Long Beach Marathon to Adjust Course for Storm

Runners will see a course change this Sunday as event organizers steer the route away from the oceanfront.

Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Running

Bold flat-color illustration of a stark concrete sea wall under a dark sky, representing coastal flood risks. — The 2XU Long Beach Marathon has rerouted its Sunday course to bypass beachfront paths threatened by tidal flooding from Tropical Storm Rachel. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The 2XU Long Beach Marathon will proceed on October 12, 2026, though officials have rerouted a section of the course due to the impact of Tropical Storm Rachel. Both the full and half marathon events remain scheduled to start as planned.

Why it matters

The route modification prioritizes runner safety by avoiding coastal paths currently facing elevated tides and flood risks. These conditions have already prompted emergency officials to red-tag eight homes in Long Beach due to surf damage.

Event organizers rerouted 1.5 miles of the course near mile 8 to avoid the beachfront path. The adjustment is a direct response to the Coastal Flood Warning issued for the area.

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for issuing weather forecasts, warnings, and emergency meteorological data to protect public safety.

The details

The race adjustment moves participants away from the beachfront path near mile 8 to bypass areas affected by surging tides. Tropical Storm Rachel, which weakened from a hurricane, is responsible for the elevated ocean levels impacting coastal communities. Emergency services have warned against unnecessary contact with the coastline while a Coastal Flood Warning remains in effect.

October 11, 2026: Organizers announced the course adjustment.
October 12, 2026, 5:30 a.m.: The full marathon is scheduled to begin.
October 12, 2026, 6:30 a.m.: The half marathon is scheduled to begin.
October 12, 2026, before 3 p.m.: Coastal Flood Warning is in effect.

Health Landscape

This race-day modification reflects the standard safety protocols triggered by the National Weather Service's Coastal Flood Warning thresholds. Organizers are aligning event logistics with regional disaster mitigation strategies designed to minimize public exposure to extreme surf.

Athletes should plan for the adjusted route and remain vigilant of local flood warnings that may impact travel or safety near the coastline. It is essential to monitor official race communications and follow all safety instructions provided by event staff and emergency officials.

The takeaway

Large-scale events must adapt quickly to shifting environmental conditions to protect participants from flood-related hazards. Runners should prioritize local emergency guidance and stay updated on any further course changes directly through official marathon channels.