Ideal weather sets the stage for a memorable race day as 18,000 runners take on oceanfront marathon and half-marathon; Huntington Beach firefighters recognized for efforts in battling California wildfires; Beloved Southern California tradition looks ahead to a landmark 30th anniversary celebration in 2026
HUNTINGTON BEACH — Under near-perfect conditions, thousands of runners raced along the Pacific Coast Highway on Sunday as the 29th Surf City Marathon presented by 361° brought another year of fast times, friendly competition, and scenic views of Huntington Beach. Cool temperatures at the start, barely a breeze, and the iconic oceanfront backdrop made for an ideal setting as more than 18,000 entrants laced up for one of Southern California’s most celebrated road races.
No one enjoyed the morning more than Los Angeles’ Antoine Puglisi. Running his third marathon, the Frenchman captured his first-ever victory at the 26.2-mile distance, crossing the finish line in 2 hours, 31 minutes, and 22 seconds.
The win was particularly meaningful for the second-grade teacher, as it came just days before the birth of his first child, a daughter.
“I dedicate the win to my future baby,” said Puglisi. “It’s like a big gift.”
Puglisi admitted he pushed himself to the limit, finishing just 46 seconds ahead of runner-up Zach Eustance of Apple Valley (2:32:08).
“I started too fast, so I was very exhausted at the end,” Puglisi said. “I laid down on the ground at the finish. It took me some time to recover. Now I’m great. My legs are fine. I could do a 5K right now.”
In the women’s marathon, Temecula’s Stephanie Cullingford took the title in 2:58:27, with Meredith Steely of Santa Monica finishing second in 3:07:18.
The men’s half-marathon saw an exciting duel, with Esteban Prado breaking the tape in 1:07:25, just five seconds ahead of Thomas Dialynas. While focused on racing, Prado still took in the picturesque surroundings.
“I was always looking to my right side, seeing the beach, the palm trees, the surf. There’s just no better place to run,” he said.
Sarah Czuprynski won the women’s half marathon in 1:17:22. Hannah Chau, who signed up for the race just a day before to support her mother, finished second in 1:19:15.
The 5K champions were Jake Ogden (15:46) on the men’s side and Gracie Adams-Handy (17:39) for the women.
With pristine running conditions, Huntington Beach Mayor Pat Burns called this year’s edition one of the best in event history.
“This one, by far, has got to be one of the best Surf City Marathons,” said Burns. “It’s a community event. It’s just so awesome, so breathtaking.”
Huntington Beach City Councilmember Casey McKeon echoed the sentiment.
“It’s a runner’s dream,” he said. “It’s fast, flat, and scenic.”
Ashley Wysocki, Huntington Beach’s director of community and library services, ran the half-marathon and soaked in the moment.
“The weather was absolutely perfect for those who like it a little on the cool side to get started,” Wysocki said. “Then as the clouds break and you’re running on PCH to the finish line, it’s the most gorgeous view. You see all the palm trees, you see the ocean. It takes away all the pain.”
Dorothy Strand holds a unique distinction in Surf City Marathon history—she is the only runner to have participated in an event every year since the race’s inception. On Sunday, she completed the 5K. Reflecting on how the event has evolved, she took in the wave of runners streaming toward the finish line.
“You’ve got a whole lot more people out there,” she said.
Next year marks a major milestone—the 30th edition of the Surf City Marathon. Veteran masters runner Roosevelt Cook, who placed fifth overall in the half-marathon, urged runners to be part of the historic celebration.
“It’s cold everywhere else in the country,” Cook said. “This is Southern California. You have the palm trees, the beach right there. Come on out and celebrate. It’s been 30 years of fun rocking on the beach right here.”
Registration is now open for the 30th annual Surf City Marathon, set for the first Sunday of February 2026. To lock in the lowest price of the year and secure your spot, visit www.runsurfcity.com.