Surf City 10 — Race Weekend Guide

Welcome to Race Weekend

We're celebrating 70 years of running in Huntington Beach — and we can't wait to share it with you. Please read the information below to answer your questions about race weekend. We look forward to welcoming you in Surf City, USA, and wish you safe travels on your journey to the race!

Race Weekend

Event Schedule

Times subject to change. Each day is hidden once it wraps — check back here for live updates throughout the weekend. 🚨DONT' FORGET🚨: 10 Miler, 10K & 5K participants are required to pick up their race BIB during Packet Pick-up on Saturday, September 19th, unless you have pre-purchased Race Day Packet Pick-Up.

SATURDAY

SEP 19

7:30–8:45 AM

Beach Mile Packet Pick-Up

Huntington Beach Pier Plaza Parking Lot Bring your confirmation email with your unique QR code (to be sent September 17th) and your ID to expedite the pick-up process. BIB numbers will not be assigned until arrival on-site.

9:00 AM

Beach Mile Start

On the sand adjacent to the Huntington Beach Pier

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Packet Pick-Up · 5K, 10K & 10 Miler Huntington Beach Pier Plaza Parking Lot

Bring your confirmation email with your unique QR code (to be sent September 17th) and your ID to expedite the pick-up process. BIB numbers will not be assigned until arrival on-site.

9:30 AM– 4:30 PM

Michelob ULTRA Beer Garden

Huntington Beach Pier Plaza Parking Lot All Beach Mile participants 21+ can enjoy a post-race beer in the Beer Garden. Please bring your ID if you’d like to enjoy a beverage. Anyone 21+ can purchase a beer in the Beer Garden, with all proceeds benefiting Ainsley's Angels. Last call at 4:15pm

SUNDAY

SEP 20 · RACE DAY

5:30 AM

Gear Check Opens

Huntington Beach Pier Plaza Parking Lot

6:30 AM

10 Miler Start

Pacific Coast Highway & Main Street

7:15 AM

10K Start

Pacific Coast Highway & Main Street

8:00 AM

5K Start

Pacific Coast Highway & Main Street

7:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Michelob ULTRA Beer Garden

Huntington Beach Pier Plaza Parking Lot All 5K, 10K, and 10 Miler participants 21+ can enjoy a post-race beer in the Beer Garden. Please bring your ID if you would like to enjoy a beverage. Last call at 10:45am.

Race Weekend

Packet Pick-Up

Date

SAT · SEP 19

Location

Huntington Beach Pier Plaza

Beach MileSat Sep 19 · 7:30–8:45 AM

5K, 10K & 10 MilerSat Sep 19 · 9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Bring your QR code confirmation email (sent Thursday, Sep 17) and a photo ID to expedite pick-up. BIB numbers will not be assigned until arrival on-site. 🚨DONT' FORGET🚨: 10 Miler, 10K & 5K participants are required to pick up their race BIB during Packet Pick-Up on Saturday, September 19th, unless you have pre-purchased Race Day Packet Pick-Up.

Google Maps ↗Apple Maps ↗

Can I pick up my packet on race day?+

Beach Mile participants may pick up on Race Day (Saturday) for no extra fee. 10 Miler, 10K & 5K participants are required to pick up their race BIB during Packet Pick-up unless you have pre-purchased Race Day Packet Pick-Up. Race day packet pick-up instructions will be emailed on Thursday, September 17th, for those that purchased this service. Race Day Packet Pick-Up opens at 5:30am on race day at Pier Plaza. To purchase that, log into your Active My Events account, select “Purchase Merchandise” → “Race Day Packet Pick-Up.”

ADD RACE DAY PICK-UP ↗

What do I need to bring?+

Your QR-code confirmation email (sent Thursday, Sep 17) and a photo ID. BIB numbers will not be assigned until arrival on-site.

Can someone else pick up my packet?+

Yes — send your proxy with a copy of your ID and your confirmation email. Proxies may pick up for up to 3 people.

Can I change my distance?+

Please visit the Solutions Table at packet pick-up to change your distance subject to availability.

