Run through sun-drenched beaches, stirring your senses. San Diego, a 42.195km journey of music and challenge
The San Diego Marathon attracts runners from all over the world as a unique urban marathon that combines music and running. Held annually in early June, it’s a spectacular 42.195km journey starting from the vibrant Balboa Park, traversing historic downtown, scenic Mission Bay, and the diverse neighborhoods of San Diego.
The course includes challenging ups and downs, especially hills from the middle to the end, but the live bands lining the course and the enthusiastic cheers of the spectators powerfully push the runners forward.
An unforgettable feeling and sense of accomplishment awaits, as if the entire city is cheering you on to the rhythm of the music.
San Diego Marathon: A 42.195km journey woven with music and challenge
The San Diego Marathon is not just a race. It is an unforgettable adventure through the diverse charms of San Diego, accompanied by music. Push your limits and write your story with runners from all over the world in this city with its warm climate and beautiful scenery.
Course Overview
Starting Point
The emotional journey begins at the historic Balboa Park (near Sixth Ave & Quince St). Runners lining up at the starting line early in the morning are treated to vast green spaces and beautiful architecture of San Diego, starting in refreshing air. The initial section features gentle ups and downs, which are important for setting your pace.
Sights along the way
The San Diego Marathon course captivates runners with music and diverse scenery.
・Early to Mid-Course (up to approx. 13 miles)：Starting from the Balboa Park area, runners race through the streets of historic downtown. This section is relatively flat, with live bands playing along the roadside and enthusiastic cheers from spectators motivating the runners. There are some gentle ups and downs in the early stages, perfect for warming up.
・Mid-Course (approx. 14 miles to 21 miles)：Runners pass through the scenic Mission Bay area. Here, you can enjoy beautiful coastal views, but some sections are trail-like, where crowd support may be less. This can be a mentally tough section, but the beautiful scenery will help alleviate fatigue.
・Late Course (approx. 22 miles to Finish)：The biggest challenge of the race awaits in this section. Especially from around mile 22, a significant uphill climb (sometimes described as “the wall”) tests the runners. This is very challenging, but once you conquer this hill, a downhill stretch towards downtown follows, bringing the finish line closer. This section demands mental fortitude.
Finish point
Finish in the vibrant downtown area (near Ash St & Union St, or Gaslamp Quarter)! The sense of accomplishment of completing 42.195km in the beautiful city of San Diego, along with the music and cheers waiting for you at the finish line, will be the best memories.
Elevation difference and climate
・Elevation difference：The elevation difference of the entire course is approximately 125m to 137m in elevation gain and 190m to 200m in cumulative elevation descent. The highest point is 123m and the lowest point is 4m. In particular, the significant uphill at around mile 22 is the biggest challenge of the course, and it is known as a tough course with many ups and downs overall.
・Weather：San Diego in early June, when the race is held, often has ideal weather for running. The average maximum temperature is 20-23°C (68-73°F), the average temperature is 19°C (66.7°F), and the average minimum temperature is 17°C (62°F). It is usually dry with gentle winds. While it is often sunny during the day, temperatures can drop in the mornings and evenings, so choosing appropriate attire is important.
Participants’ comments
・ “It was a tougher course than I expected! Especially the hill at mile 22 was like a wall.”
・ “The live bands were amazing! The music kept me going until the end.”
・ “The organization was great, but some sections had fewer spectators, which felt a bit lonely.”
・ “The downhill after the finish was the best! I also love the city of San Diego.”
・ “You really need to prepare for this course. You should practice with the ups and downs in mind.”
・ “The weather was ideal for running, not too hot, not too cold.”
・ “It was a challenging course, but the sense of accomplishment after finishing was exceptional.”
・ “It’s a wonderful experience to run while enjoying the beautiful scenery of San Diego.”
Strategy
The key to conquering the San Diego Marathon is to find your rhythm on the gentle undulations around Balboa Park in the early stages, and maintain mental focus during the mid-course at Mission Bay. It’s crucial to prepare for the biggest challenge, the significant uphill around mile 22, and carefully plan your pace for the second half of the race. Let the live bands’ music empower you, and maintain your pace even in sections with less crowd support. The climate is often suitable for running, so manage your physical condition well and aim for a personal best.
The San Diego Marathon is a 42.195km journey where music and challenge resonate. Why not run along the beautiful California coastline and experience the greatest thrill and sense of accomplishment of your life?
2025 San Diego Marathon Summary
・Date and time: June 1, 2025 (Sunday)
・Number of finishers: –
・Average time: –
MEN
1:Devin Desouza:2:29:41
2:J. P Arredondo Ambriz:2:31:32
3:Zachery Eustance:2:35:42
4:Ayden Buchanan:2:36:57
5:Patrick Hearn:2:38:37
6:Tesfaye Wosene:2:41:37
7:Robert Field:2:42:45
8:Joseph Harmon:2:43:58
9:Chad Bell:2:44:03
10:Carlos Baeza:2:44:43
WOMEN
1:Shelby Meek:2:58:50
2:Libby Bowling:3:03:02
3:S. G Perez Pena:3:03:47
4:Samantha Marin:3:05:01
5:Allison Bautista Baez:3:07:19
6:V Herrera Aragon:3:07:39
7:Tara Kaur:3:09:28
8:Anjali Lauwers:3:10:13
9:Maelin Chandler:3:11:22
10:McKayla Leggett:3:12:02
2026 San Diego Marathon
San Diego Marathon details not announced
San Diego: A sun-drenched city, a harmony of relaxation and adventure
San Diego is truly “America’s Finest City,” blessed with a warm climate year-round and beautiful coastlines. The gentle waves of the Pacific, sprawling white sandy beaches, and endless blue skies instantly capture the hearts of visitors, and its liberating and vibrant atmosphere is unforgettable once you step foot in the city. The lively nights of the Gaslamp Quarter downtown, the exquisite cuisine of Little Italy, and the vast Balboa Park offering an oasis of culture and nature. Each tells its own story and captivates visitors.
From the beautiful coastline of La Jolla to the elegant beaches of Coronado Island, and the historic atmosphere of Old Town, San Diego is a city brimming with diverse attractions. Fresh seafood abounds, and craft breweries are always innovating with cutting-edge flavors. Whether you’re interacting with marine life at SeaWorld or meeting animals from around the world at the San Diego Zoo, there is endless discovery and excitement to be had.
This city, where historical buildings and modern architecture coexist and new attractions can always be discovered, reveals a new face with every visit. Filled with creative energy and infinite possibilities, San Diego is a place where anyone can find “their own story of relaxation and adventure.” Once you visit, you will be captivated by its charm and will want to return again and again. It is such a special city.
