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Surf City USA® Marathon Features Popular Half-Marathon Dominated By Women
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. – The Surf City USA® Marathon, the largest ocean-front running event in all of California, is reversing its picturesque course to accommodate record participation. Growing in popularity for the third straight year, the field is expanding to 16,000 in 2008 (up from 13,000 in 2007) while entries are up 150 percent over the same period last year.
Formerly known as the Pacific Shoreline Marathon, the 12th annual event is held on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 3, 2008. Racing begins at 6:50 a.m., rain or shine. The starting point is on Pacific Coast Highway, just south of Main St. Surf City USA Marathon information is available at www.runsurfcity.com.
The “inaugural” Surf City USA Marathon re-branded their world-class race this past May in order to more closely align with the unique surf culture of Huntington Beach. With the landmark pier and legendary surf break as its backdrop, runners compete in three divisions – marathon, half-marathon and 5K. Surf culture is infused throughout with bands, boards and the much sought after surfboard medallions.
The award-winning Marathon course is scenic and flat with much of the race taking place on the beachfront running path, but also featuring the famed pier, beauty of the Bolsa Chica Wetlands and serenity of Central Park. More than 30,000 spectators from the 48 contiguous states and 19 foreign countries are anticipated to pack the downtown and outlying areas.
Record growth is fueled in large part by 10,000 runners participating in the 2008 half-marathon (13.1 miles), of which 60 percent are women. The Surf City USA Marathon embraced the half-marathoners two years ago, offering the first-ever “bonus” purse. And reigning champion Sylvia Mosqueda’s time is the state’s fastest for 2007. “The half-marathon is one of the fastest growing participatory sports in the world,” said Surf City USA Marathon General Manager Amy Tomchak. “The quality of athletes in the Surf City half-marathon is as high as any race in the country.”
“The race attracts high caliber, professional runners; however, it also brings in the runners that just want to get out there and have fun,” said reigning marathon champion Nadia Noorzai. “The combination makes the race truly authentic. I love watching the professionals compete for the half marathon purse; however, I equally love watching the ‘joggers’ come out and run for the sake of running.”
For the third straight year, the Surf City USA Marathon is partnering with the Free Wheelchair Mission to sponsor the “Run for Mobility”. More than $650,000 will be raised and donated to build and deliver specially engineered wheelchairs around the world. Additional weekend highlights include the two-day Active Lifestyle Beach Expo, the Michelob Ultra Post Race Beer Garden, and Classic Surfboard Medals for all race participants.
The Surf City USA Marathon is rated among the top five marathon experiences in America by Marathon and Beyond.
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