Ocean Breeze Half Marathon

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Date
February 28, 2026
Starting Time

7:30 AM

Course

Road

Fees

$38.99-$45

Location

Long Beach

Participants

1-100

Terrain

Fast & Flat

Environment

Oceanfront, Urban, Park Run

Temperature
High: 70°
/ Low: 50°
Perfect For:
Fun Run
Beginner Friendly
Well Organized
Family Friendly
Walker Friendly
Overview

The Ocean Breeze 5K, 10K, 15K, & Half Marathon is a community-oriented distance running event held on Saturday, February 28, 2026 in Long Beach, California, with all distances starting along the beach path near 5400 E Ocean Blvd and continuing on the flat, wide shared bike and pedestrian route that parallels the shoreline.

Atmosphere & Support

The event emphasizes a fun, inclusive vibe for all levels. From casual walkers to seasoned runners, the race welcomes participation rather than strict competition. Participation perks generally include custom finisher medals, goodie bags, free photos, and posted results — part of the friendly racing experience promoted by the organizers. Aid stations are typically positioned near turnaround points and the finish area.

Difficulty & PR Potential

Thanks to the flat, predictable terrain and early spring temperatures in Long Beach, the course is fundamentally PR-friendly for many runners. However, because it is not officially certified USATF, times may not be eligible for record purposes or qualifying standards. The primary external factor influencing performance often comes from coastal wind, which can either assist or challenge runners depending on direction.

Overall, Ocean Breeze offers a relaxed, flat, and scenic oceanfront experience that suits beginners, walkers, and recreational runners eager for a social finish rather than a high-stakes performance race.

Participants often value the friendly, relaxed atmosphere, light-hearted vibe, and inclusive distances that cater to a wide range of abilities.

The flat beach path setting is frequently cited as enjoyable for casual runners and walkers, particularly early in the season when weather is cool.

Course Description

Elevation & Profile

This course is quintessentially flat. The beach path across Belmont Shore and adjacent coastal sections lies at or near sea level with negligible elevation change. There are no sustained climbs or descents, and the cumulative elevation gain over the half marathon is minimal, making it accessible for runners seeking steady pacing. The flat profile is well suited to beginners, walkers, and runners looking to enjoy the run rather than chase strategic climbs.

Surface & Layout

The route uses a mixture of paved shared-use paths and park adjacent pavement along the oceanfront. The half marathon is structured as a series of loops (3 × ~4.36 mi loops) along the beach path, while the shorter distances follow similarly marked out-and-back routes. Courses are marked for ease of navigation and runners often share the path with other race participants, walkers, and recreational path users.

Mile-by-Mile Character

Miles 1–3: Early oceanfront miles allow runners to settle into rhythm with expansive views of the Pacific and beachside ambiance.

Miles 4–9: Extended flat sections promote consistent stride patterns and mild drafting in small groups. The unobstructed corridor encourages even pacing.

Miles 10–12: Continued flat running reduces muscular disruption often caused by rollers. Fatigue is driven more by pacing and environmental conditions (e.g., coastal wind) than terrain.

Final Mile: A final turn brings runners back toward the start/finish area for a relaxed finish with event support nearby.

Past Results

Visit the race website for the past results.

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