Rock 'n' Roll
San Diego 2026
SPORTS INFOS — Pacific skyline, Balboa Park, San Diego Bay. Marathon · Half Marathon · 5K — live rock bands at every mile — Waterfront Park finish concert. May 30, 2026 · San Diego, CA.
Results — Rock 'n' Roll San Diego 2026
Official results on Sportstats — Marathon 26.2 miles, Half Marathon 13.1 miles, 5K — Saturday May 30, 2026, San Diego, CA. Start: Balboa Park. Finish: Waterfront Park, downtown San Diego. Timing by Sportstats.
Results — Sportstats → 🌐 runrocknroll.com →Balboa Park to the Waterfront — San Diego's Biggest Running Weekend
The Rock 'n' Roll San Diego running festival returns on Saturday, May 30, 2026, sending tens of thousands of runners through some of San Diego's most iconic neighborhoods — from the trails and Spanish-colonial grandeur of Balboa Park through Hillcrest and downtown to a spectacular finish at Waterfront Park overlooking San Diego Bay. Three distances are on offer — Marathon (26.2 miles), Half Marathon (13.1 miles) and 5K — each with live rock bands posted at every mile and a relay option for the full distance. The event traces its roots back to 1998, making San Diego one of the founding cities of the Rock 'n' Roll Running Series.
"Today was what San Diego is all about — energy, excitement and an unforgettable experience for every participant. Along the way, runners rang the 'Highway to Hill' bell at mile 22, honored legacy participants and experienced tributes to San Diego's rich running history throughout the course." — Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Race Director
Course — Neighborhoods, Views & the Highway to Hill
The marathon and half marathon start at Balboa Park and wind through San Diego's most vibrant and eclectic neighborhoods. The half marathon route cuts through Hillcrest, North Park and Normal Heights on a mostly downhill and fast course, finishing at Waterfront Park on the San Diego Bayfront with its breathtaking views of the downtown skyline and the Pacific. Marathon runners tackle a longer loop with the legendary "Highway to Hill" challenge at mile 22 — where runners traditionally ring a bell — before the descent to the same Waterfront Park finish. A relay option splits the marathon among four runners with a four-hour cutoff.
Marathon (26.2 miles / 42.195km) BOSTON QUALIFIER
Start: Balboa Park · Loop through San Diego neighborhoods · "Highway to Hill" bell at mile 22 · Finish: Waterfront Park, San Diego Bay · 7-hour cutoff · 4-person relay option (4-hour cutoff) · Live bands every mile.
Half Marathon (13.1 miles / 21.1km) FAST COURSE
Start: Balboa Park · Through Hillcrest, North Park, Normal Heights · Mostly downhill, fast course · Finish: Waterfront Park · Live bands every mile · Boston qualifier distances.
5K (3.1 miles) 5K
Balboa Park course · Festive atmosphere · Live music & beer garden at finish · Open to all paces & abilities.
Race Schedule — Saturday, May 30, 2026
| Race | Distance / Time limit | Course / Details |
|---|---|---|
| Marathon BQ | 26.2 mi · 42.195km · 7h | Balboa Park → downtown neighborhoods → "Highway to Hill" mile 22 → Waterfront Park · Live bands · Relay option |
| Marathon Relay RELAY × 4 | 26.2 mi · 4 runners · 4h | Same marathon course · 4 legs · 4-hour team cutoff · Rock 'n' Roll atmosphere |
| Half Marathon FAST | 13.1 mi · 21.1km | Balboa Park → Hillcrest → North Park → Normal Heights → Waterfront Park · Mostly downhill |
| 5K | 3.1 mi · 5km | Balboa Park · Beer garden & live music at finish · Open to all · Family-friendly |
| Encore Concert | Post-race · Waterfront Park | Live entertainment · Finish-line festival · San Diego Bay views |