A record 10,000 runners pushed themselves through 5k, 10K and 10-mile courses at the 70th running of the Surf City 10 Sunday.
The turnout represented a more than 50% increase in participation over 2025. It’s the oldest annual race in Orange County and the oldest 10-miler in the U.S.
Rosie Edwards of Arizona took first place in the women*s 10-mile with a time of 58:10. She credited the scenic route and the energy of the crowd as factors pushing her past the finish line.
”The crowd support was so nice,” she said. ”I was trying to concentrate but also smiling because everyone was so kind and cheering us on. I just love running along this coastline.”
Jonathan Velasco of San Marcos won the men*s 10-mile in 47:59. A former runner at Wake Forest, Velasco loved the race’s inclusiveness.
”It’s a wide range of runners,” he said. ”I see people who look like they’ve never run before and high-level runners. Just be out here. Don’t be afraid to put on those shoes.”
Gabriel Ferreyra of Perris won the men’s 10K for the second year in a row. Katie Alvarenga of Northridge won the women’s 10K.
”It’s the place to be,” said Alvarenga, who won her first-ever race in 37:04. ”There*s the palm trees, everyone is cheering. There’s the fresh breeze of the ocean. Whenever you’re hurting, you just know the water’s right there, how good it sounds. Roll with it like the waves.”
The event returns for its 71st running on Sept. 19, 2027.