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Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon
Race Details:
- Location: San Diego, CA, USA
- Race Date: 06/06/2027
- Race Distances: Full Marathon, Half Marathon
What This Race Counts Toward:
Boston: Yes
World Marathon Majors: No
Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon Description
The Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon winds through 14 San Diego neighborhoods, from tree-lined Balboa Park to the lively Gaslamp Quarter. The Boston-qualifying course pairs with live bands performing at nearly every mile, a signature of the Rock ‘n’ Roll series. A half marathon runs the same day, drawing one of the largest fields on the West Coast each June.
Always check the official race website for the most accurate and up-to-date race information and logistics.
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Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon Additional Details:
Twenty-five aid stations dot the course, stocked with water and electrolyte drinks, plus dedicated rest stations offering seating and first aid for anyone who needs a breather. Finisher medals lean into local pride, bold, colorful designs inspired by San Diego’s coastal culture rather than a generic disc. After the finish, runners enter a secured area reserved for participants, where photos, water, and refreshments come before the medal itself, followed by post-race snacks like bananas, Cheez-Its, muesli bars, and fruit gummies. With live bands at nearly every mile, this is one of the most consistently entertained courses in the entire Rock ‘n’ Roll series.
Course Information
Profile: Downhill
Type: Point to Point
Surface: Road/Pavement
Pace Groups: Yes
Time Limit: 7 hours
# of Finishers
Half Marathon: 6,500+
Marathon: 18,000+
Elevation Details
Elevation Gain: 1,198 ft (365 m)
Elevation Loss: 1,438 ft (438 m)
Average Temperature
- Low: 60°F
- High: 75°F
Train Smarter for Race Day
A great race starts long before the starting line. Whether you’re chasing your first finish or hunting a new PR, a structured training plan takes the guesswork out of race prep — building your fitness, your confidence, and your mileage at the right pace for you.
Explore plans for every distance and experience level, from your first 5K to your next ultra.
Things to Do in San Diego, CA, USA
Make the most of race weekend — here’s how to fill the time before and after you cross the finish line.
Arts & Culture
Spanish Village Art Center
Browse working studios of local artisans at the Spanish Village Art Center, just south of the San Diego Zoo — a relaxed, low-impact way to spend a taper day.
Museums & History
Balboa Park Museums
Explore any of Balboa Park’s 17 museums spanning science, history, and culture — an easy, indoor, low-impact stop after race day.
Landmark
Balboa Park
Wander the 1,200-acre Balboa Park, one of North America’s most renowned urban parks with Spanish Colonial Revival architecture — an easy, flat, low-impact stop after race weekend.
Outdoors & Trails
Balboa Park Trails
Hike a portion of Balboa Park’s 65 miles of trails, ranging from a half mile to seven strenuous miles — choose an easy route for tired legs after race day.
Zoos, Aquariums & Gardens
San Diego Zoo
See thousands of animals across hundreds of species at the world-famous San Diego Zoo inside Balboa Park — a flat, self-paced walk that’s gentle on recovering legs.
Scenic Drives & Viewpoints
Japanese Friendship Garden
Wander the Japanese Friendship Garden’s tea pavilion and koi ponds inside Balboa Park — a relaxed, flat way to spend a rest day.
Hotels & Lodging Near the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Marathon
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Boston Qualifier: Yes