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SOCAL River Marathon

February 27, 2027 · 8:00 AMYorba Linda to Huntington Beach, CA, United States

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Race snapshot

Race Day

57°F

50–68°F · Feels mild

Total elevation gain

131ft

Relatively flat course · Net elevation change −394 ft

Crowd Rating

2/ 10

Quiet course sections

The Lowdown

The SOCAL River Marathon takes place on Saturday, February 27, 2027, and runs along the Santa Ana River Trail from Yorba Linda to Huntington Beach State Park in Southern California. Marathoners are bused out to the start in Yorba Linda, where the race begins at 8:00 am, and run back to the finish at the park. The organizer describes the course as primarily flat and straight with a gradual downhill slant to the ocean, passing areas near Disneyland before reaching the beach. Aid stations with water and Powerade stand about every two miles, the time limit is 7 hours, and every finisher receives a 4-inch finisher medal and a shirt. The organizer lists the course as a Boston qualifier, and the weekend also includes a half marathon, a 10K and a 5K.

Course Highlights: 01Rinks Ice Sheet, Yorba Linda – marathon start line
02Santa Ana River Trail – the course follows the river from Yorba Linda to the coast
03Areas near Disneyland – passed along the river trail
04Huntington Beach State Park – finish line for all four distances
Also on this race weekend: Half marathon · 10K · 5K
Time Limit: 7 hours
Boston Qualifier: This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.

01: Marathon and half marathon runners take buses to unpublished start lines; the 5K and 10K start and finish at the park.
02: The half marathon bus loads at the finish area at 8:00 am and the half marathon starts at 9:30 am.
03: A separate Full Marathon Slow Racers entry, for runners expecting to take over 6 hours 30 minutes, starts at 7:30 am.
04: Dogs are allowed on a leash and start at the back of the field.
05: Marathon drop bags go to the start line truck and are driven to the finish area; the bag area is not secure.
06: Packet pickup is on the Friday before the race from 2 pm to 7 pm at Road Runner Sports in Costa Mesa.
07: Invite-only pacer entries are offered for the marathon and the half marathon.

Questions about the SOCAL River Marathon 2027

When is the SOCAL River Marathon 2027?

Saturday, February 27, 2027.

Where is the SOCAL River Marathon?

Yorba Linda to Huntington Beach, CA, United States.

What time does the SOCAL River Marathon start?

The race starts at 8:00 AM, local time.

What is the SOCAL River Marathon time limit?

7 hours.

How do I enter the SOCAL River Marathon 2027?

Registration is open. Nov 29, 2026: Price increase. Ways in: Register online through RunSignup; Race-day registration is offered at packet pickup for a $10 fee on top of the late-tier price.

How much does the SOCAL River Marathon 2027 cost?

Marathon: $100.

What is the SOCAL River Marathon elevation gain?

40 m (131 ft) of total elevation gain. Net elevation change: −120 m (394 ft). Relatively flat course.

What is the SOCAL River Marathon course like?

It passes Rinks Ice Sheet, Yorba Linda, Santa Ana River Trail and Areas near Disneyland.

What is the weather like at the SOCAL River Marathon?

Race-day temperatures are usually 10–20 °C (50–68 °F). Feels mild.

Is the SOCAL River Marathon a Boston qualifier?

Yes. This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event.

Prepare for This Race

Pace CalculatorPlan splits for marathon Race PredictorPredict your marathon time BQ CalculatorBQ-eligible course Fuel PlannerPlan nutrition for marathon, moderate weather Difficulty Analyzer131ft gain, 57°F avg, marathon Training PacesTraining zones for marathon

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