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Marathon Pace Bands

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Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers for 2026

Best Boston Marathon Qualifiers

It's here! Our annual list of the year's
best marathons to help you qualify for the Boston Marathon.

2026 IS HERE!



OC Marathon

Costa Mesa, CA
Sunday, May 2, 2027


  5 Stars from 7 Reviews

Course Description
The OC Marathon course is net downhill course that runs through the coastal communities of Newport Beach, Costa Mesa and Santa Ana finishing off at the OC Fair and Event Center.

The majority of the elevation loss occurs in the first 5 miles with a few small inclines and declines. There are also a couple of other small hills at miles 7, 11 and near mile 22. These hills are smaller than the earlier hill.


May Other Marathons in May Other Marathons in California Marathons near Costa Mesa, CA



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Race Information

Race Dates

2027: Sunday, May 2, 2027
2026: Sunday, May 3, 2026

Course Information

Profile: Mostly Flat
Type: Point to Point
Surface: Road/Pavement

Boston Qualifier?: Yes
World Marathon Major Qualifier?: Yes

Race Day Weather

Mean Temp.: 63°F (17°C)
Average High: 70°F (21°C)
Average Low: 55° F (12°C)




PR Score & Course Score

PR Score: 98.55
Course Score: 99.05

Race Size

2026: 3,563 Finishers
2025: 3,021 Finishers
2024: 2,857 Finishers
2023: 2,069 Finishers
2022: 1,429 Finishers
2021: No Results

BQ Percentages

2026: 3.6%
2025: 4.6%
2024: 6.2%
2023: 6.9%
2022: 7.8%
2021: N/A

Miscellaneous Information

Pace Groups?: Yes

Weather Averages for Last 12 Years


Race Day Temperatures

High: 67°F  (19°C)
Low: 56°F  (13°C)

Race Start Conditions

57°F  (14°C)
Humidity: 87%

Overcast
SE 5 mph

PR Score

97.76

Course Score

99.04






OC Marathon Rankings, Course Speed & Boston Qualifier Statistics

The OC Marathon was the 30th largest marathon in the U.S. in 2025 based on the number of finishers. In 2024, it ranked as the 28th largest marathon in the U.S..

In 2026, 3.6% of OC Marathon finishers have achieved Boston Marathon qualifying times. In 2025, 4.6% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon.

Based on its percentage of Boston Qualifiers (BQs), the OC Marathon ranked 303rd among marathons in the U.S. in 2025 and currently ranks 220th so far in 2026. In California, it ranked 20th in 2025 and 19th so far in 2026. These rankings provide a useful benchmark for comparing the OC Marathon with other Boston Marathon qualifying races.

The OC Marathon has a Course Score of 99.05, ranking it as the 210th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 18th fastest marathon course in California.

Typical race-time temperature and humidity levels are slightly above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. Combined with the course profile, this gives the OC Marathon a PR Score of 98.55. The PR Score ranks the OC Marathon as the 228th best marathon in the U.S. for running a Personal Record (PR) and the 15th best marathon for a PR in California.

Together, these rankings provide a quick snapshot of how the OC Marathon compares with other marathons in the U.S. and California for speed, PR potential, Boston Marathon qualifying success, and overall participation.

OC Marathon Marathon Rankings Summary
Course Speed210th fastest marathon course in the U.S.
Ranked 18th fastest marathon course in California
Top 46% Nationally#18 of 34 in California
PR Potential228th best marathon for a Personal Record in the U.S.
Ranked 15th best marathon for a PR in California
Top 49% Nationally#15 of 34 in California
Boston Qualifier Rate303rd highest BQ percentage in the U.S.
Ranked 20th highest BQ percentage in California
Based on 2025 Boston Marathon qualifying results
Top 64% Nationally#20 of 34 in California
Race Size30th largest marathon in the U.S.
Ranked 7th largest marathon in California
Based on 2025 results
Top 6% Nationally#7 of 49 in California

Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.



Elevation Chart


Max Elevation: 254 feet (77m)
Min Elevation: 9 feet (2m)

Elevation Gain: 559 feet (170m)
Elevation Loss: 681 feet (207m)


OC

Course updated 05/12/2026




Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the OC Marathon

View available accomodations around the OC Marathon Finish Line and Course. Book your Reservation now before the best places are sold out.

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Compare the OC Marathon to other Marathons

Use tools below to compare races and convert times across courses.

Do you want to see how the OC Marathon stacks up against other marathons?

Compare the details of the OC Marathon side-by-side with other marathons with our Comparison Tool.


Comparison Tool

If you ran the OC Marathon in 5:45:00, what would your time in other marathons be?

See how your finish time would compare on other marathon courses with our Time Conversion Tool.


Time Converter Tool

Race Reviews


5.0
Based on 7 reviews
Write Your Own Review

Scenic Course. Well organized. Awesome swag!

Full Review:

This is the best race in SoCal with gorgeous view of the ocean and a scenic road route around town. The support along the course, the gorgeous swag, the expo, and how well organized the race is make it for a wonderful event that I choose to run every year. I’ve ran either the full Or the half every year since 2021 and plan on continuing to run it into my old age. Absolutely love this race and the work they do for the running community and for the kids!

Race Tips:

If you’re like me, and you like the extra swag, then you can sign up for the 5k on Saturday at 5pm and for either the half of the full on Sunday. You will receive the Combo Crush medal for complete both races. It’s super cool and you can just walk the 5k if you want to save your legs for the next day, or treat it as a shakeout run.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Parking at the OC Fairgrounds where the finish line is and taking the shuttle to the start line at Fashion Island is super easy and fast. You run from point to point and you’re greeted with a great party at the finish line.
Reviewed by Gizelle Ponzillo About 2025

Scenic Course & Positive Vibes!!!

Full Review:

I first ran the OC half marathon in 2012 and twice again these last 2 years. This year, I also ran the 5k with my 3 year old in a jogging stroller. The half marathon course is full of beautiful neighborhoods and scenic views along the beach. The after party with live band is always a blast! You cannot beat the perfect SoCal weather and SoCal vibes. This is definitely one of my favorite races that I look forward to each year!
Reviewed by JoJo About 2024

My favorite and 1st Marathon

Full Review:

Love the course. The crowd support.

Race Tips:

Nothin better than running in your home town.
Reviewed by KD About 2023

Great course for a PR

Full Review:

Love the start, the great downhill second mile with all the views and the beautiful scenery that changes every few miles. Nice finish and the best post-race party I have ever been to.

Race Tips:

Half gets a bit tight with slower marathoners but it all works out well
Reviewed by GK About 2023

Great race

Full Review:

Well organized no delays In starting the race. Plenty of room to run. I used the pacer for 3 hrs and fell slightly behind and finished at 3:03 for a BQ.

Race Tips:

It rained heavily during the race but was not cold rain. Be prepared for weather shift before race. Can be fast course nothing significant in terms of hills.

Travel/Logistics Tips:

Parking was great and easy to exit after race.
Reviewed by AM About 2017

Full Review:

Reviewed by Anonymous About 2016

Full Review:

The course has a great downhill first half, goes through a number of cities in Orange County and the views and terrain changes about every three miles. The weather is almost always perfect running weather and the party at the end is the best.

Race Tips:

Great PR course. First half has the beauty, the second half is just flat and fast.
Reviewed by WB About 2016