Packet Pick-Up Parking+

There are multiple parking lots within easy walking distance of the Race Expo and Packet Pick-Up. The suggested parking lots are listed below. Parking rates are subject to change at any time and are set by individual lot operators, not the race organizers. Main Promenade Parking Structure (200 Main Street, Huntington Beach) First 90 minutes free, after 90 minutes, $1 each 20 minutes, $15 max daily Plaza Almeria Parking Structure (301 Main Street, Huntington Beach) $1 per 20 minutes, $15 max daily 5th & PCH Parking (146 Sixth Street, Huntington Beach) First 2 hours, $2, after 2 hours, $2 per 20 minutes, $18 max daily

Saturday · Sep 19

Beach Mile

Join hundreds of runners and run a mile in the famous sands of Huntington Beach. With the Pier looming large in the background, get your feet a little sandy as you take on the challenge of running one mile in the sand!

Packet Pick-Up7:30–8:45 AMSat · Sep 19

Start9:00 AMSat · Sep 19

Adjacent to the Huntington Beach PierOn the sand

No Gear Check+

Sorry, there is NO Gear Check available for the Beach Mile. Participants may pick up their race sunglasses after the race.

Awards+

There are NO awards for the top finishers of the Beach Mile; however, every finisher will receive a finisher medal upon completion of the race!

Hang 10 Challenge! What is it?+

Participants who join us for the Beach Mile and any distance on Sunday will receive an additional medal, the Hang 10 Challenge Medal! Don’t forget to pick up your special medal on Sunday at the Hang 10 Booth!

Michelob ULTRA Beer Garden+

All Beach Mile participants, 21 years of age and older, will receive a complimentary Michelob ULTRA in the Michelob ULTRA Beer Garden after their race. Additional beers will be available for purchase for $5 with all proceeds supporting Ainsley’s Angels.

Beach Mile Parking+

There are multiple parking lots within easy walking distance of the start/finish line of the Beach Mile. The suggested parking lots are listed below. Parking rates are subject to change at any time and are set by individual lot operators, not the race organizers. Main Promenade Parking Structure (200 Main Street, Huntington Beach) First 90 minutes free, after 90 minutes, $1 each 20 minutes, $15 max daily Plaza Almeria Parking Structure (301 Main Street, Huntington Beach) $1 per 20 minutes, $15 max daily 5th & PCH Parking (146 Sixth Street, Huntington Beach) First 2 hours, $2, after 2 hours, $2 per 20 minutes, $18 max daily

Sunday · Sep 20

5K · 10K · 10 Miler

10 Miler

6:30 AM

10K

7:15 AM

8:00 AM

Course Map

Download the full 2026 course map and elevation profiles for all three distances.

DOWNLOAD COURSE MAP ↓

Gear Check+

Opens at 5:30am – All items must be picked up before 10:30am Gear Check will be available for all Sunday participants. Gear Check will be in the parking lots adjacent to Huntington Beach Pier Plaza, just below the Race Expo. Gear Check will remain in the same location throughout the duration of the race. Clear gear check bags will be provided at bib pick-up. All items must be placed in this clear bag.

On-Course Support+

Please find the locations of the aid stations along each of the three courses listed below. Water, Gatorade (Lemon-Lime) electrolytes, and portable restrooms will be provided at the stations listed below: 10 Miler Stations: Miles 2.2, 4, 6.1, 7.8, 8.9 10K Stations: Miles 2.2, 4, 5.1 5K Stations: Mile 2 Honey Stinger Organic Energy Gel (Fruit Smoothie Flavor / Caffeine-Free) will be provided on the 10 Miler course at the aid station at Mile 6.1.

Pacers+

Pacers will only be available for the 10 Miler distance. 10 Miler: Pace groups from A Snail’s Pace will be available with the following minutes-per-mile pace times: 7:00, 7:30, 8:00, 8:30, 9:00, 9:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30, and 12:00.

Course Time Limit+

5K: All 5K participants must complete the race in under 75 minutes. 10K: All 10K participants must complete the race in under 2 hours. 10 Miler: All 10 Miler participants must finish the race in under 3 hours to stay on closed streets. Participants falling behind these paces will be moved ahead by race staff to finish the race.

Awards+

This applies to each distance: the 10 Miler, 10K, and 5K. The top 3 male, female, and non-binary finishers will receive an overall award. Age Group awards will be available for the top 3 male, female, and non-binary finishers in each age group. Please see the age groups below: 14 & Under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+ To allow for winner verification, Age Group Awards will not be available on-site. If you place 1st in your age group, you will receive additional information on how to receive your age group award towards the end of September. If you place 2nd or 3rd in your age group, your award will be shipped upon request by emailing: info@surfcity10.com.

