Faq

Below you’ll find answers to the questions we get asked most frequently.

Where is Race Packet Pick-up & the Sport, Health & Fitness Expo?
The San Diego Sport, Health & Fitness Expo serves as your primary race packet pick-up location for both the Half Marathon & the 5K.  The Expo will be held on Friday, March 7th & Saturday, March 8, 2014 at the Port Pavilion on the Broadway Pier and will feature our selection of vendors, with samples targeted towards health & fitness-minded individuals.  The Expo will be FREE & open to the public.  To learn more about the Expo or race packet pickup, including parking, location & hours, please visit Sport, Health & Fitness Expo.

Are registrations available of the Sport, Health & Fitness Expo?  What is the fee?
Yes, we do have a limited number of half marathon bibs available fro $150, however the 5K is sold out.  To learn more about the Expo or race packet pickup, including location & hours, please visit Sport, Health & Fitness Expo.

I will not be able to pick up my race packet at the Expo. What are my options?
If you are unable to pick up your race packet at the Sport, Health & Fitness Expo on Friday, March 7 or Saturday, March 8, 2014, we have the following option available for you:  a friend or family member may pick up your race packet as long as they have a copy of a valid photo ID and a signed waiver. Download the 2013 San Diego Half Marathon & 5K Waiver.

I am a member of the San Diego community.  What are the road closures & timing for the race route?
For information regarding local road closures, please visit our Community Info page on our website.

Can my friends/family track my progress in the half marathon?
Yes! Your Friends and family can track your progress along the half marathon route live. They’ll just need the name you registered with and/or your bib number and the live tracking site, which we will include as part of the final instructions available 2 weeks before the race.
Please note: This option is not available for 5K runners.

What is the Celebrate San Diego Event?
“Celebrate San Diego” at the Gaslamp Block Party is our post-race event that will take place concurrently and after the San Diego Half Marathon & 5K on March 9, 2014. To learn more about the post-event, visit Celebrate San Diego.

How do I confirm my registration or find out my Bib #?
To look up your Bib # online, please visit our Bib # Lookup.  Please enter your first & last name exactly as you entered it when you registered. (For example, if you registered as John Doe Jr., be sure to include the “Jr.” after your last name.)  The Bib # Lookup also serves as confirmation of your registration and, if applicable, will also list your team name.

I am registered for the 5K.  How can I switch to the half marathon?
Please visit the Solutions Center at the Sport, Health & Fitness Expo on Friday, March 7, 2013 or Saturday, March 8, 2014, and we can take care of switching your bib from 5K to half marathon, but only while supplies last.  Please note that the half marathon Start Line is under the Omni Sky Bridge adjacent to Petco Park.  The Half Marathon starts at 7:18am.

I am registered for the half marathon.  How can I switch to the 5K?
Please visit the Solutions Center at the Sport, Health & Fitness Expo on Friday, March 7, 2013 or Saturday, March 8, 2014, and we can take care of switching your bib from half marathon to 5K, but only while supplies last.  Please note that the Shuttles to 5K Start depart at  from Petco Park’s Tailgate lot at 6am, so please arrive early.  The last shuttle departs at 6:30am.

What is the route for the half marathon?
For details about the race route, including a downloadable PDF map, visit The Course.

What is the course for the 5K?
For details about the race route including a downloadable PDF map, visit the 5K Course.

Is there a limit to the number of runners that can participate?
Yes, the half marathon is limited to 7,000 runners.   The 5K race is limited to 1,200 runners and is currently sold out.

Is there a time limit?
Yes, the half marathon has a time limit of 3 hours 30 minutes (approximately a 16 minute mile pace). If you’re not on pace to finish within the time limit at the halfway point, you may need to be picked up by our shuttles, or turn around.  The 5K has a time limit of 1 hour (approximately a 19 minute mile pace) due to the half marathon coming up from behind and, if not on pace, you may be asked to finish as a pedestrian.

Are there aid stations along the route?
Yes, aid stations are strategically positioned all along the half marathon and 5K routes, approximately every 2 miles. To learn more, visit The Course.

