San Diego’s Best 5Ks, 10Ks, Half & Full Marathons 2026 & 2027

Not just one of the best races of the year in 2026, but also one of the best things to do in San Diego, this favorite of both locals and tourists alike brands itself as great for all types of runners, and they're spot on!

The 5K will begin and end in Balboa Park while the half marathon and full marathon will start on the edge of Balboa Park and end in Downtown San Diego just in time for the Finish Line Festival and Encore Concert. The longer races will take runners through 8 iconic neighborhoods including Old Town San Diego, North Park, Mission Bay Park, and more!

Why We Love This Race

The San Diego Rock 'n' Roll races are the original races that started the Rock 'n' Roll Series, which now has marathons all over the world.

One thing that makes this race special is its electric energy, with DJs and live musicians lining the course providing entertainment for racers and cheering onlookers alike.

Our Hotel Pick

There are quite a few awesome hotels in the Downtown San Diego area, but for the race weekend, the Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Downtown / Bayside easily stands out among the competition in three major categories: location, comforts, and convenience. Its water views and iconic San Diego aesthetic only add to the charm.

The 4-star Hard Rock Hotel San Diego in the Gaslamp Quarter would be another awesome choice to pair with these races.

New to our list in 2026, Coronado's own Fourth of July weekend races, the Crown City Classics, will once again take place along the beautiful Coronado Bay. The 53rd annual family-friendly event will feature a 12K, 5K, and Kids Half Mile for those 12 and under.

All three races will start and finish in Coronado Tidelands Park, treating runners and spectators to beautiful views of the Coronado Bridge and San Diego skyline.

2026 racers will receive a patriotic event t-shirt, finisher medal, and awards for overall and age group winners. The race will also feature a virtual option for the 5K and 12K, so if you can't attend live, keep that in mind.

Why We Love This Race

Benefitting the Islander Sports Foundation, I love that this race will take place on the Fourth of July. The entire event is designed to bring us all together. To me, this one is proof that in San Diego, races are just as much about community, energy, and fun as they are about the finish line.

I also like that it features a costume contest, judged at 6:45am before the race starts, which feels a lot like a few of San Diego's other very unique and famous runs around the holidays.

Our Hotel Pick

Our choice for the perfect place to stay before or after the race was an easy one here as the iconic and historic Hotel Del Coronado is just up the way.

The 4-star, beachfront property offers beautifully adorned spacious rooms, stunning ocean views, and multiple dining options.

The 49th Annual America's Finest City Half Marathon & 5K will be a great way for tourists and locals alike to appreciate some of the best of what San Diego has to offer.

Kicking off a touch earlier than some of the others on the list to take advantage of lower early morning temperatures, runners will get to enjoy a scenic point-to-to run from Point Loma to Balboa Park featuring the Cabrillo National Monument, the San Diego Bay, Embarcadero, Star of India, Downtown, and finally Balboa Park.

Runners will receive a technical fabric t-shirt, finisher medal, finish line food bag, complimentary beer in the beer garden for after the race, and more!

Why We Love This Race

With a course that runs through one of the nation's oldest military outposts and past the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, I love how this race highlights some of the city's history and natural scenery.

I also really like the race courses' bayside views along the San Diego Bay and Embarcadero!

Our Hotel Pick

The Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina is our pick here as it complements the race's waterfront views.

A great hotel choice for couples, the central harbor location in the middle of the race course is minutes away from all the action San Diego affords.

Few races on our list will let you experience San Diego's idyllic beaches like the Pacific Beach Half Marathon and 5K, which makes it truly special in our book.

The 5K is set to take place right along the coast, with half the trail on the sand and half on the boardwalk. The point-to-point half marathon will begin at Crown Point Park in Mission Bay and continue all the way to the finish line at PB's shores.

Want to push yourself? Warm up with the 5K on the 3rd and return for the half marathon on the 4th to complete the Surfside Double Shot Challenge.

Why We Love This Race

As the second of three annual races that comprise the PB Run Challenge, this race is the perfect way to get into San Diego's fall season.

Running right through our founder Todd's neighborhood, this one does an excellent job of showing off so much of what he loves about Pacific Beach.

