Rock and Roll San Diego Marathon Official Website

The "Nitty Gritty" Details (User Opinions)

Ally G.
brea, CA

  (06-11-2010)

"Where to begin.... This race had few good points and a lot of bad points. The Expo, it was crowded but well organized. I didn't have any problems picking up my bib and T-shirt. My only complaint here is, why do people think it's ok to bring in a baby stroller the size of an SUV. Come on people.

The course: I hated the course. I expected scenic, picturesque San Diego. What I got was ugly downtown Los Angeles (I’m from Los Angeles). Yes, Balboa Park was pretty, but that was it.

The Finish Line: this was a nightmare. Picture this... you just ran 3, 4 or 5 hours and THEN had to wait in line another hour just to get on the trolley with 25,000 other runners.

Will I run it again: NO
"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2010

Amanda B.
Miami, FL

  (04-01-2010)

"I was injured during this race, but still loved it! I think it goes through some beautiful areas and while there is a section on a highway that's unfriendly to the ITB I still thought it was great. There aren't many hills, so for those who like a generally flat course it's great."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Angelina L.
Redlands, CA

  (03-31-2010)

"The race was very well organized, but I hated the course.

Running on the freeway was bizzare and killed my joints for the rest of the race.

I did not care for ending on the Marine base, and having to walk for about 30 minutes, back to my car, after the race."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Alyssa S.
Bridgeport, NY

  (10-09-2009)

"I ran this through Team in Training, and it was my first marathon. I loved the experience, the course was fantastic, and I felt supported by the crowd the entire way! "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2006

Rio .
, AZ

  (09-20-2009)

"Good Expo prior to day of race. Swag includes a technical half sleeve shirt. Other race gear for sale is too pricy. Recommend someone drop you off at race start. Gear drop off/pick up is great. Course is hilly but easily marked. Plenty of portapotties. The pace group I followed was going faster than designated pace, so I left the group. Plenty of aid stations, including first aid. Not enough Gu stations for me, so if you need more than what they provide- bring your own. This is the last year the course ends inside the Marine Corps base, which is really cool. Great crowds to cheer you on throughout. Great traffic control. I couldn't find a metallic blanket at the end of the course, but did appreciate the wet washcloth. The course will be new next year but I will be there."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Dane R.
Salt Lake City, UT

  (09-14-2009)

"A Runner's Ramblings: Volume 4; 13th Edition
322.4 miles raced in 2009
Race: Rock N Roll Marathon
Place: San Diego, CA
Miles from home: 751 miles
Weather: 60s; cloudy, humid

My original goal for my birthday run was to do 7 miles after the marathon. that didn't work so with the switch to 7 miles before the marathon, I knew I was going to be a tired puppy for the "actual" race. Seeing the 7 miles contained a nice little hill in them, as a I traversed from mile 7 backwards to the starting line definitely didn't help things much either.



In order to make sure I had enough time to get to the start of the race and get into my starting corral for the 6:30 AM start, I had to leave my mile 7 starting point about an hour before that. That means I had to be up at 4:30ish. Yuck. Fortunately, by complete luck in booking a hotel, the mile 7 marker was less than two blocks from where my hotel was. Yay!

Prior to the race I had one of the most physical and mentally exhausting weeks in recent memory. My idea of running a sub-3 hour marathon after the 7 mile warm up was rather ambitious for someone ho is only a 2:49 PR guy to begin with but the additional events that transpired made it even more difficult. When I saw the race day temperature would barely get into the mid 60s by the time I should be finished I rejoiced. However, upon waking up, dressing and heading out to the door to 91% humidity, I knew I was going to have to re-evaluate my plans.

A rather uneventful job backwards through the first 25% of the course is what transpired, if you do not count me making one wrong turn and having to backtrack, or the looks of all the volunteers as a runner with such a low number (the Rock N Roll Marathon people were kind enough to give me number 33 for my 33rd birthday) was running in the complete wrong directions, miles from the start, not too long before the race would begin.

As I neared the start, I made note of how much I was already perspiring and how little of it was evaporating. Yep, I was not going to be running a sub-3 today.

