Run to grab a spot in Surf City Marathon

The Surf City Marathon is weeks away, but the event is already selling out.

Runners will cruise past the pier, through the Huntington Central Park and along Bolsa Chica State Beach on Feb. 7 for the Surf City Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K.

Nineteen thousand runners are already signed up, and the marathon and half-marathon sold out before Christmas, the earliest sellout in the event’s 14-year history, officials said.

There are still slots available for the 5K and charity positions in each division. For a charity position, entrants must fill out paperwork and raise $500 by Jan. 15 for the Free Wheelchair Mission. The nonprofit builds and delivers specially engineered wheelchairs to those in need in developing nations.

The marathon is preceded by a two-day Active Lifestyle Expo on the beach. Volunteers are needed before, during and after the marathon. Group and individual volunteers are accepted, and everyone gets a T-shirt and community service credit.

To volunteer or find out more, go to www.runsurfcity.com.

— Britney Barnes