My Complete La Jolla Half Marathon Review + What to Know (2025)
Every year, thousands of runners descend on sunny San Diego to participate in the scenic La Jolla Half Marathon race. And while the race is quite popular amongst runners, it’s also one of the more challenging (yet rewarding!) races that the Southern California beach town is home to. As someone who has run this race 5 times, I know this course well. So, whether it’s your first time running the race or you’re interested in picking up some tips, here’s everything you need to know about the La Jolla Half Marathon in 2025!
When Is the La Jolla Half Marathon?
The La Jolla Half Marathon takes place on Saturday, May 17th, 2025, which is the third weekend of May. In the past, this race usually took place at the end of April, but they’ve changed it in recent years. Nevertheless, May is still a lovely time to be in San Diego as the weather is starting to warm up yet the throngs of summer crowds haven’t swarmed the city! But, of course, you can still expect fairly sizable crowds with the influx of runners lol!
Where Does the La Jolla Half Marathon Start and Finish?
Unlike the Carlsbad Marathon and Half Marathon that is an out-and-back course, the La Jolla Half Marathon is a point-to-point race. This means you’ll start on the Northern side of San Diego at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. From there, you’ll make your way south until you reach the heart of La Jolla and finish at beautiful La Jolla Cove. What this also means is that you’ll likely want to park your car near La Jolla Cove when you arrive for the race. And then from La Jolla Cove, runners will be shuttled over on massive coach buses to Del Mar Fairgrounds.
What Time Does the La Jolla Half Marathon Start?
The half marathon race begins promptly at 6:30 AM PST. Thus those planning on parking near Del Mar Fairgrounds or being dropped off directly at the start line, you will want to arrive at the Del Mar Fairgrounds no later than 6 AM. And if I’m honest, I would even suggest arriving at around 5:45 AM. This will give you ample time to grab your race bib if you didn’t do so at the expo, do your warm-ups, and figure out where you need to go based on the wave you’ll be running in.
For those parking around La Jolla Cove, shuttles to the start line run from 4:30 AM – 5:15 AM. This means you’ll want to arrive at the La Jolla Cove area absolutely no later than 4:45 AM. Parking is very limited, and you’ll probably have to hike in from a ways away the later you arrive!
Oh and while the shuttles technically stop running at 5:15 AM… you need to be in line for the shuttles by 5 AM. Those arriving in the area after 5 AM run the risk of missing the shuttles or not making it to the start line in time. So definitely try to arrive early if you can to avoid unnecessary added stress!
La Jolla Half Marathon Course Map
Throughout the half-marathon race, you’ll get to see some of the best views that La Jolla has to offer! For instance, one of my favorite parts is running along North Torrey Pines Road, which offers gorgeous views of the ocean. And to add a cherry on top, this part is all downhill until you reach the infamous North Torrey Park Road.
Aside from briefly running along the scenic Highway 101, some other highlights include passing through beautiful Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, down the winding roads that lead to La Jolla Shores promenade, and then of course, the quaint La Jolla Cove area!
Right: My race as recorded by Strava!
La Jolla Half Marathon Elevation Gain
According to the official course map above, you’ll experience an elevation gain of about 870 feet (~265 m) throughout the course. That said, I cross-referenced this number against what my Strava activity says, and it recorded an elevation gain of 917 feet (~280 m). And for anyone unsure what elevation gain is, it’s a metric that measures the total amount you will climb. It’s calculated by adding up all upward climbs you do from your starting point, even if you go downhill sometimes.
La Jolla Half Marathon & 5K Expo
For those who choose to sign up for the half marathon race or 5k, you’ll need to attend the expo so you can pick up your bib number and complimentary tech shirt. The expo is held the day before the race, so this would be Friday, May 16, 2025, between the hours of 11 AM and 7 PM at La Jolla Cove. This is definitely an improvement from previous years where pick-up was at a hotel near the fairgrounds.
At the expo, you can expect to find some interactive exhibits, booths from race sponsors, and a few booths for running-related brands. Personally, I always enjoy attending pre-race expos since it’s a fun way to kick off race weekend, get in the race mindset, and be with a bunch of fellow runners! Plus, some races have really fantastic expos that also have a carnival feel to them.
Can’t Pick Your Bib Up at the Expo?
If you can’t pick up your race packet, a family member or friend can pick up your race items for you. They just need to have a photo or electronic copy of your ID that matches the name you used to register for the race.
Alternatively, in the event you are coming from out of town and don’t know anyone who can pick up your race packet, you have the option of picking up your bib on race day at the start line. You can do so between 5:15 AM until the race begins at 6:30 AM. Just beware that you will have to pay an added $25 USD fee. This fee can be paid in advance when you register or on-site with cash or credit card.
