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Hello, on May 5th 2013, you’ll be organizing the OC Marathon. Can you tell us where it is located?
The OC Marathon runs through four cities, Newport Beach, Irvine, Santa Ana and Costa Mesa in Orange County, California about 45 miles south of Los Angeles and 60 miles north of San Diego.
How old is the race and why was it created in the first place?
The 9th Annual event will be held on May 5th, 2013 and was first created to help raise funds for local Children’s Charities.
What kind of route have you set up for the runners? How would you describe it?
The route is a net downhill course with a few rolling hills that begins in Newport Beach and offers runners breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, runs down historic PCH, above a natural reserve, through the arts district and shopping mecca of South Coast Plaza and through many diverse neighborhoods.
How many runners do you expect on Sunday morning? What type of runners do you plan to attract?
We expect over 12,000 at the start in Newport Beach. Our runners come from nearly all 50 states and range from first-timers to experienced runners that have participated in each of our races.
Do you organize other races during the Weekend? If so, on what distances?
We have the final mile of the Kids Run the OC Program “Marathon” on Saturday as well as a 5K on Sunday.
At that time of the year, what kind of weather can we expect?
Southern California is known for beautiful weather and early May is usually perfect. Temperatures at the start around 60 degrees with highs at the finish line of 68 mid-morning with early overcast skies giving way to sunshine.
Have you planned festivities around the marathon?
The Allergan Health and Fitness Expo will have nearly 100 vendors and we will have a finish line festival with bands, vendors and a beer garden.
The race finished, what advice would you give a runner who has never been to Newport Beach before? A good restaurant, a fancy sightseeing?
Miles of beautiful coastline, beaches, great restaurants, shopping and even Disneyland are within a few miles of the finish line at the OC Fair and Event Center.
In a single sentence, what would you tell the readers of ahotu Marathons to make them register for the OC Marathon?
Beautiful views, perfect weather, fantastic volunteers and a great course, not to mention the Southern California attractions.
Interview with Gary Kutscher, Race director