
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
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
Atmosphere
Course
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
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
Quality Score
Standout626 years running
~369 finishers a year
shrinking
10% returning runners
5 timing sources · 3 photos
runners from 21 states
winner 1:18:25
typical high 65°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (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
Turnout by year
2019–2026
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.
Explore More Journeys
Can't make it to Huntington Beach? Discover other experiences that match your running style.
Search All Races

