California Beach Cities Challenge to Debut at OC Marathon

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., April 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The upcoming OC Marathon, May 1, 2011, is launching the all new "California Beach Cities Challenge" racing series, a unique alliance among coastal races in Southern California.  Patterned after the uber successful California Dreamin' circuit, the three events include the Surf City USA Marathon, the Long Beach International City Bank Marathon, and the OC Marathon—all of which utilize a portion of Pacific Coast Highway.  More information on the Beach Cities Challenge racing series is available at www.ocmarathon.com.

According to OC Marathon Race Director Gary Kutscher, the geneses of Beach Cities Challenge were the myriad "Beach Cities" highway signs pointing travelers toward coastal communities.  "All three races (Surf City, Long Beach and OC Marathon) utilize a portion of California State Route 1 (PCH) so a race series was born."  

Runners who participate in all events in the series (consecutively) are rewarded with a large medal in the shape of a surfboard depicting the symbols of each race they have completed in the series.  Participants may run any combination of full or half marathons, and can start with any of the three races including the Surf City Marathon held this past February, 2011.

"California Beach Cities Challenge is all about coastal racing in Southern California," said Surf City USA Marathon GM Amy Tomchak.  "Each race showcases the best each coastal city has to offer; bringing a slightly different feel and experience to participants and spectators.  It's a new challenge for So Cal runners, which provides a compelling reason for them to stay within Southern California and have a great experience."

Tomchak added that in the current economic climate that, "like the California Dreamin' racing series, the California Beach Cities Challenge is a real plus to the state, encouraging travel to and within California."

"Just like an Olympic Medal, the Beach Cities Challenge Medal is a great reward for completing all three events consecutively," said Bob Seagren, CEO of Run Racing.  He also added, "The Long Beach International City Bank Marathon and the City of Long Beach are proud to be a part of this exciting Southern California running series."

The Seventh Annual OC Marathon is held on Sunday, May 1, 2011.  More than 15,000 runners will participate in the marathon, half marathon, Wahoo's 5K and Kids Run the OC.  An estimated 25,000 spectators line the course and the start line in front of the Newport Beach Marriott and finish line at OC Fair and Event Center, while an additional 30,000 attend the two-day Nutrilite® Health & Fitness Expo which showcases national brands and state of the art footwear and training technology.  More information is available at www.ocmarathon.com.

SOURCE OC Marathon