Rock N’ Roll San Diego Marathon

Great destination marathon obviously due to the location, but can be a tough course if you don’t include hill work in your training. This was my 46^th marathon and was impressed with the organization and easy packet pick-​up at the expo. Nice tech shirt and finisher’s jacket too. Third marathon this year (Houston and OC) so I was going to just enjoy this race and not stress myself to the point of injury. The hill towards the end is tough but I trained on parking garages so it helped strengthen my quads. A few other hills but not as tough as the last hill on the freeway. Only walked about two minutes of the final hill and ran the rest on a nice easy, pace. By then, the temps were approaching high 70’s or close to 80 or so. Crowds were decent and loud (excited cheerleaders) at just the right times and the mile honoring fallen soldiers was heartbreaking and touching. Would definitely run this again and would recommend it to others. Only downside is the crowd size at the corrals and looooong lines for the port-​a-​pottys at the start, but that’s normal for big marathons.

I have participated in the Savannah Rock and Roll which was cancelled in the middle of it last November. That being said, San Diego was an overall pleasant experience. The volunteers were amazing. The crowd was awesome and everything went as planned. My only complaint is the hill on the freeway around mile 22. Everyone was walking by that point. What is the point of putting this stretch this deep in the race? I am proud this course and race were my first completed marathon!

This review is for the full marathon — my 13^th!
PACKET PICKUP: I can’t comment on the expo since I drove down from my parents place in OC at 3am the morning of the marathon. The marathon has a silly policy that says that only you can pick up your own packet, so I was worried about how I was going to get my bib until I called them. I was very pleasantly surprised that someone immediately picked up and explained that I could pick up my bib the morning of the marathon at the Solutions desk. And it worked!
PARKING: Another silly policy is that I couldn’t buy parking or a shuttle pass unless I was at the expo to pick up the passes. So I pre-​paid for parking on Parking Panda for $ 12 very near the finish line (which was cheaper than the official parking lot at Horton Plaza), used the restrooms at the friendly Doubletree next door, and took a Lyft to the start line for about $ 6. I’d heard that the roads would starting shutting down around 5am, so I was in the Lyft by 4:45am. There was virtually zero congestion getting the 1.4 miles to the start line.
START LINE: Because of no traffic and a very organized Solutions desk, everything was stress free and I was done and just hanging out by 5:15am. It was a little chilly and I’d stupidly not packed a jacket, but it was mostly bearable and I appreciated the cool weather as soon as the running started. The corrals were supposedly strict but nobody checked my corral number when I walked in. The half and full marathoners start at the same time which means there’s a LOT of people there. I was in corral 12 and I didn’t cross the start line till 20 minutes after official gun time (which was 6:15am). This is the only marathon that I’ve been to where they had a separate countdown for each corral, about a minute or two apart from each other. This really helped what I think would have otherwise been horrible congestion during the first few miles!
RUNNING: The first twenty-​ish miles were so fun! There was really amazing crowd support and I can see why people describe it as a giant block party. The residential neighborhoods were full of people in lawn chairs, drinking champagne and brunching or barbecuing. I’ve also never been offered SO much alcohol over the course of a run before! Honestly the only reason I didn’t give this marathon 5 stars is because the course between mile 20 – 24 or so is horrendous. It was essentially back-​to-​back long LONG stretches of uphills on really boring roads with very little crowd support. The worst stretch was mile 22 or so when we entered the freeway, which had zero crowd support and was essentially at least a mile of slanted uphill road. It finally leveled off around mile 24 which is when the run got fun again. To be fair, the uphills are long but it’s pretty gradual so it’s not really that physically grueling. If this portion had come earlier in the race it would have been no problem, but it really exacerbated my post mile 20 wall.
Overall definitely a good race though!

