10 Best San Diego Half Marathons, Marathons & More Guide 2024

Let’s start our top 10 this year with a new entrant to our list, The Kook Run 2026 - 10k - 5k - Kids Dash.

While the next race isn’t until February 2026, I just couldn’t leave these races off my list. The ‘out and back’ races take place right along the Pacific Ocean and will feature amazing views plus surely cool but not cold San Diego winter weather which is perfect for a morning run.

There’s also a costume contest which you’ll see is something that happens at a few of my favorite races in San Diego. Prizes will be awarded for the best ‘Kook’ and there will be group prizes as well. The race takes place around the Super Bowl each year so the costumes could support your favorite team, but all that is required is a bit of creativity.

Why We Love This Race

I like this race for its views along the Coast Highway 101 and date it takes place in February. The weather is always good with sunny skies and cool temperatures. For me, it’s a great way to start a Super Bowl weekend.

Our Hotel Pick

My suggestion for a place to stay is the Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas. This 4-star hotel is a luxury experience close to the course that will be perfect for a bit of pampering after the races.

Are you looking for a run with a focus on culture? Or perhaps a 5K that will make you laugh?

Try the San Diego Leprechaun Run, which is held right around St. Patrick’s Day and combines the thrill of a 5K with the fun of the holiday. Don’t forget to wear green!

In addition to commemorative t-shirts and finisher’s medals, runners will also get a complimentary drink, so you can celebrate St. Patrick’s Day the old-fashioned way after the run.

This is a great family-friendly event too, with a kids 1 mile race which happens right after the 5K.

Why We Love This Race

Like the annual Santa Run held in December, this is another themed event that’s a fun new way to celebrate the holiday. It’s also part of the 3-race PB Run Challenge, so our founder Todd will be taking part!

Our Hotel Pick

With a number of races held in Pacific Beach, I’ll make sure to recommend a different hotel for each race and I think the right choice for the San Diego Leprechaun Run is the Pacific Terrace Hotel.

The hotel is perfectly located not far from the start line and is a great choice for families. It also just so happens to make our list of the 15 Best Beach Hotels in San Diego.

The best place to see San Diego’s historic communities, bustling downtown, and famous waterfront is at Govx. The race begins and ends near the beautiful PETCO Park, one of my favorite spots in the Gaslamp Quarter and the home of the San Diego Padres.

If you can’t make it in person, virtual options are available for both races. There’s also a 10% military discount for active duty service members.

The marathon is limited to 6,000 participants total.

Why We Love This Race

I love this half marathon’s scenic route that crosses through four different communities, including five miles along the waterfront and two miles in Downtown San Diego. During this run you’ll get plenty of time to take in the historic surroundings and really appreciate the area.

Our Hotel Pick

One of my favorite Gaslamp Quarter hotels, the Pendry, is an excellent pick if you’re running in this race.

The hotel’s boutique luxury and California charm deliver big on comfort and relaxation. Their signature focus on simplicity and serenity is the recovery you need after the race.

Famous beaches, beloved attractions, a flat course, and exemplary support highlight this award-winning race. The 10k and 5k races loop around Fiesta Island, while the half marathon goes all the way around the outer edges of the beautiful Mission Bay.

With 3 different distances to choose from, plus a variety of age category awards, the San Diego Beach and Bay Half Marathon is perfect for runners looking for a more relaxed pace. And don’t forget the afterparty: the race concludes with a bayside festival that has live music and an award ceremony.

If you can’t make it to San Diego, a virtual race is also available. I love the variety of races plus the course around Mission Bay is perfect for more of a novice like myself that on race day is as much looking to have a good time as set a new PR. And it’s for that reason that I included it on this year’s list of the overall best things to do in San Diego.

Why We Love This Race

The half marathon course is a truly unique race that winds around and through some of San Diego’s biggest attractions (many of which are on the Go City San Diego pass if you’re looking to plan a few additional activities with the family while you’re in the area!). These include Belmont Park and SeaWorld San Diego, plus plenty of bayside views.

Our Hotel Pick

The start line is right next to the Bahia Resort Hotel, a very nice hotel right on the bayfront. However, I find the newly renovated, family-friendly, 4-star San Diego Mission Bay Resort is the best hotel to stay in while in town for the race.

If you choose this hotel, bring the kids! The resort offers activities for kids plus a variety of additional family amenities.

Some have called the La Jolla Half Marathon the most beautiful race in the US, and it’s hard for me to disagree. It’s a challenging course that delivers dramatic, scenic coastal views as a reward and residential city streets with a sprinkle of natural reserves.

I want to quote a good friend of GoVisitSanDiego, Dan, here: “As far as half marathons go, my favorite is the La Jolla half marathon. I’ll never forget coming around a turn and seeing the gorgeous Torrey Pines Cliffs and the ocean crashing beneath them.”

Why We Love This Race

While the climb up to the summit can be brutal, I promise the views are worthwhile. A shorter 5K features a downhill course that still offers spectacular views.

