Surf City USA(R) Marathon, Largest Ocean-Front Running Event in California, Nears Complete Sell Out

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., Jan. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Race organizers today announced that all entry slots into the Surf City USA(R) Marathon course have been filled. Half Marathon and 5K slots remain available, but are selling fast. A record 17,000 runners are expected to signup prior to the Feb. 3, 2008 (Super Bowl Sunday) race. Detailed information is available at http://www.runsurfcity.com.

The Surf City USA Marathon is the largest ocean-front running event in all of California. Formerly known as the Pacific Shoreline Marathon, more than 30,000 spectators from the 48 contiguous states and 19 foreign countries are anticipated to pack the downtown and outlying areas. Weekend highlights include the two-day Active Lifestyle Beach Expo and Michelob Ultra Post Race Beer Garden.

Fueled in large part by unprecedented numbers of women runners and the innovative TIMEX(R) Time to Beat Half Marathon Speed Bonus -- which attracts elite racers -- the Surf City USA Half Marathon is more than 90 percent full and on pace to sell out in early January. Already the largest ocean-front running event in all of California, the marathon reversed its picturesque course earlier this year in order to accommodate record participation.

The Surf City USA Marathon, which serves as a "qualifier" for the prestigious Boston Marathon, also announced the addition of "Crocs(TM)" to its roster of sponsors. All participants on race day will receive a Crocs Beach Bag while event-branded Crocs footwear will be on sale to the public. Crocs join Timex, Michelob Ultra, Time Warner, KDOC, Amino Vital, A Snail's Pace Running Shop and Hilton Hotels as key Surf City USA Marathon sponsor/partners.

The award-winning Marathon course is scenic and flat with much of the race taking place on the beachfront running path, but also featuring the famed pier, beauty of the Bolsa Chica Wetlands and serenity of Central Park. For the third straight year, the Surf City USA Marathon is partnering with the Free Wheelchair Mission to sponsor the "Run for Mobility". More than $650,000 will be raised and donated to build and deliver specially engineered wheelchairs around the world.

The Surf City USA Marathon is rated among the top five marathon experiences in America by Marathon and Beyond.