La Jolla Half Marathon
La Jolla Half Marathon is a breathtaking point-to-point race that showcases the best of San Diego’s coastline. Starting near the Del Mar Fairgrounds and finishing at world-famous La Jolla Cove, runners are treated to ocean views, challenging hills, and an unforgettable Southern California running experience.
If you’re searching for a San Diego half marathon that blends coastal beauty with a rewarding challenge, this is it. Every mile offers something special. The ocean breeze along Torrey Pines State Beach, the climb through Torrey Pines State Park, and the stunning descent toward La Jolla’s shoreline. It’s more than a race; it’s a journey through the heart of San Diego’s natural beauty.
With miles of sun-drenched coastline, perfect weather, and the rhythm of the waves guiding your pace, this course makes every step worth it. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or running for the views, theLa Jolla Half Marathon is consistently ranked among the best half marathons in California for scenery, atmosphere, and community spirit.
La Jolla Half Marathon Course Map & Details
Course Overview
The La Jolla Half Marathon starts at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, and follows a scenic coastal route before tackling the challenging climb to the summit of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. After the ascent, runners enjoy rolling miles atop Torrey Pines Mesa before descending through La Jolla Shores and finishing at the iconic La Jolla Cove.
This course offers beauty and balance what goes up must come down. With a total elevation gain of 910 feet, it’s ideal for anyone chasing a personal record or simply looking for a well-organized, coastal challenge.
Race Day Details
Date: May 15, 2027
Arrive by: 6:00 a.m.
Start Time: 6:30 a.m.
Start Line: 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar, CA 92014
Finish Line: 1100 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Time Limit: 3.5 hours
Course Support
You’ll find 10 aid stations positioned along the course to keep you fueled and safe.
Water Stations: Miles 2, 3, 4, 5.5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.5, and 12
Electrolytes: Miles 2, 3, 4, 5.5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.5, and 12
Restrooms: Every aid station (Miles 2–12)
A First Aid Tent is located at Mile 7, near the top of Torrey Pines State Park (by the driving range).
If you need medical help anywhere on the course, head to the nearest aid station — a medical team will be dispatched right away.
Gear Drop-Off: Available at the start line only.
Post-Race Recovery
Celebrate your finish at the Finish Line Festival, where recovery specialists offer:
- Sports massage
- Stretching
- Physical therapy
- Cold plunges
All recovery services are free for registered runners.
Medical
If you can’t finish the race, shuttles are available from every water station to return you to the finish area. Race Guards, trained in CPR and first aid, patrol the course to assist runners. At the finish line, you’ll find a medical tent in the secure area just beyond the finish chute, along with a self-serve ice tent in the festival zone.
Safety
Please note: no support stations are allowed inside Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, but there is one just before and one immediately after the park. Most of the course runs on city streets shared with normal traffic. For your safety, stay inside the coned lanes at all times.
Discarded Clothing
If you need to shed layers, do so only at water stations. All discarded clothing collected there will be donated to local shelters.
Important Note
Runners maintaining slower than a 15-minute mile pace for the first 3 miles may briefly wait for an Amtrak train crossing near Mile 2.9 (just north of the 3-mile marker). Trains pass quickly. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.
La Jolla Half Marathon Course: Route and Elevation
RACE & EVENT INFO
Saturday, May 15, 2027
6:00 am – Take your place on the start line
6:30 am – Half Marathon
The start line is located at the Del Mar Fairgrounds main parking lot, 2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar, CA 92014.
The finish line is located at Ellen Browning Scripps Park, 1100 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Once you cross the finish line, keep moving forward through the fenced area. You’ll receive your finisher medal and post-race snacks including a banana, protein bar, chocolate milk, pretzels, cookie in a food bag.
For safety reasons, the fenced finish area is reserved for runners only. Family and friends can cheer and meet you just outside the exit.
Please don’t stop for selfies at the finish line it can block other runners as they finish. You’ll find plenty of photo opportunities throughout the festival area, including new backdrops and celebration spots this year.
All participants must be able to complete the course in 3.5 hours. This means you must maintain a 16-minute mile pace or faster throughout the event.
You must pick up your bib number and race t-shirt at the Expo before race day. If you can’t attend, you may authorize someone else to collect your items. They must bring a photo or electronic copy of your ID to verify your registration.
Expo Details
Expo Date: Friday, May 14, 2027
Time: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Location: 1100 Coast Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037
Race Day Pick-Up Option
If you can’t make it to the Expo, you may pick up your bib on race morning at the Del Mar Racetrack near the start line for a $25 convenience fee. If you haven’t paid the fee in advance, you will need to pay on-site by cash or credit card. Race-day bib pick-up will be open from 5:15 a.m. to 6:30 a.m.
T-Shirt Pick-Up: Race shirts will be available at the T-Shirt Tent on race day.
Gear drop-off will be available at the start line only. All collected gear is transported to the finish line for pickup immediately after your race. There is no gear pick-up at the start line. The cinch bag you receive when you pick up your bib doubles as your gear drop-off bag and will be numbered to match your bib number.
You may not check backpacks or duffel bags. Bags deemed too large to fit into an event-supplied bag will not be allowed on the shuttles. Don’t pack valuables. The event is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Items left at the start line, on the course or not claimed on race day from the Gear Pickup tent will be donated. Unattended bags will be removed by security.
