OC Marathon: A running start

Youth led the way Saturday morning when hundreds of children participated in the Kids Run to kick-off the OC Marathon at the OC Fair and Event Center.

The children’s run and the Expo were the lead events Saturday. The marathon begins Sunday at 5:30 am.. and the half-marathon at 6:15 a.m.

The OC Marathon announced Saturday afternoon that the 5K, half-marathon and OC Marathon had been sold out.

More than 20,000 participants are expected in the marathon, half marathon, 5K and kids’ run, according to an Orange County Sheriff’s Department press release.

“Race organizers have been working closely with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department as well as Newport Beach, Costa Mesa and Santa Ana Police Departments to ensure the safety of participants and those in attendance. Specialized units will be on patrol including bomb-sniffing canines and SWAT,” the release also read.

For more information, including road closures and course map, visit ocmarathon.com.

— Steve Virgen