The Rock ’n’ Roll San Diego marks the series’ flagship marathon, set to bring thousands of runners and live music across three distances on Memorial Day weekend, May 30–31, 2026. Starting from Balboa Park and winding through historic districts and along the bay, participants in the marathon and half are cheered on by live bands stationed approximately every mile. The adjacent 5K takes place on Saturday, offering a fun, community-oriented race with the same upbeat atmosphere. The weekend also includes a Health & Fitness Expo at the Convention Center, race-day support with pacers, hydration stations, official timing, and a post-race concert festival near Waterfront Park. As the longest-running event in the Rock ’n’ Roll Series—dating back to 1998—it’s a destination race combining performance, celebration, and charity fundraising.
Races
Marathon
Half Marathon
5 km
Race Date:
31 May, 2026
Organized by Competitor Group’s Rock ’n’ Roll Running Series, the San Diego Marathon starts near Balboa Park and finishes downtown, offering a Boston Qualifier course through eight distinct neighborhoods. The next edition runs on Sunday, May 31, 2026, starting at approximately 6:15 am PDT.
Weather based on historical averages.
FAQs
What is the Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon?
How long is the Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon?
Where does the Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon take place?
What is the elevation gain of the Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon?
How can I prepare for the Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon?
How do I choose the right training plan for the Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon?
Organized by Competitor Group’s Rock ’n’ Roll Running Series, the San Diego Marathon starts near Balboa Park and finishes downtown, offering a Boston Qualifier course through eight distinct neighborhoods. The next edition runs on Sunday, May 31, 2026, starting at approximately 6:15 am PDT.
The Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon is 42km long.
The Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon takes place in San Diego, CA, USA.
The Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon elevation gain is 365.15 metres, which Runna classifies as a Rolling race.
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 Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon?
Organized by Competitor Group’s Rock ’n’ Roll Running Series, the San Diego Marathon starts near Balboa Park and finishes downtown, offering a Boston Qualifier course through eight distinct neighborhoods. The next edition runs on Sunday, May 31, 2026, starting at approximately 6:15 am PDT.
How long is the Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon?
The Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon is 42km long.
Where does the Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon take place?
The Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon takes place in San Diego, CA, USA.
What is the elevation gain of the Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon?
The Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Marathon elevation gain is 365.15 metres, which Runna classifies as a Rolling race.
How can I prepare for the Rock 'n' Roll San Diego 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 Rock 'n' Roll San Diego 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!
More
Sport:
Running
Tags:
Major City
This event listing is for informational purposes only. Runna is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Rock 'n' Roll San Diego 2026 or IRONMAN Group. 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 Rock 'n' Roll San Diego 2026 website.