I never thought that I would run this race (insert grumpy rant about big, corporate races), but I was comped an entry and ended up running this on short notice. Despite some nightmare stories I’ve heard about Competitor (the company that puts on the RnR series), everything was well-​planned, smooth, and professional. If you want to run an urban marathon, this would be a pretty good choice.
The course has changed since many of these reviews were written, and there’s nothing to say that it won’t change again, but here’s an overview of how it stands as of 2016:
The race starts on the west side of Balboa Park, and the first half takes you through Hillcrest, North Park, and Normal Heights. This part is easy and fun, and not just because it’s the beginning. There are lots of spectators and people out to cheer you on, so there’s tons of energy and excitement in the air. Most of it is through main streets lined with shops, so the scenery is constantly changing. The residential area of Normal Heights seems like it would be boring, but was actually one the highlights of the course. Neighborhood groups and families came out to cheer, put up fun signs, and had picnics on their lawns. They were passing out everything from donut holes, to fruit, to shots of tequila and Bloody Marys. Not joking about the last part. There were memorials for soldiers killed in war and running through the line of flags was an unexpectedly moving experience. This stretch is fairly flat, although you might want to preview the dip on University Avenue.
At the halfway mark you descend from Presidio Park into Old Town. To all the people complaining about the elevation gain near the end: Just be glad you get to go down this hill and not up.
The next nine miles take you around Mission Bay and the into Mission Valley. This part gets harder as the scenery is less varied, and there are fewer spectators. This translates to less cheering and more need to focus on your running. However, the wind from the bay is refreshing and the course is still fairly flat. For hills you cross over the 5 freeway twice, there’s a rise heading east on Friars Road, and then the bridge over the 163.
The last 4 miles take you south on the 163 and into Downtown to the finish. You will hear ever so much complaining about the hill up the 163. Now, I won’t say it’s a piece of cake, but it’s just not as bad as people make it out to be. It’s about 250 feet of elevation gain in a little under a mile. Not the end of the world. It’s hard because it’s near the end of the race when everyone is tired, the cheering crowds are gone so you have to provide your own motivation, and you can see what looks like an endless hill stretching out in front of you. Tough yes, but not fatal. If you can keep a slow but steady pace, it can actually be quite heartening to pass so many people who just give up. And you get to run down the middle of the freakin’ freeway!!! When else do you get to have that kind of experience??? Everyone clings to the curves here, but it’s a great place to cut down the distance by running the tangents.
Once you’re done with the hill, the worst is over and it’s all downhill from there. Literally. Well, almost. You have a gentle downhill for the last three miles. In a car I’d never noticed it before, but it’s just enough so that you can keep your pace on tired legs. There’s a short two blocks of uphill again on 5^th Avenue between B Street and Ash, but by that time you’re so close to the end you can taste it. When you turn onto Ash you can see the finish line, and it’s a fast downhill to the end. And if you’re like me and thinking you have to run all the way down to Waterfront Park, rest easy; the course ends a few block before the water.
If you’ve been training around San Diego, the hills shouldn’t faze you. Honestly, I’m impressed that they managed such a flat course in this very hilly city. But if you’re coming from out of town or are used to doing all of your long runs around Mission Bay, plan on adjusting your training accordingly.
I want to end this with a big thank you to all the volunteers, cheerleading squads, and community members who came out to support the runners. Your enthusiasm was amazing and made the race a million times more fun. It wouldn’t have been the same without you.

