2022 Registration is open!

The OC Marathon & Half Marathon Elite Program

Elite Athlete Eligibility Standards

The OC Marathon supports nationally ranked athletes, while highlighting their skills on one of the most scenic Southern California race courses. Elite athletes are invited based on previous personal records (which must be verified) or national rankings. There is a minimum standard that MUST be met to be considered as an elite. Qualifying athletes are eligible to receive a complimentary race entry, an elite bib number, and prize money for course records To be considered as an elite at the OC Marathon, athletes need to provide proof of valid race results meeting the qualifying marks from the past two years. Eligibility is at the discretion of the OC Marathon staff.

Full Marathon Requirements

To Be Considered for Male Full Marathon Elite Entry and Seeded Bib Number:  2:35 or Faster

To Be Considered for Female Full Marathon Elite Entry and Seeded Bib Number:  3:00 or Faster

Half Marathon Requirements

To Be Considered for Male Half Marathon Elite Entry and Seeded Bib Number :  1:10 or Faster

To Be Considered for Female Half Marathon Elite Entry and Seeded Bib Number :  1:20 or Faster

Prize Money*
*Prize money is only given for in-person racing on the certified courses.

Prize money is given for course records to encourage faster times and reward performance.

Course Record & Olympic Standard:

Full Marathon -

$2,500 bonus to beat course record (Men 2:22:45 - Peter Omae Ayieni 2011 / Women 2:37:43 - Lenore Moreno 2016)

Half Marathon -

$1,500 Bonus  to beat course record (Men 1:05:19 - JJ Santana 2021 / Women 1:13:53 - Sara Lopez 2022)

5K

$750 bonus to beat course record (Men 14:07 - Fasil Bizuneh 2007/ Women 16:57 - Valerie Sanchez 2019)

Note: If multiple people beat the course record, only the first will receive the bonus.

USATF Olympic Qualifying Standards 
Men's Marathon Standard
Full Marathon A: 2:15 / B 2:19
Half Marathon B Standard: 1:04

Women's Marathon Standard
Full Marathon A: 2:37 / B 2:45
Half Marathon B Standard: 1:13

USATF Rules of Competition

As an event sanctioned by USA Track and Field (USATF), the marathon, half marathon, and 5K races will be conducted according to USATF Rules of Competition.



Sign Up!

If you qualify, please complete the Elite Application Form below.  A full running resume, photo and proof of valid race qualifying race results will need to be uploaded.