La Jolla Half Marathon Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Gabrielle P.
Denver, CO

  (09-04-2009)

"This half-marathon is challenging and scenic. It's worth doing! You start at the Del Mar Fairgrounds and follow the coast south, through beautiful Torrey Pines park, to La Jolla, ending up in La Jolla Cove. Although it's a one-way route, there is a shuttle provided to take you back to the start. The hills of Torrey Pines and the La Jolla Shores area are tough! "

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2000

Anne .
San Diego, CA

  (06-09-2009)

"This is the most challenging of the three half marathons in the San Diego Triple Crown series (the other two being Carlsbad in Jan. and America's Finest City in Aug.). It starts near the Del Mar racetrack, winds through beautiful Del Mar and then you hit the first of two very challenging hills at Torrey Pines State Preserve. Here's where conversations stop and heavy breathing begins in earnest. The road is winding, but as people crest it, they shout and yell -- and that's how you know you're getting closer.

After passing all the biotech buildings and UCSD, you head down a steep hill at Mile 10. This is killer if you don't practice downhill running beforehand. But, OMG, the views as you approach the Scripps Oceanographic Center are incredible. Truthfully, this is one of the most scenic courses I can remember...and I've been running a long time.

The crowds pick up once you hit La Jolla Shores. Look for the Mexican Elvis belting out "Hound Dog" from the vintage car in his driveway. He's a hoot! Save something for the final climb to Prospect Street -- the hill is deceptive. Once you turn onto Prospect, you come to the best part: throngs of spectators cheering you running downhill to the finish at The Cove. Above is typically crisp blue skies; below, the Children's Pool seals (for now, anyway...they are threatened with eviction). Great finish medals; great post-race food. Great, great race overall."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2007

evangi p.
san diego, CA

  (06-02-2009)

"Definitely a more challenging course than the Calrsbad course. I didn't train on hills and ended up just walking that dreaded hill at Torrey Pines. Loved the shores leading up to the hill and loved the course after hitting the summit. Didn't like the downhill for that killed my ankles and knees after the race. It was definitely a bigger challenge for me, and one that taught me to train harder for next year!

Was a bit disappointed there weren't as many water/sports drink tables as they did @ Carlsbad. Could've used a few more for those who ended up dehydrating and cramping up during the race.

This race for me was more a mental challenge than physical since I didn't train as much. All the negative thoughts the day before and before the race could've hurt my chances of finishing. But seeing the enthusiastic runners setting up at the Start line made me realize that I better switch on the positive energy or I am doomed from the very start. As soon as I overcame that hurdle, it was all positive mental self-coaching from the beginning til the end.

"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

John F.
San Francisco, CA

  (05-14-2009)

"I was hoping to run this race in 30:00, but the initial descent KILLED me. What was a steep start got even steeper, and it was all I could do to just keep my feet under me. I'm not really a fan of running down hills, so I would probably not run this race again. La Jolla is beautiful, however, and the vibe at the race was great. If you don't mind downhills, I'd say you'd dig this.

A friend ran the half-marathon, which covered some of the same course. He thought it was a little steep, too, but he completely blew it up and finished in the top 30 or so (out of thousands). He's a much better runner than I, though.

(More on my experience here: http://slowmofo.blogspot.com/2009/04/la-jolla-5k-post-mortem .html)"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009