NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.—The Orange County Marathon returned over the weekend for the first time since 2020 due to the pandemic.
Volunteers, politicians, first responders, and some 8,000 runners gathered May 1 at 5:15 a.m. at the race’s starting point at Newport Beach’s Fashion Island showing a range of emotions: from excited and energetic to those stretching with seriousness.
On hand were Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer and Costa Mesa Mayor John Stephens encouraging runners to enjoy themselves and parts of the cities along the way, including Newport Beach, Irvine, Santa Ana, and the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa, the finish line.
At 5:29 a.m., crowd volume quieted just before race announcer Rudy Novotny released the runners for their 26.2-mile adventure.
“And ... Go!” he shouted at 5:30 a.m.
The crowd cheered as the runners took off.
Signs marking mileage points helped runners along the way, while police officers from multiple agencies encouraged runners to “Keep it up!” and “You’re doing great!”
Runners covered in sweat and with muscle cramps took advantage of handouts of water, Gatorade, and Clif Shot Energy Gel packs, small multi-flavored gelatin textured packages that could be consumed while running.
Throughout the race, residents cheered on the runners, while some held signs encouraging their loved ones in the race.
“You guys are almost there, just keep going,” a girl of about age 9 in Costa Mesa excitedly cheered in front of her family’s home. “We really believe in you.”
Many residents handed out fruits, juices, sodas, and beer.
“You guys want a Modelo?” a man in an Angels cap asked runners in Costa Mesa around 5 miles to the finish line.
As the marathon neared the final miles near Orange Coast College, an elderly man jogging at a steady pace quietly encouraged the runners, that the finish line was just around the corner.
“Just two more turns and we are there,” he told the runners. “It’s so close, just keep moving.”
In the final yards approaching the finish line, loved ones gathered to celebrate the runners while announcers said each name and bib number of those crossing the finish line.
In a unique and moving finish-line moment, Garrett Gahn of Huntington Beach, who completed this—his first marathon—in 3:47:26, dropped to one knee and proposed to his girlfriend Aurora Rodriguez as the crowd cheered and cameras flashed.
J.J. Santana, of Las Vegas, won in the men’s marathon category in 2:22:57—just 12 seconds off the course record. This marathon was his third in less than five months.
Winning the women’s category was 48-year-old Heather Huggins of Monrovia, in 3:07:29, her first marathon victory.
“Preparing, training, and participating in the OC Marathon is about being back outside, being physically fit, it’s so important,” Gary Kutscher, the OC Marathon race director, told The Epoch Times. “We know there are so many vital stories that are a part of the Marathon, so many special reasons why people come out to run their race. For us to be able to host the event after so long has been extremely meaningful.”
Upon completion, runners were given a large metallic medal displaying the logo of the 2022 Orange County Marathon and snacks and hydration before many walked over to a grassy area to stretch, lay down, or massage tired leg muscles.
The event was expanded this year to include an inaugural, two-day “Celebrate OC” festival which was held April 29 and April 30 featuring food, wine, and craft beer tastings, health and fitness vendors, live music, and special appearances by members of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Anaheim Ducks, LA Galaxy, and Super Bowl LA Rams.
And on April 30, more than 4,000 children who’ve been training since February, completed this year’s Kids Run the OC, in partnership with the OC Marathon.
