The San Diego Marathon is the original Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon that started 13 years ago. One of the early summer must-sees in the world of road racing has become a traditional event held on one of the most beautiful of California cities, San Diego.
In fact, the San Diego Marathon added a 13.1-mile half-marathon in 2010 due to popular appeal. The setting is picturesque; the running temperatures prove to be ideal.
The running route is dotted with more than 40 stages hosting live music while more than 2,000 spectators turn cheerleader shouting out words of encouragement to passing runners.
Race History
The San Diego Marathon is part of the Rock & Roll tour of marathon races that also include Arizona, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Nashville, New Orleans, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Jose, Seattle and Virginia Beach.
The event features a live band playing every mile along the 26.2-mile course with a giant after-race concert that brings down the house featuring a tip act.
Such A-list entertainers that have appeared at the San Diego post race block party include Huey Lewis and the News, Pat Benatar, Smash Mouth, Sugar Ray, Hootie & the Blowfish, Chris Isaak, Pinback, Ozomatli, Seal and Chicago.
The Marathon always attracts top runners and top performers making it a blockbuster weekend of great entertainment.
Race Course
This is one of the oldest of the Rock & Roll marathon races and the San Diego version brings runners past some of the most beautiful spots the city offers.
The race begins at Balboa Park where several of San Diego’s better-known attractions are found including the world-renowned zoo and the natural history museum.
The course follows a winding path through city streets and then along the ocean front highway where runners grab glimpses of Pacific Ocean waves wafting onto the shoreline.
The starting line is actually at the edge of Balboa Park – the corner of 6th Avenue and Palm Street. The course starts out through city neighborhoods bordering the park until it leads to Highway 163.
The latter part of the race winds through the Mission Hills and Linda Vista areas of San Diego. Runners head up Cabrillo Freeway (Hwy 163) where they encounter a formidable hill that once conquered leads to an overall downhill race and then along a flat terrain finish at Sea World next to Mission Bay.
The course provides two cut-off points in the event time restraints for running are not met.
Any runner not reaching the four-mile mark by 8:20 is redirected to the half-marathon course, completing the 13.1-mile run. Runners not reaching the 20.7-mile mark by 1:15 p.m. are redirected to a 4.7-mile track around Fiesta Island where they will meet the finish line completing 21.5 miles.
Race Preparation
Are you living in or near San Diego? Join the San Diego Track Club (SDTC) and participate in the Rockin’ ’n’ Runnin’ Full or Half Marathon Training Program. A lot of first time marathoners join this program. Don’t worry if you are a veteran marathon runner, runners come from all levels of experience.
This San Diego marathon training program starts in early January. In order to participate you should be 18 years or older and be running at least three 20 minutes sessions each week, preferably a bit more.
Are you still searching for a marathon training plan that fits your needs? My 100 Day Marathon Plan review tells you all about Marius Bakken’s revolutionary method to train for a marathon. Make sure to read it!
How To Register
Registration for the San Diego Marathon can be accomplished online until May 29, 2011 or until the race closes out. Go to the official San Diego Marathon website to register online.
There will be no race-day registration allowed. Registration fees for the marathon run are $160 up to the deadline.
Would-be participants having an Active.com account can access registration forms online or apply for a new login account.
Enjoy your participation in the San Diego Marathon!
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