Project Youth OC: 21 Years as an OC Marathon Charity Partner - OC Marathon | OC Half Marathon & 5k

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 crime through education, mentorship, and family support.

Each year, Project Youth OC serves over 1,500 Orange County youth aged 12-18 and 1,000+ parents, providing the resources and support they need to make positive, healthy life choices. Their goal is to reach youth early and offer long-term solutions to the obstacles they face by helping them stay in school, pursue higher education, and build brighter futures through specialized prevention and intervention services. For many of the youth they serve, this means a second chance to get back on the right path. Project Youth OC’s programs focus on juvenile crime diversion, college and career access, and parent and family enrichment services, positioning the organization as a one-stop center for integrated support.

A few of their notable accomplishments include 100% of their high school seniors enrolling in college, and an impressive 91% non-recidivism rate for participants in their SHORTSTOP & STOP SHORT addiction programs. This means that 91% of the youth who complete these programs do not relapse or reoffend, demonstrating the effectiveness of their interventions in helping young people stay on the right path.

We’re proud to have Project Youth OC as part of the OC Marathon again in 2025 and look forward to seeing the incredible impact they continue to make in our community!

Runner Rebate Program

We’re excited to offer the Runner Rebate Program, which allows you to make your support for Project Youth OC even more meaningful. Runners who commit to fundraising for this amazing cause can earn a full refund of their registration fee by reaching the specified fundraising goals! Here’s how you can get involved:

For the 5K, raise $150 and receive a 100% refund of your registration fees.
For the half marathon, raise $350 and get a 100% refund of your registration fees.
For the full marathon, raise $500 and you’ll receive a 100% refund of your registration fees.
For the 5K/Half Combo Crush, raise $650 and receive a 100% refund of your registration fees.
For the 5K/Full Combo Crush, raise $750 and receive a 100% refund of your registration fees.

By achieving these fundraising goals, you’ll not only get to run for free, but also help provide essential support to young people navigating tough situations through the vital work of Project Youth OC.

Join us in supporting Project Youth OC and their mission to keep at-risk youth in school, healthy, and drug-free. To donate or fundraise for Project Youth OC, simply click the link below: