Pacific Coast Highway never looked so good! Tackle the Beach Cities Challenge by completing, in consecutive order, any combination of Marathons or Half Marathons at the three events:
Surf City Marathon & Half Marathon (FEBRUARY)
OC Marathon & OC Half Marathon (MAY)
2XU Long Beach Marathon & Half Marathon (OCTOBER)
Events do not need to be completed consecutively in the calendar year to be eligible. For example, you can start your challenge at the 2XU Long Beach Marathon in 2025 and then the 2026 Surf City Marathon and 2026 OC Marathon and be eligible to pick up your medal at the 2026 OC Marathon.
RULES
Participants must complete the marathon or half marathon distance (virtual or in-person) at all 3 races to be eligible for the Beach Cities Challenge. Other distances (5K, bike tour, etc will not count toward eligibility)
The (3) races must be completed consecutively
You do not have to run all three races in a calendar year but they must be consecutive finishes
Eligible combinations to receive medal:
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2025 Surf City Marathon or Half Marathon, 2025 OC Marathon or Half Marathon, 2025 Long Beach Marathon or Half Marathon
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2025 OC Marathon or Half Marathon, 2025 Long Beach Marathon or Half Marathon, 2026 Surf City Marathon or Half Marathon
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2025 Long Beach Marathon or Half Marathon, 2026 Surf City Marathon or Half Marathon, 2026 OC Marathon or Half Marathon
Virtual race participation in the Marathon or Half Marathon at any of the three races will count toward eligibility
Please note that Beach Cities Challenge medals must be picked up at the race where you complete the challenge. Medals will not be mailed to members after the race. Those participating in the virtual race will have their medal mailed to them in their finisher packet.
QUESTIONS?
Questions about the Beach Cities Challenge or your eligibility status? Please email us at loyalty@motivsports.com.
EVENT INFORMATION
Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Start Time: 6:50am
Start Location: in front of the Aquarium of the Pacific (100 Aquarium Way) in Long Beach, CA
Finish Location: in front of the Aquarium of the Pacific (100 Aquarium Way) in Long Beach, CA
5K participants are encouraged to visit the Race Expo on Friday to simplify their race morning. Long lines are expected for packet pick-up on race morning so arriving early is strongly encouraged!
Friday, October 9th
12:00pm - 6:00pm
Location: Marina Green, 386 E Shoreline Drive
Long Beach, CA 90803
Saturday, October 10th
5:15am - 6:30am
Location: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way
Long Beach, CA 90802
Starting at the Aquarium of the Pacific, you'll make your way around Shoreline Village Park taking in the spectacular views of Queensway Bay. After running past the lighthouse in ShoreLine Aquatic Park, participants will head over the Queensway Bridge with the Queen Mary in full view before turning around and running through the Aquarium of the Pacific's exhibits in a one-of-a-kind finish you can only find in Long Beach!
Parking for the Aquarium of the Pacific 5K is available in the
Aquarium of the Pacific Parking Lot
100 Aquarium Way
Pike Outlets Parking Garage*
65 Cedar Ave
* To avoid traffic congestion on Shoreline Drive coming from the 710-S freeway, participants are encouraged to exit the 710-S at 6th Street and use Magnolia Ave to W Seaside Way to access the Pike Outlets Parking Garage.
* Participants can also avoid traffic by using the Vincent Thomas Bridge via 110-S to access CA-47 N/Seaside Freeway and exiting Downtown. From there, participants can use Magnolia Ave to W Seaside Way to access the Pike Outlets Parking Garage.
Please note: the race does not validate parking. All parking rates are set by parking lot operators, not the race organizers.
Please find the approximate aid station location below:
Mile 1.5
Water is provided at all aid stations along the course.
Gear check is not available at this race. The Aquarium of the Pacific and Pike Outlets parking garage are adjacent to the start of the race and a short walk if you need to leave any items in your vehicle.
Participants can choose to pick up their race shirt after running their race to avoid holding items during the race.
The 5K has a course time limit of 1.5 hours. Due to the nature of the event, if a participant falls behind the established pace time, they may be asked to join the sweep vehicle to be moved ahead on course.
The top 3 male and female finishers in the Aquarium of the Pacific 5K will receive an overall award.
The top 3 male and female finishers in each age group in the 5K will receive an award. Please see the age groups below:
Under 15, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+
Awards must be picked up on-site from the Age Group Awards table in front of the Aquarium of the Pacific. Awards will not be mailed post-race.
There is no age minimum to participate in the Aquarium of the Pacific.
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS
