. Turning Pain Into Purpose, […]

Fartlek Training 101: Benefits, Tips, and Workouts for All Levels 

This article explores the benefits of fartlek training, how to incorporate it into your routine, and sample workouts for every level. You’ll also find practical tips to help you get the most out of this versatile approach. What Is Fartlek Training? The term “fartlek,” is derived from Swedish, which means “speed play.” It mixes continuous […]

Runner’s Diarrhea: Causes, Prevention, and Solutions 

You’ve trained hard for race day, but one issue could throw off your plans: runner’s diarrhea. It’s uncomfortable, unpredictable, and can derail the progress you’ve made.  The truth is, you’re not alone, many runners experience this during their races. In this article, we’ll dive into the causes behind runner’s diarrhea, how to prevent it, and […]

Building A Healthy Future: Inspiring Kids To Fitness Through Kids Run The OC!

DONATE TO The oc marathon foundation This week, we are proudly highlighting a cause that is close to our hearts: the OC Marathon Foundation. As a nonprofit organization, our mission is to inspire kids to embrace fitness and promote a healthy, active lifestyle to combat childhood obesity. Through initiatives like the Kids Run the OC […]

1:45 Half Marathon Training Plan

You’re ready to take on the 1:45 half marathon, and that’s no small feat. But here’s the good news—it’s achievable with the right plan. Over the next 12 weeks, we’ll break down the workouts and strategies that will get you across the finish line faster.  From increasing your stamina to adding speed, every step is […]

10K to Half Marathon Training Plan

So, you’ve conquered the 10K race—an incredible feat. But now, you’re ready to push further, to tackle the iconic 13.1 miles of a half marathon. That takes grit. It takes heart. And it takes a bold determination that not everyone is willing to embrace.  In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know […]

Sub-2 Hour Half Marathon Training Plan 

Mental Toughness: How to Stay Motivated During Marathon Trainin

Breaking the 2-hour barrier in a half marathon is a milestone many runners aspire to achieve. It’s a test of endurance, speed, and smart planning—where every step matters. Reaching this goal calls for consistency, a solid training plan, and strategic execution on race day.  If you’re looking to shave minutes off your time or conquer […]

Ultimate 8-Week Half Marathon Training Plan: From Beginner to Finish Line

You’ve planned to conquer a half marathon, but the thought of months of exhausting preparation feels overwhelming. What if there’s a simpler way? A plan that fits into your busy schedule and gets you from the couch to the finish line in just 8 weeks? Yes, even for beginners.  In this article, we’ll unveil the […]

Join the Fight Against Pancreatic Cancer: Supporting Project Purple at the Hoag OC Marathon

DONATE TO PROJECT PURPLE We are excited to once again welcome Project Purple as one of our official Hoag OC Marathon charity partners! As a non-profit organization founded in 2010, Project Purple has long been committed to fighting against pancreatic cancer. Their efforts to make an impact include patient support, research funding, and community outreach. […]

15-Week Half Marathon Training Plan for Beginners

You’ve committed to an exciting challenge—running your first half marathon! But now you’re staring at 13.1 miles and wondering how to even begin preparing. The good news? It’s completely doable with the right plan, and this 15-week training guide is built to help you get there, one step at a time.   This plan is designed […]

Couch to Half Marathon: 20-Week Beginner Training Plan

The idea of running a half marathon might feel like an ambitious leap, especially if you’re starting from zero. Maybe you’ve never laced up for more than a quick jog, or perhaps the thought of covering 21 kilometers feels like an impossible dream. The truth is that every runner started somewhere. In this article, we’ll […]

Introducing The Santa Effect: Empowering Lives Through the OC Marathon

DONATE TO THE SANTA EFFECT We are delighted to announce The Santa Effect as one of our new charity partners for both the OC Marathon and Run for a Claus events! The Santa Effect, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, is dedicated to empowering individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Their work focuses on providing critical resources, personalized […]

WISEPlace Joins the OC Marathon to End Homelessness for Unaccompanied Women

The OC Marathon is proud to announce WISEPlace as one of our charity partners for this year’s race. As the only Orange County-based nonprofit focused exclusively on ending homelessness for unaccompanied women, WISEPlace provides a vital lifeline through safe shelter, mental health services, addiction recovery, case management, and employment assistance. Supporting the Most Vulnerable Women […]

The Importance of Community Involvement in Marathons

Aerial view of race course

Marathons aren’t just races but community events that bring together people from all walks of life. For runners, it’s that extra push to cross the finish line. For the community, it’s an opportunity to rally behind something bigger than the race itself. Wondering how everyone can get involved? Let’s explore the power of community in […]