How hilly is the Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon?
The Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon is described as net downhill. The course listing puts the climb at 247 m.
Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon
This race edition
- Race date
- Date not confirmed for this distance
- Race timezone
- Timezone not confirmed
- Edition status
- Status not confirmed
Entry options
2026 edition
Entry options are not yet confirmed for this edition. Check the organiser before making plans.
Decision summary
Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon at a glance
- Cut-off average pace
- 9:57/km
- Typical conditions
- 76/100
- Evidence depth
- 43 verified facts
7:00:00 total limit divided by distance. Check gun/chip timing and intermediate limits; allow time for stops.
Historical race-date favourability, not a forecast
Source facts available
Route details
Known course facts at a glance
Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon has known course details for its marathon race. The summary below keeps the focus on what is confirmed for the course.
- Official distance
- 42.2 km
- Terrain
- Road
- Scenery
- City, Waterfront, Parkland, Historic
Quick answers
What runners ask first
Where does the Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon route go?
The Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon route starts at Sixth Ave & Quince St at Balboa Park and finishes at Ash St & Union St (Waterfront Park, downtown San Diego). Underfoot, expect road. It passes Balboa Park, Cabrillo Bridge, Hillcrest, North Park and University Heights.
What should runners know on race day for the Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon?
Gear check in Balboa Park near the corrals (5-6:30am); pickup at Waterfront Park until 3pm; no gear check for the 5K. Course roads closed Sun May 31 across Hillcrest, North Park, University Heights, Normal Heights and Highway 163. Live bands, DJs and cheer squads from start to finish; Finish Line Festival headliner concert. San Diego Track Club pace team; full 3:30-4:40, half 1:30-3:00.
Race character
Scenery
- City
- Waterfront
- Parkland
- Historic
Atmosphere
- Big City
- Festival
- Destination
Terrain
- Road
- Elevation character
- Net Downhill
- Technicality
- Non Technical
- Source-stated ascent
- 247 m
- Net elevation
- -71 m
Entry, logistics and records
Records and field
- Men's course record
- 2:08:33 (Philip Tarus)
- Women's course record
- 2:23:31 (Bizunesh Deba)
Entry requirements
- Entry status
- Past event: The listed edition date has passed.
- Cut-off
- 7-hour limit; min pace 16:03/mile; Mile 8.3 cutoff by 9:05am.
Race day logistics
- Pacers
- San Diego Track Club pace team; full 3:30-4:40, half 1:30-3:00.
- Bag drop
- Gear check in Balboa Park near the corrals (5-6:30am); pickup at Waterfront Park until 3pm; no gear check for the 5K.
- Closed roads
- Course roads closed Sun May 31 across Hillcrest, North Park, University Heights, Normal Heights and Highway 163.
- Expo / packet pickup
- Health & Fitness Expo at San Diego Convention Center Halls FGH; Fri May 29 (12-7pm) and Sat May 30 (9am-5pm).
- Race village
- No
- Medal
- Finisher medals for all distances; Remix Challenge bonus medal for the 5K plus a Sunday distance.
- On-course music
- Live bands, DJs and cheer squads from start to finish; Finish Line Festival headliner concert.
Access and course status
- Start
- Sixth Ave & Quince St at Balboa Park
- Finish
- Ash St & Union St (Waterfront Park, downtown San Diego)
Course facts
- Course type
- Point To Point
- Surface
- Road
- Landmarks
- Balboa Park, Cabrillo Bridge, Hillcrest, North Park, University Heights, Normal Heights, Highway 163, Waterfront Park
What are typical race-day conditions?
- 17°CTypical temperature
- 18 kphTypical wind
- 0 mmTypical rainfall
- 76Favourability /100