FAQ – San Diego Half Marathon

How do I know what my wave number & what my exact start time will be?

Your actual start time is based on your race and wave number assignment, which will be listed on your race bib. Waves are staggered approximately 2 mins apart, with Wave 1 beginning at ~7:00am, and are determined by your estimated finish time.

Our most recent wave assignments according to estimated finish times are:

Wave 1 – 1:45 or less (8:00 min/mi or less)
Wave 2 – 1:45-1:50 (8:00 min/mi – 8:30 min/mi)
Wave 3 – 1:50-2:00 (8:30 min/mi – 9:15 min/mi)
Wave 4 – 2:00 (9:15 min/mi)
Wave 5 – 2:00-2:10 (9:15 min/mi – 10:00 min/mi)
Wave 6 – 2:10-2:15  (10:00 min/mi – 10:20 min/mi)
Wave 7 – 2:15-2:30  (10:20 min/mi – 11:30 min/mi)
Wave 8 – 2:30  (11:30 min/mi)
Wave 9 – 2:30-2:35  (11:30 min/mi – 11:45 min/mi)
Wave 10 – 2:35 or more  (11:45 min/mi or more)

Are there aid stations along the route?

Yes, aid stations are strategically positioned all along the half marathon, relay and 5K routes, approximately every 2 miles. To learn more, visit: half marathon, relay, or 5K page

Do you have pacers or a pace team?

Yes! If you have a finish time goal you want to meet, our friends at West Coast Road Runners will be leading pace groups for the following finish times:

Our Pace Team supports goal finish times of: 1:25, 1:30, 1:35, 1:40, 1:45, 1:50, 1:55, 2:00, 2:10, 2:20, 2:30, 2:45, 3:00

To meet your pacer, visit the West Coast Road Runner Booth at the Expo or look for the Road Runner pace signs in your wave at the start line!

For your convenience, use our downloadable pace table to help estimate your finish time when you register. In order to group together similarly-paced runners, base your estimate on your most recent training run or race results.

Where can I get coffee on the morning of the race?

For your convenience, The Rush Coffee Truck will be located on Park Blvd adjacent to Petco Park. Here are some other options that are nearby.

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Are strollers or wheelchairs allowed on the course?

Unauthorized bicycles, motorized vehicles, wheelchairs and strollers not permitted on the course due to safety concerns.

What is your cancellation policy? What if I can’t make the race? Do you allow transfers?

Registrations are non-refundable and non-transferable, unless you are active duty military and have received new orders. Please email your request with a copy of your orders to: info@sdhalfmarathon.com.

What is the route for the half marathon, relay, 5k?

For details about the race route, please visit Half Marathon, Relay, 5K.

Am I allowed to bring my own water bottle?

Yes, and we encourage this eco-friendly option. Each aid station will include fresh water to refill your bottle, as necessary.

Where do I park for the Expo?

Expo driving directions and parking information can be found in the How To Get To The Expo section of our Final Instructions.

Where can I find past race results?

Please see Results.

Are iPODs, iPhones and other personal listening devices permitted?

Yes, we are an mp3-player friendly race. However, for your safety, please adjust your volume so that you are aware of your surroundings at all times.

Where do I park for the race?

Race weekend parking & driving directions can be found in the Race Day Parking section of Final Instructions.

What is the best way to get updates on the event?

There are several ways to keep updated: 1 – Like us on Facebook; 2 – Sign up to receive our newsletter; and/or 3 – follow us on Twitter. All past & present registrants will automatically receive updates via email from: info@sdhalfmarathon.com.

Will the race, expo or post event be canceled in the event of rain? What is the average temperature?

We anticipate beautiful weather this time of year in San Diego, but it’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast a few days before the race so you can prepare & dress appropriately. The expo, race and post-event will be held whether there is sun, rain or anything in between. In March, the average temperature is 66º F (19ºC).

When is the race? What time does the race start?

RACE DAY is Sunday, March 10, 2019

The 5K starts at 6:55am. The Half Marathon and Relay starts at approx. 7:30am*. All races begin on Harbor Drive at 5th Ave in downtown San Diego and finish inside Petco Park.

*All times are approximate. Daylight savings starts at 2:00am PST on Sunday, March 10, 2019. Race weekend parking & driving directions will be included in the final instructions and emailed to all participants the week before the race.

What is the capacity of the number of runners that can participate?

The half marathon, relay and 5K is limited to 8,000 runners.

Does the race have gear check?

Yes, the half marathon, relay, and 5K have an official gear check bag adjacent to the start line. For details, please refer to the Course Section of the Final Instructions.

How can I promote my business, product or service at the Expo? How do I apply to be an exhibitor at the Expo?

For more information about our Expo, including a downloadable Exhibitor Application, please see Expo.

Can I track runners along the course?

Yes! We have FREE live tracking available for all runners. Please visit our Spectator Guide to learn more to download our app.

I am active duty in the military and just got orders to be transferred out of San Diego. Can I transfer my registration to someone else?

Transfers are not allowed for any registration, however, active military who received orders may choose to either defer their entry to the following year’s race or receive a refund. Email your request with a copy of your orders to: info@sdhalfmarathon.com