Course set for OC Marathon

City officials from Costa Mesa, Newport Beach and Irvine gathered at the OC Fair and Events Center on Saturday to unveil the new course for the 2009 Aviva OC Marathon.

“We are thrilled to have you choose Costa Mesa as the destination of your race,” Costa Mesa Mayor Allan Mansoor said. “The addition of the OC Marathon to Costa Mesa is just one of the may reasons Costa Mesa is the best of Southern California.”

The new race route begins at Fashion Island in Newport Beach and winds its way through Corona del Mar along the coast. Participants in the race also will run the entire length of Newport Bay, with a route that winds up Back Bay Drive. The course continues into Costa Mesa, running past South Coast Plaza and the Orange County Performing Arts Center, continuing onto the Santa Ana River Trail before ending at the OC Fair and Events Center.

Last year’s marathon had a course that began in Newport Center and ended at the Irvine Spectrum Center. The race, held in January last year, attracted close to 12,000 runners.

The new course will allow runners enjoy the scenery of Corona del Mar State Beach, organizers said.

“Everyone complained that we’re in Orange County but the route doesn’t go by the coast,” said OC Marathon Co-chairman Scott Baugh.

Newport Beach Councilwoman Nancy Gardner applauded the new race route’s inclusion of her council district, Corona del Mar.

“Everyone will have a spectacular view of the beach,” Gardner said.

The Aviva OC Marathon runs May 1 to 3 this year and includes a half marathon, a 5K run and children’s races.

A free, two-day health and fitness expo also is part of the event.

In its fifth year, race organizers hope the event’s new, scenic route will help it become a national destination for runners.

“Our goals are audacious,” OC Marathon Co-chairman Doug Ingram said. “We want to become one of the major marathons in the country. This is going to become part of the heart and soul of the community. ”

Reporter BRIANNA BAILEY may be reached at (714) 966-4625 or at brianna.bailey@latimes.com.