Michelob ULTRA Beer Garden+

All 5K, 10K, and 10 Miler participants, 21 years of age and older, will receive a complimentary Michelob ULTRA in the Michelob ULTRA Beer Garden after their race from 7:30am - 11:00am. All participants and friends/family can purchase additional beers for $5 with all proceeds supporting Ainsley’s Angels.

New for 2026

Athlete Tracking

Have your friends and family track your progress while you run your race. Download the app & sign up for text updates from different spots along the course!

Tracking website:CLICK HERE

Google Play App Store

Race Morning

Getting to the Start

Start Line

Anticipate heavy traffic and be aware of road closures including Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) which will be closed from Warner Ave to Beach Blvd. Multiple parking lots are available near the Start/Finish Lines. Please plan accordingly, noting that those participating in the 10K and 5K might need to plan to park slightly further if parking closer to the Start/Finish Line has filled up

Arrive Early

There are MANY more participants joining us this year than in years past; we recommend arriving at least 60–90 minutes before your start to park and check your gear.

Plan Ahead

Race Day Parking

🚨Plan ahead!🚨: More participants THAN EVER are joining us this year. Please anticipate heavy traffic and road closures on race morning. Driving? Plan to Arrive EARLY and have a backup parking lot in mind. Those participating in the 10K or 5K are likely to find that parking near Main Street in Downtown Huntington Beach is more difficult to find due to the earlier arrival 10 Miler participants. Our recommendation? Carpool with a friend, or be dropped off!

5K · 10K · 10 Miler Parking

Sunday, Sep 20 · Rates are set by lot operators & subject to change. There are multiple parking lots within easy walking distance of the start/finish line of Surf City 10.

Main Promenade Parking Structure

First 90 minutes free, after 90 minutes, $1 each 20 minutes, $15 max daily

Google Maps ↗Apple Maps ↗

Pacific City Parking

$8 / 60 min ($40 max)

Google Maps ↗Apple Maps ↗

5th & PCH Parking

First 2 hours, $2, after 2 hours, $2 per 20 minutes, $18 max daily

Google Maps ↗Apple Maps ↗

Beach Lot

$15 daily — enter at Beach Blvd only Off of Pacific Coast Highway, enter at Beach Blvd OR Magnolia (access will be prohibited by law enforcement at Huntington Street and 1st Street across PCH).

Google Maps ↗Apple Maps ↗

Plaza Almeria Parking Structure

$1 per 20 minutes, $15 max daily

Google Maps ↗Apple Maps ↗

Beach Mile Parking

Saturday, Sep 19 Rates are set by lot operators & subject to change. There are multiple parking lots within easy walking distance of the start/finish line of the Beach Mile.

Main Promenade Parking Structure

First 90 minutes free, after 90 minutes, $1 each 20 minutes, $15 max daily

Google Maps ↗Apple Maps ↗

Plaza Almeria Parking Structure

$1 per 20 minutes, $15 max daily

Google Maps ↗Apple Maps ↗

5th & PCH Parking

First 2 hours, $2, after 2 hours, $2 per 20 minutes, $18 max daily

Google Maps ↗Apple Maps ↗

Drop Off

Participants getting dropped off for Surf City 10 should plan to get dropped off at the intersection of Main St/Orange Ave. The start line is a 3-block walk from Orange Ave and will prevent drop-off vehicles from getting caught in further road closures and congestion closer to Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).

Bike Parking

Bike Parking will not be provided on race day at Huntington Beach Pier Plaza; however, participants planning on riding their bicycles are welcome to use bike racks found along the beach path, along Main Street, or under the Huntington Beach Pier. PLEASE do not lock your bike on the bike rack that forms the start and finish chutes on Pacific Coast Highway.

