San Diego Holiday Half Marathon & 5K
Participants run a fast point-to-point course starting in Rancho Penasquitos and descending along the scenic 56 Bike Path. The route features rolling downhill sections and gentle flats before reaching the finish on Sorrento Valley Road. At the finish area, runners and spectators can enjoy live entertainment and awards presentations.
What to Expect
Fast point-to-point downhill course with a 711-foot net elevation drop.
Event Details
Duration
Half marathon finish limit: 3 hours 45 minutes; timing shuts down after 4 hours.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Rancho Penasquitos
Timed Entry
No
Organizer
USA ENDURANCE EVENTS
Food & Drink
Palomar Water is available at all seven water stations, with Gatorade Hydration at stations C through G.
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Runners seeking a downhill course and a personal-best opportunity
Vibe
Energetic and achievement-focused
Energy Level
High
Budget
$$$
Photo Friendly
Moderate
Weather Sensitivity
High
Location
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: Half Marathon: $171.33, including $12.33 fee. 5K: $68.85, including $5.85 fee. – Get tickets
- Parking: There is NO PARKING at the 5k Start. You must either be bussed or dropped off at the Start. Parking is at the finish Torry Pines State Beach North Parking lot (you can also pay parking at the West parking lot and walk tot he buses, or park in the surrounding neighboring area.
Tips & Advice
- Register for the half marathon before November 1, when the price goes up. The race has sold out every year.
- Bring photo ID to the Expo on Friday, December 18, because you can't get your bib and timing chip without it.
- Add race-day bib pickup when you register if you can't make the Expo, because there's no race-day pickup unless you're on the list.
- Half marathoners can catch the post-race bus from the Sorrento Valley Rd finish back to the Rancho Penasquitos start line.
- Train to finish in under 3 hours 45 minutes, because the course has a time limit and timing shuts off at 4 hours.
Special Events & Promotions
- Expo and bib pickup on Friday, December 18, at Road Runner Sports on Copley Dr.
- Race-day bib pickup is an add-on for an extra fee, chosen when you register.
- New this year: the finish line is on Sorrento Valley Rd.
- Half marathon registration goes up in price after November 1.
- Entertainment and awards at the finish area on race morning.
Quick Actions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the half marathon course like?
It's point to point, starting in Rancho Penasquitos. The only real hill comes early, at mile 1.5. Then you run about 10 miles down the 56 Bike Path on rolling downhill, and the last 4 miles are mostly flat with gentle rollers to the new finish on Sorrento Valley Rd.
How do I pick up my bib?
Pick up your bib and timing chip at the Expo at Road Runner Sports on Friday, December 18, and bring photo ID. Someone else can collect it for you with a photo or photocopy of your ID. Bibs aren't mailed. Race-day pickup is only for runners who paid for it when registering.
Is there a time limit?
Yes. You need to finish the half marathon in under 3 hours 45 minutes. Timing shuts down at 4 hours.
What's on the course for water and fuel?
There's Palomar Water at all 7 water stations. Gatorade Hydration is offered at stations C, D, E, F and G.
Can I bring a stroller or wear headphones?
Strollers aren't allowed on the course. Headphones are allowed, but keep the volume low enough to hear people and traffic around you.
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