2023 Runner Program

Dear Runners, Spectators, and Partners of the SDCCU OC Running Festival -

“Running has always been a relief and a sanctuary something that makes me feel good, both physically and mentally For me, it’s not so much about the health benefits. Those are great, but I believe that the best thing about running is the joy it brings to life.” -Kara

Goucher

Steve Prefontaine, one of America’s great runners of all time said, “Over the years, I've given myself a thousand reasons to keep running, but it always comes back to where it started It comes down to self-satisfaction and a sense of achievement "

We all have very different reasons for why we run or walk a marathon, half marathon or even a 5K but the most impacting results of your running is the inspiration that you have on all those around you. We are excited to announce that this year’s 19th annual SDCCU OC Running Festival is going to have one of the largest fields in years with thousands of stories inspiring tens of thousands around you

With a vision of supporting Orange County children’s charities, the first OC Marathon was held on a very rainy and cold day in December 2004. It has grown to become a world-class running event in Southern California with participants from 47 states and 19 countries in 2023. This year, the SDCCU OC Marathon completely sold out for the first time and the OC Half Marathon with over 9,000 registrants is the Road Runner Club of America’s (RRCA) National Championship event. In other exciting news, we are excited to announce a new partnership with Hoag Hospital for our award-winning Kids Run the OC program that will have over 100 schools and 5,500+ registrations

Returning this year is our CELEBRATE OC Festival from 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm on Saturday The Festival begins with music at 2:00 and the high-flying BMX Show returns to the festival at 3:30 pm in front of the YAAMAVA main stage. The Celebrate OC 5K starts and finishes in front of the YAAMAVA Stage, beginning at 5:30 pm with the band Blink 180 True, a Blink 182 cover band

The SDCCU OC Marathon begins in Newport Beach at 5:30am on Sunday at Fashion Island with the half beginning at 6:15am Full Marathoners will traverse four Orange County cities including Newport Beach, Irvine, Santa Ana and Costa Mesa and the Half Marathoners spend the first 11 miles in Newport Beach with all runners finishing at the OC Fair and Event Center

We want to give a huge thank you to our partners/sponsors for their generosity and support San Diego County Credit Union (SDCCU) returns as our title sponsor of the SDCCU OC Marathon and Half Marathon. SDCCU has six branches in Orange County and is committed to helping individuals improve their own financial health and wellness As mentioned above, we are proud to have our Kids Run the OC Empowered by Hoag. Kia America returns as our Official Automotive Partner for the running festival and Celebrate OC. Check out their amazing vehicles including our 2023 pace car, the all new Kia EV6 GT that was just crowned the 2023 World Performance Car at the NY International Auto Show. A new addition to the OC Family is our Official Specialty Running Store, A Snail’s Pace (ASP). ASP has four running stores in SoCal and has been named a top 50 Best Running Stores in America more times than we can count We also want to welcome back YAAMAVA Resort and Casino as our Official Stage Sponsor of the OC Running Festival and Celebrate OC Stage. YAAMAVA, an experience unlike any other Another new partner this year is our on course hydration, Electrolit Its unique formula, great taste and variety of flavors has positioned the product as the preferred premium hydration beverage for children and adults. The Epoch Times, which is dedicated to Truth and Tradition in journalism, returns as our media partner We thank the Epoch Times for this wonderful Race Program Again we want to thank UPS, for their commitment to be our personal item storage partner and Alta Dena (TruMoo) at the Finish Line. After your finish, be sure to enjoy what has become known as the Ultimate Finish Line Festival We want to thank Michelob Ultra for being the Official Beer of the Celebrate OC Ultimate Finish Line Festival.

As you are making your way around the course, please be sure to thank our volunteers. We really could not do any of this without them. These amazing people begin their day while most are sleeping, stand around for hours, offering water or assistance and constant encouragement to people that may or may not say thank you. Show them your appreciation for their hard work!