My first ever full marathon. The gun went off at 6:15 a.m. but it took over an hour before my coral started off and there were still a few more behind mine. Not sure about past years, but this year the half marathoners were squeezed in with the full marathoners; I’ve never gone to events where they were mixed. No biggie, just different. We started off in Balboa and the neighborhood was friendly and very understanding of the fact that basically at 5 a.m. we had bands and crowds of people playing outside their homes on a Sunday. First thing I saw when we started off was a couple holding their cats up to us and waving their paws to the runners. We went through Hillcrest, North Park and Normal Heights. When I went through the route I thought the neighborhoods through Normal Heights would be boring and just a way for the event to add mileage to the course and I was never more wrong. It was the best part! Groups of families and friends got together, set up little stands and stations with food, water, and alcohol… there were a lot of tequila and whiskey shots being offered! Really bummed I didn’t feel confident in partaking: p There was a touching memorial organized and set up for soldiers K.I.A. Then we went through Old Town and Fiesta where there was a nice cool breeze bringing in some nice somewhat stanky bay water. Despite the heat advisory warnings and the sudden warming temperatures Friday and Saturday, Sunday was actually quite cool and gray up until ~12 p.m. The hill up 163 at miles 22 – 23 was not as bad as I thought it would be. People who had done the course had hyped it up and made it sound super scary. It’s not easy, but it also wasn’t as daunting as I had made it out to be in my own head. Granted, it was pretty hot by then and we were running under the full strength of the sun with no shade or breeze, but there were plenty of water stations and aid stations set up. There was a truck serving as a «cooling station» under one of the overhead bridges. One observation I did make was that all my fellow runners seemed inclined to bunch off to the side. Why? We got an entire 3-​lane freeway shut down for us! I ran in the middle lane for a bit. just because I could: p There were two live bands cleverly set up on the overpasses for music and a few brave groups and individuals who made the journey out to cheer us along this portion of the route. After the 163 has been conquered it’s a fairly easy last 2ish miles to the finish, almost all flat or downhill.
I loved the course route. Maybe because it was my first, but I was initially daunted and afraid that portions of it would be too boring, but again, those portions turned out to be the best parts. There were plenty of hydration stations along the way, even along the highway portion, serving water and Gatorade. And as someone who stubbornly started the race with an injury I can attest to the fact that there were more than enough medical stations along the route. There were also places where you could get your sunscreen reapplied! Once past the finish line, they have you walk through the usual stations of chocolate milk, bars, bananas, water, etc. They had a neat set-​up with ice cold towels when you first cross. The «after party» with the stage is a bit further away, but not too bad… after all you just ran 26.2 miles. There’s a music stage, more stalls and booths, a place to get your free finisher’s jacket, etc. I was just the teensiest disappointed that the beer was Michelob. In S.D. With all our craft beer scene? I stuck with water… A few things that could use improvement — there were not as many live bands as I expected for a «rock and roll”-themed marathon. The majority of the enjoyable music I got came from private citizens or volunteer cheer groups with speakers. Also, because the gun time was delayed for the later corals I understand that RnR only has permits for a limited period of time, but almost as soon as I crossed and got my medal, I saw them starting to take down the stalls and barriers at the finish. I can’t imagine how much it sucks for the people behind me to run through to an empty lot with no cheering crowds and barricades being taken down. I would say maybe either extend the permit or find a more efficient way of pushing through the waves during the start. That being said, I definitely want to do the full again because I loved the course and I know I can improve my time. I’m also tempted to try the half so I have a chance to partake of all the friendly offerings from the Normal Heights neighborhood :) Overall, would recommend!

Adding an update as my experience with the Rock N’ Roll continues! I love their customer service! They are extremely prompt in resolving ANY type of issue whether its a phone call or email. Most recently I ran the Las Vegas Rock N’ Roll in November. I was waiting for my double and triple crown medals in the mail which I never received. I emailed Rock N’ Roll and they indicated my time for Vegas never registered– I believe I broke my chip while folding it onto my shoe. I replied back with my friends name of which I crossed the finish line with. They updated my time– sent me my medals– and I was set. Thanks again Rock N’ Roll cant wait to run with you next weekend!

This particular Marathon was well organized and fun to run, the route was easy, a few hills and through out the route there was plenty of water stations, GU and Medical, I didn’t see enough portajohns but I don’t really need them but I’m sure others do. What I really liked about this one is that they had experienced pacers running with signs of the particular time and pace they are running to so you can run along and keep up with their pace and finish at the time you want to finish. There was a lot of photographers and my pictures where up the next day. Honestly I have nothing bad to say about the race. Compare to other marathons I’ve ran in the past this one was worth it.

I’ll never run it again! I ran this event before they changed it and qualified for Boston. The course elevation wasn’t published until about a month before the race. 163 was just uncalled for at the end of the race and there were still hills after that including just before the finish line. I am not sure what they mean by a «San Diego scenic race.» I would compare it more to an ultra especially the last 8 miles. Take my word for it. Choose another race. Even the Kenyans and Ethiopians no better. None there for the marathon! Should tell you something that even they are not wasting their time.

