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:
Courtesy of Carlsbad 5000
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.
Courtesy of Navy Bay Bridge Run
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.
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.
Claire Trageser has been writing for San Diego Magazine for 10 years. She also is a reporter at KPBS and writes for The New York Times, National Geographic, Marie Claire, Elle and Runner's World.
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:
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.
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.”
Claire Trageser has been writing for San Diego Magazine for 10 years. She also is a reporter at KPBS and writes for The New York Times, National Geographic, Marie Claire, Elle and Runner's World.
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.
Mission Bay Basketball Court
Madeline Yang
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.
Nicolle Monico is an award-winning writer and the director of creative projects, digital editor for San Diego Magazine with more than 19 years of experience in media including Outside Run, JustLuxe and The San Francisco Chronicle.
Renewable energy companies building hundreds of power plants. Biotech startups using artificial intelligence to create personalized medicine for children with rare diseases. Hospitality companies quietly powering thousands of local events. Consumer brands growing from beach-town startups into national businesses. These are the kinds of companies driving San Diego’s economy today, and the businesses recognized at this year’s San Diego Business Impact Awards offer a snapshot of where the region is headed.
Hosted July 23 by San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and JPMorganChase, the second annual awards event honored four local companies for innovation, growth, and economic impact. More than 100 nominations from San Diego’s middle-market businesses were reviewed by a 10-person judging committee, with winners selected across four categories: startup, early-stage innovator, rising star, and established heavyweight.
Two-time honoree Jimbo Someck, founder of Jimbo’s organic grocery stores, also joined the event for a fireside chat on buying local, supporting emerging brands, and giving back to the community.
“San Diego’s strength comes from its makers and builders—the resilient people who endure great risks and overcome obstacles to build and scale a company,” says Aaron Ryan, San Diego Region Manager and Middle Market Banking at JPMorganChase & Co. “These awards aren’t just recognition; they spotlight the talent, grit, and innovation shaping our region’s future. By celebrating those who create and build, we foster connections and fuel the growth that keeps San Diego thriving.”
Photo Credit: Matt Furman
Building the Infrastructure Behind Clean Energy
Heavyweight honoree SOLV Energy has grown alongside the country’s rapid investment in renewable power. “It’s an exciting time for SOLV Energy as we are experiencing significant growth,” says CEO George Hershman. “The business has doubled over the last year and has almost double-digit growth since its inception.”
The Rancho Bernardo-based company designs, builds, operates, and maintains utility-scale solar and energy storage facilities. Since its founding in 2008, SOLV Energy has built more than 500 power plants.
Growth has translated directly into hiring. About 200 employees work from the company’s local headquarters, including roughly 20 interns. “Our intern program is a big part of the way that we grow our workforce,” Hershman says. “Last year, 43 percent of our interns became full-time employees. We believe San Diego is a great community to build and grow a high-tech infrastructure and technology company because of the incredible workforce—the ability to attract top talent and draw from world-class universities.”
Photo Credit: Matt Furman
Developing Medicine One Patient at a Time
Startup honoree La Jolla Labs is tackling one of medicine’s biggest challenges by developing personalized RNA therapeutics for patients with rare diseases—many of them children with neurological disorders like ALS. Using proprietary artificial intelligence and machine learning tools, the biotech company develops treatments tailored to each patient’s specific genetic mutation.
CEO Tamar Grossman says the recognition reflects how far the company has come despite limited resources. “We’re honored to be recognized for our ability to change and save patients’ lives and turn our lean startup into a clinical company with very minimal resources,” she says.
Grossman credits San Diego’s concentration of research institutions—including UC San Diego, the Salk Institute, and Scripps Research—with creating a pipeline of talent and collaboration. “San Diego is one of the world-leading centers for technology, genomics, and RNA therapeutics,” she says. “We have over 30 RNA therapeutics companies here, and we support each other and help with anything related to drug discovery.”
She says that collaborative spirit extends beyond formal partnerships. “You can walk around Torrey Pines, go into a café, and find colleagues from the industry and have an ad hoc conversation,” Grossman says. “That’s something very unique to San Diego.”
While Snake Oil Venue Company may not be a household name, chances are many San Diegans have attended one of its events. The early-stage innovator honoree has expanded from beverage catering and mixology consulting into venue management, operating Julep Venue in Mission Hills, Bramble Bay Venue in Imperial Beach, Vesper Venue, the Chapel at Liberty Station, and five outdoor venues throughout Liberty Station—more than 500,000 square feet of event space altogether.
“We do a lot of launch parties for corporations and new products,” says CEO Mike Esposito. “I really like working on the entrepreneur side of things, where new businesses are entering the San Diego market and looking to make a splash.”
Snake Oil has executed more than 16,000 events, employed more than 1,000 people, and partnered with more than 900 local vendors, including caterers, florists, photographers, entertainers, and other hospitality businesses. The company also works with many of San Diego’s nonprofits, museums, and cultural institutions. “We get to celebrate people’s most important moments,” Esposito says. “Whether that’s a wedding, celebration of life, or quinceañera, we’re fortunate to be involved in the community in so many different ways.”
Photo Credit: Matt Furman
Growing a Beach-Town Brand into a National Business
Rising star honoree ALOHA Collection is proof that a simple idea can grow into a thriving company. Founded by two roommates who wanted a better way to carry wet swimsuits after a day at the beach, the lifestyle brand has grown into a business while maintaining strong year-over-year growth.
Now headquartered in Carlsbad, ALOHA Collection employs more than 100 people and operates its California flagship store in Encinitas, which is slated for a remodel. With roots in Hawaii, the company is known for its lightweight, splash-proof travel bags that have become a familiar sight on beaches in San Diego and beyond.
“‘Aloha’ is part of our name, but it’s also how we move through the world,” says CEO Lynna Barnard. “It’s how we show up for people, the way we travel, the way we give back.” Since day one, the company has maintained a 5 percent giveback to Hawaii conservation efforts, contributing millions of dollars over the years.
“I think what’s so inspiring about ALOHA Collection, and the founders in particular, is when you dream big, those dreams can come true when you work hard and trust in the universe,” Barnard says. “It’s inspiring to be a role model for other people wanting to start businesses from humble beginnings. Start small and watch it grow.”
Together, businesses like these form a cornerstone of San Diego’s economy—not only through the jobs and revenue they generate—but through the local workers they hire, vendors they support, and investments they make in the region. Their growth doesn’t happen in isolation; it ripples outward, strengthening the broader business community and the people who call San Diego home.
You might want to take up running just to get this deal. Karma Relaxation Spa in Hillcrest has created a Runner Package ($40) consisting of reflexology (30 minutes), upper body massage (30 minutes, clothes on), and stretching (15 minutes). Talk about a reward at the finish line. 3969 First Avenue
It’s estimated that 44% of women in the U.S. have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, but many don’t know it. The disease often has no symptoms, and when symptoms do present, they can appear similar to many other conditions. High blood pressure increases the risk for heart disease and stroke, so it’s critical that it’s detected and treated early. And for women at risk of developing high blood pressure, prevention is key. Click here for the basics of high blood pressure and how Scripps physicians at Scripps use screenings not just as a diagnostic tool, but as part of routine preventive care.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
