On 16 August 2026, the event offers a certified 21.1 km half marathon and a 5 km option. The course is a point-to-point route beginning at Cabrillo National Monument on Point Loma, then following the San Diego Bay waterfront, through Harbor Island, past the Star of India, into downtown San Diego, and finishing in Balboa Park. Runners enjoy scenic coastal views, a mostly downhill/fast profile, full support with hydration stations, medical coverage, chip timing, finisher medals, post-race celebration including a beer garden, and spectator excitement. The event is part of In Motion Events’ “SoCal Triple Crown” series, and registration includes perks like a technical shirt, reusable bag, shuttle services, and access to the finish line festival.
Races
Half Marathon
Half Marathon
5 km
5 km
The America’s Finest City Half Marathon 2026 is organized by In Motion Events and will be held on Sunday, August 16, 2026, in San Diego, California, USA. The race starts at 6:15 AM from Cabrillo National Monument, Point Loma and finishes in Balboa Park, offering a scenic tour along San Diego Bay, Harbor Island, Embarcadero, and downtown.
The Virtual Half Marathon option, also run by In Motion Events, aligns with the in-person event on August 16, 2026, allowing participants anywhere to cover the 21.1 km distance on their own. Virtual participants receive the same finisher’s swag and recognition as those in the live race.
The Virtual 5K, also hosted by In Motion Events, is tied to the 2026 event day (August 16, 2026) and allows runners to complete the 5 km distance remotely. These participants receive the same race medal, shirt, and event perks as those running in person.
The America’s Finest City 5K 2026 is organized by In Motion Events and takes place on Sunday, August 16, 2026, in San Diego, California. It begins at 6:10 AM, starting near the same area as the half marathon, and finishes in Balboa Park along a shorter, scenic route.
Weather based on historical averages.
FAQs
What is the America’s Finest City Half Marathon?
How long is the America’s Finest City Half Marathon?
Where does the America’s Finest City Half Marathon take place?
What is the elevation gain of the America’s Finest City Half Marathon?
How can I prepare for the America’s Finest City Half Marathon?
How do I choose the right training plan for the America’s Finest City Half Marathon?
The America’s Finest City Half Marathon 2026 is organized by In Motion Events and will be held on Sunday, August 16, 2026, in San Diego, California, USA. The race starts at 6:15 AM from Cabrillo National Monument, Point Loma and finishes in Balboa Park, offering a scenic tour along San Diego Bay, Harbor Island, Embarcadero, and downtown.
The America’s Finest City Half Marathon is 21km long.
The America’s Finest City Half Marathon takes place in San Diego, CA, USA.
Runna classifies the America’s Finest City Half Marathon elevation profile as Flat.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the America’s Finest City Half Marathon?
The America’s Finest City Half Marathon 2026 is organized by In Motion Events and will be held on Sunday, August 16, 2026, in San Diego, California, USA. The race starts at 6:15 AM from Cabrillo National Monument, Point Loma and finishes in Balboa Park, offering a scenic tour along San Diego Bay, Harbor Island, Embarcadero, and downtown.
How long is the America’s Finest City Half Marathon?
The America’s Finest City Half Marathon is 21km long.
Where does the America’s Finest City Half Marathon take place?
The America’s Finest City Half Marathon takes place in San Diego, CA, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the America’s Finest City Half Marathon?
Runna classifies the America’s Finest City Half Marathon elevation profile as Flat.
How can I prepare for the America’s Finest City Half Marathon?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the America’s Finest City Half Marathon?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the America’s Finest City Virtual Half Marathon?
How long is the America’s Finest City Virtual Half Marathon?
Where does the America’s Finest City Virtual Half Marathon take place?
What is the elevation gain of the America’s Finest City Virtual Half Marathon?
How can I prepare for the America’s Finest City Virtual Half Marathon?
How do I choose the right training plan for the America’s Finest City Virtual Half Marathon?
The Virtual Half Marathon option, also run by In Motion Events, aligns with the in-person event on August 16, 2026, allowing participants anywhere to cover the 21.1 km distance on their own. Virtual participants receive the same finisher’s swag and recognition as those in the live race.
The America’s Finest City Virtual Half Marathon is 21km long.
The America’s Finest City Virtual Half Marathon takes place in San Diego, CA, USA.
Runna classifies the America’s Finest City Virtual Half Marathon elevation profile as Flat.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the America’s Finest City Virtual Half Marathon?
