An annual early summer running tradition for the past decade and a half here in one of Southern California’s most naturally beautiful and picturesque cities, the storied San Diego Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon added the 13.1-mile half marathon race distance for the first time at its June 2010 running.
One of the longest-running races in the history of the Rock ‘n’ Roll marathon series, the race takes runners through many of the city’s most beautiful areas.
From the starting line next to Balboa Park — home to several of the city’s best-known attractions, including its natural history museum as well as the world-famous San Diego Zoo — the half marathon follows a winding course both through the neighborhoods north of the park, like University Heights and Normal Heights, some of which look over into Mission Valley.
The race starts at the intersection of 6th Avenue and Quince Street, and follows along the same course as the full marathon for the first 8 miles. Runners will head north towards North Heights with a long stretches on 30th St. and Mountain View Dr for miles 4 to 6.
