More than 20,000 runners take part in Hoag Orange County Marathon

COSTA MESA, Calif (KABC) -- More than 20,000 runners took part in the annual Hoag Orange County Marathon on Sunday, a 26.2-mile course stretching across multiple cities and finishing in Costa Mesa.

Runners crossed the finish line at the OC Fair and Event Center after a morning route that began in Newport Beach at 5:30 a.m., passed through Santa Ana and ended in Costa Mesa. Spectators lined the course and finish area, cheering participants as they completed the race.

First-place female finisher Brianna Bourne described the energy along the route.

"There were very, very few quiet stretches. It was amazing," Bourne said. "It felt like all of OC was out there giving their energy to us, which we needed!"

Steven Martinez, the first-place male runner, said he felt overwhelmed with gratitude after finishing. He set an all-time record, completing the route in just over two hours and 14 minutes.

"I'm feeling so grateful," Martinez said. "There wasn't a dull moment. Like, even when there was just a couple people, they were just screaming and yelling for me. Just to have strangers letting me come to their hometowns... this place is really special."

While some runners participated for the love of running, others ran for a good cause. Jonathan Rodriguez completed the marathon while pushing his uncle in a racing chair.

"Watching him take in the moment, he was crossing the finish line, raising his arms. It was great to see," Rodriguez said.

The crowd cheered on the 25,000 runners who participated.

"When you see someone slowing down, they start clapping for you," runner Brooke Nguyen said.

Nguyen said she was already looking ahead to next year.

"Oh my gosh, I am feeling so thrilled. The adrenaline is just really rushing to me. I am ready for my next half-marathon and marathon!" she said.

Organizers said about a third of this year's participants were running their very first marathon, and they hope many of those newcomers return next year.