I jus finished the marathon and it was a great experience. The event was well organized and the bands were really nice to hear as you run by.
I do agree with the other reviewers that the bathroom line is a bit overwhelmingly long before the race, but let’s be honest, they are catering to more than 30,000 people. It’s gonna be crowded.
The course was well laid out and incredibly challenging (do not expect to PR). The last half of the race is very hilly and will definitely test your mental toughness. Train appropriately.
The volunteers were fantastic. They were high energy, motivating, and incredibly helpful.
One thing I would change about the race would be to see more water stations on the 163 portion of the race. This was the most demanding section.
Overall, my experience was great and I recommend the race to anyone looking for a challenge.

For 2014, it was a hotter race compared to last year. At least the volunteers were very helpful in providing the water, and even spraying people too to cool them down.
No real changes compared to last year. Everything seemed to be well organized as compared to the other RnR races. They really do a good job. I guess that is what you pay for. Plenty of entertainment all along the course.
Post-​race festivities included beer, drinks, and food. Plenty to go all around. This is a great race because you see a lot of San Diego. And you finish near Petco Park so you can pretty much celebrate anywhere in downtown.
The only concern is that you may have to endure the summer heat. I guess it is a hit or miss, but that’s what happens when the race is scheduled at the end of May or early June time frame.
Note to self: 4:11:50 in 2014

I enjoyed this race. It was fun having bands all along the way! I do remember one stretch of the course they year I ran it the road was very slanted from the left to the right side and was extremely difficult to run on. Other than that a positive experience!

Never ran the race. It seems like several bad reviews for the degree of difficulty and not achieving Personal best times. You should take your personal best from course to course. Hills make a major difference. You should adjust your training accordingly.
I am running it for the first time in May. I am excited to welcome the challenge and already have butterflies.
I am training only hills. When I do my long run I am going to make sure I end on steep elevation increases so I am properly prepared. Cheers!!!

Be careful what you wish for, I guess. My last review criticized the course for its lack of scenery, the 4+ miles on Morena Blvd, and the disorganized finish at Sea World. Well, the new course that they introduced in 2013 and continued in 2014 eliminated all of those. However, the new course now takes you up the steeper north side of the 163 instead of the south side, and hits you between miles 19 – 22 instead of at the beginning! It’s a much tougher course now, despite eliminating much of Morena Blvd and finishing downtown.
Still a great, well-​organized race… just don’t expect a PR anymore with the location of the hills! Also medals and shirts in 2013 and 2014 were much better than 2012.

