San Diego Holiday Half Marathon & 5K
San Diego, CA
- Half Marathon, 5K
- Road (Paved)
- Official race website
The San Diego Holiday Half Marathon is a fast 13.1 mile course that starts on Penasquitos Dr then turns (R) on Carmel Mountain Road, then travels SW along Carmel Mountain Rd (your only ‘real’ hill at mile 1.5), along the 56 bike path and finishes at our “new” finish line … MORE
Local Historical Weather (Dec 19):
| 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| H (°F) | 77 | 79 | 70 | 64 | 66 |
| L (°F) | 46 | 43 | 53 | 35 | 37 |
Find Nearby Lodging (hotel, rental, etc.):
Lacking some holiday spirit!
It was my first time running this race but thought it was just okay. It’s a point to point race but there was not much views here, we were running … MORE
It was my first time running this race but thought it was just okay. It’s a point to point race but there was not much views here, we were running next to a freeway for a good while and at some point we were just next to a quiet neighborhood. Part of the course felt narrow and we were cramped running side by side. They said there’s only one hill at 1.5mi but there were actually hills throughout the course. There’s also not a lot of spectators or even people from the event along the race either. If you passed out, I feel like it’s going to take a bit before someone gets to you. Aid stations were okay, they did not provide any gels, only water and gatorade. The finish line was just okay too. Our family did not stay long afterwards because there were only a few booths. The finish line is not even near the beach. I don’t think I even saw the beach. lol Overall, I was expecting this to be more fun and holiday-ish. But it wasn’t. It feels like just a regular race. The shirt they gave us doesn’t give me any holiday vibes either. They also don’t have any social media for the organizer. I feel like this race needs a lot of improvement. But until then, I’ll probably try other half marathon events for now.
Fun End of Year Run
I've run this a few times mostly because I enjoy the point to point course that travels thru different neighborhoods/scenery and because it gives me an excuse to see friends … MORE
I’ve run this a few times mostly because I enjoy the point to point course that travels thru different neighborhoods/scenery and because it gives me an excuse to see friends in SD. I would say it’s a bit pricey for what you get and while many races have started to offer more flexible options if you need to cancel or defer I think theirs is very strict. The “swag” isn’t great in my opinion, the shirt didn’t feel “holiday” (almost looked like something they had from a different race that they just added a small logo to) and you don’t really get anything else other than the medal. Thankfully the shirt and medal are never make or break reasons for me to run a race – though I do enjoy some sort of “post race” beer tent/party and theirs always feels more like a pre-race expo with just a handful of booths and minimal food (for purchase). Nothing you really want to hang out at after – more of a finish and leave sort of event. There is almost no spectator support along the course.
The first couple of times I ran this they secured hotel blocks at the start and finish – this year they had two hotels listed but no discount and nothing at the finish. Thankfully I found one at the finish on my own and walked back after the race to avoid shuttles/traffic.
Room for improvement
This was my second time running this race and my first post-COVID California race. Although I loved this race my first time around, this time was extremely disappointing. First, getting … MORE
This was my second time running this race and my first post-COVID California race. Although I loved this race my first time around, this time was extremely disappointing. First, getting to the parking at the start was difficult, as many roads began closing early, and Google Maps directions used very long detours. Second, and most importantly, the parking at the start directions were unclear and the addresses were wrong. People following the directions in the printed race brochure had their cars towed before and while they raced. Third, the aid stations had limited coverage. While some stations functioned well, others could not keep up with the runners.
I heard from another racer that the race management had switched to a new company. Hopefully, the communication and general organization will improve with lessons learned from this race. However, I wouldn’t recommend this race until the issues are resolved.
Nice net downhill race in CA around the
PROS: Nice weather, net downhill race, and little traffic to contend with since it's mostly on a bike path. Not much of an expo, but they had past shirts for … MORE
PROS: Nice weather, net downhill race, and little traffic to contend with since it’s mostly on a bike path. Not much of an expo, but they had past shirts for just $2.
CONS: No spectator info on site, very crowded on the bike path for a few miles since it’s not very wide, also didn’t seem like enough volunteers at water stations – the one at mile 2 struggled to pour water out fast enough to runners. Also not very scenic since you’re on this path along the highway and the finish at Torrey Pines doesn’t actually end close enough to the beach. But the race gave me a chance to visit family in the area around the holidays, and complete state #30.
Run on a freeway
Race didn't live up to my expectations at all. Course was billed as "downhill". It does NET 720 feet if elevation loss, but it still had 670 feet of climbing … MORE
Race didn’t live up to my expectations at all.
Course was billed as “downhill”. It does NET 720 feet if elevation loss, but it still had 670 feet of climbing that I just wasn’t expecting.
Also it is near Torey Pines, a beautiful park in scenic San Diego, but the race itself is mostly just next to (or on) a busy 6 lane road and has almost none of the views I got from my VRBO in the area.
As a holiday run, it was fun to see many runners in holiday themed apparel, but the race itself did nothing at all to support the theme.
PR Course
Great downhill course! It is ALWAYS freezing at the start. So be sure to pack layers and have gloves. You MUST pick up your packet or have someone else do … MORE
Great downhill course! It is ALWAYS freezing at the start. So be sure to pack layers and have gloves.
You MUST pick up your packet or have someone else do it the day before the race. Pick up is at the Road Runner HQ, so leave some time for shopping as well.
This race is a part of the Route 56 Challenge. So if you run this and the San Diego Craft Classic 1/2 you will earn a challenge medal.
Run this race 5 years in a row and earn a nice legacy jacket!
Whoa Baby - That's A Fast Course!
