Encinitas Half Marathon & 5K
Encinitas, CA
- Half Marathon, 5K
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
The Encinitas Half Marathon features 7+ miles of oceanfront running along Hwy 101 through Leucadia, Encinitas, Cardiff and Solano Beach. Registration includes: – High-quality, technical fabric Race Shirt – One-of-a-Kind Finisher’s Medal – Post-Race FREE Organic Breakfast – made on-site – Post-Race FREE HOT CHOCOLATE & Souvenir Mug – Coastal … MORE
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Virtual
I think this was the second virtual run I did in 2020. Nothing to report. They sent the medals and shirts in a timely manner. I have a review of … MORE
I think this was the second virtual run I did in 2020. Nothing to report. They sent the medals and shirts in a timely manner. I have a review of the half marathon posted here.
Beautiful city
The city is beautiful. The beach, the houses, the ladies, the weather all beautiful. The run has a stretch along Pacific Coast Highway that allows you to see the beach … MORE
The city is beautiful. The beach, the houses, the ladies, the weather all beautiful. The run has a stretch along Pacific Coast Highway that allows you to see the beach and watch the waves coming in and out. The goodie bag and medal are better than most. Not me but others got bonus gift for participating every year(three) so far. The post race festival was much better than other festivals. Interesting shops. Also, complimentary beer… You have more options than other races. The only negative I really had was people not paying attention and in the wrong corral. So startline was a bit of a crowded cluster. So many half marathoners in with 5k runners corral which was perpendicular to where they should of been. So this complaint goes more on runners because they didn’t listen to announcements. Getting bumped by people rushing to get to correct area after start of half marathon and they finally realized what was going on. Great race, considering next years
Beautiful 5k!
I loved the Encinitas 5k! The event was very well organized and a lot of fun. The course had a great couple of hills but otherwise was flat and fast. … MORE
I loved the Encinitas 5k! The event was very well organized and a lot of fun. The course had a great couple of hills but otherwise was flat and fast. I would run it again!
First Half-Marathon, Hopefully of Many
I have run a few 5Ks and 10Ks, but this was my first half marathon, and so I have nothing to compare it to. Encinitas is a charming beach town … MORE
I have run a few 5Ks and 10Ks, but this was my first half marathon, and so I have nothing to compare it to. Encinitas is a charming beach town that was fun to explore as we ran. The view of the beach itself while running wasn’t quite what I expected. Some of it was nice, but other parts were obstructed by beach campers and their RVs.
Highlights of the race: the town, the FABULOUS medal, free sunscreen before race, power-up snacks, supportive folks cheering us on
Negatives: air conditioner not working on the shuttle ride back, port-a-potty lines too long and disorganized, random kids constantly standing in the middle of the finish line
Beautiful oceanfront race. Awesome Swag
This is my second time running the encinitas half marathon. Starts off right at moonlight beach and you run to solana beach and leucadia. You get to spend ample time … MORE
This is my second time running the encinitas half marathon. Starts off right at moonlight beach and you run to solana beach and leucadia. You get to spend ample time checking the ocean out.
Race production is fantastic and great course support. Really love the coffee mugs they have given us the last couple of years.
This race truly feels special due to the effort that the team puts out. Proceeds also goes to benefit local ocean conservation projects which is awesome to be part of a race that doesn’t seem like it’s all about how much money they are making. I would highly recommend checking this race out
Mostly flat, scenic beautiful run
One of the best things about this course is the ocean views. Other highlights are that it’s mostly flat. You get to run under the Encinitas sign and it offers … MORE
One of the best things about this course is the ocean views. Other highlights are that it’s mostly flat. You get to run under the Encinitas sign and it offers the best beer garden of any race. Multiple breweries and art for sale in the garden. Super cool.