Lastly, a very special thank you to our OC Family, and the amazing operations team from Book That Event, especially Jodi and Lisa. We wish all of you the best of luck, be safe, have fun and don’t forget to thank the volunteers

Gary Kutscher

COSTA MESA, CA

As the Mayor of this great city, I personally would like to welcome you to The City of the Arts and thank you for participating in the 19th annual SDCCU OC Marathon Running Festival and related festivities. This year’s event marks the 14th year it’s been held in Costa Mesa

As all of you run through our town and finish at the OC Fair & Event Center, it is our hope that your festival will continue as you discover Costa Mesa and learn what a fabulous place it is to live, work and visit

We encourage you all to take the time to check out our world-class venues like the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, the Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, the South Coast Repertory theater and the new Orange County Museum of the Arts

Visitors can also spend some time shopping at our world-renown South Coast Plaza or for a change of pace, please visit The Lab and Camp and SoCo, retail centers If you are hungry, our restaurants are the best in the county and are regularly featured in local and regional publications If outdoor activities are more your style, Costa Mesa is rich in open space with active parks as well and natural surroundings and wildlife views that can be found in our Fairview and Canyon parks. Finally, our proximity to the ocean and beaches allows us to enjoy near perfect weather, and spring in Costa Mesa is an especially wonderful time of year. You will soon find out that Costa Mesa is a great place to live, work, shop and visit

Thank you and good luck

Mayor John Stephens

Dear OC Marathon Participants:

Featuring the OC's Finest Cities....

NEWPORT BEACH, CA

DearOCMarathonParticipants:

WelcometoNewportBeach!ItisanhonorforthecityofNewportBeachtohostthe 19th annual OC Marathon This event takes a tremendous amount of dedication, time and effort to organize I want to thank the event's leadership, staff and volunteersformakingthisanoutstandingevent,yearafteryear Mostofall,thankyoutothethousandsofparticipatingrunners Becauseofyouand themarathonsupporters,manyOrangeCountychildreninneedwillbenefitthrough thisevent'scharitablecontributions

NewportBeachisacommunityknownforitsbeautifulnaturalresources,highquality oflifeandanunparalleledexperienceforourmanyvisitors TheOCMarathongives usawonderfulopportunitytoshowcasethebestofourgreatcity.

WeareproudofNewportBeachandallithastooffer:astunningarrayofnatural resourcessuchastheUpperNewportBay,theBuckGullyReserve,andprotected naturaltidepools;manyrecreationalopportunitiesfoundinour66magnificentparks; world-class shopping opportunities; and fine dining and hotels. We are proud to shareitwithyou

EnjoytheOCMarathon,enjoyyourstaywithus,andpleasecomebackagainsoon BestRegards,

Mayor Noah Bloom

SANTA ANA, CA IRVINE, CA

Congratulations!

On behalf of the Santa Ana City Council, greetings and welcome to the 19th Annual San Diego Credit County Credit Union Orange County Marathon Running Festival I am so pleased that the Marathon will run through the city of Santa Ana as we are happy to showcase some of our City’s unique qualities

The number of expected participants in this year’s OC Marathon is over 15,000 individuals in the full, half and 5K combined run

I am so pleased that nearly 700 children from 10 Santa Ana schools will participate in the Kids Run the OC I wish the best of luck to all participating runners this year

I want to take this opportunity to thank the many volunteers, staff and Marathon supporters who have been so important to the success of this event We appreciate your efforts and contributions.

I hope you will enjoy this year’s OC Marathon

Mayor Valerie Amescua

On behalf of the City of Irvine, it is my great pleasure to welcome you to the 19th San Diego County Credit Union OC Marathon The OC Marathon is an exciting event that promotes a healthy lifestyle while at the same time raising needed funds for charitable organizations in Orange County

Year after year, the OC Marathon does an outstanding job in organizing this wonderful event for our community. Congratulations to the registrants and all the volunteers for your hard work and dedication in making this year’s marathon one of the best ever

Again, it is a pleasure to welcome everyone to Irvine and Orange County Whether a runner, a rooter, a volunteer, or just a spectator, have a wonderful day here in Orange County and thank you for your support

Sincerely

Mayor Farrah N. Khan

FRIDAY, MAY 5, 2023

4:00 PM – 8:00 PM OC Lifestyle & Fitness Expo

Location: OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa Building 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

SATURDAY, MAY 6, 2023

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM Kids Run the OC

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM OC Lifestyle & Fitness Expo

2:00 PM - 7:00 PM Celebrate OC Festival

5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Celebrate OC 5K/Finish Line Festival

5:30PM OC 5K Start/Finish: OC Fair & Event Center 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

SUNDAY, MAY 7, 2023

5:30 AM - The SDCCU OC Marathon

Start: Fashion Island, between Newport Center Dr. & Santa Barbara Drive on Newport Center loop

