Experience this San Diego running tradition! The half marathon course features five miles of waterfront, four historic communities, three iconic San Diego parks, two miles through downtown San Diego, to one epic finish line in San Diego’s famous Gaslamp District! The 5K is a flat and fast loop course in …
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Experience this San Diego running tradition! The half marathon course features five miles of waterfront, four historic communities, three iconic San Diego parks, two miles through downtown San Diego, to one epic finish line in San Diego’s famous Gaslamp District! The 5K is a flat and fast loop course in downtown San Diego, with the same epic Gaslamp District finish line!
Escape the cold and run in one of the most beautiful cities in the world! The San Diego Half Marathon has been designed to carry runners over a spectacular 13.1-mile USATF-certified course, while showcasing one of the world’s most beautiful cities! This signature scenic route begins near Petco Park and winds through downtown to Harbor Drive with views of San Diego Bay, San Diego’s skyline, Spanish Landing and Cancer Survivor Park. Then it makes its way through historic Liberty Station while passing NTC Park and the Marine Corps Recruit Depot. Next it’s up Washington Street through Mission Hills and Hillcrest. The last few miles coast downhill, passing the scenic palm trees that line Balboa Park and lead right back into downtown, with an unforgettable 5th Avenue finish – featuring a live jumbotron and Gaslamp Block Party!
San Diego boasts over 70 miles of coastline, an average daily temperature of 70.5 ºF (21 ºC) and world-class attractions such as Sea World, San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, and Legoland California!
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Seeing a Bit of All SD Has to Offer
Beautiful course for the most part, getting to see some of the best parts of the downtown SD area. Lot's of fun crown support, and beautiful perfect running weather. There … MORE
Beautiful course for the most part, getting to see some of the best parts of the downtown SD area. Lot’s of fun crown support, and beautiful perfect running weather.
There is one pretty gnarly hill about 3/4 of the way through, so make sure you are ready for that.
Parking is pretty much non-existent so you need to also plan ahead for that. But overall a very fun race.
Beautiful scenery, wonderful weather
This course starts out in downtown San Diego. The first 5 miles are along the coast line, then you turn and head in a big loop back towards downtown to … MORE
This course starts out in downtown San Diego. The first 5 miles are along the coast line, then you turn and head in a big loop back towards downtown to finish in the Gaslamp district. The majority of the course was flat with nice even roads and plenty of space at the start to get around other runners. The course did narrow out after the first couple of miles, but there was still plenty of room to pass if needed. Mile 8 had a short steep hill and a couple of other gradual hills, then you turn the corner around mile 9 and you climb for about 350 feet over approximately 3/4 of a mile. Once you get to the top of that hill the rest of the course is easy-peasy. There is also a nice water station at the top of the hill where they have misters and wet cloths to hand out, which felt wonderful! There are several down hill sections between miles 10 and 13 that help make up the time from the slower pace of climbing the hill at mile 9.
The expo was smaller than I expected with only a few vendors. The post race swag was okay, but not the best. The weather was perfect running weather. Started out at around 48 degrees and ended around 55 degrees. The sun was out and there was very little wind. Was perfect conditions for a PR!
Beautiful scenery, brutal hill, fun!
I really like the course especially with the weather being so nice! Running by the shipyard was a nice touch that highlights San Diego as well as the finish at … MORE
I really like the course especially with the weather being so nice! Running by the shipyard was a nice touch that highlights San Diego as well as the finish at the gas lamp quarter
The hill at mile 9 almost broke me, it was nasty but somehow I persevered
The only real criticism I have is that the race shirt is bad especially for the guys
A Beautiful Run!
A perfect day for a half--well put together race and course. The hill around Mile 9, however, is no joke! Be prepared to climb a bit, but once you get … MORE
A perfect day for a half–well put together race and course. The hill around Mile 9, however, is no joke! Be prepared to climb a bit, but once you get over it, it’s all smooth sailing. A really nice way to enter into the spring running season!
Nice hill in second half
A nice little tour of San Diego. The race starts and ends downtown in the Gaslamp district, near Petco Park. It is a loop course that starts along the water, … MORE
A nice little tour of San Diego. The race starts and ends downtown in the Gaslamp district, near Petco Park. It is a loop course that starts along the water, goes around the airport, through Liberty Station, past MCRD, uphill to Hilcrest and Balboa Park, and back downhill to Gaslamp.
