Surf City Marathon & Expo  Feb. 2-3, 2013  runsurfcity.com

Always on Super Bowl Sunday - includes Half Marathon and 5K Run
Location: 21100 Pacific Coast Highway at Huntington Street (Huntington City Beach), Huntington Beach, CA. Free to watch.   runsurfcity.com

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIF. -- This Boston qualifier marathon is always held on Super Bowl Sunday in Huntington Beach. The streets are closed to accommodate the runners who enjoy a partial ocean view course. The event sells out each year when it reaches its maximum registration which is usually around 15,000 to 20,000.  Included are half runs and smaller run distances, as well.

Launched over a decade ago, the event traverses a mostly flat course that goes along the oceans, veers inland through Central Park and back to the beach once again. The marathon is limited to  approx. 2,000 runners, who begin at  6:30 a.m. and have a course limit of 6 hours to complete the event. There are many volunteers, Aid Stations include fresh water, Vitalyte sports drink, energy foods, and snacks. The race provides official finish times, finisher medals, and post-race refreshments. It is USA Track & Field certified.  The  highest point less than 100' above sea level and the steepest course grade is approximately 6%.

The Course: The race begins on Pacific Coast Highway in front of the Waterfront Hilton Beach Resort. It heads north on Coast Highway, turning right on Seapoint Ave.  Runners go to the dead-end of Seapoint, turn right onto Garfield, and the first left onto Edwards. The run down a hill, turning into Central Park. They run across the park and across Golden West Street, circling the Huntingt0n Beach Central Library. They head back nearly the way they came (on Ellis this time) and run back on Seapoint to Pacific Coast Highway once again. They then head further north, and do a loop on coast highway to add extra miles. Finally runners head south once again to the point of origination at Waterfront Hilton.

Along the way there are surf bands, family bands, and all sorts of fun things going on. For observers, it is an entertaining event to watch. Road closures begin very early so parking is a consideration if you want to come and watch.

Another race event held on the same day in Redondo Beach is the 10K Run with a baby buggy race, costume contest and smaller run events for kids and adults.