The Surf City Marathon and Half Marathon in Huntington Beach, California, offers runners a variety of distances amid beautiful, oceanside scenery—plus some relief to government employees affected by the shutdown.
Furloughed government employees can receive free entry to participate in the oceanfront marathon, half-marathon, 5K, or mile on the sand races, which will take place during the weekend of February 1–3. Even if you haven’t been training for a marathon, but still want to get in on the fun, lacing up for one of the shorter distances offers the perfect way to do so.
The mile on the sand race, called the “Cowabunga Challenge,” is a new feature this year. The race will take place on February 2, and race finishers will be awarded a beer (those ages 21 and up, anyway) and a cape.
The 5K, marathon and half-marathon will be held on February 3, which is Super Bowl Sunday. So it’s only fitting that you can receive a football for your efforts, too—all you have to do is finish the Cowabunga Challenge in addition to one of the Sunday races.
There will be live entertainment after the Sunday races, and of-age runners will also get one free celebratory beer.
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To get free entry, furloughed government employees (who are not already registered) must register during the expo on February 1 and 2. Valid government ID and proof of furlough are required to get a bib, and entries are based on availability.
“Our heart goes out to those government employees affected by this now 34-day government shutdown, and what better time to get out and run,” said Tiffany Adams, event manager, in a press statement. “We know how running helps people get through tough situations, and have allocated a limited number of our remaining entries for those furloughed employees to run the race for free this year. With our mile on the sand and 5K races, there is a distance for anyone to participate in this year.”
Jordan Smith is a freelance writer, editor, and author with 10 years of experience reporting on health and fitness news and trends. She's also an ISSA certified running coach, and is passionate about making fitness accessible to all. You can find her work in publications including Runner's World, SELF, Prose, Vital Proteins, and more. The Philadelphia-based writer has yet to meet a workout class she doesn't like and can be found exploring the robust Philly food scene, hiking with her three dogs, and chronicling her attempt at tackling her endless TBR.
