Surf City USA sends runners along the Pacific Coast Highway through Huntington Beach — one of the most iconic stretches of Southern California coastline. The out-and-back course hugs the ocean for virtually the entire distance, with unobstructed views of the Pacific, the Huntington Beach Pier, and miles of wide sandy beach. On a clear February morning, you can see Catalina Island from the course.
The flat, fast coastal route makes this one of the best PR courses in California. With virtually no elevation change and cool ocean breezes keeping temperatures comfortable, the conditions are as close to ideal as you’ll find for a winter half marathon. The course runs entirely on PCH, so the road surface is smooth and the sightlines are long — you can see the runners ahead of you for miles.
Huntington Beach sits between Los Angeles and San Diego, making it accessible from two major airports. John Wayne Airport in Orange County is the closest option at about 15 minutes, while LAX is roughly 45 minutes north. The downtown Huntington Beach area near the pier has a laid-back surf-town vibe with plenty of restaurants and coffee shops within walking distance of the start and finish.
