Starting at Balboa Park and finishing in Downtown San Diego, you’ll explore up to eight well-known neighborhoods and experience an insider tour that even the locals rave about.
The Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon was the 14th largest marathon in the U.S. last year and was the 18th largest in 2022.
This year 4.2% of finishers qualified for the Boston Marathon and 4% of runners qualified for Boston in 2023.
This gives the Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon the 365th highest percentage of Boston Marathon qualifiers in the U.S. last year and the 307th highest percentage so far in 2024.
Its Course Score of 98.60 ranks it as the 268th fastest marathon course in the U.S. and the 20th fastest course in California.
The typical race time temperature and humidity levels are above the ideal range for optimal marathon performance. This, coupled with the Course Score, gives the Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon a PR Score of 96.78. This PR Score ranks it as the 350th fastest marathon in the U.S. and the 26th fastest in California.
Learn more about PR Scores and Course Scores on the FAQ page.
Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon Elevation Chart
Max Elevation: 403 feet (122m) Min Elevation: 8 feet (2m)
Hotel & VRBO Accommodations for the Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon
View available accomodations around the Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon Finish Line and Course. Book your Reservation now before the best places are sold out.
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How Fast Can You Go?
If you ran the Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon in 4:30:00, what would your time in other marathons be?
See how your race times would compare on other marathon courses with our time conversion tool.
BH's review of 2023 Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon.
4 /
5 Stars
Review
As a California native, I chose R&R SD as my Boston qualifying race due for its convenience and familiar weather. I stayed at hotel near Little Italy was walking distance to starting and finish lines. R&R SD is a well-organized event with a great atmosphere.
Race Tips
The first 12 miles of the course takes you through different neighborhoods. There were many twists and turns. You need to practice cornering and be mindful of uneven surfaces. Most people talk about the big dreadful hills at mile 21.5, but the hill near mile 4 was an unpleasant surprise. Although it was short, the hill was relatively steep and get congested easily. Not only the infamous hill at HWY 167 is long (~1.5 miles) and steep (~6% gradient), the road banks to one side, making it very challenging to run. It is important to maintain a relaxing, comfortable pace at as you ascend. It's best to do a few long hill repeats to get your body ready for this climb.
Juliana's review of 2023 Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon.
3 /
5 Stars
Review
I will forever have double feelings for this Marathon. It is San Diego, and temperature was great. Rock n Roll organization makes it all worth it, but the course is not what you would think for San Diego.
To start, this Marathon is listed as downhill but the up hills are so steep and most of them long that the downhill part doesn't matter at all. Don't underestimate the rolling hills on the first half, and the 2 miles long hill around Mile 20.
The Pacer groups were amazing, the course support, abundance of food, hydration, salt and Biofreeze at stations were surely appreciated.
I'm not sure if I would ever recommend this race to anyone wanting a PR, but if you would like to experience a Rock n Roll series, and for the love of San Diego... Then this is your race.
Race Tips
Pace yourself on the first Half with the rolling hills, save your legs to the Highway to Hill at mile 20.
Plenty of restrooms, Stations were great, and the crowd is amazing.
Rick Lopez's review of 2022 Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon.
4 /
5 Stars
Review
Its hard to beat San Diego weather. I've run this marathon several times and the course has changed multiple times. This year a couple short steep hills up and down were added. Too many quick turns and coupling the 1/2 with full proved a bit troubling the first 3 miles. Lots of pot holes and the 163 freeway uphill never disappoints as "challenging" at mile 22.
Race Tips
If you are more on the serious side. Try to get in the first couple corrals at the start. This races attracts many many fun runner 1/2's and the crowds get deep first 3 miles, lots of weaving to get around people. Also lots of turns, do yourself a favor and cut the apex as much as possible.
Get a ride to drop you off at the start. Parking very limited unless you want to walk up several long hills before you race
DG's review of 2022 Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon.
5 /
5 Stars
Review
I enjoyed running the san diego marathon this year. Water stops and aid tent filled with gels, vaseline and bio freeze, ice bags found every 3 miles. The running course changed mile 22.5 was the hill in the canyon, changing the decent from the top of the hill made for short run to the finish line. Less freeway running that in past years but the heat pouring off of the concrete was uncomfortabe. Staff, water, gatoraide was plentifull. Its a tough running course last 13 miles but its my forite race to run.
Race Tips
At start of race lots of pace setters were available for you to run with. First 10 miles fairly flat then the hills begin and the final climb to mile 23. Race day temperature started out 60 degrees then spikedup 20 degrees making the last 13 miles tough. Alot of runners had no water bottle or hydro vest on or food with them and lots of runners dropped out of the race after mile 16, hot, no clouds, heat from the highway concrete. Running on left side of roadways helped to decrease the heat your body felt while running.
I stayed at gaslamp plaza hotel, small room but had microwave, refridge, high ceilings, great roof top deck overlooked the bay, and convention center. I arrived for early check in, I took bus from airport to broadway and 6th street, its 2.50 cents one way bus ticket.
3.8 Stars from 11 Reviews
