Dec 20, 2016: To my many dedicated followers of the San Dieguito Half Marathon, It is with a great deal of regret to inform you that the event planned for next April from Qualcomm Stadium is cancelled. I have heard & read your comments regarding the new course from Qualcomm …
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Dec 20, 2016: To my many dedicated followers of the San Dieguito Half Marathon, It is with a great deal of regret to inform you that the event planned for next April from Qualcomm Stadium is cancelled.
I have heard & read your comments regarding the new course from Qualcomm Stadium and you are all correct, it’s simply not San Dieguito. I’m afraid that Mission Valley is void of the hills, a scenic route, the encouragement from the Rancho Santa Fe residents and the volunteer support from the surrounding communities. I want to thank each and every one of you for the many years of support and participation you have given to one of the nation’s oldest and most beloved half marathons. This year would have been the 49th San Dieguito Half Marathon!
We will focus in finding a new course for 2018 hoping to bring you another great half marathon. I want to also thank the race committee (San Diego area Hash House Harriers) and the many volunteers who have given so much of their time to make this event what it is. Additionally, I want to acknowledge the County Parks Society, the Qualcomm Stadium Staff, the City of San Diego and the San Diego Police Department for their continued support. For those of you who have registered for this event, you will be refunded your entry fee.
All of us at Kathy Loper Events wish you a wonderful holiday season and we look forward to seeing you at future events.
Sincerely, Kathy Loper
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San Dieguito is one of the oldest half marathons in America and as such, a favorite for many runners. In 2017, the San Dieguito Half Marathon will move to San Diego, starting and finishing at Qualcomm Stadium. Awesome Beer Garden sponsored by Stone and Ballast Point. Benefits San Diego County Parks Society.
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Do you like torture?
First off - this race is all hills all the time. If you don't like running hills, don't run this race. However, it is also amazingly beautiful, has a very … MORE
First off – this race is all hills all the time. If you don’t like running hills, don’t run this race. However, it is also amazingly beautiful, has a very small running cohort – so you’re not cramped in there like some of the bigger races, and will make you feel like you can accomplish anything when you’re all done! I may never run it again, but I’m glad I did it at least once.
Race experience depends on the course
They changed the course this year, which is a bummer, but it was still challenging. It was 3 different out and backs...kind of nice, but the old course is the … MORE
They changed the course this year, which is a bummer, but it was still challenging. It was 3 different out and backs…kind of nice, but the old course is the way to go. They are reverting back to it in 2016, so it’s worth a shot! Overall, nice area to run in.
Scenic Easy Course in cool weather
I haven't run this course since they changed the route but if it's anything like the 14 route expect scenic country roads with big shady trees and horse ranches. I … MORE
I haven’t run this course since they changed the route but if it’s anything like the 14 route expect scenic country roads with big shady trees and horse ranches. I have never experienced hot weather during this run.
PROS- Medium/small group of runners, good water stations, funny running costume contest?, The Queen of England (costume) spectator, convenient parking, adequate snacks, plenty of shade and good starting area.
CONS- Can be very cold at start down at the bottom of a small valley, Lame synthetic T-shirt (please bring back the cotton ones!).
Update 2016: The new course has a little bit more shade and more “out and backs” but is still has very nice scenery. This year the PA system wasn’t very loud and I didn’t see any runners peeing in the bushes and trees along the course. Unfortunately some of the residents in the neighbor hood complained anyway about having there street closed for 3 hours even though they were told months in advance of the date and time. Other residents were much more friendly and came out to enjoy their morning coffee and watch the runners stream past.