My La Jolla Half Marathon Review
Now onto the good stuff — a little recount and review of my experiences running the La Jolla Half Marathon! This will hopefully give you a general idea of what to expect if it’s your first time running. And if you’ve run the race before, I sprinkled some tips and pieces of advice that may be useful…
Alright, so for context, I’ve done the La Jolla Half Marathon 3 times. It would be 4 times, but I may have accidentally forgotten my running shoes in 2016, much to my dad’s tremendous dismay… Yeah, realizing I didn’t have my running shoes after we had driven two hours to get to La Jolla was not my finest moment. 🫠 But, in my defense, we left at 3 AM in the morning, and I did mean to bring them… I just somehow left them at the front door of my house. 🥲 Anyways, it’s safe to say, I won’t be making the mistake again LOL.
Before the Race
For the three years where I did end up running the race, my dad and I usually arrived in La Jolla by 4:30 AM. At that hour, we’ve always been able to easily find parking and had plenty of time to get changed out of whatever clothes we had worn for the drive down and pin our bibs to our race shirts.
Once we were ready to go, we walked down to the cove and waited in line to board the coach shuttles. Depending on what time you arrive, you may only be standing around for a few minutes or 20 minutes. And since it tends to be chilly early in the morning, I recommend bringing a throwaway layer to keep you warm prior to the race.
Alternatively, you can bring gear you don’t want to throw away and use their little storage system. How it works is that at the fairgrounds, you can place any gear you don’t want to run in a little bag with your bib number written on the outside at the start time. Then, when you finish your race, you’ll be able to retrieve it from the race volunteers.
Just make sure not to wear anything you would care about if you lost it since there’s no guarantee that something won’t get lost in transit. After you get on the bus, it’s a little less than half an hour’s drive over to the start line.
Arrival at the Start
Once you arrive at the Fairgrounds, you can do your warm-ups, store your gear, and use the bathroom one final time. Oh, and something I really appreciate about this race is that if you hate using a porta-potty, they have physical bathrooms in the back… They are beyond the gated area that’ll you’ll see as you walk toward the ocean…Just know that there aren’t many stalls and be mindful of the start time. 😅
About 5 minutes before the race start time, they’ll ask you to line up in your wave section. These are determined by your PR half marathon time that they have in the system. If it’s your first time, they’ll probably assign you to one of the later waves. This isn’t the biggest deal as it doesn’t really matter what time you start the race.
Of course, if you have a specific goal time in mind, I recommend finding the pacer that’s closest to your goal time and positioning yourself near them even if it means you aren’t in the correct wave group.
The First Stint
When the race begins, expect madness. This is a huge race with thousands of runners, so personal space is almost nonexistent. And for the first mile, the biggest thing I recommend is running straight. Please do not be a menace by weaving left and right between people without checking your surroundings.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve nearly wiped out or seen someone else eat it within the first mile because people recklessly cross in right front of you without any warning. It’s not only dangerous for you and everyone around you but also it’s just basic race etiquette.
After the first mile, you’ll run through some of the residential areas of the Del Mar area until the end of mile 4. There are a couple of small hills with some noticeable elevation gain, but nothing terrible. As such, the first stint is pretty enjoyable and chill. I’ve always found that I have so much adrenaline in my body in the beginning that I hardly even notice the miles passing by…
The start of the 5th mile is my favorite part of the race! This is where you run downhill along North Torrey Pines Road and can really appreciate the magnificent views. Like seriously, even if you’re suffering and in pain, taking in the beautiful views will bring a smile to your face… that is until you reach the bottom of Torrey Pines Natural Reserve.
Running up That Hill
This is where the race and hurt fest really begins. For 1.5 miles, you’ll be running up a long, steep winding hill that will make you question signing up for the race in the first place. I won’t lie – you’re going to suffer and be humbled real quick if you were feeling great flying down that glorious downhill section. At times, I’m pretty sure I could walk up the steep road faster than I was running, but keep going and remember to pump those arms!
Oh, and just a heads up, the hill’s steepness decreases over time. So by the time you pass the parking lot area that’s in the middle of the park, the hill isn’t nearly as steep as it was in the beginning. And while I always complain/dread about this section of the race, I also kind of love it? Enduring and overcoming this gnarly hill section feels so good once you make it to the top.
Also, please note that since the park is a nature reserve, they tell runners to not play music out loud for the sake of the wildlife. From my perspective, this makes this part of the race even more enjoyable as you just hear yourself breathing and the sounds of nature around you… well that and the sounds of everyone else struggling with you, but it’s all a camaraderie thing right?! 😉 Anyway, if you find yourself struggling during the race, just think of how good and rewarding it will feel when you make it to the top!