Overall, I’d give this race a 3.5−4 stars but I will have to agree with most of the other reviewers. WTF where they thinking putting a HUGE and never ending hill at mile 20! Cruel!
I participated with Team in Training /​The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society — and this was my 7^th event with them but my first FULL marathon. Since it was in our own backyard, we were pretty much trained accordingly for the race. I had to make it a bit harder by pulling my hamstring 3 weeks before so needless to say, the race was tough for reasons I hadn’t expected.
For the expo, it’s unfortunate that parking at the convention center will cost you $ 15. It really bites to pay but it’s convenient and if you’re doing a marathon the following day, it’s nice to minimize the amount of time on your feet so I suppose it’s the price you pay. Bib and packet pick up was easy and flowed nice and smooth. I’ve been to so many expo’s and felt this one was pretty typical and had the usual vendors. The Rock n’ Roll merchandise was not that great in my opinion… they need a better graphic artist/​designer. blah! I was hoping to get a visor or running jacket to commemorate my first full marathon but I bought nothing. NOTHING!
Race day: I thought the course was pretty decent but felt that the music was definitely lacking on the backside of the race. I loved all the participation from neighbors who helped spray down participants with their hoses and handing out goodies outside their home. It’s so appreciated! Because of my hamstring issues, for the first time ever, I had to stop at the medical tent. I discovered biofreeze which saved my butt (err hamstring) but they ran out at mile 17. Urgghh!
I have to say, while I was so THANKFUL to finally cross that finish line after 26.2 miles — aside from having my loved ones there for me, it was kind of a bust. At least when I came through, there was no announcer calling out names or let alone any exciting peeps to greet me and put a finishers medal over my head. The volunteers are usually great but they just stood there and put it over my head without a congrats or a smile. Maybe I had too high expectations but come on… give us some credit! We just finished 26.2 miles (according to my Garmin 27.6). Apparently, if we wanted excitement, we had to walk a few blocks away to the Padres stadium where the festivities were taking place! NO! I don’t want to walk more than I needed to… clear the damn parking lots and lets party at the finish line for goodness sakes or better yet… have the finish line at the stadium!!!
Despite all of this, I’m so grateful I finished and was able to participate with Team in Training and to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. A special shout out to my Unilocal buddy (Craig F) for the support. The TNT coaches along the course helped anyone and everyone… I loved hearing the Go TEAM! cheers from the sidelines and I especially loved the spectator at mile 25 who held a sign that read, «Thank you TNT, From a Leukemia Survivor». At the end of the day, I was able to check a 26.2 marathon off my bucket list but more importantly, I was able to raise money and awareness for a cause that changes the lives of many. Relentless for a cure! GO TEAM!

I have immense pride for my hometown of San Diego, but I’m no longer a fan of the city’s Rock N’ Roll marathon. The wicked inclines (I’m talking to you Miles 20, 21, etc.), lack of porta-​potties and badly spaced out water stations left me feeling frustrated and disgruntled post-​race instead of accomplished and proud.
It’s a scenic course and the crowd support is amazing, but again, the event (at least the second half of the course) was terribly disorganized. And while I appreciate a challenging marathon (that’s why I run it) the course was plain ridiculous.
Here’s hoping that the race organizers bring back the original course next year.
Marathon No. 22: Finished (but not without shedding a few tears!)
Official Time: 05:29:47
Overall: 4199 out of 5325
Division: 329 out of 445
Gender: 1574 out of 2245
Congrats to all the finishers including Harriette Thompson, who at 91 years old, broke the world record for fastest marathon by a woman 90 years or older!

I ran the full marathon last weekend and I have to say this course was incredibly challenging. This was my third marathon and my goal was to get my Boston Qualifying time. I’d been training with a competitive running club for months and felt ready and prepared to PR at the San Diego RnR.
Let me say, this is NOT the course to attempt a PR. I’ve run the LA and OC marathons and this course was easily the toughest of the three. I did my research on the course as best as I could (I live in LA) but the inclines in the 15 – 18 mile part of the course were definitely more significant than they looked in the elevation map.
And the 163 uphill, that was rough not only because its a mile long incline, but because its on a highway there are no spectators to cheer you on and encourage you. Overall I was disappointed with the energy level of the race, spectators were pretty sparse during the full marathon course, compared to other races I’ve been a part of. I had high expectations as this was my first RnR marathon, which weren’t met with this course. Yes it was well organized but that was its biggest positive in my opinion.
This race ended up not being the race I had planned and prepared for, for several reasons apart from the course alone. I bonked it, I had crazy nerves and I think that’s what ultimately did me in. I’ve heard the half marathon course is awesome and I had several friends PR in the half.
The full marathon course is tough, so I would not recommend planning this race for a BQ, run it for experience, for fun. There are a lot faster courses that are better for qualifying.

