Overall
Pre-race
Course
Post-race
Submitted by Jenny Wood
September 4, 2013
Review
America’s Finest City was just that — fine, as in average or meh. The weather was nice, but the announcer wasn’t too enthusiastic and the pre race vibe was odd.
This race would benefit from a wave start. Despite lining up at the 1:55 sign, it was near impossible to get under even 10 min per mile for the first two miles due to crowding and the paces of the crowd. If I was attempting a PR at this race I would have been frustrated and disappointed. Fortunately, these first few crowded miles were very scenic, so that made up for it – a little.
The start was wacky, no gun, just people who started moving forward, some from the staging area and some from a second area with corrals, see above re pacing and crowding. It was not clear that you were crossing the start until you were on top of the timing mat, which was also a little wacky.
Much of the course had only partial street closures, resulting again in crowding.
After the half way point you basically run around the airport, which was not very pretty, and then the last two miles are uphill into balboa park. Admittedly, I am not from San Diego, so I guess I don’t share San Diego’s enthusiasm for ending all (ok, many) of their events with two miles up hill into balboa park.
The finish festival was nice though, easy to get through the finish line and medals, and many sponsors with tables giving out full size samples of drinks and snacks.
Overall, for an event of this size and price, I expected a little more. I think this run is great if you’re looking for a fun run, a training run, or want to do the triple crown. I would not suggest this race for a first timer or someone looking for a PR. Honestly, I’m now rethinking whether to do triple crown next year, because I don’t really want to do this race again.
Overall
Pre-race
Course
Post-race
Submitted by countrysnow
August 22, 2013
Review
The weather was fantastic. Plenty of busses for getting you to the start. The course was excellent, plenty of water stations and potties along the way. The only complaints I have are……
1. the announcer………ummm, I seriously tried to count the number of times he said ummmmmm. Not sure if he was asleep or bored.
2. Didn’t even realize the race started, since when do you play the national anthem a whole half hour prior to race start and then no gun or bullhorn to announce we are running.
Other than that the race was nice. Flat run, only a couple of hills at the start and at the end, and well waiting those 30 seconds for the trolley wasn’t great.
Overall
Pre-race
Course
Post-race
Submitted by crystalclear1616
April 7, 2013
Review
The view at the top of Cabrillo was beautiful with a full panoramic view of San Diego. It was a bit of a wait for the race to start. The route curves through a neighborhood with spectators spraying you with water. It then takes you around the Harbor, through the streets of downtown and ends at Balboa Park. The course was flat with a hill at mile 12. Once the sun came out, it was hot. There isn’t any shade along this course. This was a bit rough for me as I did not train in the heat. However, there were plenty of water stations throughout and people spraying you with water.
I would give this race an A. It was easy to get on the tram to the starting line. The course was flat. It was quick to get out of the parking lot at he finish.
Overall
Pre-race
Course
Post-race
Submitted by tennishog
December 2, 2012
Review
Overall, this race gets high marks. I didn’t appreciate the shuttle and wait up at the top of Cabrillo, but you cannot beat the scenic views from start to finish. Plenty of water stops and I think, a great value for the money! The course was excellent, from Cabrillo to Harbor/Shelter Island and I even enjoyed the last 1.2 miles uphill on 6th…it was kind of a mini-challenge thrown in at the very end. If I could only run one half-marathon it would be this one. Great value, fun race and an overall “A” experience!
Overall
Pre-race
Course
Post-race
Submitted by Jim Wenzell
February 8, 2012
Review
I agree with Amanda Daley. Waiting around at the start sucked. They should offer more support there while you are waiting in the dark. Have some hot chocolate or coffee or something warm to drink. That was the only bad thing, other than no beer garden at the finish!!! The first five miles or so are predominantly downhill, but you will pay for those with the mile-long uphill near the finish! Everyone was very friendly and I really liked the course. Oh, also, getting in and out of the expo was kind of a hassle. That said, I am running it again this year. First time for the Triple Crown. Woo hoo!
Overall
Pre-race
Course
Post-race
Submitted by Amanda Daley
February 6, 2012
Review
I only give this race a B because of the whole starting situation. Its a Point to point course so you have to be shuttled up to the top and wait until go time. Its WAY too early to get up there at the start 2 hours before race time and just stand around. Its COLD and there were not even close to enough restrooms for all the athletes. I think just offering some seating and heaters would make this that much better. I did however thoroughly enjoy the course (until the 6th street hill at mile 12 🙂 ) It is mostly downhill/flat. There was a lot of support, multiple aid stations and a nice expo.
