The Race Registry

For some runners, having races on your calendar keeps you honest—you’re less likely to skip a run if you know you have a race coming up. And regularly crossing finish lines can push you to run longer distances or faster, which gradually builds your fitness. Even Olympian runner Molly Huddle has talked about “racing back to fitness” after having a baby.

Thanks to our just-about-perfect weather conditions all year long, San Diego is a great place to train for and participate in varying distances to test your skills and attempt a distance you may have never thought possible. From 5Ks to 10Ks, half- and full marathons, runners can find every type of race to work on a PR.

Below are 10 San Diego road races with distances up to 26.2 miles going on throughout the year:

San Diego 5K Runs

Carlsbad 5000

Date: April 6 | Distance: 3.1 mi. | Cost: $45

This 5K race through downtown Carlsbad and along the ocean is known as the world’s fastest because many world records have been set there. The course is fast and there are tons of spectators to give you a motivational push.

San Diego Beach & Bay

Date: April 12 | Distance: 3.1 mi. | Cost: $40

This flat and fast 5K around Fiesta Island is helpful for runners to get ready for longer distances in a few months. The course also has a half marathon and 10K option if you’re ready for a longer distance, but no need to push it.

San Diego 10K Runs & Under

Navy Bay Bridge Run

Date: May 19 | Distance(s): 4 mi.

May brings you to a slightly longer distance–4 miles–and gives you the unique chance to run up and over the Coronado Bridge. It’s a challenge, because the bridge is steeper than it looks, but the Navy band plays at the top to motivate you. Plus, the views can’t be beat.

Gaslamp Run 10K

Date: Aug 4 | Distance: 6.1 mi | Cost: $49

If you’re ready to race longer distances, try this 10K course around downtown San Diego. The course is not totally flat and includes some twists and turns, so be ready for an extra challenge.

Courtesy of Balboa 8 Miler

San Diego Half Marathons & Under

Crown City Classic

Date: July 4 | Distance: 7.4 mi | Cost: $59

This annual 4th of July race in Coronado gives you the opportunity to race another 5K, or the very unusual 12K distance (or about 7.4 miles…get it?) Stick around after the race for the island’s parade and 4th of July festival.

Balboa Park 8 Miler

Date: August 5 | Distance: 8 mi. | $65

This race started by San Diego Track Club in 1955 is now one of the oldest races in the United States. It gives you a chance to try a longer distance, and takes you through a scenic course around Balboa Park.

America’s Finest City Half Marathon

Date: August 18 | Distance: 13.1 mi. | Cost: $149

If your running has been going well and you’re ready for a big challenge, try this beautifully scenic half marathon that starts at Cabrillo Point and ends in Balboa Park. There are some serious uphills and downhills along the way, but the historic course makes it worthwhile.

Pacific Beach Half Marathon

Date: October 5 | Distance: 13.1 mi. | Cost: $100

If you don’t want the hills in the AFC Half Marathon, or need a little more time to train, this race around Mission Bay is a great option. It’s flat and fast, and the cool ocean breezes should help with San Diego’s notoriously hot fall weather.

San Diego Marathons

Kit Carson Marathon

Date: November 17 | Distance: 26.2 mi. | Cost: $140-$150

This low-key race in Escondido takes you on a gentle rolling hills course as you run laps around the park. You can compete and run the full marathon yourself, or break it up among a team of runners to compete as a relay race.

Carlsbad Marathon

Date: January 19 | Distance: 26.2 mi. | Cost: $139

This winter marathon has perfect weather–cool and sunny, usually–and a beautiful ocean course to help you pass the miles enjoyably—as much as you can during 26.2 miles. The race is also a Boston Marathon qualifier and a great course to set new PR.

San Diego Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon

Date: June 1 | Distance: 26.2 mi. | Cost: $103

The San Diego Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon is one of the city’s most anticipated running events and among its most challenging. The race features a 5K, half marathon, or a full 26.2-mile course through the streets of downtown San Diego. The full marathon kicks off on Sixth Avenue, adjacent to Balboa Park, and winds through Mission Valley along the San Diego River, ultimately finishing at Ash Street in Little Italy. Each year, the event attracts nearly 30,000 runners from across the US.

If I’m being totally honest, I’m not much of a trail runner. My outdoor exercise comes in one of two forms.

One: get out and run, often from my house, sometimes at Mission Bay or Lake Murray, and get it done as efficiently as possible so I can get back to the rest of my responsibilities in life.

Or two: Take a full day or at least a long morning and go on a leisurely hike where I walk and talk and enjoy the time.

Sadly, these days, I’m spending far more time in option one than two, and to me, trail running seems to fall somewhere in the middle. You’re running, so it’s not leisurely, but you also have to drive to get there and run more slowly, so it’s less efficient.

But I consulted a few friends and experts who are experienced trail runners, and they explained to me–politely–that I’m just wrong. First of all, they say, trail running is as enjoyable and peaceful as hiking.