Warm sunshine and cool ocean breezes
If you are looking for a beautiful course, great swag, a fun atmosphere and a fun post-race party - then LOOK NO FURTHER! I have ran well over 30 half … MORE
If you are looking for a beautiful course, great swag, a fun atmosphere and a fun post-race party – then LOOK NO FURTHER! I have ran well over 30 half marathons and this one is a favorite. The expo was exciting with lots of vendors, plenty of samples and entertaining photo opportunities. The race itself is friendly and well organized. The route takes you along the Pacific Ocean on Hwy 101 and through downtown Encinitas. At the finish, collect your cool medal and replenish with post-race provisions before heading over to the beer garden to enjoy live music. My husband and I flew down to this race from WA and we had so much fun that we plan to run it again next year. Thank you for the top-notch event!
Inaugural 5K perfect addition
I always wanted to do this race but did not want to run the Half after doing the SD Half and Hot Chocolate 15K. Now with the 5K I can … MORE
I always wanted to do this race but did not want to run the Half after doing the SD Half and Hot Chocolate 15K. Now with the 5K I can enjoy the North County scenery like Swami’s plus compete for age group awards and get all the swag (awesome medals and age group medals), beer garden with great choices and just a great coastal vibe and volunteer support. I’m already signed up for next year.
Great course, beach vibe & ocean vistas
Great race, beach vibe and finish line swag! Gaze out at the beautiful ocean vistas as you sweat away the miles. Option to upgrade to VIP allows for hassle free … MORE
Great race, beach vibe and finish line swag! Gaze out at the beautiful ocean vistas as you sweat away the miles. Option to upgrade to VIP allows for hassle free parking near the start, post race meal/massage and easy bib pickup morning of. Races really bring out the best in a community and humankind and this one does not disappoint. Net profits go towards ocean conservation projects!!!
By the Sea, By the Beautiful Sea!
This was my 2nd year participating in the Encinitas Half Marathon. Packet Pick-up was at the Encinitas Community Center on Friday from 4:30 pm – 8:30 pm and Saturday from … MORE
This was my 2nd year participating in the Encinitas Half Marathon. Packet Pick-up was at the Encinitas Community Center on Friday from 4:30 pm – 8:30 pm and Saturday from 10 am – 6 pm. Parking at the Community Center was free. You could pick-up packets for other people as long as you had a copy of their ID. The expo was small, but had a nice variety of vendors. It was a good opportunity for participants to sample Ultima (on course hydration) and Muir Energy (on course fuel). Race morning packet pick-up was available starting at 5:30 am for $20 (cash only).
The race starts and finishes at the Moonlight Beach Lot in Encinitas. There were several free designated parking lots that were within walking distance of the start. There was also a free shuttle running to and from San Dieguito High School Academy.
The Half Marathon started promptly at 0730 as scheduled. The course was reversed from previous years and got rid of the big (but short) hill near the beginning. Runners started by running southbound toward Solana Beach, passing by several interesting landmarks. The ocean was in view almost the entire time. About a quarter mile after Mile 4, the course turned around and headed back past the start and through downtown Encinitas. Shortly after Mile 10, the course turned around again and headed back to the start. I’m normally not a fan of out-and-back style courses, but I enjoyed everything I saw along the course. The course was relatively flat, with only a few noticeable inclines and declines. Per my Garmin watch, the minimum elevation was 6′ and the maximum elevation was 97′. There was a hill in the final stretch of the race, but it was much smaller than the hill on the previous course.
There were a total of 5 aid stations. As the course was an out-and-back, runners went by each of the 5 stations twice. All aid stations were stocked with water and Ultima. Several stations were also stocked with Muir Energy. The community came out to support/cheer on the race and were handing out pretzels, licorice and otter pops.
Post-race refreshments included boxed water, bananas, Ki’s organic muffins and TruMoo Choco Milk. Participants could also walk through the vendor booths to receive additional treats, such as Harmless Harvest Coconut Water, Kashi bars and samples of Health-Ade Kombucha.
