San Diego Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon

For 19 years The Suja Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon has been bringing people together and fulfilling the goals of thousands as they impressively cross the finish line. Day three of the rocking weekend, the marathon, is the climax to a health & fitness expo, as well as a 5k race. Thousands will come participate in the scenic run, and even more will arrive to show their support by cheering on the runners in their venture. The weekend will begin on June 3^rd and will end on June 5^th with the iconic marathon race.

There are three separate distances for runners to participate in on June 5th, with the marathon, half marathon, and relay. For the marathon, the race begins at 6:15am at Balboa Park and ends at Ash Street with a time limit of 7 hours. Participants will have a scenic race through parts of iconic Hillcrest, North Park, and Normal Heights. At certain checkpoints, if racers have not completed a portion of the course in a timely manner, they will be diverted to the half marathon course. 

The half marathon begins at the same time and same location as the full marathon, but with a shorter time limit of 4 hours and a shorter route to the same finish line on Ash Street! The relay race is essentially the same course as the half marathon but with the addition of a partner. For the marathon, only adults 18 years or older are allowed to participate, and children of 12 years or older are allowed to run in the half marathon and relay.

It may be hard to imagine being motivated while running such an extensive distance, but with the entertainment the sponsors provide to motivate racers, it’s easier than you might think! Various San Diego bands and performers will be playing music throughout the marathon and half marathon for racers and bystanders as well. Cheerleaders from three local high schools will also be there to literally cheer on participants as they pursue the finish line. To top off the amazing cast of motivators, performer Gavin DeGraw will be the headliner of the event, performing an amazing concert for those after they finish the races!

When you cross the finish line, participants will enter the secure zone where they are given time to relax, recover, fuel up, and receive their medal for finishing. Meeting back up with family or friends can be a difficult task with such a large number of spectators participating each year, so meeting in the family reunion area is must! This is also a great time to grab a refreshment and watch some live performances at the main stage. As a tribute to those who finish the marathon, each racer will receive a marathon finisher jacket as a bonus. The top 3 finishers for men and women will be awarded cash prizes after reviewing gun timing procedures. Age group awards will also be presented to those who completed the course in the fastest time according to efficient timing devices. Those winners will be notified and awarded their prizes after records are reviewed in the weeks after.

As a spectator, there are many options to ensure you are getting a glimpse of your runner as they jog on by. North Park and Normal Heights are great spots to catch a view. The trolley is a helpful means of transportation since several roads will be blocked for the course. Those seeing racers solely in the marathon should check out Presidio Park for not only great views of the course, but of Mission Bay as well. With over 20,000 participating in the races and 100,000 spectators cheering them on, you’ll want to make sure you’re early and equipped with a solid plan to meet back up with your runner.

Although the weekend kicks off on June 3^rd, the marathon will be held on June 5^th at 6:15am and end approximately at 2:30pm. The race will take place on 6th Avenue & Quince Street at Balboa Park and finish on Waterfront Park. 

The Suja Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon is an excellent way to solidify the training and hard work of whipping one’s body into shape and accomplishing a set goal. Luckily, with the help of motivating spectators and performers as well as scenic views along the course, the time will fly by.