San Diego Holiday Half Marathon & 5K
San Diego Holiday Half Marathon offers a fast, net-downhill course ending at Torrey Pines State Beach.
Race Date
Dec 19, 2026
Location
San Diego, CA
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, December 19, 2026
- Location
- San Diego, California
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 5K
- Course
- Point to Point
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 29,303
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The San Diego Holiday Half Marathon, now in its 14th year, is a popular winter race known for its fast, net-downhill course. Runners begin on Penasquitos Drive and head southwest along Carmel Mountain Road, tackling a single notable incline early on before transitioning to the scenic 56 bike path. This path offers a significant 711-foot net elevation drop, making it a prime candidate for personal bests.
With a median field size of around 2,360 finishers and drawing participants from approximately 39 states, the event has established itself as a significant draw. About 30% of participants are repeat runners, indicating strong loyalty to this end-of-year PR opportunity. The race culminates at the beautiful Torrey Pines State Beach, providing a rewarding finish line experience.
Race-provided description
The San Diego Holiday Half Marathon is a fast 13.1-mile course that starts on Penasquitos Drive in front of the Hotel Karlan (formerly, the Doubletree Golf Resort) then travels SW along Carmel Mountain Rd (your only ‘real’ hill at mile 1.5), along the 56 bike path and finishes at the beautiful Torrey Pines State Beach (pictured above!). The race includes a 711-foot net elevation drop along the “rolling” downhill bike path, which also makes it a personal best candidate. This popular winter half has been a sell-out event every year. Get your end-of-the-year PR!!!
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, December 19, 2026
Start Time
7:30 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt
Start Location
14455 Penasquitos Rd, San Diego, CA, 92129
Course Info
Course Type
Point to Point
Terrain
road
Scenery
Coastal
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Rolling Hills
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
Runner Favorite8513 years running
~2,360 finishers a year
shrinking
30% returning runners
5 timing sources
runners from 39 states
winner 1:04:22
typical high 65°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
47°
Afternoon (High)
65°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.1"
Precipitation
8 mph
Wind
72%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 29,303 finishers actually crossed the line across 13 years.
Most recent
2025
Total finishers
29,303
Median time
2:01:25
Latest turnout
2,283
States
51
Turnout by year
2018–2025
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the San Diego Holiday Half Marathon & 5K?
The San Diego Holiday Half Marathon & 5K is held on Saturday, December 19, 2026, starting at 7:30 AM.
Where does the San Diego Holiday Half Marathon & 5K take place?
It takes place in San Diego, California.
What distances does the San Diego Holiday Half Marathon & 5K offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 5K.
Is the San Diego Holiday Half Marathon & 5K course flat and good for a PR?
The San Diego Holiday Half Marathon & 5K is a rolling hills, point to point course.
How many people run the San Diego Holiday Half Marathon & 5K?
HalfRuns has finish records for 29,303 runners who have completed the San Diego Holiday Half Marathon & 5K.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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