I had heard good things about the Rock & Roll marathons and I love San Diego. When the other half proclaimed that he felt like he needed to try and run a full marathon before he got any older (and when my warnings of the time, agony and sacrifice that a full marathon precipitates couldn’t dissuade him), this race seemed like a perfect fit. I have run a full and many halves before. I used my knowledge to train him to the best of my ability. We arrived the day before the race, fully hydrated with many miles in the bank. He is not a runner. He started the journey 25lbs heavier. After picking up our race packets at the expo, my emotions got the best of me. I knew he was going to finish and I knew that I took a part in getting him ready to do so.
I took a gamble with Hotwire and ended up with the Westgate Hotel. At 1.5 miles from the start line and .5 miles from the finish line, it was just about as good as a location can get. We used the distance to get our legs warmed up. We left our hotel at 5:40 and landed in our corral right as the National Anthem ended and the first wave was let go.
The course: I expected a lot more Rock & Roll. It’s not called the musical marathon. It’s not called the Pop marathon. There was quite a bit of music here and there but very little Rock & Roll. Maybe most of the Rock & Roll bands were on the half course? I’m sorry but music like Pink’s «Who Knew» doesn’t get me pumped up. A little more time needs to be spent focusing on the band & DJ’s play lists. Props to the DJ that was blasting U2 in one of the tunnels lit up with multi-​color lights. That was one of my absolute favorite moments of the race. The music mile (aka: miles 20.5 — 22), or better known as hell hill Highway 163, was pretty bad. The DJ was playing pretty good music, if you are into Hip-​Hop. We had to wait in line for a porto-​potty at mile 5. The water stations were few and far between after that half. That was a major challenge. Luckily, I brought my water bottle along and had each station fill it up with a pitcher. Other people were not so lucky and they started dropping like flies at mile18. I loved running under the giant blow-​up Brook Rock-​Star. I liked that we ran by Petco, through downtown, little Italy, mid-​town, old town, Sea World, and Balboa Park. Although 163 was a bear, it was kind of neat running on the entire highway. A side note, both of our GPS units logged us at close to 31 miles by the time we crossed the finish line.
The people: I will be eternally grateful for the Team in Training coaches that stopped to help when my husband was cramping up beyond all reason. One instructed him to take in salt and hydrate as much as possible. The other kept appearing on his bike and at one point, I asked if a water station was coming up soon and he gladly filled up my water bottle from his. Countless volunteers showed up to support us. A complete angel of a homeowner appeared somewhere near mile 23, saw my husband doubled over with cramps and offered up an ice cold bar of icee-​hot. I ran back to get it from her and told her I would bring it back, she insisted that she follow me, so that I didn’t have to turn back around. How utterly sweet is that? Many, many homeowners were spraying us with hoses and handing out oranges, watermelon, beer, PB&Js, pretzels, you name it. Never before have I seen so many awesome residents come out and support a race. I observed a guy juggle 3 balls the entire 26.2 miles. At first, I though he was just doing it here and there but no. every time I saw him he was still juggling. I saw a guy with what I assumed to be his entire life’s possessions in a shopping cart, picking up discarded water bottles and kept offering them to the next group of runners going by.
The finish line: It was a little underwhelming. I have had races were they announce your name or some hunk of a man greets you with his shirt off and places the medal over your head. This finish was pretty lack luster, just a couple of photographers and people handing out the medals in a ho-​hum fashion. It took us quite awhile to figure out that in order to redeem our beer ticket, we had to make our way over to Petco park. The beer was awful, I couldn’t even finish it. So, next time I think I would opt out on that part. The party at Petco was winding down by the time we got there but seemed like it had been a lot of fun.
You can’t explain the feeling of stepping over the finish line of a full marathon to someone. It’s a little different for everyone. You conquered the demons in your head, the pains you had never felt and the hill that threatened not to quit. You endured the hours of training, the months of pushing yourself to the limit and the little voice that said, «What if I can’t do it?» You won. No matter what your time, you won.
I wouldn’t recommend this full marathon as a first, nor as a race to try and obtain a PR. I would recommend it if you are looking for a challenge and the company of some pretty amazing people.

