This exceptional Half-Marathon starts on Newport Center Drive loop in front of our Official Start Line Hotel, the Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa just south of Santa Barbara Drive.
The start time for the Half Marathon is 6:15 a.m.
The first mile of the Half Marathon course includes a breathtaking panorama of the Pacific Ocean before winding through the seaside village of Corona del Mar including the spectacular Ocean Blvd. with cliffside views of Big Corona del Mar State Beach. It traverses down Bayside Drive, past the Newport Harbor Yacht Clubs and homes and boats of Newport Harbor. Exceptional views await runners at the bluffs overlooking the Upper Newport Bay Estuary Reserve as are the supportive cheers of neighborhood residents.
The Half Marathon course is net downhill in elevation from start to finish. The first 6.5 miles will be extremely fast with only minor inclines. Mile 6.5 to 7.0 is the only significant hill on the course taking the runners from 15 feet to 75 feet. The course is then mostly flat through mile 10.5, a couple rolling hills to 11.5 with a flat and fast final stretch into the OC Fair & Event Center.
Water Stations: Water will be available at miles 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.5, 9.5, 10.5 and 11.5.
Energy Drink: Gatorade® will be available at miles 4, 6, 7, 8.5, and 11.5.
Medical Aid Stations: Medical aid will be available at miles 6 and 9.5 as well as at the Finish Line. If participants need to drop out of the race for any reason, they are advised to report to the nearest water station or medical station on the course and inform them that they will not be completing the race. There will be a SAG Wagon to pick up "downed" runners and take them to the nearest station for treatment and/or transportation.
Energy Gel: CLIF SHOT® Energy Gel will be available at mile 10.5.
This Half Marathon starts at one location and finishes at another location. 2013 Shuttle Bus Map.
Start Lines: All 2013 Start Line maps, parking lots and other details can be found on our Parking/Directions Page.
Finish Line: All 2013 Finsh Line maps, parking lots and other details can be found on our Parking/Directions Page.
The Half Marathon will Finish at the OC Fair and Event Center. After crossing the Finish Line, participants will enter the secure runners' area and receive their medal. As finishers continue through the secure area they will come to the Post Food & Fluid (PF&F) area. Once runners exit this area, they will not be allowed to return.
The course time limit is 3.5 hours for the Half Marathon. Please note that the course will have a rolling re-opening that will be strictly enforced by the Newport Beach and Costa Mesa Police Departments. Roads must reopen based on a 16 minute per mile pace. Any participants arriving at an intersection after the 16 minute pace may be required to use the pedestrian pathways and observe all pedestrian laws. After reopening, course markings, police services, portable restrooms, water stations may be removed from the course.
There is no specific Family Reunion Area, however, there will the OC Marathon Finish Festival with entertainment, food and drink in the Main Mall in front of the Hangar area. We recommended that participants discuss a reunion plan with family and friends prior to the race. 2013 Finish Line Festival Map.
Visit the Cheering\Entertainment Page for more information on where you can cheer on your family and friends.