HalfRuns
SOCAL River Marathon - 26.2 - 13.1 - 10K - 5K

SOCAL River Marathon - 26.2 - 13.1 - 10K - 5K

The SOCAL River Marathon offers a scenic journey along the Santa Ana River Trail to the Pacific.

Race Date

Feb 27, 2027

Location

Huntington Beach, CA

Standout62

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, February 27, 2027
Location
Huntington Beach, California
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 3.1 Miles, 6.2 Miles, 26.2 Miles, Virtual SOCAL Race (Any Distance), Pacer Full Marathon invite only, Pacer Half Marathon invite only
Course
Point to Point
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Not listed
Finishers on record
1,737

Highlights

Good For

Destination Worthy

Atmosphere

Local CommunityGreat Swag

Course

Fast FlatNet Downhill

The Experience

The SOCAL River Marathon series presents a unique Southern California running experience, tracing the Santa Ana River Trail from inland expanses to the coast. This point-to-point course, first run in 2021, offers a predominantly flat and straight path with a gentle downhill gradient guiding runners toward the ocean.

While the course has seen significant improvements, it winds through varied landscapes, from drier inland areas towards the vibrant surroundings near Disneyland, culminating at Huntington Beach State Park. The series, which typically sees around 300 finishers, draws participants from approximately 21 states, highlighting its appeal as a destination event.

With a repeat-runner rate of about 10%, the SOCAL River Marathon is building its tradition. Runners can expect a straightforward race day, with a focus on the scenic progression of the trail itself. The event offers multiple distances, including a full marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K, catering to a range of running abilities.

Race-provided description

The SOCAL River Marathon has four distances. Full Marathon, Half Marathon, 10K and 5K.  This is a fun course in Southern California. This course runs on the Santa Ana River Trail from Yorba Linda to Huntington Beach State Park. This route truly spans Southern California from the dryer desert land to areas near Disneyland to the Beach. The course is primarily flat and straight but has a gradual downhill slant following the river to the ocean. This route is two years ago was cleaned up from homeless tents and is not fenced in nightly.

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, February 27, 2027

Start Time

9:30 AM

Giveaway

T-Shirt

Start Location

21601 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA, 92646

Directions

Course Info

Course Type

Point to Point

Terrain

road

Scenery

Coastal, Lake River

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

0 m (Flat)

Separation

0.0%

Also Offers

3.1 Miles6.2 Miles26.2 MilesVirtual SOCAL Race (Any Distance)Pacer Full Marathon invite onlyPacer Half Marathon invite only

Quality Score

Standout62
Methodology
Heritage12/20

6 years running

Size13/15

~369 finishers a year

Momentum3/5

shrinking

Loyalty10/20

10% returning runners

Course & details6/15

5 timing sources · 3 photos

National draw8/10

runners from 21 states

Front-pack speed3/5

winner 1:18:25

Weather8/10

typical high 65°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

47°

Afternoon (High)

65°

Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish

0.1"

Precipitation

13 mph

Wind

65%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 1,737 finishers actually crossed the line across 6 years.

Most recent

2026

Total finishers

1,737

Median time

2:28:56

Latest turnout

301

States

41

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:10p50 median ≈ 2:156:40

Turnout by year

20192026

'19'22'23'24'25'26
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Race Photos

Frequently asked

When is the SOCAL River Marathon - 26.2 - 13.1 - 10K - 5K?

The SOCAL River Marathon - 26.2 - 13.1 - 10K - 5K is held on Saturday, February 27, 2027, starting at 9:30 AM.

Where does the SOCAL River Marathon - 26.2 - 13.1 - 10K - 5K take place?

It takes place in Huntington Beach, California.

What distances does the SOCAL River Marathon - 26.2 - 13.1 - 10K - 5K offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 3.1 Miles, 6.2 Miles, 26.2 Miles, Virtual SOCAL Race (Any Distance), Pacer Full Marathon invite only, Pacer Half Marathon invite only.

Is the SOCAL River Marathon - 26.2 - 13.1 - 10K - 5K course flat and good for a PR?

The SOCAL River Marathon - 26.2 - 13.1 - 10K - 5K is a ultra-flat, point to point course.

How many people run the SOCAL River Marathon - 26.2 - 13.1 - 10K - 5K?

HalfRuns has finish records for 1,737 runners who have completed the SOCAL River Marathon - 26.2 - 13.1 - 10K - 5K.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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