It’s no secret that America’s Finest City has some of the best weather in the world. With a mean temperature of 70 degrees year round, it is an ideal climate for running. Due to this fact, and 300 plus days of annual sunshine there is a literally a road race or two on each and every weekend. All events have their claim to fame, yet like all things some are superior to others.
Following are arguably five of the best races that are held each and every year. To accommodate the reader, I have chosen one event from each of the normal distances run. For example, we have picks for a 5K, a 10K, a ½ marathon, a full marathon and a mud run.
- 1. America’s Finest City Half Marathon – If you have to choose to run only one race in San Diego this is it. Actually, if you have to choose to run only one race anywhere, this is it! Starting at Cabrillo National Park on the tip of Point Loma, runners are treated to a sunrise over the city skyline while waiting for the race to begin. High above the Pacific Ocean, the sandy beaches of Coronado and the Silver Strand roll out below. Once the starting pistol is fired, racers begin the run taking them past a virtual site seeing tour of San Diego. Locations include, but are not limited to Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, U.S. Navy Sub Base, America’s Cup Harbor, The Star of India , and ending in historic Balboa Park . Post race activities include bands, lots of freebees, and vendors galore.
- 2. Carlsbad 5000 – Billed as the fasted 5 k in the world, this race does not disappoint. Each year the race officials work hard to increase prize money and strive to bring in the top 5000 meter runners in the world. Past results have rewarded the event with World Record performances. The event actually offers a number of races. Elite men and women race separately as do the Master’s runners. The course is fast, gently rolling, and beautiful with the bulk of the race being run on an out and back along the ocean. If you are looking for a PR, then this is the race for you.
- 3. Pendleton Mud Runs – Who knew the impact the ingural race would have on the world of running. What began as a fun event to showcase the fitness level of Marines, has grown into the latest craze of mud runs and extreme races. Even this event is too big and has extended to two days, but you had better sign up when the registration opens, as the event sells out every year. The 10k course takes you in a loop of Camp Pendleton’s back country. Along the way you are met with a myriad of obsitcales including walls to be climbed, and water holes to be trudged through. A signature mud pit that forces the participants to crawl through it is just yards from the finish line.
- 4. Rock n Roll Marathon – San Diego needed a signature event and the Rock N Roll organization stepped up. Taking full advantage of the City’s climate and terrain, the course showcases San Diego. Like all of the Rock N Roll events, bands are placed at each mile, adding to the festive nature of the competition.
- 5. Scripps Ranch Old Pros 4th of July 10K – Not so much a race as it is an event. For 35 years, the Old Pro’s of Scripps Ranch have been putting on a 4th of July morning run. Another fast course, the route takes you around Lake Miramar before concluding in a downhill sprint back where you began. A great precursor for the day ahead, hotdogs and hamburgers are available post race, if you can’t wait until the afternoon to get your grill on.
All of the above races are great events. If you are unable to run any of them, remember to sign up for a different event . Remember, we all need something to work for and to keep our workouts motivated. So get out, run, and always keep if fun!