The beer garden was located two blocks away. It was a little inconvenient having to cross the race course to get to it, but the size of beer garden was worth it. There were 6 local craft breweries to pick from, including Boochcraft Kombucha, which made me super happy. Each participant received one complimentary beer/kombucha. Drinks were $5 cash after that. There was live music and a variety of craft vendors (I bought a beautiful handmade necklace). Everyone seemed to be having a great time. There was so much to do and see, I didn’t want to leave. Many participants stayed in the area and had breakfast in downtown Encinitas. There were quite a few nice looking resteraunts to pick from. Participants could show their bib at NAPIZZA and recieve one free slice of Margarita or Pepperoni Pizza.
In addition to a dri-fit shirt, all participants recieved a ceramic “States I Have Run In” mug. The mug features a map of the United States. The states can be colored in as you mark them off your running list. As someone who is working on running a full marathon in every state (plus DC), I was extremely excited to get my hands on this mug.
The finisher medal was stylish and large, featuring the Self-Realization Fellowship Encinitas Temple, which runners pass by in the first mile (see my posted photo).
If you ran the Surfing Madonna 12K in October and the Encinitas Half in March, you are eligible to receive the Challenger Series medal.
The Encinitas Half Marathon started off as a good solid event in 2017 and seems to have only gotten better. The organizers are commited to listening to the running community and putting on a unique event that people will enjoy. I look foward to running it again in 2020.
Great race for first timers
There was a good amount of water stations and volunteers, which is always appreciated. The course is beautiful and is fast, but still challenging. There could have been more music … MORE
There was a good amount of water stations and volunteers, which is always appreciated. The course is beautiful and is fast, but still challenging. There could have been more music along the way, but there were lots of fans cheering.
Beautiful course with an ocean breeze!
I grew up in this area and was excited for this race. It lived up to my expectations! I’ve run along the route many times but enjoyed running a half … MORE
I grew up in this area and was excited for this race. It lived up to my expectations! I’ve run along the route many times but enjoyed running a half marathon here. Aid stations were great, start and finish were well organized!
I absolutely love the Encinitas Half!
There is nothing quite like running in Encinitas! The vibe, the community, the OCEAN!! I love this town & im so grateful to have an annual half marathon to look … MORE
There is nothing quite like running in Encinitas! The vibe, the community, the OCEAN!! I love this town & im so grateful to have an annual half marathon to look forward too!!
It was hot this year, and your awesome pit crews ran out of electrolytes…that was a huge bummer when you’re counting on it, especially at the end of the race course.
Achieved My PR On This Race!
Make this one of your must-do, bucket list half marathons. Fairly flat. Amazing scenery along Highway 101. Well organized. Good swag. Energetic field of runners. Great volunteers. Enjoyable and hospitable … MORE
Make this one of your must-do, bucket list half marathons. Fairly flat. Amazing scenery along Highway 101. Well organized. Good swag. Energetic field of runners. Great volunteers. Enjoyable and hospitable host city. Amazing southern California weather.
After running 25 half marathons, I got my PR on this race!
Awesome race in an awesome town
Everything about the Encinitas half marathon is top-notch. All of the volunteers and race staff are incredibly courteous; Race announcers are so enthusiastic and really know how to pump you … MORE
Everything about the Encinitas half marathon is top-notch. All of the volunteers and race staff are incredibly courteous; Race announcers are so enthusiastic and really know how to pump you up without crossing over to obnoxious like some other races can do. The Expo is always amazingly managed and I love that the race maxes out at such a low total of entrants; makes for a much more enjoyable race day experience than any other race that I have run. The Shirts & medals are always well designed…and the medals stand out more than my Disney medals on my medal rack. No better race route exists – it’s like running in heaven; beautiful views and beautiful weather. I’ve been running half marathons since 2010 and was so happy to get into the inaugural race for Encinitas – the one race I will definitely run/walk/crawl every year for the rest of my life for sure!!!
