Whew, Long Beach Half Marathon, where to even begin? As I said in the Aquarium of the Pacific 5K recap, it was not my day. Who cares? This is a different race. Well, that not being my day left me in a mood, and quite honestly, I wasn’t really in the mood to race a whole half marathon. Coupled with the fact that it was kind of unsure if the half marathon would happen due to weather…I didn’t really prepare as well as I could. I had a Whole Foods sandwich and some pita bread for dinner and called it a night. It was a very relaxing night, but also was not my best work in fueling.
Since I didn’t get enough carbs to run a half marathon, I drank extra Tailwind the morning of. I figured it would “be fine,” but honestly, I had no idea if the extra sugar could cause a stomach cramp. Luckily, no issues there. I also woke up about 2 hours before the race, which is usually 3 hours before, but sometimes you just need more sleep. I walk-jogged to the Long Beach Half Marathon start line. I used the bathroom in my hotel and figured I would just go in one of the bathrooms along the course if needed. Except a couple years ago I got locked in a beach bathroom LOL. Anyway, I always like to start myself kind of far back at the Long Beach Half Marathon so I don’t take it out too fast. I started around the 1:40 pace group…I think. Before I knew it, we were off.
Long Beach Half Marathon:
My goal for the Long Beach Half Marathon was to run 13 miles at marathon pace, which is around 7:15-7:30. Something that has always been missing from my marathon training is long runs at faster paces. I have no issues slogging through long runs, or doing short, fast, intervals. But I don’t enjoy marathon paced long run under 8-minute pace? I don’t love those types of runs. So I’ve been really focusing more on those types of runs. I don’t ever run the Long Beach Half Marathon all out because it’s the day after the 5K, so I figured it would be a good excuse to practice a hard long run on tired legs.
With that, my first mile was 7:18, and it felt like it was taking forever. I was a bit worried that “this is how the race was going to play out.” But thankfully, I settled in, and we went over the bridge and around the Aquarium. I ran a 7:21 and felt happy with that. I could tell the wind was blowing in a way that we would have a headwind in the final few miles of the race, and I wasn’t super thrilled about that. But I just kept trucking along. I can’t really complain about wind anymore because I live in one of the most windy areas in US.
I ran into my friend Nadia around mile 4 and mile 4 is also kind of where we started to catch up with the Long Beach Marathon runners. For whatever reason, this year the race course was much more crowded and, in some parts, unenjoyable. There is really no excuse for a race this large to be so crowded on several narrow beach paths. The problem with the marathon starting before the half is the half will come in hot on the back of pack runners and that really isn’t enjoyable for anyone…especially on narrow beach paths.
I hit mile 5 in 7:11 and was feeling pretty good. It was fairly eventful, and I was cheering on friends, chatting. I felt as I hoped and not like I was in the hole. I was feeling night and day from the 5k. The next couple of miles on the beach path were hard just because it was so crowded. Around mile 8 of the Long Beach Half Marathon was the detour. We went up onto Ocean (yes, a bonus hill). I actually think I liked the detour route better because you got to see more runners, plus it was less crowded. It was more fun that way, and I hope the Long Beach Half Marathon keeps that course next year. I logged a 7:04 mile and felt good.
During that time, I dropped my gel, and it was defeating. Could I have stopped? Of course. Did I? No. I knew I’d need to get over to the aid station and take one of their Honey Stingers. I found it around mile 10, and that propelled me into the headwind. I was well below my goal at 10 miles (in fact, at 10 miles I think I was closer to 7:10 pace), but the headwind plus uphill made for a tougher finish, and I logged a 7:44 and 7:41 mile. When we had one more mile to go, I thought, well, I’ll just push as hard as I can and run a 7:15 final mile and 6:20 last .1.
I crossed the Long Beach Half Marathon finish line in 1:35:51.
Long Beach Half Marathon Thoughts:
I was happy to get exactly what I wanted out of the Long Beach Half Marathon. I had a great time and really enjoyed the race despite not going into it with the best mindset. It was also my fastest Long Beach to date.
Long Beach is a big race, but still (in my opinion) has some quirks to work out…will I run it again? Probably.
Long Beach Half Marathon Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Long Beach Half Marathon a flat and fast course?
The Long Beach Half Marathon is considered a relatively flat and fast course, with the highest elevation listed at just 45 feet. There are a few bridges and gradual inclines, but the majority of the 13.1-mile course is flat. Fast is relative because since the half marathon starts after the marathon, you’ll be weaving around back of the marathoners. That can make it tough to run fast, especially on narrow beach paths.
What is the Long Beach Half Marathon course like?
The Long Beach Half Marathon course starts on Shoreline Drive and takes runners past several popular Long Beach landmarks, including the Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, and Shoreline Village. Much of the race follows the coastline, with nearly 90% of the course offering Pacific Ocean views. The race finishes near downtown Long Beach.
What is the weather like for the Long Beach Half Marathon?
The Long Beach Half Marathon takes place in October, when Southern California can still experience warm temperatures. Runners may encounter mild morning weather, sunshine, humidity, and coastal winds. Since portions of the course have limited shade, temperatures. October is still warm in Southern California.
Are there water stations and energy gels on the Long Beach Half Marathon course?
Yes, the Long Beach Half Marathon provides water stations at approximately miles 2, 4.5, 6, 8, 10, and 12. For 2026, Gatorade was available at miles 6, 8, 10, and 12, with Honey Stinger energy gels offered around mile 10. Having gels so late in the race, is kind of weird..hopefully they move gels to around 6.
Can you run the Aquarium of the Pacific 5K and Long Beach Half Marathon in the same weekend?
Yes, runners can participate in the Aquarium of the Pacific 5K on Saturday and the Long Beach Half Marathon on Sunday as part of the Long Beach Combo challenge. Participants who register for the combination and complete both races receive an additional medal.
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Questions for you:
Have you run the Long Beach Half Marathon?
What is your favorite half marathon?