How do I register for the Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon?

Registration is open now on a first-come, first-served basis until the race fills. Entries are non-refundable and non-transferable. Charity entry through St. Jude is also available with a fundraising commitment.

Is the Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon a Boston qualifier?

Yes, the course is USATF certified and qualifies for Boston. That said, the BQ rate among finishers is quite low, so it's worth going in with a conservative, well-paced strategy if a qualifier is your goal.

What is the elevation profile like?

The course is point-to-point with a net elevation of zero feet, but it isn't flat. The route climbs to around 400 feet and descends to near sea level, with rolling terrain through the middle miles and more descent in the second half.

What kind of weather should I expect on race day?

Late May in San Diego is typically mild, with temperatures in the low-to-mid 60s at the start and rising into the upper 60s to low 70s as the morning progresses. A marine layer often keeps things cool early, but it usually burns off, and humidity can spike unexpectedly, so plan to hydrate well.

How big is the field?

Recent editions have seen roughly 6,000 marathon finishers, making it a mid-sized race with enough energy on course without the congestion of a major mass-participation event.

Is the course USATF certified?

Yes, the Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon course is USATF certified.

Sun, Jun 6 · 2027San Diego, CASince 1998

Rock n Roll San Diego Marathon

A point-to-point run through San Diego under mild coastal skies, where the course keeps things honest and the finish line feels genuinely earned.

Net downhillOpen

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ROCK N ROLL SAN DIEGO · US

Rock n Roll San Diego

SUN, JUN 6

2027

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Race Overview

EST. 1998

San Diego is the kind of race that looks easy on paper and then reminds you it isn't. It's a point-to-point course, which means you're moving across the city rather than looping back, and that keeps the whole thing feeling forward. The net elevation is zero, but you'll feel the rollers in the middle miles. When the descents come later, use them to reset rather than banking time you haven't earned yet. The mild coastal air is genuinely one of the better race-day setups you'll find in late May anywhere in the country. Don't be fooled if the morning starts cool under a marine layer. It'll warm up.

This one is honest about what it is: a rolling point-to-point that rewards patient runners more than bold ones. It qualifies for Boston, but the BQ rate is low, so go in with a realistic plan rather than a goal pinned to a single number. Luckily, getting in is straightforward. Registration is open on a first-come, first-served basis, and charity entry through St. Jude is an option if you want a guaranteed spot with a fundraising commitment. It fills, so don't sit on it too long. If you want a spring race with good weather and a real course, San Diego delivers.

Field size

~5.9k

5,935 finishers

BQ rate

2%

Below national average

Time limit

7:00

Generous cutoff

Entry

Open

First-come registration

Course records

Men

2:08:33

Philip Taurus

1999

Women

2:23:31

Bizunesh Deba

2011

The Course

568 ft total gain

Total ascent

↑568 ft

Total descent

↓804 ft

Net elevation

↓236 ft

Highest point

403 ft

Lowest point

11 ft

Course shape

Point to point

Different start and finish

This point-to-point course has a net elevation of zero feet, but that doesn't mean flat. The high point sits around 403 feet and the low at 11 feet, meaning real climbing and descending happen along the way. Expect rolling terrain in the early and middle miles, with significant descent later in the race. The net-zero profile can mislead runners into treating it as flat. Pacing conservatively through the climbs protects your legs for the back half. Surface is primarily road. The mild May Gray conditions can feel deceptively cool early, but temperatures typically rise as the marine layer burns off, so don't overdress and hydrate from the start.

DIFFICULTYROLLINGPR-FRIENDLYMODERATE

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Race-Day Weather

10-year median

Low

61°F

High

69°F

30°MARATHON-IDEAL 45–60°80°

What to expect

Late May in San Diego tends to feel mild on paper, but don't mistake a 61-degree start for a cool-weather race. The marine layer often keeps things grey and damp in the morning, which can feel comfortable early. By the back half, it warms into the high 60s and humidity can make the effort feel heavier than your watch suggests. This is a manageable window, not a brutal one, but it's not fast-weather cold either. Hydrate from mile one and don't let the mild start fool you into banking time you'll need later.

Entry

OPEN

Registration is open for the 2026 marathon on a first-come, first-served basis. Charity entry through St. Jude is available with fundraising options. Non-refundable and non-transferable entries.

Register on race site

Logistics

For runners travelling in

Closest airport

SAN

2 mi

from the start

≈ 10 min transferOn the doorstep

What to expect

San Diego International Airport (SAN) is just 2-3 miles from downtown and race venues; allow 15-30 minutes by taxi or rideshare. Stay near Little Italy, the Gaslamp Quarter, or Balboa Park for easy access to the race start and finish. The airport is convenient, but plan ahead to avoid road closures on race day.

Frequently Asked

7 questions

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