Our Hotel Pick

If you're looking for a cooldown or some relaxation before the run, we suggest a stay at The Dana. It's close to the half marathon start point in Mission Bay, and a hotel we love for its bayside location, relaxed feel, and multiple pools.

The 4-star Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa in Mission Beach would be another great choice as it's family-friendly and waterfront with incredible views.

While not officially confirmed for 2026 as of the time of writing, we're very much expecting to see the 3rd Annual SeaWorld San Diego's Howl-O-Sprint 5K & 1K Fun Run for Kids, confirmed soon. A fairly new addition to their very popular annual Howl-O-Scream seasonal event, the race is a fantastic Halloween activity for kids and teens, as well as beginner and seasoned runners of all ages.

With a course that runs through the park, runners can lookout for Halloween surprises, photo opportunities and themed characters who just might pop-up along the route. With the park decorated for Howl-O-Scream and their family-friendly Halloween Spooktacular festivities, this race will be a very 'Halloween experience'.

Racers will receive an awesome race t-shirt and a one-of-a-kind finisher medal.

Why We Love This Race

A 5K that takes places in one of San Diego's most popular attractions in the cool fall weather just had to be included on our list.

A new addition to our 2026 list, I love that the race encourages runners to dress up in their favorite costumes, just adding to the already festive atmosphere.

Our Hotel Pick

If you're looking for a place to stay for the race or to visit SeaWorld San Diego or Howl-o-Scream, our team's pick here is Paradise Point Resort & Spa.

Located just minutes from the park on Mission Bay, you can expect fire pits, beach access, multiple pools, and a family-friendly laid back atmosphere.

When our team at Go Visit San Diego sat down to build our list of the best races for the 2026 and early 2027 seasons, we wanted to make sure to include one of our favorite turkey trots.

New for our 2026 edition, the 20th Annual O'side Turkey Trot 5K & Kids Run will kick-off bright and early at 6:45am for the first wave and 8:05am for the second on Thanksgiving morning. The Oceanside course will feature flat terrain, ocean views, and comfortable breezes.

The race, benefitting the Jacobs and Cushman San Diego Food Bank, always feels welcoming, whether you're jogging, walking, or even just cheering along friends and family.

Registration will open mid June for the 2026 event. Once you register you can expect a souvenir t-shirt, medal, and thousands of runners coming together on this very special day.

Why We Love This Race

Turkey trots have become more and more popular over the years and I can see why. It's hard to come up with a better start to a day filled with friends and family than to work off a little turkey and stuffing with a festive 5K, none better than the O'side Turkey Trot.

Recognized as one of the top trots in the country by Runner's World Magazine, I find this one extra special with its live entertainment on the course, teams competition, costume contest, and overall good spirit.

Our Hotel Pick

Our hotel choice here is the Mission Pacific Beach Resort – JDV by Hyatt.

Located less than 10 minutes' walk from the O'side Turkey Trot finish line, the 4-star property features ocean views, spacious rooms, and a rooftop pool and bar that's perfect for taking in one of San Diego's fantastic sunsets.

The San Diego Santa Run is among the most well-loved holiday traditions in Southern California. Voted USA Today's Readers' Choice Best Fun Run of 2026, this year's 14th annual event is expected to once again welcome some 45,000 running Santas.

Our founder Todd lives in Pacific Beach and makes it a point each year to take part in the Santa Run. The final PB Run Challenge race of the year, there's something contagious about hundreds of Santas dashing through the heart of PB. The costumes, the holiday spirit, and the blend of runners and walkers make it one of the most festive events of the season.

The event, featured as part of our Best Things to Do in San Diego guide, will also feature a Kids 1 Mile (kids 12 & under) and the Santa's Little Helper 1 Mile Dog Run.

All 5K runners will receive a Sunny Santa Suit plus all participants 21+ will get a free drink ticket. This unique race is certainly one of my favorite ways to jumpstart the holiday season in San Diego!

Why We Love This Race

The Santa Run isn't just another 'race', it's a unique San Diego holiday tradition we couldn't recommend more! It's also the prelude to the annual Pacific Beach holiday parade which will kick off at 1:00pm.

Todd told me that he may not be the fastest runner, but every year he still looks forward to pulling on a Santa suit and joining the fun at the Santa Run. He says that it's pure San Diego holiday joy at its best.