As someone who ran the «old», flatter and faster course in 2004 and 2007 now I can finally do an update on the new course with the added «Heartbreak» almost mile-​long hill going up the northbound side of the 163 freeway. Well, my heart was broken when the hill ended at mile 21. I will say this, as a native Bostonian who has run the Boston Marathon 4 times, I honestly believe this course is more difficult.
I ran the 2014 course after not running a marathon in 7 years due to injury. I was very disappointed with the race and will not do this race again until the course is changed back to the original or another configuration. Granted, this was my «comeback» marathon after being out with a stubborn hamstring injury for the last 7 years. Still, up until mile 20 I was doing ok. I was still on a target pace and then the wheels came completely off on that hill. It’s an endless hill that keeps going.
The hill is about 1 mile long. It is much more difficult than Boston’s Heartbreak Hill. Boston’s hill has areas where it flattens out and then goes back up then flattens out again and goes back out. Time to recover and then get prepped for the next incline. You don’t have that opportunity here. It’s an almost endless incline. I ran most of this hill with very short walking spurts mixed in about ¾ of the way up. As I knew I was losing a ton of time here. This hill ruined my race for the last 5 miles as I made my way onto University Ave. So with that, after months of strong training I missed by goal by almost 9 minutes (and BQ).
Don’t underestimate this hill! When I drove on it in the days before I couldn’t really tell how bad it was from driving on the southbound side. It was bad and the sun came out right when I started it so therefore it was a recipe for disaster.
The first half of the course is ok. There are some inclines going from Mission Hills to Old Town. Then again going on the overpass to get from Morena Blvd to Mission Bay Park’s bike trail (mile 11). Then again there is a bad incline going back over the 5 at mile 14 to Morena Blvd. There are also other deceptive inclines on Friars Road around mile 17 – 19. Right after 19 you must got over the 5 on Friars to get onto the 163, again, it’s a hill that isn’t fun since you know you have the mile long hill right after it.
My question to race organizers is this: Why was there a decision to add this hill in the first place? I realize they wanted the race to end downtown instead at the Marine Corp Depot Center in Point Loma. Still, I looked at the finisher totals, only about 5800. I realized they now have a Half Marathon and the majority does that now. It’s very disappointing to rule out a marathon in my home city.

This review is not as a participant but as an spectator that tagged along walking for miles following the runners, just because. It was my first time observing (or being a participant observer in my own way) the famous Rock & Roll marathon. I have to say that even I don’t reach the level to finish with flying colors a 5K, the runners inspired me to one day be a marathoner myself! (specially that 91 year old lady who finished in 7 hours, but did it!).
I was impressed with the amount of people (I read 30,000 participants and double number in spectators), the great organization with help all the way from different organizations and volunteers (I loved these cheerleaders non stop singing) and also the anonymous folks cheering up with positive messages the participants. I was very touched by the solidarity and sports and civic spirit, specially considering the good cause behind all this. I know some people complain about the lack of scenery in the course, but for me, the portion that I walked allowed me to see an evolving city under construction (all those new buildings shaped the new face of East Village, for example).

My first Rock n’ Roll race! Everything went surprisingly smoothly for such a big race. Registration was pretty steep but I received complementary Padres ticket among many other perks.
EXPO:
I work downtown so was able to walk to the convention center after work to pick up my packet (though my friends visiting over the weekend told me there was so much traffic on the I-​5 southbound). My favorite was the race preview video that let you see the marathon course visually.
DAY OF:
There was surprisingly little traffic getting into the race area though my ride found out that one of the ramps to get onto the freeway was closed though that particular ramp wasn’t listed in one of the road closures. Nonetheless, that was such a minor hiccup so no matter. Gear check-​in and pick-​up were a breeze.
Also, we got blessed with the June Gloom, which was perfect for racing conditions and persisted throughout the entire race.
THE RACE:
Awesome bands at each mile, amazing volunteers, plenty of water stops, gu stops (but only one kind of gu so remember to pack enough of your favorite gu), water sponges at mile 22, ice a bit beforehand. Big, high energy of the spectators, from the cheerleaders to people cheering you on. It really IS a big block party for 26.2 miles… well, which excludes the killer incline on mile 20 on the SR-​163 but what’s a race without a tough challenge?
As another Unilocaler noted, I wouldn’t consider the RnR San Diego for a PR because the roads are often slanted and San Diego itself is pretty hilly so the course is, of course, going to include these hills. But it was really a fun event and I would do it again for the community.