America's Finest City Half Marathon and 5K

America's Finest City Half Marathon and 5K is one of San Diego's fastest and most scenic half marathons. Run from the Cabrillo National Monument atop the tip of Point Loma, along San Diego Bay, Harbor Island, Embarcadero, past the Star of India, through downtown San Diego to an unforgettable finish in historic Balboa Park.

America's Finest City Half Marathon and 5K is a part of the In Motion Events SoCal Triple Crown race series, which also includes the Carlsbad Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K, and the GOVX San Diego Half Marathon and 5K. This trio offers a variety of course layouts and scenery, providing athletes with a fun and unique running experience in distinct parts of San Diego city and county. Athletes who participate in each race in the same calendar year, no matter the distance they participate in, will be awarded a SoCal Triple Crown medal to celebrate their accomplishment of completing the race series. Runners simply register for all three events separately, no additional registration or fee is required to qualify for the SoCal Triple Crown finisher award.

We offer a 10% military discount to active duty service members. Make sure to answer the questions about military service during registration to receive the discount instructions.

Benefiting the Community
Since 1978, The America's Finest City Half Marathon has raised millions of dollars for national and local non-profit organizations. The event's primary beneficiaries are the Cabrillo National Monument Foundation, San Diego Fire Rescue, and Friends of Balboa Park. The AFC Half Marathon also provides the opportunity for other local charities to raise funds through their association with the event.

Packet Pickup
Saturday, August 17, 2024: 9 am – 4 pm
Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina, 1380 Harbor Island Dr, San Diego, CA 92101

Race Times
Sunday, August 18, 2024
6:10 am: 5K start time
6:15 am: Half Marathon start time

Participant Perks
Technical fabric short-sleeve shirt
Gorgeous finisher medal
Souvenir grocery bag
A one-day pass to the invite-only Carlsbad Columbia Sportswear Employee Store
Finish line food bag
Complimentary beer in the beer garden
And much more!

Course Amenities
Water and restrooms will be available throughout the course. Electrolytes and energy gel will also be available at select stations. Learn more here.

Course Restrictions
Strollers are not allowed in the half marathon, due to a steep downhill on the half marathon course. Strollers are allowed in the 5K but must line up at the back of the pack at the start line. Dogs are not allowed to participate in the race - we ask that you leave your four-legged friends at home.

Awards
Awards will be available for pick-up on race day. More information can be found here.

Post-Race Celebration
Both the half marathon and 5K finish at Balboa Park, where finishers can relax, celebrate and reunite with loved ones. Post-race festivities include music, refreshments and a beer garden for participants age 21 and older with proper ID.