Driving

Please take note of the driving directions listed below while planning your morning commute to the race site. Please note that we recommend planning to leave early to account for additional traffic expected and road closures for the race. Reminder - Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is closed in both directions from Warner Ave in the north to Beach Blvd in the south. Please plan accordingly. FROM THE NORTH – DRIVING SOUTH on 405, Exit at Beach Blvd, and travel south toward the beach. For Main Street lots: from Beach Blvd., turn right onto Atlanta Ave. to access Main Street area. For Beach lot: continue on Beach Blvd to Pacific Coast Highway to cross PCH and enter the lot. FROM THE SOUTH – DRIVING NORTH on 405, Exit at Beach Blvd, and travel south toward the beach. For Main Street lots: from Beach Blvd., turn right onto Atlanta Ave. to access Main Street area. For Beach lot: continue on Beach Blvd to Pacific Coast Highway to cross PCH and enter the lot. FROM THE NORTH – DRIVING SOUTH on PCH Turn left (inland) at Warner Ave. Follow Warner Ave toward Beach Blvd. Turn right (south toward the beach) and follow Beach Blvd toward the beach. For Main Street lots: From Beach Blvd, turn right onto Atlanta Ave to access Main Street area For Beach lot: Continue on Beach Blvd to Pacific Coast Highway to cross PCH and enter the lot FROM THE SOUTH – DRIVING NORTH on PCH For Main Street lots: Turn right on Beach Blvd and left on Atlanta Ave to access Main Street area For Beach lot: Turn left from PCH at Beach Blvd to cross PCH and enter the lot

Sunday · Sep 20

Finish Line Festival

Cross the line and keep the party going at Pier Plaza. All 10 Miler, 10K, and 5K participants, 21 years of age and older, are eligible to receive (1) complimentary Michelob ULTRA on Sunday in the Michelob ULTRA Beer Garden.

Join Us

SUNDAY · SEP 20

Festival Hours

7:30 AM–11:00 AM

POST-RACE FAQs: 21+ wristbands?+

Those that are 21 years of age and older and plan on visiting the Beer Garden must present their ID at the ID check tent to obtain a wristband prior to visiting the beer distribution tents. Participants are encouraged to visit the ID Check tent on Saturday to avoid waiting in line at the ID Check after the race.

Additional Beverages?+

Additional beverages can be purchased in the Beer Garden for $5, with proceeds going to Ainsley's Angels to support their quest to build awareness about the importance of inclusion through action while transforming populations into all-inclusive communities. To continue our support of Ainsley’s Angels, participants will only be able to collect their complimentary beer after the race. Beer purchases can be made on Saturday during the Race Expo, with all proceeds supporting Ainsley's Angels. Per the rules of our event permit, patrons in the Beer Garden will be limited to a maximum of 3 beverages per day.

Relive It

Commemorate YOUR RACE

FINISHER PHOTOS

Make sure to wear your bib on the front of your body and bring your best smile to race day! FinisherPix will be on course capturing you in action. Click below to register your email to be notified when your photos are ready after the race.

FINISHER PHOTOS ↗

PERSONALIZE YOUR MEDAL

We know you’ve been training for a Personal Record, and a great way to celebrate is with an iTAB! Your iTAB will be customized with your name and finish time and will be mailed to you post-race. iTABS are also available for pre-purchase in our shop!

ORDER YOUR iTAB ↗

Gear Up

Official Merch Shop

The official 2026 Surf City 10 merchandise store is open! Check out the latest styles and order now to secure your size. Style like a perfect 10!

SHOP NOW ↗

Orders placed on or after September 6th will be available for event-weekend pick up only. Use code: SC10PICKUP to remove the shipping fee for in-person pick up.

2026 Series

Golden State Challenge

Take on California's premier race series. Complete events across the state and earn the 2026 Golden State Challenge rewards.

LEARN MORE ↗

Don't Miss Next Year

Register for 2027

Register on-site for the 2027 Surf City 10. By registering on-site, you can expect to receive the absolute LOWEST pricing for the event, which is only available at the 2026 Race Expo! Visit the Surf City 10 marketing booth in the event expo to secure your spot! Keep an eye on your inbox for your super early bird offer!

Make A Weekend Of It

Experience Surf City

Surf City USA’s 10 miles of wide-open sandy beaches make it a paradise for families, couples, dogs, and surfers. Our endless summer weather offers relaxation, things to do, and oceanfront dining year-round. Some visitors' favorites include biking, beach bonfire pits, kayaking, and, of course, the iconic Huntington Beach Pier, spanning 1,850 feet / 0.56 kilometers in length. Our pier sits in the heart of Huntington Beach and allows visitors to experience breathtaking views amidst the sounds of crashing waves and the ocean breeze.