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Best Ways For OC To Get Moving In 2013

XTERRA Trail Runs heaer
(credit: XTERRA Trail Runs)

There's no better way to get moving in 2013 than by training for one of the country's best marathons hosted in Southern California. From two-person relays for short distance runners or walkers to full 26.2-mile marathons, these races motivate while you break a sweat. Flex your heartstrings while improving your physical endurance and raise funds for your favorite cause at the best events to get you moving in 2013.

OC Marathon and half marathon
(credit: OC Marathon and Half Marathon)
OC Marathon
4500 Campus Drive, Suite 570
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 222-3327

Price: $100 full marathon/$85 half marathon/$35 5K
Date: May 5
ocmarathon.com

There's no better way to get physically fit while supporting your favorite charity than the O.C. Marathon this spring. For the ninth year, join passionate runners while enjoying 26.2 miles of popular Orange County landmarks and beaches. Proceeds benefit the Kids Run O.C. Training Program, supporting the health and wellness of students from more than 65 local schools. Additionally, raise funds and awareness for one of your favorite of 18 local charities to include Coastal German Shepherd Rescue, Huntington Disease Society of America, and United Cerebral Palsy of Orange County.

Honda LA Marathon
(credit: John Sciulli/Getty Images for Honda)

LA Marathon
871 Figueroa Terrace
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 542-3000
Price: from $155 to $195
Date: March 17
lamarathon.comKnown as one of the most scenic marathons in the world, the L.A. Marathon starts at the Dodger Stadium and finishes by the Santa Monica Pier. Trek by a few of L.A.'s famed landmarks — Walt Disney Concert Hall, Grauman's Chinese Theatre, Capitol Records, Sunset Strip, Rodeo Drive and the Santa Monica Pier — while raising money for your favorite cause. With 70 participating charitable causes, flex your heartstrings by participating in its "I Run 4 Something" charity campaign. Raising $3 million in 2012 alone, choose from animal welfare charities such as Farm Sanctuary and Kitten Rescue to health charities including American Brain Tumor Association, Blind Children's Center and Stupid Cancer. Start training early with its L.A. Roadrunners Training Program; 26 miles can be a lot of ground to cover without conditioning.

Surf City USA Marathon
(credit: Surf City USA Marathon)

Run for Mobility/Surf City U.S.A. Marathon
Huntington Beach, CA
(949) 273-8470 ext. 222
Price: $35
Date: Feb. 3
runsurfcity.comMake your miles matter the most by raising funds and awareness for Free Wheelchair Mission in association with the Surf City U.S.A. Marathon. Since 2006, Surf City athletes have helped to raise $1.7 million, sending more than 35,000 wheelchairs for the disabled in impoverished countries. Run beachside along 26.2 miles of the California dream, and celebrate your hard work at the Finish Line Festival featuring vintage surf bands and a beer garden. Bonus: Registration fees are refunded for those raising at least $150 for the Run for Mobility program.

Related: Best Cross Fit Studios In Orange County

Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon
(credit: Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon)

Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Competitor Group
9477 Waples St., Suite 150
San Diego, CA 92121
(858) 450-6510
Price: from $110 to $165
Date: June 2
runrocknroll.competitor.comIdeal for runners and walkers of all ability levels, the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon — benefiting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society — offers multiple participation options: a full 13-mile marathon, half marathon and a CareFusion two-person half marathon relay. For those looking to run short distances, try the two-person half marathon with each leg between five and eight miles. Rock out while you run, and catch live, local bands along the course, cheer squads, finisher certificates and medals, and access to the Finish Line Festival and Post Race Concert. Turn your run into a fundraiser, and help people and animals in need by supporting charities including ASPCA, Prostate Cancer Foundation and St. Jude Children's Hospital.

XTERRA Trail Runs
(credit: XTERRA Trail Runs)

XTERRA SoCal Trail Run Series
Generic Events
825 Wilshire Blvd. #431
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 821-7898
Price: $35 to $65
Date: March 31
trailrace.comOne of the best ways to train for a marathon while enjoying the lovely SoCal weather and outdoors is to take part in a running club or XTERRA's Trail Run series. With trail destinations spanning from San Diego to Los Angeles, XTERRA's running trail events make it possible to experience outdoor landmarks such as Crystal Cove and Point Mugu with the motivation of a team running alongside you. With 6K and 16K races available, sign up and receive a cool finisher medal and a hot breakfast as well as the gratification of finishing one of the best races in the region.

Related: Best Indoor Tracks To Exercise In Orange County

Jessica Blotter has 10 years experience in the advertising industry and is founder of Publicly Loved - at the heart of brands, causes and events. As an author of two regional travel blogs with CBS Local and Examiner.com, she has produced more than 30 published articles covering regional getaway destinations and charitable events. Follow her onTwitter @publiclyloved.

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