The Last Push
After passing through Torrey Pines, you’ll have completed 7 miles of the race and start running along some rolling hills. The hills aren’t bad and honestly nothing compared to what you’ll have just done, but you’ll probably be a bit tired. Just focus on the person in front of you and try to stick with them or pass them if you can.
At some point, you’ll make a right turn and begin running past UC San Diego, my beloved Alma mater! This is the 8.5-mile mark and where the race really picks up. From here until the 11-mile marker, it’s all downhill! You’ll pass by my favorite tennis court to play on since it overlooks the beach, the highly regarded Scripps Institute of Oceanography, and the picturesque Scripps Pier.
Once you hit the boardwalk, there are less than 2 miles left and the course briefly flattens out. This, for me, is one of the hardest parts of the race. Why? Well, if you’re like me, you’ll have probably picked up your pace for the downhill section. To then run on a flat section when you’re bone tired — well, it doesn’t feel great.
Then, what really gets you is the last mile. The final mile of the race is…✨ uphill ✨. It’s almost cruel, and you’ll probably be saying some choice words in your head like I always am, but push through it! As soon as you make that right turn onto Prospect, it’s downhill until you reach that sweet finish line! Finish strong and don’t forget to smile for the camera!!
La Jolla Half Marathon Medal
Finally, we can’t forget about the medals! Upon finishing the race, you’ll be bestowed with a nice medal. Not a little crappy medal, but a like 3″ x 3″ medal that has a decent amount of weight to it! Per usual, the designs on the medals are always adorable. So take a few pics and don’t forget to make the rounds post-race to all the booths. A lot of them will give away free goodies, such as a pint of beer, energy bars, muscle relaxation lotions, etc. Grab all dem’ freebies!
La Jolla Half Marathon Course
Overall, I’m a big fan of this race course. First of all, it’s beautiful; I’m a big sucker for races that let you run along the coastline and listen to the ocean as your feet thump across the pavement.
Secondly, this is a challenging course. But, it’s not so hard that you want to quit every other mile, at least I hope not… 🤠 And sure, I love flat, fast courses since you have a better chance of PR-ing, but the immense feeling of accomplishment you feel after finishing this race is pretty dang good too. I mean that middle Torrey Pines section is brutal, so be sure to give yourself a pat on the back.
Finally, I love this race because it was like my home race. If you recall, you run right past UC San Diego, which was my home for a good bit! So, if you’re looking for a lovely yet mentally and physically challenging race, this is a fantastic option!
5 Things to Do in La Jolla
If you’re in San Diego for the weekend or for a few days and looking for some other things to do while you’re in the city, here are some of my top recommendations!
1. Indulge in San Diego’s Fine Food
One of my favorite things about La Jolla and really all of San Diego is the amazing food! From the mouthwatering California burritos and fish tacos to the delicious Mexican food and many aesthetic eateries overlooking the water, you won’t be disappointed!
Two of my favorite burrito spots are The Taco Stand and Vallartas. The Taco Stand is right next to La Jolla Cove while Vallartas is kind of on the way to the San Diego International Airport. Should you want something sweet post-race, I recommend Bobboi Gelato! It’s at the hill on your right side if La Jolla Cove Park is at your back! Seriously, they have some of the most creative flavors and everyone deserves to feast post race right!?!
Or, if you’re happy to be a foodie and are looking to get a good taste of the San Diego culinary scene, you can always take a fun food tour! For example, this crowd-favorite food tour takes you on an adventure through the historic Gaslamp Quarter and into 4 different local establishments to indulge in 4 food tastings. You’ll also sip on some drinks as you hear stories of the area’s lesser-known past!
2. Go Surfing
With its many miles of pristine beaches and clean waves, San Diego is widely known around the world for its thriving surfing culture. Pretty much year-round, there are always good waves that can be found. So whether you’re a beginner looking to begin your surfing journey with an instructor or someone who is more experienced, don’t miss out on surfing San Diego’s famous waves!
That said, I know your legs may be a bit shaky post-race, so maybe give yourself a day or two to recover before hitting the water. 😅 And if you need recommendations, I’ve compiled a list of beginner-friendly spots here. These are based on my experience from living in the city for multiple years and being a surfer for 10+ years! And if you have no idea where to start, there are tons of places that offer surf lessons!
3. Kayaking Through Sea Caves
Another crowd-favorite activity is to explore La Jolla sea caves and ecological reserve since this area is known to be home to lots of wildlife. For instance, most visitors can expect to see an abundance of birds, sea lions, seals, and sometimes dolphins and orcas.
If you’re keen on discovering this area and its wildlife by way of water, head out with an expert naturalist guide on this 1.5-hour kayaking tour! You’ll also get to paddle through some of the striking rock formations and caves (weather and water conditions permitting) and kayak over the flourishing kelp forests.
