One of the Top 25 Half Marathons in the Country
Considered one of America’s most picturesque and challenging runs, the La Jolla Half Marathon – now in its 29th year – sold out nearly two months before race day, as 6,500 runners are currently registered. [Note: the 5K event is NOT sold out.]
Event in Del Mar
Beginning at 7:30 a.m. on April 25, the 13.1-mile race starts adjacent to the Del Mar Fairground’s main entrance.
From there the course follows a scenic route along the coast, prior to reaching a challenging climb up the summit of Torrey Pines State Park. The climb is one aspect that separates the La Jolla Half Marathon from other local marathons. It is also considered the most difficult portion of the race.
Following the climb, the course leads runners through a portion of the state park and past the Torrey Pines Golf Course. The race then continues through the residential district of La Jolla Shores before finishing on the grass in the park at La Jolla Cove.
The scenic views along the course, combined with the difficult climb up to Torrey Pines, are several reasons why this race was ranked by Runner’s World as one of America’s top 25 half marathons, and one of the top 100 running competitions overall.
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This year, due to the large field, the La Jolla Half Marathon’s website (www.LaJollaHalfMarathon.com) recommends that all runners should be in the start area by 7 a.m. Shuttles to the start will depart from La Jolla Cove beginning at 5 a.m., with the last bus departing at 6 a.m.
After 7:30 a.m. portions of the course will open to normal traffic progressively from the start based on a 14-minute mile pace.
Following the race, runners will be greeted with food and drink including a beer garden for participants over 21.
At 10:00am medals will be awarded to the top five finishers in each age class. Championship tro-
phies will be also be awarded to the first “open division” male and female finisher overall. Additionally more than $5,000 in prizes will be awarded to those in attendance.
5K run starts at La Jolla Shores
Also occurring on April 25th is the La Jolla Shores 5K, which offers an alternative to the challenging half marathon. The 5K is limited to 2,000 participants and has yet to sell out.
The 5K follows the final section of the half marathon course, which starts above La Jolla Shores and runs through the La Jolla Shores residential district. The run continues along the ocean boardwalk and finishes in the park at La Jolla Cove.
A $25 participant fee is required for anyone wanting to run the 5K, which has yet to sell out. The net proceeds of this event benefit the youth, senior and community programs of the La Jolla Kiwanis Foundation.
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