Finish: OC Fair & Event Center 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

6:15 AM - The SDCCU OC Half Marathon

Start: Fashion Island, between Newport Center Dr. & Santa Barbara Drive on Newport Center loop

Finish: OC Fair & Event Center 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

7:00 AM to 12:00 PM - CELEBRATE OC Finish Line Festival with Flashback Heart Attack

OFFICIAL OC MARATHON PACE TEAMS ARE PROVIDED BY A SNAIL'S PACE

HALF MARATHON PACE TIMES

FULL MARATHON PACE TIMES

CHALLENGES CHALLENGES

RUN ALL THREE BEACH CITIES RACES. GET A NEW EXCLUSIVE MEDAL EACH YEAR!

UP NEXT:

START AT ANY RACE. FINISH AT ANY RACE. HALF MARATHON AND FULL MARATHON QUALIFY

RUN THE OC + SAN FRANCISCO TO QUALIFY FOR THE CALIFORNIA TIME TO TRAVEL CHALLENGE MEDAL!

ALL EVENTS QUALIFY (LOLLIPOP AND KIDS RUN THE OC DO NOT QUALIFY)

PARKING

There is a charge of $1

Pre-paid Race Day parking can also be purchased for $ chasing will make the entry on Sunday much faster. Ra purchased a pre-paid hang tag.

LATE REGISTRATION

Participants can register online until midnight on Friday, May 5th. After this date, participants must come to the OC Lifestyle & Fitness Expo to register in person. THERE WILL NOT BE REGISTRATION ON SUNDAY FOR THE HALF OR FULL MARATHON.

PACKET PICK UP

There will be NO MARATHON OR HALF MARATHON Race Day pick up on Sunday morning! Participants will receive their bib numbers via email prior to the Expo. Once participants have their bib numbers, they will proceed to the corresponding registration table where they will need to provide a valid photo ID. Friends and family of participants may pick up packets for the participant only if they have a copy of the person’s ID printed out.

TECHNICAL SHIRTS AND RACE SHIRTS

Technical race shirts are for Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K Participants; sizes are guaranteed to only those who have pre-registered for the event. Race bibs will designate the type of shirt participant is to receive. If you purchased bib shipment, you can pick up your event shirt in the Santa Ana Pavilion after the race.

PACE TEAMS

The SDCCU OC Marathon will offer pace groups for runners looking to achieve personal goal and Boston qualifying times. Each group will be led by an experienced leader from A Snail's Pace Running Club. Pacers will run at a steady pace to help participants complete the full and half marathon at a particular time. The pace team is free for all registered participants. Look for large pace signs at the Start Line to join your pace group. Half marathon pace times are: 1:30, 1:35, 1:40, 1:45, 1:50, 1:55, 2:00, 2:05, 2:10, 2:15, 2:20, 2:25, 2:30, 2:40, 2:45, 2:50, 2:55, and 3:00. Marathon pace times are: 3:00, 3:05, 3:10, 3:20, 3:25,

MEDICAL AID STATIONS

Medical personnel will be available with five medical stations located along the course at miles 7.5, 12, 15.5, 20, 24.5 as well as at the Finish Line. If participants need to drop out of the race for any reason, they are advised to report to the nearest water or medical station on the course and inform them that they will not be completing the race. There will be a SAG Wagon to pick-up “downed” runners and take them to the nearest station for treatment and/or transportation.

FINISH LINE

All events will finish at the OC Fair & Event Center. After crossing the Finish Line, participants will receive their finisher's medal. As finishers continue through the secure area, runners can re-hydrate with water, Electrolit, and TruMoo Chocolate Milk and refuel with Quantum Energy Bars, bananas and Clementines. Once runners exit this area they will not be allowed to return. There will also be one free Michelob Ultra in the finish festival using the tear off tab on the bib.

FAMILY REUNION AND CELEBRATE OC FESTIVAL

It is recommended that participants discuss a reunion plan with family and friends prior to the race. Refer to the Finish Line Festival map to scout possible meeting locations. Stay and listen to Flashback Heart Attack on the YAAMAVA Main Stage after your run.

If you are a Legacy Runner, kick back in the OC Legacy Lounge and if you're running as part of a corporate team, enjoy the OC Corporate Hospitality area.

