SoCal Marathon Reviews

  2023 Race

By Bretzky about 2023

Review

Nice scenery and a steady downhill for the first half. Headwind throughout the second half. Amazingly I only encountered 3 aid stations for the entire race. The volunteers at the aid stations were moving so those behind may have had a few more. Aid stations were not equipped with gel's as advertised. Luckily a cyclist gave me a sip of their water bottle otherwise I may have been severely dehydrated.

Race Tips

Carry your own fuel.

Logistical Tips (Hotels, Restaurants, Parking, Discounts, etc.)

Stay near the beach.

  Consistently Strong Headwind and Poor Aid Station Support for Fast Runners

By YVW about 2023

Review

The course is downhill point to point. But the race is held in early March, when there is usually increasingly strong wind from the coast during the day, resulting in increasingly strong headwind (10 mph and beyond) almost during the entire race. No buildings help block the wind because the course is along a river valley towards the coast. Because of limited number of participants, no runner blocks could possibly form for fast runners to follow to alleviate the effect of headwind. The headwind makes this course actually very slow, in particular for those who try to qualify for Olympic Trial and Boston Marathon, etc. Runners usually finish this course at least 10 minutes longer than their normal finishing time. In addition, for those for BQ and above, many of the aid stations are ill-prepared. There were no aid station and no water for the last 7 miles during my race, when the runners had to battle against the strongest headwind during the entire race. Would not recommend this race to anyone who would want to achieve some qualification time. The volunteers at the finishing line are very nice and helpful though. And the ice creams there are pretty good! ^ ^

Race Tips

Practice how to breathe effectively against consistently super strong headwind (10 mph and beyond) for at least 20 miles.