There’s Something About The OC Marathon

There’s something about the OC Marathon that keeps me coming back year after year. I have run races all over the world, but the OC Marathon will always be one of my favorites. The 2018 edition will be my fifth consecutive year running the race.  It was my first full marathon and I have been an official pacer three years in row as well having been an ambassador the past two years. I chose to be an ambassador and represent this race because I love the race.

When I think of this race, I think of two things… the course and the community.

The half marathon course may just be as good a course as you’re going to get. While I may be biased because I run in the area weekly, it is a course that never gets old.

The first couple of miles are downhill allowing you to warm up and pick up some time. You soon run through Corona Del Mar with amazing views of the beach, Pacific ocean, and Balboa Island. You pass beautiful million dollar homes and boatways on the way to the bridge on PCH and up to my favorite part of the course around Castaways Park which give you sweeping views of The Newport Back Bay, Newport Beach, and Balboa Island.

A couple miles through beautiful neighborhoods where the residents come out in full force to support you, and you end up right on the Back Bay with your biggest “hill”. Luckily, you have the help of OC’s Lululemon and one of my local run clubs #chasingnewport cheering you on to push you up that hill. You won’t even know the hill is there. One more turn and you’re on the home stretch, with the help of my other run club, and the providers of your pacers, A Snail’s Pace Run Club, cheering you on as you hit the final flat fast mile to the finish line.