(CONTINUED)

THE STARTING LINE

All runners are asked to position themselves at the start according to their estimated finish time for the 5K and for the full and half, in your assigned wave. The waves will be assigned via the participant email sent two days prior to the OC Lifestyle & Fitness Expo. The fastest runners will be assigned the first wave times, followed by progressively slower paced runners. There will be portable restrooms located on Newport Center Dr. near the Start Line.

PARKING

Parking will be available at the OC Fair & Event Center. (88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA). We advise to park in Lots A, B or C, all accessed through the Main Gate off of Fair Drive. For ease, purchase Sunday’s $12 pre-paid parking pass while at the Expo! Race Day parking will be $12 if you do not have a pre-paid hang tag. There is ample parking at the Start Line for those who wish to park there. There will be plenty of shuttles back to the Start Line after the race.

RACE RESULTS AND CHALLENGE MEDALS

Results will be available at the computer kiosks located in the Santa Ana Pavilion and online by 12:00 pm at ocmarathon.com. Beach Cities Medals, CA Time To Travel medals and Age Division Awards will also be available for pick up in the Santa Ana Pavilion.

INFORMATION TENT

EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY

A team of race photographers from Marathon-Photos will be at key locations on the course including the Start and Finish to take official race photos and videos. Make sure to attach your race bib in a visible location on your chest area so they can identify your photos and post them for your review. You may have received an email prior to the race to pre-purchase your photos for a large discount. Following the event, you will also receive a link via email so you can directly view your race photos for purchase.

AWARDS

The top three male and female runners in Full, Half and 5K will receive a special OC Marathon commemorative award. Age group awards will also be given and can be picked up in the Santa Ana Pavilion.

LOST AND FOUND

Items of value that have been turned in will be located at the Volunteer Tent at the OC Fair & Event Center. Unclaimed items will be at the OC Marathon office for one week after the event and then donated to charity. To claim your item, please call 714241-0142 and leave a message with your bib number and the contents of the bag. We will check and get back to you before we donate anything.

VOLUNTEERS

Over 1,500 race volunteers come out and support the OC Marathon over the race weekend. Each volunteer will be wearing a bright yellow OC Marathon Volunteer T-shirt. Please feel free to ask them questions regarding the race, but understand they do not work for the OC Marathon and may not have all the answers to your questions. Any specific questions can be emailed to info@ocmarathon.com.

Kia has achieved an outstanding result in this year's World Car Awards, with the Kia EV6 GT being crowned the 2023 World Performance Car.

Announced at an awards ceremony during the New York International Auto Show, the recognition came from a jury of 100 distinguished international automotive journalists representing 32 countries.

Having evaluated a broad range of vehicles from around the world, the judges’ recognition of Kia’s vehicles serves as further validation of the brand’s dedication to producing innovative mobility solutions that benefit society, in line with its ‘Movement That Inspires’ mindset.

Speaking of the award, President and CEO of Kia Corporation Ho Sung Song said: “To be recognized in this way by the World Car Awards’ judges is a tremendous honor. As Kia transforms to become a world-leading sustainable solutions provider, we are leaving no stone unturned to create vehicles which deliver exceptional practicality while also inspiring customers through their ingenuity, technology, and design. This latest prestigious accolade provides further confirmation of the success of our strategy.”

Winning the coveted 2023 World Performance Car, the Kia EV6 GT builds on the exceptional offering of the standard model, which has already been awarded the 2022 Car of the Year and the 2023 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year titles, in addition to other distinguished accolades.

With a combined power output of 430 kW (585 PS), enabling a 3.5-second 0-100km/h acceleration time and a top speed of 260 km/h, the all-electric EV6 GT’s long-range capability, spacious interior, and sophisticated design saw it beat stiff competition from more traditional petrol-powered sports cars.

The design of the EV6 GT is in keeping with Kia’s new brand direction, which emphasizes that movement is at the genesis of human development, enabling people to see new places, build new relationships, and have new experiences. Kia seeks to empower customers to make these connections by providing exciting products, innovative in-car spaces, and convenient services that inspire customers and free time for them to pursue the activities that they enjoy most.

