It’s about time that Pacific Beach scored its very own half marathon, don’t you think? With themed 5K runs of all kinds offered for years, and some of San Diego’s most scenic running views, Pacific Beach is proud to welcome the Pacific Beach Half Marathon & 5K to the neighborhood in October 2022. What locals have known for years as the Pacific Beachfest 5K is expanding into the Pacific Beach Half Marathon & 5K – offering runners a new distance to conquer.
Our team has produced the renowned San Diego Santa Run, Leprechaun Run and Pacific Beachfest 5K runs in Pacific Beach for the past 9 years. So you know you are in good hands, and feet, as we expand this iconic event to include a 13.1 mile distance!
Where is the Pacific Beach Half Marathon course?
The point-to-point half marathon begins with a waterfront start line, kicking off the race at De Anza Cove.
Destination: oceanfront Pacific Beach.
With 12 miles of the course along the water around Mission Bay, runners will enjoy water views for 95% of the race. Sounds pretty on-brand. Runners will pass Pacific Beach’s most notable sights as they loop around the bay from the cove, throughout Mission Bay over to Mission Beach, and cross the finish line on the sand in Pacific Beach.
The flat course is at sea-level elevation, inviting runners from all over to come soak up San Diego’s sights.
Sights to See: Hit Multiple of Best San Diego Running Path
Pacific Beach is sure to offer plenty of interesting things to note. If you’re familiar with the beach town’s colorful personality, you know what we mean. As for scenic views, the Pacific Beach Half Marathon is proud to offer plenty.
Starting off, runners will head south from De Anza Cove hugging the shoreline by Tecolote Shores, a favorite Mission Bay running trail for locals. As they hit the road at SeaWorld Drive, half marathoners can look right for front row views of SeaWorld San Diego. Continuing on, bridge views in San Diego never disappoint – and the West Mission Bay Drive bridge offers some of the best looking both north and south. Runners will head south into Mission Beach, where they’ll catch glimpses of the infamous South Mission Beach volleyball courts. This begins the start of the breezy homestretch along the Pacific Beach Boardwalk.
Nothing like a flat finish to knock out that last 5K portion. Mission Beach’s notable Belmont Park gives runners a rush of adrenaline, fueled by childhood excitement as cotton candy wafts through the air and roller coaster screams never disappoint. The beachfront finish line offers half marathoners the chance to wrap up the final 0.2 miles on the sand. Keep in mind this will be on hard-packed sand, and any sand crossing will be eased with rubber mats.
Goodies for Pacific Beach Half Marathon Finishers
Finishers will celebrate with a beachfront post-race party hosted by PB Shore Club, as well as other partners and vendors. Does it get more PB than that? With a complimentary drink in your hand and oceanfront view – this half marathon stays true to what Pacific Beach offers.
Half marathoners can look forward to free photos along the course, a finisher medal, Pacific Beach branded tank top, and another must-have beach goodie. Stay tuned for the reveal of what else finishers will get to rock to rep Pacific Beach!
There you have it – 13.1 miles will be completed on 99% paved pathways and roads, with 1% on sand. Get your running crew ready to conquer the route from De Anza Cove to Pacific Beach sand. The Inaugural Pacific Beach Half Marathon & 10th Annual Pacific Beach 5K take over the beach on October 1st, 2022.
Consider yourselves warned. Join the party now, or wish you did later!
