Huntington Beach Surf City--Super Bowl of Marathons

By Chris MacDonald

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIF. -- The 2014 Surf City Marathon attracted thousands of runners, who enjoyed the overcast, cool day while creating memories over the stunning, picturesque course. Many of the more than 20,000 participants ran with friends, who often wore the same colored outfits, and chatted as they ran along a course which included 10 miles of scenic oceanfront.

For some, it seemed like an endless party on feet, an uplifting experience where runners urge each other on. There's a unique camaraderie among the competitors, "Come on, you can do it!" "Only one more mile!" "You're doing great!" "It's all downhill from here." They really care about others, even total strangers. They'll stop to lift up an injured participant. "Are you OK?" "Do you need help?" "Can I Help you?" They care about their mobile swarm.

The athletes of all shapes, sizes, cultures and dress are enthusiastically assisted by more than 2,000 volunteers, many with outstretched hands holding cups of water, others helping with safety communications and more. Hundreds of spectators line the route encouraging a spouse or child or just runners in general.

Cowbells clang, there are numerous shouts of encouragement ("You can do it!" "Great running!"), bands rock them on, homemade signs say, "Never Quit," "Keep Running," "Go Nelly-It's all downhill from here!" "Martha's gaining on you, step it up!" "Way to go Daddy!"

In some spots, waves can be heard crashing—their own way of cheering—as the multitude roll on like a slinky, atop Pacific Coast Highway's asphalt. As the racers go through Overlook Park, near Seapoint Drive, a confused basset-hound looks on as pack after pack of runners pass within a few feet of his backyard. He's too much in awe to bark, but probably thinking, "What the heck is going on here?" As the footmen and women make their way in varying speeds from sprinting to walking, seagulls fly over in their own flock formation, probably in just as much amazement as the basset.

Hours later, by the time the party's over, most are happy it's a wrap but some probably wish it never ended. The euphoria, the high, the laughter, the tears, the sore feet, the aching muscles, the sweat, the wonderful diversion from life's challenges and issues, knowing that you can do it (and did it!) is all worthwhile and worth talking about for days, weeks and until the next Surf City Marathon returns on Super Bowl Sunday.

Bravo to the organizers (Kinane Events), to the many sponsors (including Waterfront Hilton and Arrowhead Mountain Spring Water), to the City of HB (especially Public Works, Police and Fire), to every one of the volunteers, to the participants. You really make Surf City run!