Kia EV6 GT wins prestigious 2023 World Performance Car title at this year’s World Car Awards

May 6th - RACE DAY SCHEDULE

7:00 am – 12 pm – KROC Expo Open

8:00 am – 12:00 am – KROC Final Mile

2:00 am – 7:00 pm – Celebrate OC Festival

Make sure to join us in the Main Mall either b for Celebrate OC! Kids bands will be starting a we have interactive activities with OC’s favorite sports teams!

KIDS HEAT SCHEDULE

8:00am: Open Heat #1 (9 & Up)

8:30am: Open Heat #2 (8 & Under)

9:00am: 11 & Up

9:30am: 10 year olds

10:00am: 9 year olds

10:30am: 8 year olds

11:00am: 7 year olds

11:30am: 6 & under

12 Noon: Event Concludes

JOIN

Empowered by Hoag

361 USA

A Snail's Pace

Abbot's Butcher

Active Pacific

Ageless Men's Health

Alani Nu

Amino Energy

Balboa Outdoors Professional

Book That Event

Chargel CHARLEY

Coros

CYCLEBAR

Dreamstyle Remodeling

Electrolit

Epoch Times

FIT4MOM HB/FV Nursing Station

FLEX CBD

Go Guarded

Golden State Challenge Series

HiDow

Hyatt Vacation Club

Hydrate Now

Isha Booth

IV2

John Wayne Grit Series

Kia America

Kaleo Marketing

King of Cracks

Kool 'N Fit

Last Documents Inc

LIEF Running

Long Beach Classic Half & 5K

Long Beach Marathon

Lucky Feet Shoes

Malibu Half Marathon & 5K

MemorialCare

Mercury Event

Nathan Sports

OC Marathon 2024 Re-Registration

Orangetheory Fitness

PRO Compression

Quantum Energy Square

Raising Cane's

Renewal By Andersen

Resort Vacations

Roar Organic

RRCA

San Diego County Credit Untion

Segerstrom Center for the Arts

Shoely

Sky Bowl

Sports Basement

Surf City 10

Surf City Marathon presented by 361°

Switch4Good

The Autism Community in Action

The Joint Chiropractic

The San Francisco Marathon

Westcliff Preparatory Academy

Winter Fest OC

Yakult USA

ZEN Balms

ZICO

Location: OC Fair & Event Center 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

The OC 5K Run/Walk offers runners who prefer shorter distances a great way to participate in the OC Running Festival experience. The race starts & finishes at the OC Fair and Event Center and after finishing, runners can enjoy the talent, taste, trends that the best of OC has to offer.

Sunday May 7, 2023

6:15 AM - The SDCCU OC Half Marathon

Start: Fashion Island, between Newport Center Dr. & Santa Barbara Drive on Newport Center loop

Finish: OC Fair & Event Center 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Sunday May 7, 2023

5:30 AM - The SDCCU OC Full Marathon

Start: Fashion Island, between Newport Center Dr. & Santa Barbara Drive on Newport Center loop

Finish: OC Fair & Event Center

88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Fashion Island Start Line

PCH Bridge Newport Mile 6 75

Castaways Park Mile 7 5

Segerstrom Theatre Mile 16

Segerstrom Park Mile 16

South Coast Plaza Mile 16.5

OC Fair and Event Center Finish Line

CHEERING TIPS

Thinking about hosting a Marathon party along the course on Race Day? The following is a list of the must-haves:

• Lawn and patio decorations

• Encouraging signs, banners and balloons

• Fun radio station and upbeat music

• Musical instruments

• Drums, harmonicas, bagpipes, guitars, saxophones, and trumpets

SPECTATOR VIEWING

Noisemakers and party favors

Blow horns, kazoos, whistles, clappers and cowbells

Create a Theme, or Create a Team Cheer

Cheer signs and posters!

Water, water and more water!

Food, food and more food!

A loud voice!

