Pacific Beach Half Marathon
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Event Overview
The Pacific Beach Half Marathon & 5K takes place in Pacific Beach, San Diego, on October 3 and 4, 2026. It is a two-day event with different race distances on each day.
Distances and Courses
The event features three race distances:
- Half Marathon (21.1 km): This point-to-point race takes place on Sunday. It starts at Crown Point Park in Mission Bay Park and finishes on Thomas Avenue where it meets the Pacific Beach Boardwalk. The scenic waterfront course passes by Sea World, Hospitality Point, the West Mission Bay Drive bridge, and Mission Beach. The half marathon course is run entirely on streets and sidewalks, with no sand.
- 5K (5 km): This race takes place on Saturday, as part of Pacific Beachfest. The course consists of approximately half sand and half boardwalk, with the start and finish lines on the beach at 700 Thomas Avenue. Walkers are welcome but are asked to maintain a 20-minute per mile pace.
- Kids 1K Fun Run: This event also takes place on Saturday on the beach.
Runner Amenities and Awards
All runners receive a Pacific Beach tank top, a custom finisher medal, chip timing, free photos, and one complimentary drink ticket for a post-race beverage. Half marathon participants also receive a pair of custom sunglasses.
Age group awards are given for both the half marathon and 5K. The categories are Top 3 Overall and age groups from 13 & Under to 80+ for both men and women. For the 5K, awards are based on the combined results of its early and main waves.
Additional Options
Participants can take on the Surfside Double Shot Challenge by running the 5K on Saturday and the half marathon on Sunday. Completing this earns an exclusive challenge medal.
A professional pace team is provided for the half marathon, with pacers for finish times ranging from 1:25 to 3:00.
The event has a Legacy Program. Participants who run the half marathon for two or more consecutive years receive special recognition and gifts. For 2026, five-year Legacy participants will receive a pin and a beach towel.
Logistics
Packet pickup is available at multiple locations and times before the event, or packets can be mailed for a fee. For the half marathon, a shuttle service is available on Sunday to transport runners from a parking area near the finish line to the start line. Ride-share drop-off and limited parking are also available at the start line.
A post-race celebration takes place with several partner bars and a beer garden where runners can redeem their complimentary drink ticket.
A portion of the event benefits Discover Pacific Beach, a local non-profit organization. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