Nice medals, and shirts, although the shirt design was almost identical to last year’s shirt. Some finishers received the 2021 medal at the end of the race.
Nice post race refreshments. Also a free Dunkin Donut post race for runners. You are also in the Gaslamp district with many restaurant choices after the race.
Packet pickup at the Hilton Gaslamp, with convenient low price parking on packet pickup day.
Loved it
This was an awesome production. I ran as my first half-marathon ever, and it totally set me up for disappointment in future races. Super well-run, smooth packet pickup, awesome cheering … MORE
This was an awesome production. I ran as my first half-marathon ever, and it totally set me up for disappointment in future races. Super well-run, smooth packet pickup, awesome cheering sections, and gorgeous SD views. It doesn’t get better!
2021 - Nice Tour of San Diego
Free street parking available if you get there early. Also you can take the trolley to the race. The race starts on Harbor Drive, by the convention center and Petco … MORE
Free street parking available if you get there early. Also you can take the trolley to the race.
The race starts on Harbor Drive, by the convention center and Petco Park and makes a nice loop around the city. You take Harbor Drive around downtown and over to a small loop on Harbor Island. You continue past the airport, and through Liberty Station. Next you pass MCRD, and begin the ascent to Hillcrest. You have a tough uphill at mile 9, up to Balboa park, but are rewarded with a downhill stretch to get you near the finish. (At the Gaslamp sign this year)
Post race was muted by the pandemic. You were given a bag with your medal and post race food.
Packet pickup was at the Hilton Gaslamp, and ran smooth. Plenty of cheap parking nearby on packet pickup day.
That Hill!
Must pick up bib at expo (they allow friends with a waiver) or pay $20 for race day pick up. Park early. Streets close early. This race offers nice legacy … MORE
Must pick up bib at expo (they allow friends with a waiver) or pay $20 for race day pick up. Park early. Streets close early. This race offers nice legacy status goodies starting at year 3. Really pretty course mostly along the bay areas. Really BIG hill about mile 9. Fun but challenging race. Earn a challenge medal if you do this and the Mammoth race. Will be back for 2019.
THE BEST RACE IN SAN DIEGO!
This is my second review and third (and final) time running SD Half ... though not cause I don't like it. This is my FAVORITE race in San Diego! There … MORE
This is my second review and third (and final) time running SD Half … though not cause I don’t like it. This is my FAVORITE race in San Diego! There is so much attention to detail, other races need to take note.
No need to discuss the hill. It’s in every review. There’s a big one. But you are nicely rewarded with a long downhill finish (basically the last two miles).
Post-race party atmosphere. I’d highly recommend this race especially for out-of-towners who want to experience San Diego.
The Killer Hill
Right before mile 9 there is a huge looooong hill. The race directors even put a timing mat at the bottom and top so you can see how you do. … MORE
Right before mile 9 there is a huge looooong hill. The race directors even put a timing mat at the bottom and top so you can see how you do. Super fun race. They give extra swag for every additional year you participate. A nice jacket a year 5.
You can pay extra to have race morning pick up. Otherwise you’ll have to drive to San Diego the day before to pick up your bib. If you’re not running the 1/2 get to the start early! There is a relay and 5K. These runners have to be bused to their starting lines.
Great race. Will be doing it again in 2018.
FAVORITE SoCal venue
- Love this event! My favorite half-marathon to date. Helps that it is also my PR. - As others have said hill at mile 9 is a killer, makes up … MORE
– Love this event! My favorite half-marathon to date. Helps that it is also my PR.
– As others have said hill at mile 9 is a killer, makes up for it on steady decline into the finish where you can motor.
– The course in general is interesting with variation in scenery and areas it traverses. From downtown starting in Gaslamp along the marina into town a bit then by Balboa park and down to the finish near the starting line
– Lots of spectators and bands on course to break the monotony
– The race start/finish in Gaslamp district is fantastic and energetic with lots to do post-race
Love this race-mile 9 will kill you!