The Virtual Half Marathon option, also run by In Motion Events, aligns with the in-person event on August 16, 2026, allowing participants anywhere to cover the 21.1 km distance on their own. Virtual participants receive the same finisher’s swag and recognition as those in the live race.
How long is the America’s Finest City Virtual Half Marathon?
The America’s Finest City Virtual Half Marathon is 21km long.
Where does the America’s Finest City Virtual Half Marathon take place?
The America’s Finest City Virtual Half Marathon takes place in San Diego, CA, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the America’s Finest City Virtual Half Marathon?
Runna classifies the America’s Finest City Virtual Half Marathon elevation profile as Flat.
How can I prepare for the America’s Finest City Virtual Half Marathon?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the America’s Finest City Virtual Half Marathon?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the America’s Finest City Virtual 5K?
How long is the America’s Finest City Virtual 5K?
Where does the America’s Finest City Virtual 5K take place?
What is the elevation gain of the America’s Finest City Virtual 5K?
How can I prepare for the America’s Finest City Virtual 5K?
How do I choose the right training plan for the America’s Finest City Virtual 5K?
The Virtual 5K, also hosted by In Motion Events, is tied to the 2026 event day (August 16, 2026) and allows runners to complete the 5 km distance remotely. These participants receive the same race medal, shirt, and event perks as those running in person.
The America’s Finest City Virtual 5K is 5km long.
The America’s Finest City Virtual 5K takes place in San Diego, CA, USA.
Runna classifies the America’s Finest City Virtual 5K elevation profile as Flat.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the America’s Finest City Virtual 5K?
The Virtual 5K, also hosted by In Motion Events, is tied to the 2026 event day (August 16, 2026) and allows runners to complete the 5 km distance remotely. These participants receive the same race medal, shirt, and event perks as those running in person.
How long is the America’s Finest City Virtual 5K?
The America’s Finest City Virtual 5K is 5km long.
Where does the America’s Finest City Virtual 5K take place?
The America’s Finest City Virtual 5K takes place in San Diego, CA, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the America’s Finest City Virtual 5K?
Runna classifies the America’s Finest City Virtual 5K elevation profile as Flat.
How can I prepare for the America’s Finest City Virtual 5K?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the America’s Finest City Virtual 5K?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the America’s Finest City 5K?
How long is the America’s Finest City 5K?
Where does the America’s Finest City 5K take place?
What is the elevation gain of the America’s Finest City 5K?
How can I prepare for the America’s Finest City 5K?
How do I choose the right training plan for the America’s Finest City 5K?
The America’s Finest City 5K 2026 is organized by In Motion Events and takes place on Sunday, August 16, 2026, in San Diego, California. It begins at 6:10 AM, starting near the same area as the half marathon, and finishes in Balboa Park along a shorter, scenic route.
The America’s Finest City 5K is 5km long.
The America’s Finest City 5K takes place in San Diego, CA, USA.
Runna classifies the America’s Finest City 5K elevation profile as Flat.
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
What is the America’s Finest City 5K?
The America’s Finest City 5K 2026 is organized by In Motion Events and takes place on Sunday, August 16, 2026, in San Diego, California. It begins at 6:10 AM, starting near the same area as the half marathon, and finishes in Balboa Park along a shorter, scenic route.
How long is the America’s Finest City 5K?
The America’s Finest City 5K is 5km long.
Where does the America’s Finest City 5K take place?
The America’s Finest City 5K takes place in San Diego, CA, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the America’s Finest City 5K?
Runna classifies the America’s Finest City 5K elevation profile as Flat.
How can I prepare for the America’s Finest City 5K?
The best way to train for the next race is to use a personalised training plan that takes into account your current running ability, schedule, and preferences.
This will help you steadily improve your running performance and get ready for the race without risking an injury.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
How do I choose the right training plan for the America’s Finest City 5K?
Which plan you choose will depend on your experience, schedule, objectives, and the date of the race.
Runna offers personalised training plans for every runner and every goal: Whether this is your first, 10th or 100th race, we'll help you get the most out of your training and smash your goals.
Check out our training plans to find the best running program for your goals!
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Sport:
Running
Tags:
Coastal
This event listing is for informational purposes only. Runna is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by America’s Finest City Half Marathon & 5K or In Motion Events. All event details are based on publicly available information and are provided solely to help users discover running events. Runna does not use any official logos, images, or proprietary content from this event or its organiser. Any trademarks or names mentioned are used descriptively to identify the event in a factual manner. For the most accurate and up to date information (including to register or purchase an entry to the event), please visit the America’s Finest City Half Marathon & 5K website.