The race starts at 6:30am. with a series of quick waves. Waves run every 60 seconds, we promise to get you out on the course quickly, so be ready. You must be at the race start line no later than 6:30 am.
Pace groups will be offered for the following target finish times: 1:30, 1:40, 1:50, 2:00, 2:15, 2:30, 2:45. Look for your pace group leader holding up a sign with your target pace sign in your corral.
Pre-Event Shuttle: Complimentary bus service will transport runners from the finish area at La Jolla Cove to the Half Marathon start area at the Del Mar Racetrack before the race from 4:00 to 5:45 am. You must be in line to board the bus by 5:00 am. A food truck will be onsite selling coffee and other breakfast items in the park.
Post-Event Shuttle: Complimentary buses will transport runners from the finish area back to the Half Marathon start line at the Del Mar Racetrack. There are NO shuttles from the finish to the start of the 10K or 5k POST EVENT. Shuttles will run from 8:30am to 11:00 am.
PARKING: The most likely places to find street parking are on Draper, Eads, Fay, Girard, Herschel, and Ivanhoe Streets. Park only in marked spaces and watch for No Parking signs. Vehicles blocking emergency access, double-parked or parked in No Parking areas will be towed.
EXPO PARKING: There are a number of free on street parking spaces primarily south of Prospect Street. Parking near the Pacific Ocean is always very limited. There are several underground garages paid parking spaces on and near Prospect Street.
RACE PARKING: Follow the direction of parking personnel to the designated race parking located in the dirt lot across from the main Fairground’s entrance.
IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT RACE PARKING: While there is plenty of free parking at the Del Mar Racetrack, it will be VERY BUSY! Delays getting in are guaranteed. Be sure to give yourself an extra forty-five minutes to 1-hour travel time and plan to arrive to the start line no later than 6:00 am. THERE WILL BE NO ACCESS TO RACE PARKING BETWEEN 6:15 AND 7:00 am. If someone will be dropping you off at the start, they must do so inside the main participant parking area. Follow the direction of parking personnel to the unpaved lot and proceed to the passenger drop-off area located at the entrance to the pedestrian tunnel. Do not ask your driver to drop you off on Jimmie Durante Boulevard (they will get a ticket).
Looking for more information or directions? See directions and parking.
Your bib number will have a timing chip affixed to the back of the number which will capture your start and finish as well as split times. Please wear your number visibly on the front of your body. Do not crumple, fold or block your chip (such as arm blocking bib over the start/finish/split mats while stopping your watch) to ensure your time is tracked. Results at https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/116383.
Results will be posted online at https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/116383 during the race, and in the Finish Line Festival where participants will be able to print off their results.
Live Tracking App Available:
Participants can setup GPS tracking for friends and family to follow along. Friends and family can follow participants in real-time with live splits, pace tracking, course maps, and race replays. Download the app below!
How It Works: Getting started takes less than a minute
For Spectators:
- Open the app or visit competitivetiming.com
- Find your event and tap into a distance
- Search for your runner by name or bib number
- Tap the follow button to track them — their updates appear on your Tracked Participants screen
- Open the course map to see all participants’ estimated positions in real time
For Participants:
- Download the app and tap “I’m a Participant”
- Create an account or sign in
- Find your registration by searching for your event and selecting your name
- GPS tracking starts automatically about 15 minutes before gun time — no action needed on race day
- Disable GPS tracking at anytime — you’re always in control
Available on iOS and Android.
Powered by Competitive Timing
All runners can view and download race photos at no charge. Photographers will be along the course to take your picture. Once the race is over, we will send you a link to view and download your race photos.
PLEASE NOTE: The La Jolla Half Marathon & 5K does not guarantee that every participant will be photographed.
We will present the half marathon awards from the main stage at 9:45 am.
Age Group Awards:
17 & under
18-24
25-29
30-34
35-39
40-44
45-49
50-54
55-59
60-64
65-69
70-74
75-79
80+
Top Three Race Purse: the following prize money distribution is for the top 3 overall male and female finishers:
1st Place – $1,000
2nd Place – $500
3rd Place – $250
No cyclists, skaters, unofficial pacers, dogs or pets of any kind can be on the course. Additionally, no strollers, racing chairs and hand cycles can be on the course due to the steep downhills on the half marathon course. And, for safety reasons, we discourage the use of headphones.
When planning your stay in San Diego for the La Jolla Half Marathon & Shores 5K we recommend using Stay 22 to check the best rates and availability for Airbnbs as well as local Hotels (see travel & lodging for details and to use the interactive map).
Please note that we do not provide a shuttle service from hotels to the start or finish line.
Use our FAQ page to find more answers to common questions. Use the button below to fill out the contact form.
We do not offer refunds or transfers to other runners. We want you to enjoy our race in person, yourself, even if it’s in a future year!
Coastal Views
The course runs along the coast; starting at the Del Mar Fairgrounds and ending in La Jolla Shores.
Great Swag
All runners get a collectible dry tech race shirt, a finisher medal, and a goodie bag with tons of running gear.
Big Celebration
After the race, join family and friends for a celebratory beer in the beer garden while soaking in the sunshine.
