First-Time Runners Fuel Energy at Hoag OC Marathon Weekend

May 1, 2026

The 22nd running of the Hoag OC Marathon Running Festival will welcome more than 25,000 participants this weekend, continuing a “first Sunday in May” community tradition

ORANGE COUNTY, CA (May 1, 2026) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The 2026 Hoag OC Marathon Running Festival returns this weekend with more than 25,000 participants, including a significant number of first-time runners. Nearly 47% of marathon participants and 33% of half-marathon entrants are making their debut at the 22nd annual event, set for May 1–3 across Newport Beach, Costa Mesa and Santa Ana.

“This year’s event continues to honor a community tradition built over 22 incredible years,” said Gary Kutscher, race director of the Hoag OC Marathon. “Our scenic course once again showcases the very best of Orange County, from coastal views along Pacific Coast Highway to neighborhoods filled with enthusiastic spectators who come out to lift you every step of the way.”

Race weekend begins Friday with the OC Fitness & Lifestyle Expo at the OC Fair & Event Center, where runners pick up race bibs and explore the latest in gear and nutrition. On Saturday, about 6,000 youth runners will take part in the Kids Run the OC “Final Mile,” followed by the Hoag OC 5K at 5:30 p.m., a popular sunset race that blends fitness with a festival atmosphere.

For many participants, the weekend is about more than personal achievement – it is also a platform for giving back.

“The Hoag OC Marathon has always been more than just a race,” Kutscher said. “From our earliest years, the event has been a powerful force for good in our community. This year, as we celebrate 22 years of running with purpose, our participating charities will have collectively raised more than $9.5 million for vital local causes.”

Among those efforts, Project Youth OC is expected to surpass $1 million raised over the past two decades, reflecting the long-term impact of the event’s fundraising culture.

“These achievements show how individual strides can turn into lasting support for youth programs, health initiatives and essential services that strengthen our communities,” added Kutscher.

Sunday brings the main events, with the marathon starting at 5:30 a.m. and the half marathon at 6:30 a.m. Both begin in Newport Beach, tracing a route through Corona del Mar and inland neighborhoods before finishing at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa. What begins as competition gives way to celebration, as runners filter into a finish line festival marked by live music, food and a steady hum of post-race energy.

The event’s growth has been steady, with all 2026 race distances sold out – a reflection of its standing as a fixture on the Southern California running calendar.

The “first Sunday in May” tradition draws participants from 45 states and 21 countries. For many, the weekend is less about time on the clock than the shared, bucket-list experience of finishing a first marathon or half marathon.

For more information or a full race week schedule, visit OCmarathon.com.

ABOUT HOAG 
Hoag is a nonprofit, regional health care delivery system in Orange County, California. Delivering world-class, comprehensive, personalized care, Hoag consists of 1,800 top physicians, 18 urgent care facilities, 13 health & wellness centers, and two award-winning hospitals. Hoag offers a comprehensive blend of health care services that includes seven institutes providing specialized services in the following areas: cancer, digestive health, heart and vascular, neurosciences, spine, women’s health, and orthopedics through Hoag’s affiliate, Hoag Orthopedic Institute, which consists of an orthopedic hospital and four ambulatory surgical centers. Hoag is the highest ranked hospital in Orange County by U.S. News & World Report and the only OC hospital ranked in the Top 10 in California, as well as a designated Magnet® with Distinction hospital by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). For more information, visit hoag.org.

ABOUT HOAG OC MARATHON 
The 22nd annual Hoag OC Marathon Running Festival returns to the seaside streets of Orange County, California the weekend of May 2 – 3, 2026. The Hoag OC Running Festival showcases three days of events, including the Hoag Kids Run the OC “Final Mile”, the Hoag OC 5K at sunset on Saturday and Sunday’s marathon and half marathon. The race is a perfect destination event for runners, with the beaches, theme parks and near perfect weather. A free two-day OC Lifestyle & Fitness Expo at the OC Fair and Event Center kicks off race weekend, featuring fitness retailers, exhibits and interactive clinics. Over the history of the race, runners have raised more than $9 million for a variety of charities and non-profit organizations. For more information or to register for the race, visit www.OCmarathon.com.