Top 10 Marathons Near San Diego

The Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon is a flagship event in the Rock 'n' Roll Running Series, celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere, live music, and scenic course through San Diego’s most iconic neighborhoods. Established in 1998, it draws thousands of runners annually and is considered one of the premier marathons in California[1][12].

The Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Half Marathon, established in 2010, combines a challenging course with a high-energy atmosphere featuring live music at almost every mile. A standout feature is its split from the full marathon course at Mile 8, followed by a stimulating mix of neighborhoods, parkland climbs, and a thrilling downhill finish through downtown San Diego. Late-course elevation changes around Miles 9-10 test runners' endurance before final-mile momentum accelerates them toward the finish line.

The Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Half Marathon is a 13.1-mile race known for its high-energy atmosphere fueled by live bands and performers. It features a net downhill course with brief climbs, particularly during miles 9 and 10. The event draws thousands and showcases the best of San Diego’s neighborhoods, starting from Balboa Park and ending in Downtown San Diego.

The GOVX San Diego Half Marathon is a 13.1-mile run through coastal and urban landscapes, featuring five waterfront miles, historic neighborhoods, and a challenging mid-course climb. Part of the SoCal Triple Crown series, it finishes in Gaslamp District with a festival atmosphere. The 2025 edition on March 23rd offers ideal racing conditions, with temperatures typically ranging from 9°C to 13°C.

The Hallo-Thanks-Mas Dash Half Marathon is a uniquely themed running event that celebrates the mashup of Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas all in one race experience. Scheduled for Saturday, October 4, 2025, this San Diego waterfront race starts at 7:00am from the scenic Embarcadero Marina Park South. An interesting concept behind this event is its embrace of the retail world's early holiday celebrations - as the organizers put it, 'The stores do it, now it's our turn' - creating an ultimate mashup of fright, feast, and festivity that allows runners to experience spooky season, gratitude, and holiday cheer simultaneously.

The San Dieguito Half Marathon is scheduled for April 16, 2025, in San Diego, California. This event combines both a half marathon and 5K race, offering runners the opportunity to experience San Diego's favorable spring running conditions. However, comprehensive details about this specific race's course characteristics, elevation profile, and unique features are not available in the current search results.

The Mermaid Half Marathon San Diego is a distinctive women-focused running event held annually along the scenic shores of Mission Bay. While primarily designed for female participants who comprise 97-98% of the field, the race welcomes men to participate though they remain ineligible for awards[1]. This flat and fast half marathon course showcases San Diego's coastal beauty with panoramic bay views throughout the 13.1-mile journey. An interesting aspect of this event is its customizable registration system, allowing participants to reduce entry fees by opting out of specific swag items like shirts, medals, or necklaces, potentially saving up to $14[4].

A scenic half marathon in San Diego featuring coastal views and varied terrain, offering runners an opportunity to experience both waterfront sections and challenging elevation changes. While specific course details are limited for this newer event, it participates alongside 10K and 5K distances in the same festival format.

The Memorial Day Freedom Run 13.1 Half Marathon is an annual tribute event honoring military service members, featuring a half-marathon distance that runs through scenic San Diego routes. Participants receive commemorative swag including a finisher's medal and branded apparel, with all proceeds contributing to community running initiatives. A unique aspect is its emphasis on tentative pace groups rather than competitive splits, creating an inclusive atmosphere for all experience levels.