Surf City Marathon

    Emerging BQ Likelihood
    Huntington Beach, CA

    Date

    February 1, 2026

    Field Size

    Medium (500 - 1,999)

    PR Score

    99.2 / 100

    BQ Rate

    5.8%

    Mostly Flat
    Flat course runnersFirst-time qualifiers

    Why It's BQ-Friendly

    PR Score of 99.15 indicates a mostly flat course, ideal for maintaining even pace.

    BQ rate of 5.8%, meaning about 1 in 17 finishers qualify for Boston.

    Field size of 1,573 finishers allows for ample space without overwhelming congestion.

    Course runs along the coastline, providing scenic views that can be both motivating and distracting.

    About This Race

    With a PR score of 99.15, this course is nearly flat, allowing for a consistent rhythm as you glide along the scenic Huntington Beach coastline. The route offers ocean views that can be refreshing, but don’t let the beauty distract you from the task at hand. Many runners report that the lack of significant elevation change lets them focus on pacing without the added strain of hills. The race’s BQ rate of 5.8% suggests that while it’s not overly competitive, it does attract serious runners looking to qualify for Boston.

    Race Strategy

    To maximize your chances of qualifying for Boston, start at a controlled pace that aligns with your goal time, especially in the first half. Use the flat sections to your advantage, gradually increasing your effort as you approach the final miles, but remain cautious of fatigue from the coastal winds.

    Course & Elevation

    No Elevation Data

    No elevation data was found in the course profile file.

    Typical Race Day Weather

    Historical average based on 3-year data for this race date

    🌡️

    Temp

    62.8°F / 44.6°F

    ☁️

    Conditions

    Partly Cloudy

    🌧️

    Precipitation

    0.65 in

    💨

    Wind

    10.3 mph

    Historical averages · Source: Open-Meteo · Actual conditions will vary

    Travel for This Race

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