Our Hotel Pick

A picture-perfect race requires a well-earned rest at a picturesque hotel!

The Grande Colonial Hotel blends La Jolla’s natural beauty with Southern California’s calm and cozy charm in an elegant space that’s perfect for couples, and exactly what you’ll need after a fantastic race!

Not just one of the best races but also one of the best things to do in San Diego, this favorite of both locals and tourists alike brands itself as great for all runners, and they’re spot on!

The race begins in Balboa Park and ends in Downtown San Diego, bringing runners through 8 iconic neighborhoods including Old Town San Diego and Overlook.

Why We Love This Race

This is the original race that started the Rock 'n' Roll Series, which now has marathons all over the world. One thing that makes this race special is its electric energy, with DJs and live musicians lining the course providing entertainment for racers and cheering onlookers alike.

Our Hotel Pick

There are quite a few awesome hotels in the Downtown San Diego area, but for the race weekend, the Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Downtown / Bayside easily stands out among the competition in three major categories: location, comforts, and convenience.

The water views and iconic San Diego aesthetic only add to the charm.

If you’re a dedicated Ultra Runner looking for a true challenge, the summit of San Diego marathons and longer distance runs is the 100-Mile Endurance Race. Participants need to finish a 50 mile run as a prerequisite before they can even enter this race.

The 2025 course follows the new route introduced in 2024 which covers 5 major areas, including the Mt. Laguna Recreational Area and Lake Cuyamaca. As a result, we recommend carrying a printed copy of the map and course directions.

Please note, the race is open for the first 300 entrants on a first come, first served basis. Further entrants will be placed on a waitlist.

Why We Love This Race

Ultra Marathons are strictly for the hard-core runners out there! While it’s not something I’ve personally attempted, completing this marathon is a major accomplishment that only a few can say they’ve done.

Plus, I love that the ultra long course highlights some of San Diego’s most beautiful nature scapes.

Our Hotel Pick

The 100 mile course is a test of your endurance, but the rest of your trip doesn’t have to be. Give yourself a leg up by staying at Orchard Hill Country Inn, a boutique hotel bursting with the rustic charm of Julian, California.

America’s Finest City scenic half marathon is a great way for tourists and locals alike to appreciate some of the best of what San Diego has to offer. It offers views of Cabrillo National Monument, the Pacific Ocean, Balboa Park, and the remarkable San Diego Bay.

With a course that runs through one of the nation’s oldest military outposts and the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, we love how it highlights the city’s history and natural scenery, and you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the sun!

Why We Love This Race

If you’re looking to see some of San Diego’s most well-known landmarks, this half marathon route is a great way to do so. I especially love the bayside views along the Embarcadero, and you’ll even pass by the famous Star of India ship.

Our Hotel Pick

The Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina complements the race’s waterfront views. This central harbor location is minutes away from all the action San Diego affords and it’s another hotel that’s great for couples!

Few runs let you experience San Diego’s idyllic beaches like the Pacific Beach Half Marathon and 5K, which makes it truly special in our book.

The 5K takes place right along the coast, with half the trail on the sand and half on the boardwalk. The half marathon begins at Crown Point Park in Mission Bay and continues all the way to a finish line at PB’s shores.

Want to push yourself? Warm up with the 5K on the 4th and return for the half marathon on the 5th with the Surfside Double Shot Challenge.

Why We Love This Race

As another marathon that’s part of the PB Run Challenge, this is a blast. It’s right next door for Todd, and it does an excellent job of showing off so much of what he loves about Pacific Beach.

Our Hotel Pick

If you’re looking for a cooldown or some relaxation before the run, we suggest a stay at the Dana. It’s closer to the half marathon start point in Mission Bay, and it’s a hotel we love for its bayside location, relaxed feel, and multiple pools.

The 4-star Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa in Mission Beach would be another great choice as it’s family-friendly and waterfront with incredible views.

The San Diego Santa Run is among the most well-loved holiday traditions in Southern California. It was voted as one of the ‘10 Best Fun Runs’ by USA Today two years in a row, nominated again this year, and there’s no question why: there’s nothing as charming as seeing hundreds of Santa Clauses taking the streets.

The event also features a Speedy Santa Mile run, Santa’s Elves Mile for kids 12 & under, and the Santa’s Little Helper Mile Dog Run.

All 5K runners receive a Sunny Santa Suit plus all participants 21+ will get a free drink ticket. This unique race is certainly one of my favorite ways to jumpstart the holiday season in San Diego.

Why We Love This Race

The Santa Run isn’t just a race; it’s also the prelude to the annual Pacific Beach holiday parade. Our site’s founder Todd is a PB resident, so this is a tradition very close to home for him - plus he’ll be taking part this year, as it’s one of the PB Run Challenge races!

Our Hotel Pick

I think the best place to stay and flash some of that Santa themed bling is Tower23. The distinctive style, luxurious rooms, and beachfront property offer relaxation like no one else which is exactly what you’ll need after a fun race, parade, party and so much more!