I was fortunate to participate in the 14th annual OC Half Marathon. This course passes through Costa Mesa, Newport and Santa Ana, California. This run is exactly what you would expect from a California surf side race. Those looking for beautiful views of the Pacific, the breathtaking oceanside mansions of Corona del Mar, and the feel from the morning ocean crisp fresh air, then this is the place to be.

Registration:
A smooth online process through a quick, easy-to-complete form. Received an email receipt within seconds of completing the process. There are also options to join public teams or to participate in private teams as well. During registration you will find many options for donations to charities to support the cause of your choosing.

Packet Pick-up/Expo/SWAG:
The packet pickup and expo was held at the OC Fair & Event Center which was very easy to find. Make sure to bring cash for parking. The process of picking up my bib was extremely easy and quick and took just a few minutes. This was my largest event and with so many vendors and activities I found myself a little confused on how to navigate through the expo but the staff managing the event was very friendly and gave me direction on how to best route to all the race goodies. Included in the packet for participants in the full and half marathon events was an airy short-sleeve teal colored running shirt with the OC Marathon logo represented in the front. I use the top often on current runs but find the material a bit uncomfortable for long distance. The expo large, but none the less were the sheer amount of participants and family. With so many awesome vendors it was still a great time, especially the photo opportunity in front of a OC Marathon wall with all of the participants name on it.

Start Line:
The start line for the half marathon was located a few miles away in front of the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa. The race provided free shuttles to participants staying at select hotels. Participants taking advantage of shuttles were given wristbands with reserved times allocated for their ride. Participants also had the option of being dropped off near the start line.

The start line in Newport was a closed off street where the center divider isolated the corral of runners on one side, and incoming participants to stretch, socialize and prepare for the race on the other. There was plenty of room to fit everyone comfortably. Along the preparation side of the street was a long block of port-a-potties to handle all the runners in hand; I didn't see or notice any particularly long lines on any of them at any one point while we waited for the start.

Weather:
Climate on race day was perfect for racing. Temperatures were in the low 50s with just a crisp refreshing mist from being so close to the ocean. Small stretches easily kept the body warm and ready for the journey ahead.

Course & Support:
The bulk of the race course was on street with small stints of sidewalks and underpasses. You begin weaving up and down the streets surrounding neighboring hotels until you find yourself on an avenue with many surf side shops and restaurants. You then turn onto a residential street to approach your first challenging hill of the run. The sunrise peaking on your back, delivering the new days colors across the sky, you summit the hill to the most rewarding and unforgettable views you will traverse over the next half hour. Running beside the Pacific to the oceans waves crashing upon the sand and the glamorous multi-million dollar mansions of Corona Del Mar. The hydration/support stations were plentiful along the way and fairly evenly spaced every half mile. They all had a variety of items such as orange slices and fruit snacks in addition to water and electrolytes. They all also had plenty of volunteers staffing them with a friendly and cheerful attitude. At around 11 miles you came across a wonderful drum line and cheerleaders rooting you on for your final stretch which really helped me find my second wind. The finish line can be seen just as you approach your last mile. With every stride closer you can hear the slow rise in volume from the fairgrounds music and congratulatory chants from the participants family and loved ones.

Finish Line/Medal/Food:
The finish line had plenty of volunteers handing out medals, water, and electrolytes, and was quite wide with plenty of room for runners to walk or greet friends and family on the sides. One vendor (Massage Envy) offered a quick free massage. Other vendors had a large area for runners to rest, stretch, and provided muscle rollers for advanced relief. The medal has an image of a wave with OC Marathon and Half across the front of it. The post-race food and refreshments included a variety of fruit, muffins, yogurt, granola, chocolate milk, and beer.

Conclusion:
I found this to be an extremely enjoyable race and find it hard to believe others could be as pleasant. For those looking for a race to set the bar I highly recommend giving the OC a try.