Donna Finch
Director of Community Services
September 17, 2025
That the City
Council approve the
Memorandum
of Understanding (MOU)
with OC Marathon, LLC for
the Corona 5000 Road Race.
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“Increase large-scale recreation events that provide both social and economic benefits to the community. Events may include sport-focused activities (e.g., 5k/10k, BMX biking, or adaptive sport activities) or other kinds of events focused on food, art, or cultural heritage.” • “Establish annual processes to expand community events through partnerships.” 3 Corona Road Races
• September 9, 1913 – Inaugural road race on Grand Boulevard; 3 races included fierce competition and cash prizes.
• November 26, 1914 – Second road race; 300-miles with
improved track and extra safety measures.
• 1915 – Severe flooding caused washed out roads; race plans were abandoned.
• April 8, 1916 – Final road race held on Grand Boulevard. 4 4
History & Heritage Health & Wellness Social & Economic Benefits 110th anniversary of final Road Race Improve physical health New large scale community event Blend Road Race history with today’s
5K runners Support mental health Family friendly
Promote unique “Circle City” feature Achieve personal goals Introduce visitors to Corona events & programs
3-mile-diameter circular Grand Blvd. Fun atmosphere Brand exposure for local business sponsors
Introduce a new generation to
Corona’s Road Race history Sense of accomplishment / inspiration Fosters community connections 5 Background, Experience, & Event Overview
6 Background & Experience
• Established in 2004
• Experts in the Race World
• Multi-event running organization
• Draws thousands of runners and spectators
• Notable race highlights & recognition: Program of the Year, Runners Club of America, Running USA
• OC Marathon - Over a quarter million finishers; Kids Run the OC - 100,000 finishers
• Has helped charity partners raise over $9,000,000
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By the Numbers:
• 2025 - 19,000 Runners
• 4,000 – 5k runners
• 26 Miles of Road Closures
• 13 water stations
• 30 Charities
• 150 Run Clubs
• 60 Corporate Teams
• 60 Exhibitor / Sponsor Activations
• Multi-agency coordination for permits/traffic/etc.
• California Highway Patrol
• City of Costa Mesa
• City of Fountain Valley
• City of Irvine
• City of Newport Beach
• City of Santa Ana
• OC Parks / County of Orange
• Orange Coast College
• OC Sheriff
• Cal Trans
• OC Fire Authority
8 • Established in 2006
• Ten week running program for kids
• 6,000 runners at over 130+ schools and 10 districts
• Established in 2010
• Partnership with the OC Fair & Event Center
• 3,300 runners in 2025
• Established in 2014
• Toy Drive and fundraiser for the Salvation Army
• 3,500 runners in 2025
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10 Event Name: Corona 5000 Road Race
Event Date: March 21, 2026
Location: Grand Blvd. (starting at HCC)
Distance: 5K – 3.1 Miles (1 full lap around Grand Blvd.) Participation: Est. 2,500 runners + 1,000 spectators
What’s Included: Health & Fitness Expo
Custom T-Shirts
Finisher’s Medal
Finish Line Celebration
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11 City of Corona to Provide:
1. Facility and event permits
2. Police and public safety
3. Traffic control plan review
4. Parking
5. Posting of early “No Parking” signs (72 hours)
6. Road closure equipment/assistance (CMS signage, 6th St. closure)
7. Cross-marketing on City channels
8. Post-event celebration (HCC lawn)
OC Marathon to Provide:
1. Secure permits and approvals for 5K route
2. Work with traffic control and City to implement traffic plans
3. Coordinate with Police and Emergency Services
4. Event marketing & promotions
5. Event registrations
6. Resident and business notifications
7. Medals, shirts, race bibs
8. All vendors, staffing, and volunteers needed for a successful race 16 12
• Free parking available to runners and
spectators
• Parking details posted on Corona 5000
website to assist event goers with
wayfinding
• Signage posted at each parking location • Corona City Hall Main Lot (400 S. Vicentia Ave.) – 570+ parking spots
• Buena Vista Lots (905 W. 6th St.) – 160
parking spots
• Orange Grove High School (300 S. Buena
Vista, Ave.) – 180+ parking spots
• Corona Park and Ride (20 E. Grand Blvd) –
300+ parking spots
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Timeline
OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB
Launch Event
Website
Sponsorship
Outreach
Digital Traffic Notification #1:
• Apartments, Property
Management, Businesses,
Churches, School Districts,
Sports Leagues
Registration
Opens
Traffic Notification # 2
• Homes
Wayfinding
• Submit wayfinding plans & closures to
Waze, Apple Maps for route optimization
for community access
MAR
Traffic Notification #3
• March 9: Traffic Warning Signs
• March 10-13: Door Hanger/Postcard
• March 17: No Parking Signs Posted
13 Maps, Closures, & Race Timeline
14 All closures will take place clockwise
from East to West Grand Blvd
Runners / Walkers will head East
on 6th and north to W. Grand Blvd
Any slower paced participants will be
guided to use sidewalk
On your Mark!
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16 • Traffic will move freely within the
circle
• Residents leaving the circle between
8:00am-9:15am will be directed to the
91 freeway on-ramps
• After the race passes N. Main (approx.
9:15am), that quadrant will be open to
cross traffic. • Openings continue with each
quadrant on Grand Blvd.
• Emergency traffic will be advised to
access the interior of Grand via N.
Main, E. Sixth, or S. Main during the
race. • Officers have authority to hold
runners/walkers to allow
emergency vehicles to cross
Grand Blvd. if needed
1 2
4 3
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• 91 Freeway - entrance to freeway
from inside the circle will be
accessible east and west on 91
fwy.
• Main Street exits east and west from
the 91 fwy will be closed from
approximately 7:00 am - 9:30 am.
91 Freeway at Main St.
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Details
Hours: 8:30am – 12:00pm
Location: HCC Front Lawn
Event Elements Include: • Finish Line • Award Area • Sponsor/Exhibit Booths • DJ Entertainment • Food Vendors • Beer Garden That the City
Council approve the
Memorandum
of Understanding (MOU)
with OC Marathon, LLC for
the Corona 5000 Road Race.
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City of Corona
Questions?
[email protected]
951-739-4985
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