Newport Beach, California, United States
The HOAG OC Marathon draws approximately 2,800 finishers each May along Orange County's Pacific coastline from Newport Beach to Costa Mesa. The course passes the Balboa Peninsula, Corona del Mar cliffs, and the Pacific Coast Highway with ocean views throughout. May's mild Southern California spring and flat coastal roads make it one of the West Coast's most scenic destination marathons.
HOAG OC Marathon is a certified 42.195 km (26.2 mile) marathon — the standard World Athletics marathon distance.
The next HOAG OC Marathon is scheduled for Sunday, 2 May 2027 with a 5:30 am start. The certified course covers 42.195 km (26.2 miles) with 100 m of climbing on a mostly flat with gentle undulations layout.
The HOAG OC Marathon is a scenic coastal road that starts in Newport Beach and finishes in Costa Mesa or the OC Fairgrounds area. The coastal route follows Pacific Coast Highway past Corona del Mar, Balboa Island, and the Newport Beach pier. The flat profile keeps rhythm steady throughout, with only minor bridge ramps or short rises interrupting otherwise even pacing. Spectators gather along the waterfront, at the start-finish festival, and at organised cheer stations on the most scenic coastal stretches.
The HOAG OC Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 100 metres of climbing and 95 metres of descent, with a net climb of 5 metres from start to finish.
The HOAG OC Marathon uses open online registration at ocmarathon.com with no ballot or qualifying time. Sign-up for the May race typically opens in spring and the full marathon can sell out given demand for the coastal Orange County course. Tiered pricing increases closer to race day, rewarding early registration.
Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.
Last updated 18 July 2026. Edition dates and course details are reviewed regularly.
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