Daniel Smith leads the group San Diego Trail Runners, and he says time on the trails is like a meditative experience because you have to stay focused on your footing.

“I’m always hyper vigilant. Take your time. Make sure that you can get good footing. The roots, tree stumps, and of course, technical trails will catch you, especially by yourself,” he says. “The whole reason why we do it is to have a good time, to forget about the world for a little while.”

Julia Dixon Evans, a veteran trail runner who just won her division in the Ragnar Trail SoCal race says trail running helps her “get out away from it all in the middle of somewhere wild and pretty.”

“And I love the mental challenge where even though you can feel peaceful because of your surroundings, you still can’t just zone out like running on roads, or you’ll trip,” she says. “I like the adrenaline of having to focus like that.”

Meanwhile, Mike Daly, another veteran trail runner, says after his first time on a trail, he was hooked.

“I was lucky enough to have a running coach that took a group of us up to Mount Laguna to run in Laguna Meadow and to this day it is one of my favorite runs,” he says. “I had no idea that with just an hour drive from the ocean you could be at 6,000 ft. of elevation and running in pine tree covered trails in the mountains. It was just so beautiful and a nice change of pace from Mission Bay.”

So really, trail running is like hiking+. You have the peaceful and “get away from it all” aspect, but it’s more of a workout and actually takes less time than an all-day trek.

If you’re ready to give trail running a try (and now I think I am!), here are some other tips from the experts:

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Where to Start Trail Running

Dixon Evans recommends starting out at Los Penasquitos Canyon, which has 13 miles of fairly flat dirt trails, or Lake Hodges, where the trails go on for miles and miles. There are enough people around that you won’t feel totally alone, and the trails aren’t too challenging, she says.

Smith also recommends Proctor Valley, Hollenback Trail, Sycamore Canyon and Mission Trails. His favorite spot in Mission Trails is to start on the Clairemont Mesa Boulevard trailhead, where you can access North and South Fortuna and the Fortuna Saddle Trail.

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Trail Running Gear

Dixon Evans says for Los Penasquitos or Lake Hodges, you can run in regular road running shoes. That’ll give you a chance to experiment with trail running and make sure you like it before investing in actual trail shoes.

Once you are ready to commit, she recommends Altra Timp trail running shoes, Hoka Challengers or Speedgoat, “or the good old classic Nike Wildhorse.” She also recommends either a water bottle you can carry or a hydration pack. She uses a Salomon vest but says Nathan packs are also very popular.

If she’s going to run for more than an hour, she carries an energy gel, and often brings one as backup. “If you’re going on an unfamiliar trail or something hilly, it could take you longer than planned, which is why it’s nice to have water and gels just in case,” she says. Good options include the local company Muir Energy, or Clif shot blocks.

And good wool hiking or running socks are also important for trail running. Her pick is Smartwool Zero Cushion Mid Crew, and she recommends never wearing low socks. “Crew height all the way, otherwise dirt gets inside your socks,” she says.

Beyond hydration and footwear, most of the running gear is the same as what you’d need to run in urban environments, Daly says. “A watch or a smartphone with the Strava app can be helpful to monitor your distance and time,” he says. “Many watches also have a track back feature that will help you retrace your steps back to your start point which can be a helpful feature if you’re exploring unfamiliar trails.”

Trail Running Etiquette

Friendliest Bike Shop

MJ’s Cyclery

The bike shop sits on a popular commute route and is staffed by affable mechanics who have worked the Tour de France. Hardcore bicycle people don’t have the friendliest rep, but MJ’s is different. They’ve got the skill set to equip racers, but they don’t treat commuters or parents buying bikes like tourists in their world.

Way to Become the Pickleball

PB Tennis Club

One minute you’re casually playing a game of pickleball, the next thing you know, you’ve helped design Gearbox’s newest paddle. The brand is based in San Diego and PBTC is their local court, where they play with locals to gain insights on how to improve their rackets. This sounds like free lessons to us.

Boujee Boat Picnic

Picnic Voyage

When a relative was giving away their boat, local architect Vilchis saw an opportunity to design a 10/10 Instagrammable experience. Now you can class up your day date by recreating The Notebook—a pristinely refurbished tiny boat with padded seats, plant garlands, snacks and drinks, and even parasols. Ryan Gosling not included.

Beach Volleyball Where Everyone Knows Your Name

South Mission

Each weekend on the courts of South Mission Beach, the sand is taken over by 2v2 players—many of which are ESL speakers from various countries. They’ve made this plot of sand their sacred community, where the universal language is bump, set, and spike.

Running Shop That Doubles as Bumble BFF

Milestone Run Club

On any given Wednesday on Hamilton Ave., 100 to 200 runners gather to run the streets of North Park. It’s put on by Milestone Running, a shop created by locals Greg Lemon and Chad Crawford. Go a few times and you’re pretty much guaranteed at least ten new friends—might even get “Smirnoff Iced” during the post-run raffle. You win some, you lose some.

