Another year at the Long Beach Half Marathon. I’ve never actually raced it all-out, but I’ve run it for the past three years. I do both the Aquarium of the Pacific 5K on Saturday and the Long Beach Half Marathon on Sunday. That means my legs are never “fresh” for the half, but I always think of it as an enjoyable long run with friends.
Except enjoyable is always a question. For the first two years when I had some issues…including getting locked in a beach bathroom…which made it not as fun as I thought. This year, however, was different. It was actually fun.
Before the Long Beach Half Marathon
I’ve decided the only way to do the Long Beach Half Marathon is to stay in downtown Long Beach for the weekend. It’s pricey, but the chaos and parking stress aren’t worth it, especially since the half starts 90 minutes after the full and several roads close early.
After finishing the 5K on Saturday, I had a pretty relaxing day. I thought the race started at 7:30 a.m. and kept that in my head until around 6:40 a.m. when someone in the elevator mentioned it actually started at 7. I basically sprinted to the Long Beach Half Marathon start line. Luckily it was only about half a mile away, but it threw off my plans for breakfast and warming up. Lesson learned: read the Long Beach Half Marathon pre-race instructions more carefully next time.
I had planned for a two-mile warm-up and ended up doing about half a mile. Since I arrived late, they weren’t letting anyone else into Corral A. Usually elite runners line up late so I was curious if they were telling the elite runners they also couldn’t be in corral A but I didn’t care enough to argue and just rolled with it.
Long Beach Half Marathon Race
My original plan was to run with the 1:40 pacers, but since I started behind them, it turned into a long game of catch-up. I could see them about a minute ahead, but I didn’t want to waste energy pushing too hard early. I started around 7:30 pace and held that for the first four miles. It was fairly uneventful, I was just cranking along.
I needed to stop for a bathroom break since I didn’t get to go beforehand, but I absolutely refused to use one of the concrete bathrooms again. To be honest, I don’t know if I ever will. I stopped at a porta-potty near the aquarium instead, which set me back about 30 seconds.
As we ran along the water, I took in the sights. What a completely different experience from last year. I didn’t feel amazing, but I didn’t feel bad either. Around mile six, near the Long Beach Half Marathon finish area, I took a Carbs gel with sodium, which I’ve been liking lately. I ran for a bit with my friend Lucie and settled in.
Miles seven through ten along the Long Beach running trail are beautiful but can get warm. You’re fully exposed to the sun. Last year the weather was toasty enough that they started the race early. This year it was warm but fine. The beach path isn’t wide, and I started passing marathoners. I understand why the Long Beach Marathon and Half Marathon use this section, it’s scenic, but I’m not a huge fan of narrow bike paths for large races. It’s not closed off so you contend with anyone out for a workout on the beach path from bikers, to dog walkers, to other runners.
Eventually, I caught up with my friend Karina and the 1:40 pacers. It was the highlight. We chatted for a bit before I decided to press forward around mile ten. I wanted to push up the hill around mile eleven.
Is that hill hard? It’s not easy, but it’s not terrible either. I ran the uphill mile at 7:18 pace and then pushed harder for the final stretch, running a 6:55. When I saw the Long Beach Half Marathon finish line, I gave it everything I had. The downhill finish makes it fun to come flying in. I crossed in 1:36:58. I was both happy and surprised to cross under 1:37.
Thoughts
I’m happy with how the Long Beach Half Marathon went. After running the 5K the day before, I knew I wasn’t racing it all-out. My legs were tired, but I still managed to negative split and enjoy the course. It was definitely my most fun Long Beach Half Marathon yet. I’ve also noticed how the crowds have been building over the last couple of years, especially towards the final miles.
Long Beach Half Marathon Course Review
The course is fast, scenic, and mostly flat with just noticeable hills around miles two (bridge), four (bridge), and eleven. It starts near the Long Beach Convention Center, runs through Shoreline Village, and continues along the beach path before looping back toward downtown. The ocean views are beautiful, but the narrow trail sections can feel crowded.
Weather can vary year to year, but expect mild temperatures in the low to mid-60s at the start. It’s usually on the fairly warmer side. Hydration stations are spaced well, and crowd support picks up around downtown and the finish area.
Long Beach Half Marathon FAQs
When is the Long Beach Half Marathon?
A: The Long Beach Half Marathon typically takes place in early October as part of the Long Beach Marathon weekend, which also includes a 5K, bike tour, and kids’ fun run.
Is the Long Beach Half Marathon hilly?
A: The course is mostly flat with a few small hills around miles 2, 4, and 11, and a final downhill finish.
What’s the weather like for the Long Beach Half Marathon?
A: Usually on the warmer side, but it feel hot especially on the open beach path.
Is the Long Beach Half Marathon a good race for beginners?
A: Yes. It’s well organized, scenic, and friendly to both beginners and experienced runners. The crowds and beach views make it a fun atmosphere for all paces.
You can see Long Beach Half Marathon Strava here and all race recaps here.
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Questions for you:
Have you run the Long Beach Half Marathon?
What is your favorite half marathon?