Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon

The Rock ’n’ Roll San Diego Marathon is one of the most iconic running events in the United States and the original race in the Rock ’n’ Roll Running Series. First launched in 1998, the event helped define the idea of a music-driven road race, combining marathon running with live bands, cheer squads, entertainment stations, and a festival-style finish.

The event is organized by the Rock ’n’ Roll Running Series / IRONMAN Group. The race is a global destination running series built around live music, scenic courses, and finish-line festivals.

For runners, San Diego is a signature stop on the Rock ’n’ Roll calendar. The marathon and half marathon start next to Balboa Park at Sixth Ave & Quince St and finish downtown at Ash St & Union St. The course takes runners through up to eight iconic San Diego neighborhoods, creating a city tour that mixes urban energy, coastal atmosphere, music, and crowd support.