Reward-Based Running

Waterfront Social Run Club

Even avid runners can lose motivation. This year, Waterfront introduced a new tradition: beer stops. The three- mile loop starts at Eppig Brewing in Point Loma, then heads to Fathom Bistro for a beer before completing the next 1.5 miles. Finish up with a post-run brew at Eppig, obviously.

Sailing Lessons by Jack Sparrow Himself

Harbor Sailboats

San Diego’s maritime history runs deep. America’s Cups have a permanent home here. Harbor Sailboats—seven-time winner of the “ASA School of the Year”—offers sailing courses taught by longtime sea dogs. You know, the type of no- nonsense skippers who know how the wind will change by the way the breeze hits their beard hair.

Hikes in Real Nature

Palomar Mountain

If you want sky-high firs, oak forests that shade your path, and mountain peaks that overlook actual foliage (read: no palm tree in sight), head to Palomar Mountain State Park. And, since the inaugural California State Parks Week took place this year, there’s no better time to dust off your hiking boots on one of the six hiking trails (five for running).

An Apparently Easy Climb That’s a Lie

Mission Gorge

A mellow 5.7 climb on paper, The Tower at Mission Gorge will have you clipping the first few bolts like you’ve been dirtbagging in Yosemite all your life. You’ll have to dig deep into your courage reserves to tackle the crux, but you’ll be walking down that mountain with your head held high when the sun starts to set.

Floor Exercise

Mission Bay Basketball Court

Hoops here have always had a magical effect—a full regulation court, smack dab on the beach. The ball smells like sunscreen. No fence; out of bounds is in the sand. And it just got an artful resurfacing in honor of local basketball legend, Bill Walton—who’s been a member of the South Mission Beach Sports Park & Rec for 25 years.

Best Surf Shop Nowhere Near Water

Happy Battle Surf Co.

Yep, in City Heights. Specializing in boards from local shapers, owner Mark Polintan (who grew up on a pineapple farm in the Philippines) has created an infectious gathering place for surfers to support their peers. Like chasing tubes in exotic locations, you never know what or who you’ll find here, but you’re guaranteed to leave stoked.

Best Way to Justify Surfing All Day to Your Family

100 Wave Challenge

Surfers are selfish. No matter how many waves we catch, we always want more. And while there’s no shot we’ll ever change, we can at least direct that impulse toward a good cause. At the annual 100 Wave Challenge, participants commit to riding 100 waves in one day to raise funds for the local nonprofit Boys to Men Mentoring.

See full list of contributors here

• 2014 Coronado Independence Day 5K/15K Run
  July 4 Tidelands Park, Coronado
  kathyloperevents.com/cor15K

• West Coast Road Runners 2014 Fall Training Half Marathon/Marathon/Walk
  July 5
  Mission Bay, Carlsbad, or Rancho Bernardo
  wcroadrunners.com

• One Heart One Love 5K
  July 12
  Morley Field, Balboa Park
  oneheartonelove5k.com

•  

• Neon Dash San Diego 5K
  July 12
  Qualcomm Stadium
  neondash.com

• Stonewall Peak 50K & Half Marathon
  July 12
  Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
  cuyamaca3peaks.com

• Carlsbad Triathlon
  July 13
  Tamarack State Beach
  carlsbadtriathlon.com

•  

• Costume Party Half Marathon/5K/10K
  July 13
  Qualcomm Stadium
  costumepartyrun.com

• Widow Dash 5K
  July 13
  Tidelands Park, Coronado
  campwidow.org/5k-runwalk

• 2014 San Diego Pride 5K Run/Walk
  July 19
  University Avenue, Hillcrest
  sdpride.org

•  

• 7th Annual 5K Lupus Awareness Walk
  July 20
  Shelter Island
  lupussocal.org

• 2014 Coronado Independence Day 5K/15K Run
  July 4 Tidelands Park, Coronado
  kathyloperevents.com/cor15K

• West Coast Road Runners 2014 Fall Training Half Marathon/Marathon/Walk
  July 5
  Mission Bay, Carlsbad, or Rancho Bernardo
  wcroadrunners.com

• One Heart One Love 5K
  July 12
  Morley Field, Balboa Park
  oneheartonelove5k.com

•  

• Neon Dash San Diego 5K
  July 12
  Qualcomm Stadium
  neondash.com

• Stonewall Peak 50K & Half Marathon
  July 12
  Cuyamaca Rancho State Park
  cuyamaca3peaks.com

• Carlsbad Triathlon
  July 13
  Tamarack State Beach
  carlsbadtriathlon.com

•  

• Costume Party Half Marathon/5K/10K
  July 13
  Qualcomm Stadium
  costumepartyrun.com

• Widow Dash 5K
  July 13
  Tidelands Park, Coronado
  campwidow.org/5k-runwalk

• 2014 San Diego Pride 5K Run/Walk
  July 19
  University Avenue, Hillcrest
  sdpride.org

•  

• 7th Annual 5K Lupus Awareness Walk
  July 20
  Shelter Island
  lupussocal.org