Course Record and Big Crowds at 2026 Hoag OC Marathon

May 4, 2026

San Diego’s Steven Martinez sets course record and qualifies for 2028 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials as thousands take part in one of California’s premier running events

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. (May 4, 2026) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – Overcast skies and cool conditions provided ideal marathon running weather Sunday as thousands of runners took part in the 22nd Hoag OC Marathon Running Festival.

Steven Martinez won the men’s marathon in a course-record time of 2 hours, 14 minutes, 6 seconds, nearly four minutes faster than the previous mark. In the process, Martinez, 31, qualified for the 2028 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. The victory was particularly meaningful for Martinez, who has battled pain in both knees since May 2025.

“The one word I would use to describe this feeling is grateful,” said Martinez, who grew up and lives in San Diego. “It was a tough 2025. This wasn’t like a personal best by any measure, but I’m super thankful for finishing this as comfortable as I can. Running two minutes under (the Olympic Marathon Trials standard of 2:16) was very surprising how easy it was. I’m super grateful to be healthy and doing this.”

Martinez’s 2:14:06 finish equates to a 5-minute, 7-second per-mile pace. His training partner, Xavier Smith, finished second in 2:20:37.

In the women’s marathon, UC Irvine School of Medicine student Brianna Bourne won in 2:57:53. Bourne had been running alongside a fellow UCI medical student, but her partner was forced to drop out.

“When she stopped, I said, ‘OK, we’re doing this for the both of us,’” said Bourne. “We’re racing for UCI Medical School together. I’m going to finish this for both of us.”

Bourne said she was stunned by the thousands of spectators lining the course.

“I was so shocked,” she said. “It’s 26.2 miles. You’re not really expecting it to be that many people, but there were so many people out there and so much energy given to us runners. So thank you, Orange County community, for coming out.”

Rachael Robnett finished second among the women in 2:58:56. It was her first time breaking three hours, and at 40, she was the fastest women’s masters runner.

“The course is gorgeous,” said Robnett. “The most beautiful homes, beautiful ocean views. I never got bored. I loved it. I loved it all. The women are so strong, so inspirational. They’re amazing. The support from other runners is what brings me out every time.”

Salvador Capetillo won the men’s half marathon in 1:04:54. Sierra Atkins won the women’s half marathon in 1:14:40.

“That was the most fun course I’ve ever run,” said Atkins, who lives in Long Beach. “A beautiful course and today was just perfect weather.”

A ‘first Sunday in May’ tradition, the weekend drew over 25,000 participants across the kids run, 5K, marathon and half marathon. Spectators lined the course from Newport Beach through Irvine, Santa Ana and Costa Mesa as runners competed on behalf of charitable causes, supporting youth programs, health initiatives and local nonprofits.

Among them, Ainsley’s Angels fielded one of the largest charity teams, pairing athletes with disabilities and runners. Project Youth OC surpassed $1 million raised to support underserved youth and families.

Team Jake marked its 20th year, honoring a legacy that began in 2006 when Steven Robert carried his son Jake, who had cerebral palsy, across the finish line. Jake died later that night, inspiring the creation of Team Jake. Today, the group continues to support children with disabilities through Project Possible.

Since its inception, the marathon has helped generate more than $9.5 million for charitable causes, extending its impact beyond race day.

Mirelle Flores of Whittier completed the half marathon three months after being declared cancer-free. After a double mastectomy, she returned to the race where she ran her first half marathon, crediting the Whittier Pacers for support and calling the finish her comeback.

“They’ve been my backbone,” she said. “My running group carried me here, but crossing that finish line – this is everything.”

The Hoag OC Marathon Running Festival will return for its 23rd edition on Sunday, May 2, 2027. For complete results, photos and more, visit www.OCMarathon.com.