San Diego Marathons
Every marathon and half marathon in San Diego County — ranked by scenery, speed, and vibe.
Last updated
Quick answer
Which marathon should you run in San Diego? The Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in June is the biggest and most spectator-friendly race, the San Diego Half in March is the flattest fast course, and the Silver Strand Half in November is the easiest for first-timers thanks to a flat oceanfront route.
- Rock 'n' Roll draws tens of thousands of runners across marathon, half and 5K.
- June race mornings are usually cool and overcast — ideal running weather.
- Silver Strand runs point-to-point from Coronado to Imperial Beach.
- Most local races cap registration and raise prices in tiers, so register early.
Source: Sandi Spots — Last updated
Quick answer
The Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon (June) is the biggest race. For scenery, run the La Jolla Half (April). For a fast PR, choose Carlsbad (Jan) or Silver Strand Half (Nov). For a bucket-list moment, the Holiday Half (Dec) is the only chance to run the Coronado Bridge.
The full lineup
Training & travel tips
Train in the heat & sun
SD race days can hit 75–85°F. Train mid-morning at least once a week to acclimate — do not do all your long runs at 6 AM in the marine layer.
Hills matter
Only Carlsbad and Silver Strand are truly flat. Rock 'n' Roll, La Jolla Half, and AFC all have significant climbs. Do hill repeats.
Book hotels early
Race weekends fill hotels in Mission Valley (Rock 'n' Roll) and La Jolla (LJ Half) months in advance. Book by January for major spring races.
Arrive Friday
Almost every SD race requires bib pickup at an expo Friday and/or Saturday. No race-morning bib pickup for most events.
Race calendar at a glance
January: Carlsbad. March: Encinitas Half. April: La Jolla Half. June: Rock 'n' Roll. August: AFC Half. September: Beach & Bay Half. November: Silver Strand. December: Holiday Half (Coronado Bridge). See our events calendar for exact 2026 dates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest marathon in San Diego?
The Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon (June) — 25,000+ runners across the full marathon, half, 10K, and 5K. It's a Boston qualifier with live bands on every mile.
When is the Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon 2026?
Early June 2026 (typically the first weekend). See our dedicated Rock 'n' Roll Marathon guide for the exact date, course map, and registration timeline.
What's the flattest, fastest marathon in San Diego?
Carlsbad Marathon (January) — flat coastal course with cool weather. For half marathons, Silver Strand (November) is even flatter and PR-friendly.
Are San Diego marathons Boston qualifiers?
Yes — Rock 'n' Roll San Diego and Carlsbad Marathon are USATF-certified and count as Boston qualifiers if you hit the time standard for your age/gender.
What's the best half marathon in San Diego?
The La Jolla Half Marathon (April) for scenery — point-to-point from Del Mar to La Jolla Cove. The AFC Half (August) for a fast downhill. Rock 'n' Roll Half (June) for the party.
Can you run across the Coronado Bridge?
Only once a year — the Holiday Half Marathon in December is the only event that closes the Coronado Bridge to cars for runners. It sells out early every year.
Where should I stay for a San Diego race?
Mission Valley for Rock 'n' Roll (start/finish nearby). La Jolla for the LJ Half. Coronado for Silver Strand. Carlsbad Village for the Carlsbad Marathon. Book 3–6 months out.
What's the weather like on race day?
May–October: 60°F at start, 75–85°F by mid-morning. November–February: 45–55°F at start, 60–68°F by finish. Marine layer usually burns off between 8–10 AM.
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