After thousands of people ran the Hoag OC Marathon course on Sunday, they were celebrated with live music and fun at the finish line at the OC Fair & Event Center.
It was a big weekend for runners with the annual marathon, as well as a half marathon, 5K and fun run for kids, and all for a good cause. Race director Gary Kutscher said the event has raised more than $9 million for charities over the last 20 years.
Jason Yang of San Pedro captured the men’s marathon title, running it in 2:25:11. Gabriella Smith, 26, from Virginia, was the first woman across the finish line, making it in 3:05:30.
Maurice Washington has good reason to celebrate his OC Half Marathon finish in Costa Mesa. He survived two brain surgeries for a rare brain tumor, spent a month in an intensive care unit, and then had to learn to walk again, he said. On Sunday, May 5, 2024 he plowed through the finish line. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)
It’s a life changing event, especially for those running their first marathon, Kutscher said. One out of five participants registered were running their first marathon, he said.
And what better way to kick-off a first race, than with a course beginning that overlooks Orange County’s seaside.
Ainsley’s Angels volunteers power off from the starting line in Newport Beach during the OC Half Marathon on Sunday, May 5, 2024. The organization gives people with disabilities an opportunity to experience an endurance run. (Photo by Mindy Schauer, Orange County Register/SCNG)