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Rock 'n' Roll San Diego

June 6, 2027 · 8:00 AMSan Diego, CA, United States

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Race snapshot

Race Day

63°F

57–72°F · Feels mild

Total elevation gain

820ft

Moderate rolling hills · Net elevation change +98 ft

Participants

4,000

Medium-sized race

Crowd Rating

6/ 10

Good crowd energy

The Lowdown

The Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon builds on decades of San Diego running tradition as part of the well-known Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series. Launched to bring music, entertainment, and big-city racing together, the race has become a signature West Coast event that draws both elite and recreational runners from around the world. The marathon has historically been a USATF-certified course and a Boston Marathon qualifying event, making it attractive to athletes chasing fast times and BQ standards. The course showcases San Diego's most scenic and iconic stretches — passing through downtown, along the Embarcadero, offering waterfront views, and including stretches near Coronado and Balboa Park depending on the year's exact routing — with a mix of flat, fast sections and gentle rolling areas. Bands and live entertainment at mile markers create a festive, supportive atmosphere, while plentiful aid stations and enthusiastic local spectators help make the runner experience memorable. Note that while the race is USATF-certified and BQ-eligible, it is not currently a World Athletics label race.

2026 · Marathon

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Course Highlights: 01Balboa Park – Runners pass through the park's cultural corridor with museums, gardens, and the iconic Botanical Building
02Gaslamp Quarter – Historic downtown district lined with Victorian architecture, restaurants, and cheering crowds
03Embarcadero / USS Midway Museum – Scenic waterfront stretch beside the bay with views of the aircraft carrier museum
04Seaport Village – Waterfront shopping and dining area offering bayfront views and spectator vantage points
05Mission Bay Park – Flat, fast miles along the bay with ocean vistas and parkland pathways
06Old Town San Diego State Historic Park – Historic neighborhood showcasing early California history and adobe buildings
07Point Loma / Cabrillo National Monument – Coastal climb and panoramic views of San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean
Also on this race weekend: Half marathon · 5K
Time Limit: 7 hours
Boston Qualifier: This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event. Achieve your qualifying standard here on a verified course.

Minimum Age: 18 years
Entry Methods: Online registration via race website; charity entries; tour operator entries; expo registration (if not sold out).
St. Jude Hero: charity place with a $500 minimum fundraising pledge.
Eligibility: Open to all runners meeting minimum age; wheelchair athletes allowed; strollers prohibited in marathon distance.
Required Documents: Government-issued photo ID for bib pickup. No medical certificate required.
Cancellation & Refund Policy: No refunds. Deferral is allowed for a fee (typically $45-$75) depending on date.
Bib transfers are usually allowed for a fee until a deadline.

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Questions about the San Diego Marathon 2027

When is the San Diego Marathon 2027?

Sunday, June 6, 2027.

Where is the San Diego Marathon?

San Diego, CA, United States.

What time does the San Diego Marathon start?

The race starts at 8:00 AM, local time.

What is the San Diego Marathon time limit?

7 hours.

How do I enter the San Diego Marathon 2027?

Registration has not opened yet. Ways in: Online registration via race website; charity entries; tour operator entries; expo registration (if not sold out); St. Jude Hero: charity place with a $500 minimum fundraising pledge.

How much does the San Diego Marathon 2027 cost?

Marathon: $109.

When and where is packet pickup for the San Diego Marathon?

Jun 5, 2027: First day of Rock 'n' Roll San Diego race weekend (5K, expo).

What is the San Diego Marathon elevation gain?

250 m (820 ft) of total elevation gain. Net elevation change: +30 m (98 ft). Moderate rolling hills.

What is the San Diego Marathon course like?

It passes Balboa Park, Gaslamp Quarter and Embarcadero / USS Midway Museum. Course map

What is the weather like at the San Diego Marathon?

Race-day temperatures are usually 14–22 °C (57–72 °F). Feels mild.

How many runners does the San Diego Marathon have?

4,000 participants. Medium-sized race.

Is the San Diego Marathon a Boston qualifier?

Yes. This race is a certified Boston Marathon qualifying event.

Prepare for This Race

Pace CalculatorPlan splits for marathon Race PredictorPredict your marathon time BQ CalculatorBQ-eligible course Fuel PlannerPlan nutrition for marathon, moderate weather Difficulty Analyzer820ft gain, 63°F avg, marathon Training PacesTraining zones for marathon

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