FAQ – San Diego Half Marathon

Is there a time limit? / Do you allow walkers?

Yes, the half marathon has a time limit of 3 hours 30 minutes (approximately a 16 minute per mile pace). If you’re not on pace to finish within the time limit at the halfway point, you may need to be picked up by our shuttles, or turn around. The 5K has a time limit of 1 hour (approximately a 19 minute per mile pace) due to the half marathon coming up from behind and, if not on pace, you may be asked to finish as a pedestrian. You will receive a finisher’s medal regardless of your finish time.

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.

Who will receive medals and how will winners will receive awards?

Each San Diego Half Marathon, Relay, 5K & Kids Race finisher will receive a medal after completing their race, regardless of finish time.

The following 258 winners will receive a special award:

Top 3 Overall, Male & Female Winners, for a total of 12 half marathon & 5k overall winners.
Top 3 Masters (age 40 & above) Overall, Male & Female Winners, for a total of 12 half marathon & 5k masters winners.
Age Group Winners – Top 3 Male & Female Winners in the following age groups: 13& under, 14-18, 19-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+, for a total of 180 half marathon and 5K age group winners.
Top 3 Co-ed Team of 10 (Half Marathon only). A minimum of 2 of each gender must finish in the top 10, for a total of 10 winners. Team Prize Money will also be awarded to team captains.

Relay Awards include:

Top 3 Overall Teams, for a total of 6 winners

Kids Awards include:

Top M/F in each age: 4&under, 5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12 – for a total of 18 winners

*Please note that all age group awards will be based on net chip time and all overall awards will be based on gun time. After official results have been verified, a congratulatory text will be sent to all winners.

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, and kids race?

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

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.