I've been running this race for several years now. It has a special place in my heart. I ran it the first time in memory of my Dad and had … MORE
I’ve been running this race for several years now. It has a special place in my heart. I ran it the first time in memory of my Dad and had a very emotional experience. Since then, I’ve just loved the SD Half. The people who run add special touches – like notes in your swag bag when they know you’re doing it for a special reason, or legacy shirts that make you feel like you matter. The signage is really good. The run along downtown, the harbor, and through the military base is great. But the hill up Washington – well, that just kills me every time. I recommend it, but prepared for that one tough spot! This is a runners, race in my opinion, because it’s only a half and because the time limit is strict.
That HILL
There is one massive hill around mile 7 or 8. They have a timing mat a the bottom and one at the top. Keeps things fun to see how fast … MORE
There is one massive hill around mile 7 or 8. They have a timing mat a the bottom and one at the top. Keeps things fun to see how fast or slowly you went up the hill. I’ve already signed up for 2017. This also offers a challenge medal if you do the Mammoth 1/2 as well.
Well organized run with good scenery
I have never tasted "bleached" water at this event after 3 seasons (Great work SD!). This run has the potential to be hit with hot weather, however, a surprising amount … MORE
I have never tasted “bleached” water at this event after 3 seasons (Great work SD!). This run has the potential to be hit with hot weather, however, a surprising amount of the run is in the shade.
PROS- Water tastes great at adequate stations along course, You can practically see the finish line at mile 10.5 making the last three (downhill) miles (psychologically) easier, Good friendly vibe among runners and spectators.
CONS- Very loud PA system at start (I felt sorry for downtown residents trying to sleep past 6 am) Lame synthetic shirt which seems designed to trap sweat against your body UPDATE: For 2016 they changed the material of the T-shirt, although it’s still synthetic it can breath now thanks to the wider mesh. The post race “snack bag” seemed a little bit better stocked too.
My favorite race in San Diego!
This was my 9th half but first time doing SD Half Marathon. Overall, I enjoyed this race! Pros: * No shuttles to start line, etc. I'm always a fan of … MORE
This was my 9th half but first time doing SD Half Marathon. Overall, I enjoyed this race!
Pros:
* No shuttles to start line, etc. I’m always a fan of races that start/end in the same place.
* Parking was easy — parked a couple blocks from start. Paid $7 when I left. No complaints there.
* WAVE start — as in, they actually DO start in timed waves. It was very organized. I started in Wave 5 (about 9 mins after gun time) — though I heard that later waves had to wait much longer than anticipated, I honestly thought it was super organized and went quickly.
* Variety on the course — this race give you downtown, water view and parks along the course. It’s most flat until “the hill” — yep, the mile 9 Washington St hill. It’s at least 3/4-mile and it’s a doozy of an incline.
* Very well-marked water/ fuel stations and mile markers — each station also had an indication of how far until the next one. I carry my own fuel but I do like to supplement my own with additional water (it was hot on this particular race day). I didn’t have any of the water station issues that have been mentioned in other reviews.
* Plenty of crowd support and lots of HS bands along the way, too.
* Big, blingy medal — me likey!
* Post race – big party downtown after the race! Fun atmosphere.
Cons:
* Post-race food was pretty sad. A Zico, banana and a mini-Clif. I appreciate seeing a little something salty there … but no luck. The stuff does come in a re-usable commemorative bag so … that was a ‘pro’ despite this being in the ‘con’ column.
* Yet another PINK shirt! Why are races so intent on giving us ladies pink shirts? It’s my third bright pink shirt in the last year. Sigh ……
* I had my bib/packet mailed for $30. Kinda steep!
* My only complaint about the course is the section thru the rental car parking lot (AFC does this too!) C’mon, not one but TWO races in San Diego have to put runners thru the same gross parking lot with rental car shuttles spouting fumes at you as you’re running along side. Please race organizers, figure this out! The construction area following it wasn’t much better. Luckily, these two drawbacks were *maybe* 1.5 miles but still ….. it sucked.
* Lastly, though I didn’t get stopped at any trolley crossings … I did get stopped at both vehicle crossings on Harbor Island Dr. This is the only race I’ve done that requires racers to stop … hello? It’s a timed race! Kind of a bummer.
Overall, SD Half is a really nicely done race with a good course offering nice variety! And the post-race atmosphere downtown is great!