The OC Marathon course is net downhill course that runs through the coastal communities of Newport Beach, Costa Mesa and Santa Ana finishing off at the OC Fair and Event Center.
The majority of the elevation loss occurs in the first 5 miles with a few small inclines and declines. There are also a couple of other small hills at miles 7, 11 and near mile 22. These hills are smaller than the earlier hill.
The OC Marathon was the 30th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 40th largest in 2022.
This year 6.2% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 6.9% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the OC Marathon the 274th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 237th highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 99.05 ranks it as the 188th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 14th fastest course in California.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are slightly above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the OC Marathon a PR Score of 98.55. This PR Score ranks it as the 206th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 13th fastest in California.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
OC Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 254 feet (77m) Min Elevation: 9 feet (2m)
Love the start, the great downhill second mile with all the views and the beautiful scenery that changes every few miles. Nice finish and the best post-race party I have ever been to.
Race Tips
Half gets a bit tight with slower marathoners but it all works out well
Well organized no delays In starting the race. Plenty of room to run. I used the pacer for 3 hrs and fell slightly behind and finished at 3:03 for a BQ.
Race Tips
It rained heavily during the race but was not cold rain. Be prepared for weather shift before race. Can be fast course nothing significant in terms of hills.
The course has a great downhill first half, goes through a number of cities in Orange County and the views and terrain changes about every three miles. The weather is almost always perfect running weather and the party at the end is the best.
Race Tips
Great PR course. First half has the beauty, the second half is just flat and fast.