Our Hotel Pick

I think the best place to stay, and flash some of that Santa themed bling, is Tower23.

The distinctive style, luxurious rooms, and beachfront property offer relaxation, which is exactly what you'll need after a fun race, parade, party and so much more!

The Kook Run - 10k, 5k & Kids Dash joined our best-of-the-best runs list last year and was a no-brainer to include as we roll into 2027.

While the next race isn't until February 2027, you can kick-off your Super Bowl Sunday with a race down Coast Highway 101. The 'out and back' races take place right along the Pacific Ocean and will feature amazing views plus surely 'cool but not cold' San Diego winter weather.

There will also be a costume contest which you'll see is something that happens at a few of my favorite races in San Diego. Prizes will be awarded for the best 'Kook' and there will be group prizes as well. All that's required is a bit of creativity.

Why We Love This Race

I personally love this race for its views along the Coast Highway 101 and date it takes place in February. The weather is usually perfect, with sunny skies and cool temperatures. For me, it's a great way to spend a morning with 2500 of my running friends!

Our Hotel Pick

My suggestion for a place to stay near The Kook Run is the Surfhouse Boutique Hotel.

The quant, 3-star property offers free bikes and surfboards for guests, is well priced, and located with quick access to Beacon's Beach and tasty coffee and pastries at Coffee Coffee.

If you can believe it, the 2027 San Diego Leprechaun Run has already been scheduled for Saturday, March 13th, 2027 starting at 9:00am.

The 9th annual 5K and Kids 1 Mile, the first of the year's three PB Challenge Runs, will combine the thrill of a 5K with the fun of the holiday.

In addition to commemorative t-shirts and finisher's medals, runners will also get a complimentary drink, so you can celebrate St. Patrick's Day the old-fashioned way after the run.

While registration has not officially been opened for the 2027 edition, we've heard that it could open any day now. Prices for 2026 were $59 for the 5K and $35 for the Kids 1 Mile and we expect the 2027 prices to be around the same.

Why We Love This Race

Like the annual Santa Run held in December, this is another themed event that's a fun new way to celebrate the holiday.

A bit smaller than the Santa Run from our experience, this race turns Pacific Beach into a 'festive celebration of green' worth checking out!

Our Hotel Pick

With a number of races held in Pacific Beach, I'll make sure to recommend a different hotel for each race and I think the right choice for the San Diego Leprechaun Run is the Pacific Terrace Hotel, but you could also very much choose The Catamaran.

The hotel is perfectly located not far from the start line and is a great choice for families. It also just so happens to make our list of the 15 Best Beach Hotels in San Diego.

As the winter turns to spring, the best place to see San Diego's historic communities, bustling downtown, and famous waterfront will once again be at the 16th Annual Govx San Diego Half Marathon & 5K.

The race will begin and end near the beautiful PETCO Park, one of my favorite spots in the Gaslamp Quarter and the home of the San Diego Padres.

If you can't make it in person, virtual options will be available for both races. There will also be a 10% military discount for active-duty service members. For FAQs about the exact course, bib pick-up, awards and more, check out the official site which will have all those answers.

The half marathon is usually limited to 6,000 participants so once registration opens for the 2027 event, which we expect to happen soon, you won't want to delay in signing-up!

Why We Love This Race

I love this half marathon's scenic route that crosses through four different communities, including five miles along the waterfront and two miles in Downtown San Diego.

During this run you'll get plenty of time to take in the historic surroundings and really appreciate the area.

Our Hotel Pick

One of my favorite Gaslamp Quarter hotels, the Pendry, is an excellent pick if you're running in this race.

The hotel's boutique luxury and California charm deliver big on comfort and relaxation. Their signature focus on simplicity and serenity is the recovery you'll need after the race.

Famous beaches, beloved attractions, a flat course, and exemplary support highlight this award-winning race. The 10K and 5K races will loop around Fiesta Island, while the half marathon will venture all the way around the outer edges of the beautiful Mission Bay.

With 3 different distances to choose from, plus a variety of age category awards, the San Diego Beach and Bay Half Marathon is perfect for runners looking for a more relaxed pace. And don't forget the afterparty: the race always concludes with a bayside festival that will have live music and an award ceremony.

