HalfRuns
Thrive San Diego Half Marathon & 5K

Thrive San Diego Half Marathon & 5K

San Diego's Thrive Half Marathon offers a fast, flat loop with bay views and ocean breezes.

Race Date

Nov 14, 2026

Location

San Diego, CA

Standout78

Quick facts

Date
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Location
San Diego, California
Distance
Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 13.1 Miles, 3.1 Miles
Course
Loop Course
Terrain
Road
USATF certified
Yes
Finishers on record
6,940

Highlights

Good For

PR FriendlyDestination Worthy

Atmosphere

Local CommunityGreat Swag

Course

Fast FlatScenic Route

The Experience

The Kaiser Permanente Thrive Half Marathon & 5K, now in its 10th year, invites the San Diego community to embrace an active lifestyle. This event, typically held in early November, features a fast and flat course along Mission Bay, promising beautiful bay views and refreshing ocean breezes.

Runners can expect a loop course that begins and ends at Ski Beach, winding along the picturesque shores of Mission Bay. With an average of around 973 finishers in recent years, and drawing participants from approximately 31 states, the race offers a solid opportunity to chase a personal best on a certified course. About 18% of participants return for subsequent editions, underscoring its appeal.

The event aims to promote healthy living and community engagement, making it more than just a race. Participants receive a race T-shirt, and the fast, flat nature of the course is a significant draw for those looking for a PR-friendly experience.

Race-provided description

The Kaiser Permanente Thrive Half Marathon & 5K returns for its 10th year! We’re excited to THRIVE with you on Saturday, November 14, 2026! More than just a race, it’s an invitation for the entire San Diego community to “Thrive” together—staying active, eating healthy, living well, and giving back. All courses start and finish at Ski Beach in Mission Bay, offering fast, flat stretches with beautiful Mission Bay views and refreshing ocean breezes.   Half Marathon:  Start Time: 7:15AMExperience 13.1 miles of scenic San Diego beauty on a loop course that starts on Ingraham Street, winds along Mission Bay, and finishes at Ski Beach. Enjoy fast, flat stretches, picturesque bay views, and refreshing ocean breezes as you chase your personal best.Go to thrivehalfmarathon.com/halfmarathon/ for more information.   Half Marathon Relay: Start Time: 7:15AMTake on the Half Marathon Relay with a partner and split the challenge of 13.1 miles! Each runner will cover approximately 6.5 miles before handing off the "baton" to your teammate at Telecote Shores. This scenic route along Crown Point starts on Ingraham St and finishes at Ski Beach in Mission Bay, featuring fast, flat stretches, breathtaking bay views, and refreshing ocean breezes.For more information go to thrivehalfmarathon.com/halfmarathon-relay/.   5K: Start Time: 7:30AMThe 5K is a scenic loop route along Crown Point that starts on Ingraham St and finishes at Ski Beach in Mission Bay.For more information go to thrivehalfmarathon.com/5k/.   Entry Includes: Official Thrive Short Sleeve Tech TeeRacer BibFinisher Medal Unique to Each DistanceChip Race TimingLive Finish Results and RankingsAward Winner PrizesOverall & Age Group AwardsAccess to Thrive Expo  

Virtual Runners: For runners who can’t make it to San Diego but still want to participate and benefit Make-A-Wish San Diego! Complete your distance anytime during race week and post your results to the virtual leaderboard.For more information go to thrivehalfmarathon.com/virtual-runners/   Charity: Run to benefit Make-A-Wish® San Diego! Join us in granting wishes for children diagnosed with critical illnesses. Donate today to show your support for Make-A-Wish® San Diego on Race Day.   For more information on Make-A-Wish San Diego, visit thrivehalfmarathon.com/charity/.

Logistics

Race Day

Saturday, November 14, 2026

Start Time

7:15 AM

Giveaway

Race T-Shirt

Start Location

1600 Vacation Road, San Diego, CA, 92109

Directions

Course Info

USATF Certified

Course Type

Loop Course

Terrain

road

Scenery

Lake River

Surface

Paved

Difficulty

Ultra-Flat

Net Drop/km

-0.05 m

Separation

1.5%

Also Offers

13.1 Miles3.1 Miles

USATF Certified Course

CA22019DT · Thrive Half Marathon

Relatively flat with minimal net elevation change. Loop course — start and finish are close together.

Quality Score

Standout78
Methodology
Heritage14/20

7 years running

Size15/15

~973 finishers a year

Momentum0/5

shrinking

Loyalty18/20

18% returning runners

Course & details12/15

USATF certified · 6 timing sources

National draw9/10

runners from 31 states

Front-pack speed5/5

winner 1:02:37

Weather5/10

typical high 70°F

Race Day Weather

5-year historical avg

Start (Low)

52°

Afternoon (High)

70°

Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish

0.1"

Precipitation

10 mph

Wind

64%

Humidity

Historical Finish Times

How 6,940 finishers actually crossed the line across 7 years.

Most recent

2025

Total finishers

6,940

Median time

2:09:14

Latest turnout

973

States

44

10%
25%
75%
90%
1:00p50 median ≈ 2:104:15

Turnout by year

20172025

'17'19'21'22'23'24'25
See full results

Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.

Frequently asked

When is the Thrive San Diego Half Marathon & 5K?

The Thrive San Diego Half Marathon & 5K is held on Saturday, November 14, 2026, starting at 7:15 AM.

Where does the Thrive San Diego Half Marathon & 5K take place?

It takes place in San Diego, California.

What distances does the Thrive San Diego Half Marathon & 5K offer?

The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 13.1 Miles, 3.1 Miles.

Is the Thrive San Diego Half Marathon & 5K course flat and good for a PR?

The Thrive San Diego Half Marathon & 5K is a ultra-flat, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.

How many people run the Thrive San Diego Half Marathon & 5K?

HalfRuns has finish records for 6,940 runners who have completed the Thrive San Diego Half Marathon & 5K.

HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.

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