One of my favorites.
It's a beautiful course paved with just a few inclines. The course is well maintained with good aide stations. It is well marked. Running by the ocean is a definite … MORE
It’s a beautiful course paved with just a few inclines. The course is well maintained with good aide stations. It is well marked. Running by the ocean is a definite plus. I find the runners at this race to be a competitive group. But all the Encinitas locals are in amazing shape in general. I would have liked more restrooms at the start. The lines were long and I missed getting out with my usual wave so had a slower time. Also I am gluten free so would have liked to see a gluten free muffin option. The course volunteers were very friendly and encouraging. I plan to do this race every year that I still live in California. I like this Race so much that I did it with a full rotator cuff tear and a pulled hamstring.
I already signed up for next year!!!!
Easy peasy bib pick-up, excellent course support, awesome community support. The race: This is the best course for selfies; ocean views for miles, plus the boat houses!! Now, for those … MORE
Easy peasy bib pick-up, excellent course support, awesome community support.
The race: This is the best course for selfies; ocean views for miles, plus the boat houses!! Now, for those that are not interested in taking selfies, the course has only 364ft of elevation gain, so you won’t suffer much. Miles 9-11 are pretty flat, which is great because by then your legs are going to be, most likely, tired. Mile 13 has the final hill at the end of it, but the high of the finish line will carry you to the end!
Last word: the race is well planned and managed. This is the 2nd race I know I will do for years to come.
Fun weekend
The folks who put together this half marathon show they care about the runner, with nice swag, race day bib pick up, no hassle/low tech gear check, lots of parking … MORE
The folks who put together this half marathon show they care about the runner, with nice swag, race day bib pick up, no hassle/low tech gear check, lots of parking and plenty of potties.
I understand the thinking behind reversing the course this year: there was a very steep hill in the first few miles: down almost after starting and then back up after returning from your run north on the 101….BUT….it was a very short hill, maybe 150 meters at most. My issue with the reversed route is based on 2 things: #1: The race was at the end of March this year, last year was first weekend in March. This means we are now in daylight savings time, so the sun is up and strong by the time you are a couple miles into this race. There is very little shade, so that change makes for heat: elevated heart rate, more hydration needed, etc. #2: The run up 101 and then back is not just boring, but you can see how far you have to run…actually, you can’t see the end but you can see it is faaar. That mind game is easier to take in miles 1 to 5 when you are still fresh, temps are still moderate…but when it is mile 9 to 13, it is tough to stay positive…nothing to look at, the sun is high….I think if it continues to be late March (and next year it is), this will make for slower finishes. I probably mentioned in my 2018 review of the course, no matter which direction you run it, there are long inclines (and declines). I personally like and run best with rolling courses…this is NOT rolling. Hey, I knew this going in, and still ran it. Gear check back was quick, I by-passed the beer garden this time as it was so crowded (a surprise, last year it wasn’t at all….sign of a growing race?). You can register for next year at 50% the first couple days after the race, so go do it!
Perfect location
This was my first half marathon and it was the best! The location, weather, and course were ideal. I love that they got rid of the monster hill and was … MORE
This was my first half marathon and it was the best! The location, weather, and course were ideal. I love that they got rid of the monster hill and was impressed by the amount of supporters along the entire course. I thought the $20 fee for day-of bib pickup wasn’t accommodating for people like me who live further away. Other than that, I loved every moment of the race!
Best Half Marathon Race Production
The is an awesome course with an awesome venue!!! The course is easy not to hard. Running next to the ocean on an early morning is great and the post … MORE
The is an awesome course with an awesome venue!!! The course is easy not to hard. Running next to the ocean on an early morning is great and the post race food has been awesome every year!!! All time best race for all the marathon and triathlon I have completed in. It’s a must run and that is why I come back every year! A proud Legacy Runner!!! Thank you!!! Bib#308