The Hoag OC Marathon Running Festival
Hoag OC Half Marathon: a flat, coastal race through Newport Beach and Costa Mesa.
Race Date
May 1, 2027
Location
Costa Mesa, CA
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, May 1, 2027
- Location
- Costa Mesa, California
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 3.1 Miles, 26.2 Miles, 5K / Half Marathon Combo Crush, 5K / Full Marathon Combo Crush, Charity 5K, Charity Half Marathon, Charity Full Marathon, Charity 5K / Half Marathon Combo Crush, Charity 5K / Full Marathon Combo Crush, Virtual 5K, Virtual Half Marathon, Virtual Full Marathon, Virtual 5K / Half Marathon Combo Crush, Virtual 5K / Full Marathon Combo Crush, 5K (Combo Crush Only), Virtual 5K (Combo Crush Only), Charity 5K (Combo Crush Only)
- Course
- Point to Point
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Hoag OC Marathon Running Festival takes over Orange County the first weekend of May, with the half marathon as its centerpiece. Start Sunday morning in Newport Beach, where the Pacific Ocean gleams to your left as you cruise down historic Pacific Coast Highway through the seaside village of Corona del Mar. The course then turns inland, running above the pristine Upper Newport Bay wetlands, before winding through the Arts District and past South Coast Plaza, with local residents lining the streets to cheer you on.
The half marathon is remarkably flat—essentially zero elevation gain—making it a prime candidate for a personal best. The air is cool (mid-50s to mid-60s) and the coastal breeze keeps things comfortable. After traversing diverse neighborhoods that showcase the best of Orange County, you finish at the OC Fair and Event Center, where the Celebrate OC Finish Festival awaits with craft brews, live music, and a carnival-like atmosphere.
This race is part of a massive weekend that includes a full marathon, 5K, and the award-winning Hoag Kids Run, which draws nearly 9,000 children from over 150 local schools. Whether you're chasing a PR or simply soaking up the coastal scenery, the Hoag OC Half delivers a well-organized, festive experience that captures the spirit of Southern California.
Race-provided description
The Hoag OC Marathon Running Festival is Orange County's premier race weekend, held annually during the first weekend in May. Whether you're tackling your first 5K, Half Marathon, or Marathon, there's an event for every runner. The weekend of running begins at the OC Fair and Event Center on Saturday morning with the award winning Hoag Kids Run the OC when nearly 7,000 kids from over 150 Orange County schools participate. Later in the day on Saturday, the Hoag OC 5K takes place with a fun, flat tour of the OC Fairgrounds and nearby Orange Coast College followed by the Celebrate OC Finish Festival. Sunday morning begins early in Newport Beach, at the iconic Fashion Island. The exceptional Hoag OC Marathon & Half Marathon course is a blend of chic coastal scenery, tranquil nature and sophisticated arts and shopping which equal the best of OC. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and cruise down historic PCH through the seaside village of Corona del Mar. Run above pristine wetlands of Upper Newport, the Arts District and shopping mecca of South Coast Plaza in the "Heart of the OC" to the supportive cheers of residents in the many diverse neighborhoods and finish with a huge party at the Sunday Celebrate Finish Festival at the OC Fair and Event Center.
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, May 1, 2027
Start Time
6:30 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt
Start Location
88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa, CA, 92626
Course Info
Course Type
Point to Point
Terrain
road
Scenery
Coastal
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Course Map
1 other map for this race
Quality Score
first year
no finisher counts yet
small race — neutral
needs a few years of results
3 timing sources · 5 photos
no finisher data yet
no winner time yet
typical high 66°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
56°
Afternoon (High)
66°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.0"
Precipitation
12 mph
Wind
78%
Humidity
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the The Hoag OC Marathon Running Festival?
The The Hoag OC Marathon Running Festival is held on Saturday, May 1, 2027, starting at 6:30 AM.
Where does the The Hoag OC Marathon Running Festival take place?
It takes place in Costa Mesa, California.
What distances does the The Hoag OC Marathon Running Festival offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 3.1 Miles, 26.2 Miles, 5K / Half Marathon Combo Crush, 5K / Full Marathon Combo Crush, Charity 5K, Charity Half Marathon, Charity Full Marathon, Charity 5K / Half Marathon Combo Crush, Charity 5K / Full Marathon Combo Crush, Virtual 5K, Virtual Half Marathon, Virtual Full Marathon, Virtual 5K / Half Marathon Combo Crush, Virtual 5K / Full Marathon Combo Crush, 5K (Combo Crush Only), Virtual 5K (Combo Crush Only), Charity 5K (Combo Crush Only).
Is the The Hoag OC Marathon Running Festival course flat and good for a PR?
The The Hoag OC Marathon Running Festival is a ultra-flat, point to point course.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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