I'm beginning to think that San Diego has the market cornered on topnotch race productions. From weather forecasts to bib pick-up details, pre-race communications were excellent. Aside from the beautiful … MORE
I’m beginning to think that San Diego has the market cornered on topnotch race productions. From weather forecasts to bib pick-up details, pre-race communications were excellent. Aside from the beautiful long-sleeve, hooded race shirt, the swag bag contained gloves and a thermal blanket (in case the temperature was too low) and sunscreen (in case the sun went the other direction). Course support was great with regular aid stations and on-course race guards and officials. I also loved the pacers who interacted with the runners, offering encouragement and lively commentary.
The course itself was not very scenic until the last few miles when the ocean came into view. But I didn’t notice the views because I was speeding by on the constant downhill trajectory. Except for the hill at mile 1 (and a few minor upward bumps), this course is down, down, down. I beat my previous PR by almost 8 minutes – now that’s the way to end the running year!
Love this course
I've ran this race for the past 2 years and loved it both times! Packet pickup is at a nearby running store and they have gloves, definitely grab a pair … MORE
I’ve ran this race for the past 2 years and loved it both times! Packet pickup is at a nearby running store and they have gloves, definitely grab a pair because you never know what the weather will be like. Parking at the start is crowded, so get there early or park at the finish and take the shuttle. The course is great with gently rolling, but net downhill, hills. I can run this race without carrying my own water as there are stations about every mile. Great post-race area with food. I definitely recommend running this race!
PR Course
Super fun race. They do NOT offer race morning pick up but you are able to pick up friends bibs. Usually a pretty cold race but this year, 2017, was … MORE
Super fun race. They do NOT offer race morning pick up but you are able to pick up friends bibs. Usually a pretty cold race but this year, 2017, was a bit on the warm side. Park at the finish and take the shuttle to the start. The finish is at Torey Pines and the lot is small so get there early.
Legacy jacket once you’ve run 5 years in a row. A challenge medal is offered if you also run the SD Craft Classic in the same year (also a super fun race). I’ll be back in 2018!
Downhill course to a new PR!
This was my second year running this race. Thankfully, it was not as chilly as it was last year. We parked at the finish and took the shuttle to the … MORE
This was my second year running this race. Thankfully, it was not as chilly as it was last year. We parked at the finish and took the shuttle to the start. It was still nice to have the hotel ballroom available for us to hang out while we waited for the start of the race. A couple big hills at the beginning, but then pretty much downhill with some mini rolling hills to the finish. We start out on the road but then transition to the trail a couple miles in which runs alongside highway 56 until Mile 11, then we get back on to Carmel Valley Road. There’s a little out and back in Sorrento Valley Road that was shortened this year due to a closed gate, so the overall course ended up a bit short. But even without it being a shorter course this year, it’s still a fast downhill race to the beach. The course can get a bit crowded on the trail. Course support is awesome. Plenty of volunteers and several areas with friends and family cheering on the runners. Swag is nice. Long sleeve hooded tech shirt and thumbholes, drawstring logo bag which included a Mylar blanket. They also had throwaway gloves available at packet pickup. Finish line Festival area had lots of vendors. This race is also part of a couple other series. I collected a second medal for also running the Craft Classic.
Downhill and new PR
I've run this race for 3 years now. It's always super cold at the start so be sure to bring a space blanket. It's a point to point race so … MORE
I’ve run this race for 3 years now. It’s always super cold at the start so be sure to bring a space blanket. It’s a point to point race so get there early and park at the finish and take the shuttle to the start. The parking lot is super small and fills up by 5:30/5:45.
It’s a downhill and fast race. So be ready to set a PR! The past few years the pacers have been pretty off and usually finish pretty far ahead of their times. So make sure you have a GPS watch of some kind on and stick to your own pace. This race ends at Tory Pines Beach!
Great race! Will be running again next year!
Best PB Half Marathon
The only Hill was at the very start of the race, not much of a view until you start getting closer to the finish line at Torrey Pine State Park. … MORE
The only Hill was at the very start of the race, not much of a view until you start getting closer to the finish line at Torrey Pine State Park.
Awesome bussing system from the Park back to the start line if you have no one to pick you up.
This was my BEST PB time for a Half. The course was an easy course to run.
Medal is Fantastic! It is my 2nd Favourite in my collection so far.
The fastest race in San Diego
This is the race for you if you want to PR. Almost all downhill and in beautiful San Diego! Love the medal too. I'll do this one every year. MORE
This is the race for you if you want to PR. Almost all downhill and in beautiful San Diego! Love the medal too. I’ll do this one every year.
Cold weather run, All downhill or flat
"Cold" is a relative term; for some cold is a bitter bone chilling 20 below. For me 40 degrees is bitter and bone chilling. The lure of a run for … MORE
“Cold” is a relative term; for some cold is a bitter bone chilling 20 below. For me 40 degrees is bitter and bone chilling. The lure of a run for me at this temp has to be significant to get me out of my warm bed and into the dark pre-dawn hyper-chilled air. Fortunately I was well rewarded with an incredibly scenic jog with a 700′ elevation drop. I brought my own water but it was so cool I really didn’t need it. The hardest part was taking off my warm sweatshirt handing it to the gear check volunteers. The first half of the run had a lot of sun so wear your specs. It also had three bridges and some really great views of the canyon. The second half of the run had more (cold) shade and the bike path was nice and wide so we were never scrunched in too much. It was always easy to see how far there was to go on the higher points so mile markers just weren’t needed.
Pros: Great views from hidden bike path and scenic bridges. Bus ride to start was well organized (I parked in Del Mar), few street closures needed, adequate water and snacks at finish. Several “stores of refuge” to sip on coffee and try to defrost.
Cons; 40 degree start “warmed” up to 58.