The Surf City 10 Mile race is one of those local events I always contemplate doing. It’s usually well-run, with plenty of parking near the start and wide spaces along the beach path for warming up and cooling down. The setup feels runner-friendly no matter your pace or goal.
The problem? If you’ve done the Surf City 10 Mile race a few times, the out-and-back course can feel repetitive and boring. It’s the same format you see in February for the Surf City Half Marathon, full marathon, and 5K. I’ve burned out on it before, but FOMO always wins, so I signed up anyway.
Quick Facts: Surf City 10 Mile Race
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Location: Huntington Beach, California (Pacific Coast Highway)
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Date: September
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Distances: 5K, 10K, 10 Mile
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Course: Out-and-back, downhill for the first half, uphill for the return
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Weather: Warm and humid, typical for Southern California in September
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Packet Pickup: Outdoor expo, no mailing option
Surf City 10 Mile Packet Pickup and Expo
I left the desert around noon and reached the Surf City 10 Mile race expo at about 3 p.m. If there’s one thing I wish they would change, it’s offering bib mailing. Driving into Huntington Beach is always crowded, parking is a hassle, and you pay to park anyway. So really, you might save an extra $5 or $10 by picking up your packet but I would prefer to just avoid the general area. 50% of the time there is at least one political protest.
That said, the Surf City 10 Mile, 10K, and 5K do have a well-organized outdoor packet pickup. Once you park, it’s easy to grab your bib and go, but just getting there takes effort.
I went to bed early and actually slept pretty well. Race morning started at 4 a.m. for the 6:30 a.m. start. I arrived in Huntington Beach around 5:30, but many of the beach lots I usually park in were closed. After U-turning a few times, I ended up street parking a mile away. That left me with only five minutes to spare before the start. Not my usual pre-race routine of being at the race start an hour before, but it worked out.
What to Expect on the Surf City 10 Mile Course
My “A” goals were simple: run under 70 minutes and keep it consistent. Don’t tank too much on the last few miles of uphill. The Surf City 10 Mile race course is an out and back and goes downhill and flat for the first three miles, then turns around and climbs gradually uphill for the last five. It’s deceptively tough. Add in the September humidity, and it becomes a grind.
The race started, and during the first mile I wasn’t sure how I felt. I slowly settled into a rhythm, running a 6:47 first mile. I noticed the 7:00 pacers about 10 seconds ahead of me, and surprisingly, they stayed in front almost the entire time.
The downhill miles didn’t feel as fast as I expected…more 6:47s…and I had to remind myself not to panic. By the turnaround at mile five, I realized how competitive the women’s field was. I was running sub-6:50 pace and barely in the top 30. Honestly, I thought it was awesome to see so many strong women ahead. I love competitive races.
I took UCAN around mile five and braced for the return. Mile five ended up being my fastest at 6:46. The uphill stretch at miles seven and eight was tough, but I reminded myself that I could still hit my goal if I kept pushing. I passed a few runners on the climb and managed a 6:54 for mile nine.
Even after the steep section, the last mile has a sneaky uphill before the finish. I knew the course would come up a little short, so I angled wide in the chute to make sure my watch hit 10.00. Is that healthy behavior? Probably not. But hey…I wanted my watch to say at least 10.0. When I looked at Strava, most of my friends who ran had 9.98-9.99.
I crossed the Surf City 10 Mile race finish line in 1:08:18.
Surf City 10 Mile Race Results and Thoughts
1:08:18 is my fastest Surf City 10 Mile race by almost three minutes and over four minutes faster than last year. On a hot, humid, and uphill course, that felt like a big confidence boost.
Sometimes I convince myself my Mountains 2 Beach Half Marathon was a fluke, but this race reassured me it wasn’t. I’m looking forward to running a fast half in cooler weather.
Surf City 10 Mile Race FAQs
Is the Surf City 10 Mile race hilly?
The first half of the course is downhill and flat, but the second half is a steady uphill back to the finish. It’s not a huge climb, but it’s enough to make the last few miles challenging.
How hot is the Surf City 10 Mile race?
Even with a 6:30 a.m. start, temperatures and humidity can be high in September. Expect a sticky morning and plan your fueling and hydration accordingly.
Is the Surf City 10 Mile course scenic?
Yes, it runs along Pacific Coast Highway with ocean views. But since it’s an out-and-back, it can be repetitive after doing it multiple times.
Is the Surf City 10 Mile race competitive?
Very. The front of the race attracts fast local runners, especially in the 10 Mile. Even if you’re running sub-7 pace, you may not crack the top 25. That said, the event is welcoming for all levels.
Does the Surf City 10 Mile offer bib mailing?
Not currently. Packet pickup is in person at the outdoor expo the day before the race.
Final Thoughts on the Surf City 10 Mile Race
The Surf City 10 Mile race is a Huntington Beach late summer staple. It’s organized, reliable, and runner-friendly, with scenic ocean views and a deceptively challenging course. While the out-and-back layout may feel repetitive, it’s a good test of fitness heading into the fall racing season.
You can see Strava here and all race recaps here.
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Questions for you:
Have you run a 10 mile race?
What is your favorite last summer race?