Salazar Attempts to Defend Pacific Shoreline Race Title

Gilbert Salazar of Long Beach will attempt to win the Pacific Shoreline Marathon for the third consecutive year Sunday in Huntington Beach.

Salazar, 28, will be joined by approximately 500 other runners in the 26.2-mile race, including Huntington Beach residents Rob McNair, 46, who won the 1998 race, and George Border, 72, who won the 70-79 age group last year in 4 hours 3 minutes.

The marathon begins at 7 a.m. in front of the Huntington Beach Pier on Pacific Coast Highway and Main Street. The schedule also includes a half marathon beginning at 7 a.m., a 5K at 10 a.m. and a youth mile at 11:30 a.m. The 8K race was discontinued this year.

Race promoter Herb Massinger has attracted several sponsors this year, including Hoag Hospital, which will have medical stations throughout the course.

Massinger said he hopes the sponsors will continue supporting the marathon, which would allow for increased prize money and improved marketing.

Massinger also made a donation of $7,000 to the Huntington Beach Surf Museum, which will coordinate the entertainment for the race, including live bands throughout the course.