San Diego Marathons in 2024 – Complete List

by Maria Haase

Nothing motivates you to stick to your running routine than signing up for a race. If you are looking to conquer the ultimate of all race distances, check out this list of San Diego Marathons in 2024. Please keep in mind that many of the races have limited spots available, so sign up soon.

There are only 3 San Diego Marathons that actually take place in San Diego County, so we also included some nearby Southern California Marathons that are within a 1.5-hour drive. If a full marathon sounds like too much for you right now, check out this list of all San Diego Half Marathons in 2024!

San Diego Marathons

San Diego Rock’n’Roll Marathon

Date: June 1-2, 2024
Location: Downtown San Diego
Type: Road
Participants: 10000+
Other Races: 5k, Half-Marathon
Boston-Qualifying Event
Register here>>

The Rock’n’Roll Marathon series is probably one of the most famous collections of marathons in the world. The San Diego Rock’n’Roll Marathon leads through downtown San Diego, the famous Gaslamp Quarter, passing through Balboa Park, and then through the beautiful neighborhoods of North Park, Hillcrest, Mission Hills, and along the San Diego River towards Ocean Beach before you head back to your starting point in downtown San Diego. You’ll be entertained by various rock bands playing on stages along the course.

Hotel Recommendations: We highly recommend you stay downtown, as traffic and parking will be extremely difficult on Marathon day. Here are some of our favorite hotels in the Gaslamp Quarter.

Male runner stretching on rocks in front of San Diego Skyline

Carlsbad Marathon

Date: January 14, 2024
Location: Carlsbad
Type: Road
Participants: 5000-10000
Other Races: 5k, Half-Marathon
Boston-Qualifying Event
Register here>>

This course takes you from the Shoppes in Carlsbad along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 101) to Batiquitos Lagoon and back. You can enjoy views over the Pacific for most of this course.

On Jan. 13, kids can join the Kids Marathon Mile, which will take place at LEGOLAND® California Resort. What a cool way to experience and enjoy LEGOLAND® California! Registration for the Kids Marathon Mile is open now.

Kids running under the entrance sign of Legoland California Amusement Park — Photo provided by Treat PR

A part of each Kids Marathon Mile registration will be donated directly to the charity partner of the race: Merlin’s Magic Wand. This is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that offers memorable experiences for kids in challenging circumsta

Hotel Recommendations: Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa (Read our full review here>>) | Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa | Beach Terrace Inn | Tamarack Beach Hotel

San Diego 50 Ultra & Trail Marathon

Date: January 13, 2024
Location: Escondido
Type: Trail
Participants: Limited to 300 runners for both races
Other Races: 50 miles
Register here>>

The Daley Ranch 50 Trail Marathon in Escondido is the only Ultramarathon in San Diego as well as the only trail marathon in San Diego. The course starts and Dixon Lake Picnic Area and consists of 2 25km loops with an elevation gain of 3159 ft (963 m) on each loop.

Hotel Recommendations: Best Western Escondido Hotel | Springhill Suites by Marriott Downtown Escondido | Dixon Lake Campground | Ayres Hotel Vista Carlsbad | Lakehouse Hotel and Resort

More Marathons near San Diego

OC Marathon

Date: May 4-5, 2024
Location: Newport Beach
Type: Road
Participants: 10000+
Other Races: 5k, 1/2 Marathon
Boston-Qualifying Event
Register here>>

If you are looking for a California Marathon with stunning ocean views, a nature estuary, rolling suburbs, and cute beach towns, this is a great choice. The course leads you from Newport Beach Marriott & Spa through the SoCal beach towns of Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, and finishes in Santa Ana.

Hotel Recommendations: Official Race Hotel: Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa
Hyatt Regency Newport Beach | Balboa Bay Resort | Newport Beach Marriott Bayview

Surf City Marathon

Date: February 4, 2024
Location: Huntington Beach
Type: Road
Participants: 10000+
Other Races: 1 mile, 5k, 1/2 Marathon
Boston-Qualifying Event
Register here>>

Surf City Marathon in Huntington Beach is known for its fast course, fun music, and scenic views. The route takes you from the Waterfront Beach Hilton Hotel to the famous Huntington Beach Pier, down Main Street, through Huntington Central Park and the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, then back to the beach.

Hotel Recommendations: Waterfront Beach Hilton Hotel | Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort | Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa

SoCal River Marathon

Date: March 2, 2024
Location: Huntington Beach
Type: Road
Participants: 500-1000
Other Races: 5k, 10k, 1/2 Marathon
Register here>>

This race takes you along the Santa Ana River Trail from Yorba Linda, through Anaheim, passing Disneyland and Anaheim Stadium all the way to Huntington Beach State Park. The course is considered fast and flat, with a slight decline of 365 feet over the 26.2 miles of the race.

Hotel Recommendations: Ayres Suites Yorba Linda/Anaheim Hills | Residence Inn Anaheim Hills Yorba Linda | Fairfield Inn Anaheim Hills Orange County

I hope this list of in and near San Diego Marathons will help you find the right race for you. Running is a fantastic way to get fit in San Diego. And always remember: “The blisters in your legs will be temporary but the glory of being a marathon runner is permanent.”