4. Explore La Jolla’s Sights
I know a lot of the time, people are just in town for the race, but if you have time to explore some of La Jolla’s beautiful sights, you should capitalize on the opportunity! For example, I recommend doubling back to Torrey Pines Natural Reserve and doing one or two of the hikes there. They are all quite doable and allow you to traverse along sweeping coastal bluffs! Or, head to Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, where you can see a waterfall gushing from volcanic rock, towering Sycamore trees, a freshwater marsh, and lots of wildlife!
But, if hiking isn’t your thing, you can always take a lovely walking tour or fun electric bike tour of San Diego to get a comprehensive overview of the city! This popular 2.5-hour electric bike tour takes you to the summit of Mount Soledad, which is the highest point in San Diego, as well as along the gorgeous waterfront of San Diego’s beaches. So, you can catch a glimpse of everything.
✅ 🚴♀️ Check rates & availability for this awesome electric bike tour of San Diego!
5. Spend the Day at Balboa Park
Last, but not least, make sure to stop by the iconic Balboa Park. This park is home to plenty of museums, exhibits, and gorgeous gardens. They even host a few different events at the park throughout the year! And even if you’re not interested in visiting any of the attractions, Balboa Park is a great place to go for a stroll, take some photos, and just enjoy the sunshine.
Or yanno, hit up the wonderful San Diego Zoo and see some of the 4000 majestic and fun animals that reside there! Either way, don’t miss out on seeing some of San Diego’s most iconic attractions 🙂
Where to Stay in San Diego
If you’re traveling from out of town and need a place to stay in the area, here are some of my recommendations on where to stay.
Low-Costs Stays
- HI San Diego Downtown: 3-star hotel/hostel in Gaslamp Quarter | ⭐️ 8.1 / 10
- Best Western Plus Bayside Inn: 3-star hotel near SD airport | ⭐️ 8.3 / 10
Mid-Range Stays
- Sheraton San Diego: Lovely 4-star hotel with waterfront views | ⭐️ 7.8 / 10
- Catamaran Resort & Spa: Relaxing 4-star resort near Mission Beach | ⭐️ 7.8 / 10
- InterContinental San Diego: Upscale 4-star hotel near Little Italy | ⭐️ 9 / 10
Luxury Stays
- Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego: Elegant 4-star hotel in Gaslamp area | ⭐️ 9 / 10
- The Lodge at Torrey Pines: Luxury 5-star hotel near La Jolla | ⭐️ 9.2 / 10
Feel free to click these buttons to head to your favorite booking platform and see additional housing options there.
La Jolla Half Marathon: FAQ
In May, La Jolla experiences an average low temperature of 57°F and an average high temperature of 66°F. And from my experience, it’s usually cloudy at the beginning of the race and then within the first 30 minutes, the clouds burn off as the sun comes out. But, I recommend checking the weather the night before for the most accurate info.
Yes! This race is by no means a flat course. You’ll face some small hills in the first four miles, a long steep hill as you make your way through Torrey Pines, and then the last mile of the race is mostly uphill.
Approximately two thousand people run the La Jolla Half Marathon.
To receive an official time, all runners must complete the race course in 3.5 hours. This means you must maintain at least a 16-minute mile or better throughout the race, and the cut-off time is 10 AM.
There are photos available. But, unlike the amazing Revel Big Bear Marathon and half marathon, they aren’t free. I believe you have to purchase them from Finisher Pix.
Unfortunately, the La Jolla Half Marathon is no longer part of the SoCal Triple Crown Series. Instead, the San Diego Half Marathon & 5k has replaced the La Jolla Half Marathon. The other two races in the series include the Carlsbad Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K, and America’s Finest City Half Marathon or 5K!
Wrap-Up: La Jolla Half Marathon Review (2025)
Every year, thousands of runners make their way to sunny San Diego to participate in the fun yet challenging La Jolla Half Marathon! It’s a race that promises some of the most beautiful backdrops in San Diego as well as tough hurdles that only make crossing the finish line feel that much sweeter! Thus, whether you’re a local or traveling from out of town, the La Jolla Half Half Marathon is a fabulous choice if you’re looking for a scenic half marathon or 5k to run! Just remember to sign up before prices increase!
Read More About California
- 🏖️ San Diego: Looking for a unique, family-friendly activity to do during your stay in San Diego? Consider doing a bit of goat yoga! Or, if you want to embark on an adult-friendly excursion, doing some wine tasting during your stay in San Diego. With these companies, you won’t have to worry about navigating sprawling San Diego and can fully enjoy your day trip to the lovely Valle de Guadalupe wine region!
- 🌴 Palm Springs: Headed to Palm Springs for a little getaway? Be sure to check out this awesome zoo and these fun activities and excursions to enhance your time in the desert oasis!