Mile2(HalfMarathon/FullMarathon)-VillageofCoronaDelMar-CoronaDelMarBusinessDistrictAlongCoastHighway

CoronaDelMarresidentsareencouragedtocomeouttoviewrunnersastheyheadsouththroughCoronaDelMar,turnrightonNarcissusAvenueoutto OceanBlvd,thenupCarnationbeforerunningonSeaviewAve toMargueriteAvetowardBaysideDrive

Mile5(HalfMarathon/FullMarathon) -BaysideDriveatBalboaIsland

ThewaterstationatMile5islocatedjustwestofBaysideDriveandJamboree,nearBalboaIslandbridge.WalkoutfromtheIslandorparkinBaysideCenter towatchrunnerspassandcheerthemon

Mile8–105(HalfMarathon/FullMarathon)-DoverShoresareaonSantiagoDriveandGalaxyDrive ParkintheDoverShoresareaandwalkouttothecoursewhichrunsonSantiagoDriveandGalaxyDrive.Watchtherunnerspassbytwowaterstations locatedatMile85and95andcomecheerthemontothefinish

Mile115(HalfMarathon/FullMarathon)-UpperNewportBay,MuthInterpretiveCenter,IrvineAvenueandUniversityDrive

TheIntersectionofIrvineAvenueandUniversityDriveisclosedtotrafficforthedurationoftherace,butresidentsareencouragedtocomeoutandcheer ontheparticipants

Mile16(FullMarathon)-OrangeCountyPerformingArtsCenter

JoineveryoneelseandcomecheerontheFullMarathonattheOCPerformingArtsCenterCampus.

Mile16.5(FullMarathon)-SouthCoastPlaza,SunflowerDrive

Thisisagreatplacetomeetandcheeronthefullmarathoners ParkintheSouthCoastPlazaparkinglotoffofSunflowerDriveandcheerrunnersasthey runby BearAvenuewillbeclosedtotrafficsoenteroffofBristol

Mile18(FullMarathon) -WestSegerstromAvenue

HelpcheeronthefullmarathonersastheyheadwestonSegerstrom

Mile21(FullMarathon)-MoonPark-CornerofCaliforniaStreetandNevadaAveinCostaMesa

OneofthebestplacestowatchtheFullMarathon!JointhewaterstationatMile21atMoonParkinCostaMesaandhelpcheeronthefullmarathonersas theyrundowntheSantaAnaRiverTrail

Mile22(FullMarathon) -GislerAvenueandMesaVerdeCountryClubAvenue

CheeronthefullmarathonersastheycomeofftheSantaAnaRiverTrailandtraversetheMesaVerdeneighborhood

Mile24(FullMarathon)-CostaMesaBirdStreetsandMerrimac

ComehelpcheeronthefullmarathonersastheyentertheBirdStreetsofCostaMesaandrunpastOrangeCoastCollege.Residentsareencouragedto comeoutandhelptheparticipantsmaketheirfinalsprinttotheFinish!

19

19.5

20

22

23

Kool N Fit

Yaamava' Resort & Casino + Lululemon Fashion Island

Rocket Fish Band

University Park Elementary School

Gregg Young (Musician)

Yaamava' Resort & Casino

Frank Jung (Band)

Kool N Fit + King Elementary School

Lightning Youth Academy

The Mai Tais

Trabuco Elementary

Zumba With Victoria

TITLE SPONSOR

Founding runners have participated in every OC Marathon or Half Marathon since 2004. We are excited to welcome our founders back for another great year at the OC!

Alex Sytnyk

Carl Rogers

Dana Mosell

David Schaefer

Dean Kozono

Dexter Emoto

Gary Citron

Issam Khalaf

Jean Laroche

Jim Bechtold

Jim Grimes

Leo Sitton

Louis Salgado

M. G. Montgomery

Mary Garmshausen

Melanie Tsutsumi

Ralph Cripe

Raul Herrera

Richard Eimers

Sharon Zamora

Tara Razi

Tracy Vasquez

Vicki Walker

Vikki Richardson

Wendy Baugh

FULL MARATHON

Nicholas Spector | Santa Ana CA | 2:18:29

Danae Dracht | Santa Monica CA | 2:42:34

Oscar Viquez | San Jose CA | 2:32:19

HALF MARATHON

Margaux Curcuru | Los Angeles CA | 1:19:10

John Gutierrez | Santa Maria CA | 1:07:33

Sara Passani (Mostababi) | Los Angeles CA | 1:16:13

Ricardo Navaro | Lancaster CA | 2:33:35

Jason Yang | Los Angeles CA | 2:29:01

Valerie Miller | Oceanside CA | 1:25:29

Franziska Vansickle | Huntington Beach CA | 1:21:17

Thomas Dialynas | Newport Beach CA | 1:04:49

Gabrielle Yatauro | New York NY | 1:15:59

ThomasDialynas HalfMarathon

SaraPassani HalfMarathon

GabrielleYatauro HalfMarathon

NicholasSpector FullMarathon

JenniferDonnely FullMarathon

Beware of the Balloon Lady at the SDCCU OC Marathon

Mission Viejo resident and OC Marathon Making Waves Hall of Famer Andrea Kooiman and will be the last person crossing the 26.2-mile finish line at May’s SDCCU OC Marathon Running Festival and she’ll literally jump for joy at the end.

