Rock 'n' Roll San Diego

Location: San Diego, California
Country: United States
Website: https://www.runrocknroll.com/san-diego
2025 Marathon Date: 31/05/2025
2026 Marathon Date: 31/05/2026
Winning Time 2025: 02:29:41
% Sub-3s: 1–2%
# Sub-3s: 50–99
Total Runners: 3k–10k

The Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon is the flagship event of the Rock 'n' Roll race series and takes place annually in late May. Set against the backdrop of Southern California’s iconic coastline, the Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon offers a lively, music-infused race experience across a varied city course.

The marathon begins in Balboa Park and winds through diverse neighbourhoods including Hillcrest, North Park, and Mission Bay before finishing downtown. The route includes a mix of rolling hills, flat stretches, and long gradual inclines. The course is fully on road and generally well surfaced, though the elevation changes can disrupt pacing if not anticipated.

Weather is a key factor. Late May in San Diego brings warmer conditions than many spring marathons, with temperatures often climbing through the morning. The race starts early to help runners avoid peak heat, but sun exposure and limited shade in the latter stages demand sensible hydration and conservative early pacing.

Crowd support is a defining feature of the Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon. Live bands, cheer squads, and spectators line much of the route, creating a festival atmosphere. Aid stations are plentiful and well-staffed, helping runners manage the demands of a challenging but rewarding course.

For sub-3 runners, the Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon is more of a strategic effort than an all-out PB course. The field includes a relatively small number of serious amateur competitors, and fast pacing partners can be sparse. However, it remains a well-organised and high-energy race for those seeking a race weekend in a sunny, iconic US location.