If you can't make it to San Diego, a virtual race will also be available. The Half Marathon is currently open for registration while the 10K & 5K and virtual races should be open soon.

Why We Love This Race

I love the variety of races plus the course around Mission Bay is perfect for more of a novice like myself.

The half marathon course is a truly unique race that winds around and through some of San Diego's biggest attractions (many of which are on the Go City San Diego pass if you're looking to plan a few additional activities with the family while you're in the area!). These include Belmont Park and SeaWorld San Diego, plus plenty of bayside views.

Our Hotel Pick

The start line is right next to the Bahia Resort Hotel, a very nice hotel right on the bayfront. However, I find the newly renovated, family-friendly, 4-star San Diego Mission Bay Resort is the best hotel to stay in while in town for the race.

If you choose this hotel, bring the kids! The resort offers activities for kids plus a variety of additional family amenities.

We're going to kick off this year's list of runs with the most extreme race of our 2026 / 2027 edition! And honestly, if you're not an experienced long distance, or 'Ultra' Runner, you can skip on to our second race now.

However, if you're a dedicated Ultra Runner looking for a true challenge, the summit of San Diego marathons and long-distance runs of 2027 will be the 26th Annual San Diego 100-Mile Endurance Race. Participants need to finish a 50-mile run in 13 hours or less or a 100-mile (or 100K) run in the previous two years (between January 1st, 2025 and April 1st, 2027) as a prerequisite before they can even enter this race. There's also a requirement for 6-hours of volunteer work or a $100 donation to support the TrailFit Program.

The 2027 loop course will consist of 90% single track mountain terrain with trails spanning parts of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), Noble Canyon, the Cuyamaca and the Anza Borrego State Parks, and Mt Laguna Recreational Areas. Runners can expect about 15,400 feet of elevation gain with the same amount of descent and a 32-hour time limit to complete it which means you must cross the finish line by 2:00pm on Saturday, May 2nd.

The race is open for the first 300 entrants on a first come, first served basis. Further entrants will be placed on a waitlist.

Racers 60 and older will be allowed to start 1 hour early. Active military and first responders will be eligible for a 10% discount.

Why We Love This Race

Ultra Marathons are strictly for the hard-core runners! Is this extreme? Absolutely!

While it's not something I've personally attempted (or honestly likely ever will), completing this marathon is a major accomplishment that only a few can say they've done.

Plus, I love that the ultra-long course highlights some of San Diego's most beautiful parks and recreation areas!

Our Hotel Pick

The 100-mile course will be a major test of your endurance, but the rest of your trip doesn't have to be. Give yourself a leg up by staying at the quaint Orchard Hill Country Inn, a boutique hotel bursting with the rustic charm of Julian, California.

Some have called the La Jolla Half Marathon, 5K & 10K the most beautiful races in California, and it's hard for me to disagree!

The half marathon in particular will be a challenging course featuring dramatic, scenic coastal views, residential city streets, and a sprinkle of natural reserves.

The 2027 edition of the point-to-point half marathon will start near the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The mostly downhill 10K will start at North Torrey Pines Rd & National University System Driveway and the 5K will kick-off at La Jolla Shores Drive and Horizon Way. All three races will end at La Jolla Cove.

I want to quote a good friend of GoVisitSanDiego, Dan, here: "As far as half marathons go, my favorite is the La Jolla half marathon. I'll never forget coming around a turn and seeing the gorgeous Torrey Pines Cliffs and the ocean crashing beneath them."

If you're looking to sign-up to run or for race day information such as bib and packet pickup, a detailed race map, parking and shuttle info, post-race details, and even medical and safety information, check out their website directly for all the latest information.

Why We Love This Race

This one was easy - ocean views, warm breezes, and the beautiful views of San Diego's coastline!

While the 400-foot climb on the half marathon course can be a huge challenge, I promise the views will be worthwhile. If you opt for the shorter 5K or 10K race, you'll get to skip the climb, enjoy a downhill course, and still get spectacular views.

Our Hotel Pick

A picture-perfect race requires a well-earned rest at a picturesque hotel!

The Grande Colonial Hotel blends La Jolla's natural beauty with Southern California's calm and cozy charm in an elegant space that's perfect for couples, and exactly what you'll need after a fantastic race!