San Diego Marathon

San Diego Marathon course route

The San Diego Marathon is a coastal city loop starting and finishing in Balboa Park, passing Mission Bay, SeaWorld, and La Jolla with Pacific Ocean views throughout. The bayfront and coastal flats are the easiest because the terrain stays mostly level, while the short rises around La Jolla and the more exposed coastal roads are tougher when the breeze builds. Spectator support is strongest in Balboa Park, around Mission Bay, and along the La Jolla finish approach.

San Diego Marathon elevation profile

The San Diego Marathon course is mostly flat with gentle undulations over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). Runners cover 247 metres of climbing and 318 metres of descent, with a net descent of 71 metres from start to finish.

Entry requirements

The San Diego Marathon (Rock 'n' Roll Running Series) uses open registration at runrocknroll.com with no ballot or qualifying standard. Entries for the June race remain available through tiered pricing periods. Charity bibs are offered through official series partners for runners seeking a fundraising route.

San Diego Marathon course video

Race-day footage from the course to help you picture the route, crowds, and key landmarks on marathon day.

2017 Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon & 1/2 Marathon Course Spotlight

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the San Diego Marathon elevation profile?

The San Diego Marathon has 247 metres of total climbing and 318 metres of descent over 42.195 km (26.2 miles). The course is mostly flat with gentle undulations, with 71 metres of net descent from start to finish.

How long is the San Diego Marathon?

The San Diego Marathon is the standard marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres (26.2 miles), certified to World Athletics rules. Coastal course starting and finishing in Balboa Park.

Is the San Diego Marathon flat?

Yes. The San Diego Marathon is mostly flat with gentle undulations with 247 metres of total climbing over 42.195 km (26.2 miles) — a profile that suits runners chasing personal bests or Boston qualifying times.

What time does the San Diego Marathon start?

The 2027 San Diego Marathon starts at 6:00 am local time on Sunday, 6 June 2027. Arrive early for baggage drop and corral access — official race communications on www.runrocknroll.com/events/san-diego confirm any last-minute schedule changes.

Does the San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Marathon pass through Balboa Park?

Yes. Balboa Park — San Diego's celebrated 1,200-acre cultural park — features prominently on the course, with runners enjoying tree-lined paths past the Park's Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and world-famous zoo entrance.

Is the San Diego Marathon a coastal course?

Yes. The course takes runners through coastal neighbourhoods including Mission Bay and the waterfront, with ocean views and sea breezes that make it one of the most scenically rewarding marathon routes in the US.

What is the weather like at the San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in June?

June in San Diego brings the famous 'June Gloom' — a marine layer that keeps temperatures cool, typically 14–20 °C, with overcast skies in the morning that often burn off by mid-race. These conditions are generally excellent for running and far cooler than inland California cities in summer.

Is the San Diego Rock 'n' Roll Marathon one of the original Rock 'n' Roll events?

Yes. San Diego hosted the very first Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in 1998, making it the founding event of what became the largest running series in the world. Its legacy of live bands at every mile and a big finish-line concert helped define the Rock 'n' Roll brand.

Is the San Diego Marathon a good course for a personal best?

The course has around 247 metres of climbing but a net drop of about 71 metres, and the cool coastal June temperatures make it a solid option for many runners. The second half is generally faster, and the coastal scenery helps distract from the effort.