Kooiman is known as “The Balloon Lady.” With balloons tied to her hydration pack so that she stands out for all to see, Kooiman sweeps up the back of the pack, supporting the late finishers. For the 47-year-old Kooiman, who’s not only fast enough to have qualified for the Boston Marathon but also was recently one of only 40 runners to toe the line at the BarkleyMarathonsevent,there’sasenseofpurposehelpingrunnersandwalkersachievetheir26.2-miledream.

“It’s more addicting than the race itself,” she said. Kooiman’s running journey started in 2005 when she told a co-worker who ran ultras that she’d like to run a marathon one day. The woman trained her and Kooiman’s first 26.2-miler came in Januaryof2006attheOrangeCountyMarathon.

She thought she’d be one and done. “You should at least run one more,” her husband told her. “Say you’ve run marathons andaddan“s.”

Two months later, Kooiman knocked off the Los Angeles Marathon. Her son, Braden, who was in the fifth grade, jogged the final mile with her. Braden saw kids who were part of the Students Run L.A. training program run 26.2-miles and decidedhewantedtojointheclub.

Kooiman trained him the next year as part of the SRLA team and Braden completed the task. Kooiman talked about wantingtoformanOrangeCountyprogramforteens.“I’mcallingyourbluff,”afathertoldher.“Let’sdothistogether.”

Kooiman founded We Run Our Community’s Kid, better known as WeROCK. For 13 years now, Kooiman and her team of coaches have been training teenagers for the SDCCU Marathon Running Festival. More than 1,000 local youths have participatedinWeROCKoverthehistoryofthepartnership.

“Years later I’ll get a random text message from kids about how they used "finishing a marathon" on a college application or job application,” said Kooiman, also known as Coach K. “Or when they have a tough final, they’ll say, ‘If I can run a marathon,Icanmakeitthroughthis.’

“That’s why myself and so many other coaches come back year after year,” she said. “We know in some small way there’s this ripple that’s starting.” Unless late arrivals show up, Kooiman is the last person crossing the start line. She walks at a brisk16-minuteper-milepace.Shejokesthatlateinthedayshe’sthemostlovedandhatedpersononthecourse.

“Every aid station is ecstatic,” she said. “I get the rock star treatment because they know when I come by they get to close up.” But for the struggling runner or walker whose feet, knees, calves, quads, hips and every fiber of their being ache,Kooimanisareminderthey’reinthebackofthepackwithmoreworktobedone.

“I treat them with care and caution,” she said. With balloons flapping in the breeze behind her, Kooiman is as much part of the race as the spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. As for the impact she had made on young runners, race director Gary Kutscher said, “You see kids crossing the finish line starting to cry. It’s amazing. What she’s done is simply amazing. Shereallydoesinspirepeople.”

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MAKINGMILES

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Moises Alvarez | @starburstguy

Celerina Dugat | @runningonrose

Ashley Mcleish | @caliragan

Justin Dugat | @justindugat

Jenny Bradley | @jennybradleymendoza

Raylene Hile | @raylenehile

Martin Mayorga | @thewowlrus

Ray Zaragoza | @coach ray z

Kate Champion | @mrskatec

Nadeer Reda | @freakeating

Elizabeth Swaney | @elizabethswaney

Gia Silva | @giasilva realtor

Briana Sharp | @matmilesmedals

Dave Kuntz | @timelessrunner

Ciara Iglehart | @ceerunssocal

Alisha Sullivan | @alishasullivan

Marilee Pischel

Alex Montes @montes04

Julie Moreno @julesdistancerunner

Ardee Jagt @ardeejagt

Mike Anderson @lsutygr69

Jacob Reimers @jacob runs oc

Sharon Mexal @beermoderacer

Gloria Shen @all about glo

Gizelle Ponzillo @obese2runner

Lena Bississio @lenarunsformedals

Amy Furuyama @amyruns10

Gloria Shen | @runoc