I am unable to participate in the half marathon.  Can I transfer my bib or receive a refund?
Unfortunately, as stated in our policy here on the website and during registration, all race entries are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Are strollers or wheelchairs allowed on the course?
Unauthorized bicycles, motorized vehicles, wheelchairs and strollers not permitted on the half marathon race course due to safety concerns.

Am I allowed to bring my own water bottle?
Yes, and we encourage this eco-friendly option. Each aid station will include fresh water from local & fresh PureFlo Water company to refill your bottle.

Are iPODs, iPhones and other personal listening devices permitted?
Yes, we are an mp3-player friendly race. However, for your safety, please adjust your volume so that you are aware of your surroundings at all times.

How do I know what Wave I am in at the Start Line? (note:  2013 Wave Assignments)
Your wave assigment is listed on your race bib and was designed to line up our start lines in the order of your estimated finish times.  Your 2013 wave assignment corresponds to the following estimated finish times:

Half Marathon (h:mm)
Wave 1:  1:40 or less
Wave 2:  1:45 – 1:50
Wave 3:  1:50 – 1:55
Wave 4:  1:55 – 2:00
Wave 5:  2:00
Wave 6:  2:00 – 2:05
Wave 7:  2:05 – 2:10
Wave 8:  2:10 – 2:15
Wave 9:  2:15 – 2:20
Wave 10:  2:20 – 2:30
Wave 11:  2:30
Wave 12:  2:30
Wave 13:  2:30
Wave 14:  2:35 – 2:55
Wave 15:  3:00 – 3:30

5K (mins):
Wave 1:  25 or less
Wave 2:  25-45
Wave 3:  45-60

Will the race, expo or post event be canceled in the event of rain?  What is the average temperature?
The expo, race and post-event will be held whether there is sun, rain or anything in between. We anticipate beautiful weather, but it’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast a few days before the race so you can prepare & dress appropriately.  In March, the average monthly temperature is 66º F.

I am active duty in the military and just got orders to be transferred out of San Diego. Can I transfer my registration to someone else?
Transfers are not allowed for any registration, however, active military who received orders may choose to either defer their entry to the following year’s race or receive a refund. Email your request with a copy of your orders to:  info@sdhalfmarathon.com

I’ll be traveling in from out of town. Do you have any hotel blocks reserved?
Yes, we have partnered with several great hotels, including the Hilton Gaslamp, that are located within walking distance of both the start & finish.  To learn more, visit Driving, Parking & Hotels.

If I’m not registered for the half marathon or 5K, can I attend the Sport, Health & Fitness Expo?
Yes, the Sport, Health & Fitness Expo is free and open to the public on Friday, March 7th & Saturday, March 8, 2014. Learn more at Expo.

If I’m not registered for the half marathon or 5K, can I attend the Celebrate San Diego Gaslamp Block Party?
Yes, friends and family of runners, plus local residents & tourists alike are encouraged to join the festivities downtown on Sunday, March 9, 2014! To learn more, visit Celebrate San Diego.

Where can my friends watch me along the course?
The best places to watch runners along the route are highlighted in our Spectator Guide. The guide also includes places to eat that are close to the route.

How much of the course is asphalt versus cement?
The half marathon course is 97.5% asphalt, 1.5% concrete and 1% compact dirt.  The 5K is 100% asphalt.

After carefully reviewing the final instructions, what’s the best way to get updates on the race?
There are several ways to keep updated:  1 – ‘Like’ us on Facebook, 2 – follow us on Twitter and/or 3 – sign up to receive our newsletter at the bottom of our homepage.  Thank you for your interest!

What is The San Diego Half Marathon & 5K?
The San Diego Half Marathon is a 13.1-mile race that celebrates the beauty and uniqueness of San Diego, while raising money to help their communities. The 5K (3.1-mile) race option will also be held on the same day.  To learn more about the routes, visit The Course or the 5K Course.

Where can I get coffee on the morning of the race?
Here are some options for coffee shops that will be open bright and early along with you on race day!

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