Race Review: San Diego Holiday Half Marathon

SUMMARY:

OVERVIEW: The San Diego Holiday Half is an almost completely downhill run from the Rancho Penasquitos area, that goes mostly along the 56 freeway bike trail, finishing up at Torrey Pines State Park. It is currently my fastest half marathon to date, due to it mostly being downhill.

SCENERY/LOCATION: Most of this is running along the bike trail alongside the freeway. However you are running towards the ocean and finish up at the Torrey Pines State Park at the Coastline.

COURSE DESCRIPTION : Half – there is a small incline at the start (first two – three miles, but after that it is gentle rolling hills along PCH and then mostly downhill at the end (last half to two miles) to the finish. 5K – Same first and last mile as the half, but second is less of an incline that the incline on the half.

SPECTATORS/MUSIC ETC : There is no live music / entertainment along the course and there are good crowds at each exit of the 56 that you pass by cheering you on. They also have comical inspiring elf-movie themed signs around the course!

EXPO INFO: Expo takes place in the parking lot at Road Runner at San Diego. Typically Road Runner have a good coupon you can use on the expo day, so plan some extra time if you want to stock up on running items.

START INFO : CHILLY! If you’re a San Diego native or lived here for a while like me, be prepared for cold, chilly weather (for San Diego 🙂 ) at the start. Fortunately there is a doubletree hotel next to the start that welcomes runners into their lobby, whilst they’re waiting for the start. Runners are released in ‘waves’ based on estimated finish time.

FINISH INFO: Nice downhill into Torrey Pines State Park.

PARKING/TRANSPORTATION LOGISTICS: Parking is free and much easier at the start versus at the finish. There is a big free parking lot opposite the doubletree and there is conveniently a 7-eleven in that parking lot. Shuttle buses are available to the start at the beginning or end of the race.

BLING/TEES/SWAG: Medals and tees are not great quality, but the scenery and course makes up for it. It is typically a very lightweight long-sleeved hoodie tee.

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT

  • MEDALS AND SWAG – Medal could be higher quality
  • BEER – There is no free beer offered at the end which would be nice. This may be something to do with it finishing in a State Park though.

PRO’S

  • FAST PR COURSE – This course has a strong possibility of achieving a Personal Record.
  • SCENERY – It’s pretty epic to run down towards the ocean.

TIP: This race partners with the Craft Classic race that also runs mostly along the 56, and there is a Route 56 series medal if you complete both:

REVIEW: This is a great race to finish the year on. Perfect running conditions, beautiful scenery and fast-paced if you’re trying to get that Personal Record in.

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