Participating in a race is one of the best things a runner can do to maintain fitness and have a sense of accomplishment at the end. Half marathons are a good middle ground for those who have the long-term goal of running a full marathon, and San Diego has plenty of opportunities throughout the year to get you prepared.
San Diego is truly a great place to run a half marathon. It has everything you need to get you through the challenge in one piece, including fantastic weather and beautiful coastal views that keep you focused on the moment instead of letting your thoughts get the best of you during the race.
Check out our complete list of San Diego half marathons for the upcoming year of 2024.
San Diego Half Marathons
San Diego Resolution Run
Date – January 13th 2024
Location – Mission Bay
Type – Road
Participants – 1,000 – 5,000
Other races – 5k, 10k
Register here
Take part in a thrilling California half marathon that winds through the beautiful Mission Bay waterfront suburb. The route kicks off at E. Mission Bay Drive, goes all around the bay itself, where you’ll be treated to wonderful seaside views, and finally ends at Mission Bay Playground.
Hotel Recommendations
- Luxury – Pacific Terrace Hotel
- Mid-range – Fairfield Inn & Suites and Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina
- Budget – Mission Bay Inn
Mermaid Half Marathon San Diego
Date – Feb 24, 2024
Location – Tecolote Shores
Type – Road
Participants – 500 – 1,000
Other races – 5k, 10k
Register here
If you’re looking for a half marathon in San Diego for kids, this is the race!
The Mermaid Half Marathon is for children ages six to twelve only and goes around the Fiesta Island peninsula from Tecolote Shores to De Anza Cove, before returning to the starting point, where the finish line is located. Parents should let their children run alone unless the child isn’t very confident.
Hotel Recommendations
- Luxury – Family home with rooftop terrace
- Mid-range – Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Old Town/Sea World Area and Holiday Inn Express San Diego
- Budget – Motel 6
Del Dios Trail Half Marathon
Date – January 7th, 2024
Location – Escondido
Type – Trail
Participants – 100 – 500
Other races – 5k, 10k
Register here
The Del Dios Trail half marathon is best suited for runners who are searching for a bit more of an exhilarating experience. It takes place at the charming Lake Hodges in Escondido, CA. Enjoy pretty vistas of lakes, dirt track roads, and hit elevation gains between 100′ and 1,000′.
Hotel Recommendations
- Luxury – Sonesta ES Suites
- Mid-range – Hilton Garden Inn Rancho Bernardo and Econo Lodge Inn & Suites
- Budget – Motel Mediteran
Carlsbad Half Marathon / Full Marathon
Date – January 14th, 2024
Location – Carlsbad
Type – Road
Participants – 5000 – 10,000
Other races – Full marathon, Kids Marathon Miler
Register here
Enter the most scenic winter run in San Diego, the Carlsbad Half Marathon. Soak up a whole eight miles of seascapes while enjoying the best support on the course. The run passes the peaceful Buena Vista Lagoon before heading out to Carlsbad Boulevard next to the ocean, up to the turn-around spot at Breakwater Road, and then back to the finish line.
This San Diego half marathon doesn’t have that much elevation gain, making it ideal for beginners looking to dip their toes into the world of running.
On Jan. 13, kids can join the Kids Marathon Mile, which will take place at LEGOLAND® California Resort. What a cool way to experience and enjoy LEGOLAND® California! Registration for the Kids Marathon Mile is open now.
A part of each Kids Marathon Mile registration will be donated directly to the charity partner of the race: Merlin’s Magic Wand. This is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that offers memorable experiences for kids in challenging circumstances at all Merlin attractions around the world.
Hotel Recommendations
- Luxury – The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa (read our full review here)
- Mid-range – America Suites – San Diego and Quality Inn & Suites
- Budget – Hyland Inn
Sycamore Canyon Half Marathon
Date – February 24th, 2024
Location – Poway
Type – Trail
Participants – 100 – 500
Other races – 50k, ultra relay, 100k
Register here
The Sycamore half marathon comprises two clockwise loops with fully stocked aid stations for runners to stop and refuel with the likes of electrolytes, snacks, and water. Take on challenging trails over rolling hills and through mixed grasslands. This is the ultimate challenge for any runner.
Hotel Recommendations
- Luxury – Hampton Inn & Suites
- Mid-range – Best Western Poway and Sonesta ES Suites San Diego
- Budget – Ramada by Wyndham Poway
The San Diego Half Marathon
Date – March 24th, 2024
Location – Downtown San Diego
Type – Road
Participants – 5000 – 10,000
Other races – 5k
Register here
The San Diego half marathon is arguably the most popular in the whole city because of its prime location and what racers get to see along the way. Dash past five miles of ocean scenery, four historic communes, three epic park enclosures, and two miles through the metropolitan area of San Diego itself before experiencing a finish like no other on this list.
Keep an eye out for the city’s popular attractions, such as the Convention Center and Harbor Island.
Hotel Recommendations
- Luxury – San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter
- Mid-range – Horton Grand Hotel and Gaslamp Plaza Suites
- Budget – Staypineapple, Hotel Z
- Find more recommendations on best hotels in the Gaslamp Quarter San Diego here>>
La Jolla Half Marathon
Date – May 18th, 2024
Location – Del Mar
Type – Road
Participants – 5000 – 10,000
Other races – 5k
Register here
The La Jolla half marathon is a delightful point-to-point stretch beginning at the Del Mar Fairgrounds and following an enjoyable coastline route before approaching the treacherous summit of Torrey Pines State Park.
If you think the punishment is over, then you’ve thought wrong. Pace across the Torrey Pines mesa, through the La Jolla Shores, and finally cross the finish line at La Jolla Cove. This is one of the hardest half marathons in San Diego and isn’t for the faint of heart.
Hotel Recommendations
- Luxury – Wave Crest Resort
- Mid-range – Hotel Indigo San Diego Del Mar and Lovely Del Mar retreat
- Budget – DoubleTree by Hilton
Rock N Roll San Diego Half Marathon
Date – June 1-2, 2024
Location – San Diego City
Type – Road
Participants – 10,000 plus
Other races – 5k, full marathon
Register here
This marathon has been going since 1998 and is extremely popular amongst locals as well as tourists, domestic and foreign. It sets off at Balboa Park and takes contestants through eight unique San Diego districts where they’ll get a first-hand experience of what life is like for citizens and finally cross the finish line in downtown San Diego.
For a list of full marathons, check out: San Diego Marathons Complete List
Hotel Recommendations
The race starts near Balboa Park, so if you want to be able to walk to the starting line, we recommend a vacation rental, as there are no hotels nearby. Downtown and the Gaslamp Quarter are just down the hill and a short Uber/Lyft/bus ride away.
- Luxury – Balboa II by AvantStay Modern Condo w Balcony View
- Mid Range – WorldMark San Diego and Studio with Large Balcony
- Budget – Centrally Located Studio
I hope this list of San Diego Half Marathons helps you find the perfect race for 2023!
Looking for training ideas to prepare for your race? Be sure to check out 10 Ways To Get Fit In San Diego!
Last Updated on November 17, 2023 by Maria Haase
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