Runners will crowd San Diego streets Sunday for the latest edition of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon.
It’s a competitive race, but also a huge personal accomplishment to make it and finish. And spectators are part of the action too, as they show up for friends and family, urging them on or joining in the music and gaiety as runners cross the line and check their times.
Streets and highways around Balboa Park, along the San Diego River and back downtown, will be blocked for the race. Here’s what you need to know about the temporary closures and detours and where to go to be part of the fun:
Marathon weather
May Gray in full effect. The forecast is for clouds and mild temperatures in the 60s at the start of the race, rising to a high of 74 Sunday.
Expo – two days early
The two-day Health & Fitness Expo opens at noon Friday and 9 a.m. Saturday and it’s not just for runners to pick up their packets. Free and open to the public, it features the latest running gear, health & nutrition information, and interactive displays.
5K – A day early
First up, there’s the 5K at Balboa Park, starting at 7 a.m. Saturday at Inspiration Point, off President’s Way and Park Boulevard, heading north to Laurel Street to cut west over the Cabrillo Bridge through the park. Runners and walkers then go south and turn on Sixth Avenue before reaching the finish line on Balboa Drive. The 5K has a one-hour time limit.
Marathon and half-marathon
On Sunday, runners in both the full and half marathons start at 6:15 a.m. from the same spot – Sixth and Quince Street on the west side of Balboa Park. Spectators may line the route, but detours continue from early morning until mid-afternoon, so make alternate arrangements to reach favorite spots to watch.
Race routes extend from the park through Hillcrest, north and east to University Heights and Normal Heights and south through East San Diego. Then the routes shift.
Those running the half-marathon break away, heading from North Park south along Pershing Drive to the big finish on Union Street.
The full marathon heads toward the water. Runners double back through North Park, on to University Avenue and quite aways west, approaching SeaWorld San Diego. They then turn back through Linda Vista and Mission Valley before jumping on state Route 163 to make their way to the finish line on Union downtown.
Marathon runners have seven hours to complete the course; those in the half-marathon have four.
Closures
Many road closures and detours will be in effect from 5:30 a.m to 3:30 p.m., and some for shorter periods. Police and volunteers will be present along the whole route and will remove barriers when the final runner has passed through.
A few of the major affected streets and highways include including parts of SR-163 and Interstate 5, University, El Cajon Boulevard, 30th Street, Park Boulevard, Pershing, Sea World Drive, Morena Boulevard, Friars Road and North Harbor Drive.
In addition, Sixth, Balboa Drive and other streets near Balboa Park will close earlier, at 2 a.m., but re-open by 10 a.m. Some Interstate 8, 15 and 805 off-ramps are affected as well.
Watch for temporary no-parking zones too, including Fifth and Sixth avenues, 35th Street, Texas Street, Friars, Kettner Boulevard, India Street and Pacific Highway.
Transit options/detours
The Metropolitan Transit System has recommended routes for the marathon and the various related events. Trains start running at 4:30 a.m. Sunday, including the Green, Blue, Orange and Copper trolley lines. The County Center/Little Italy stop is within a few blocks of the finish near Waterfront Park. See the MTS site as well for bus routes that are have detours due to the race.
Entertainment
Twenty performers will take their places along the route to entertain runners and spectators alike. They include bands, DJs, impersonators and drummers. Following the marathon, enjoy Paging the 90s, billed as the encore entertainment, followed by the race after-party, on the bayfront at Carnitas Snack Shack, with vendors, more music and discounts for race participants.
A look back at the 2024 marathon
The marathon winners were Rene Ortiz of Rioverde, Mexico, who led the men with a time of 2:28:42, and Dakota Bliler of Scottsdale, who led all women in 2:52:31.
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