In the VIP area just minutes before the race, I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Ryan Hall for the first time. Ryan and fellow US marathoner Josh Cox (who I have actually had a few email conversations with and appears to be a very nice guy) were pacing the son of the London Marathon Race Director in hopes of running a 2:25. full details of how and why can be found here. Ryan turned out to be the same humble, self-effacing and polite man who also happens to be the fastest US-born American marathoner ever. It was quite a pleasure to meet him.



Before long the Running Elvi were assembled, the Team in Training masses were readied, the skinny elite runners were prepped and the gun sounded the beginning of my 98th lifetime marathon.

First 10k: 6:40, 6:59, 6:56, 6:33, 6:52, 7:11

Just a few hundred meters into the race I heard a familiar voice and my friend Sam appeared next to me. Sam has the enviable distinction of having one of the most painful personal best marathon times out there: 3:00:04 (or something akin to that). Agonizingly close to breaking 3 hours and doing so at a solid 190lbs give or take. This after once weighing in excess of 260 lbs. I asked him if he as going to shoot for sub-3 and he said he would see what the day would give him. I told him I would be happy to run with him as long as possible and try to help him out.

The next few miles had us feeling out the course and having just ran it about 45 minutes earlier I was able to tell him exactly where aid stations and everything else would be set up. I had a plethora of people wishing me Happy Birthday,apparently noticing the "See Dane Run" on the back of my singlet and having heard my story in the days prior. I was flattered and touched.

Right after the 10k mark I could tell Sam was struggling to keep up the required 6:52 pace. He told me that I should just go ahead without him and shoot for the sub-3. When I said I was happy to run anything under 3:10 I could sense he had no problem with me pulling ahead. Before I knew it, I was doing that exact thing and this is the last I would see of Sam on this day.

To the halfway: 7:12, 6:57, 7:30, 7:04, 6:18, 7:11, 7:00
Elapsed time: 1:31:17

Around mile 8 as we began the climb through the biggest and one of the only hills on the course, the need to use the restroom overcame me. well, actually it overcame me a while back but the necessity of a portapotty is what held me from remedying the urge I had.

Taking my sweet time in the bathroom, partially as I was drenched in sweat and was hoping to cool off a bit and partially because the toilet paper had not been removed from its protective wrapping, I was in the bathroom for much longer than one would normally do so in a race. When I came out I expected to see Sam and thought I would encourage him to get moving. Unfortunately he was no where to be found.

At the top of the hill around mile 10, I was feeling pretty good, especially since this was essentially mile 17 for me and typically where I start to play mind games to keep myself mentally sharp. Right here my good friend Kate appeared and ran with me for about 100 yards. cheering on her friend Sonia she said she had been looking for me as well and hoped I held together for the rest of the way. I told her to wish her friend good luck and tell her husband Jimmy he is a chump. Just kidding Jimmy! Good luck at Western States in a month!

Sliding down the other side of the hill towards the halfway point I was trying to decide what time I wanted to run today. Maybe a 3:03:33?

To mile 20: 7:14, 7:19, 7:20, 7:31, 7:52, 7:58, 7:12

As I went through the halfway point I made a decision. I think I actually made said decision out loud: "Screw it. I am going to have fun." So rather than do a cutesy little time goal thing with all 3s I was just going to enjoy the day.

Somewhere in the next few miles there as a line of teenage cheerleaders. With the effects of humidity and the miles weighing on many, their cheering efforts were not being acknowledged by many of the runners. I ran over and high-fived them all, grabbing pom-poms and doing a "We Love Runners yes we do! We love you runners!" cheer.

A little further down the road I saw a black lab who looked just like my parents puppy at home so I stopped to pet him and let him lick the oodles of salty sweat off my arm. I think I was his most favoritest runner of the day.

Around mile 18, I knew my friends Todd and Lisa would be waiting so when I saw them on the side of the road I pulled up and sauntered over nonchalantly. Todd said that when he saw me stop he thought: "uh-oh!" But we chatted for a bit, I told them that I had essentially run a marathon already and was a big idiot for taking on 7 more miles at the end. After a few more seconds of talking I told them I needed to skedaddle.

Barely 100 yards down the road my friends Cindy and Christy who own Running Skirts.com gave me a holler. I waved and one of them began running with me. Looking at her Garmin she said" I want to see how fast you are running!" I replied: "Well, let's see how fast I can go!!" and turned on the burners. She laughed and fell back before snapping a picture of me passing by.


I had barely gone another quarter of a mile when a voice shouted out: "Dane Rauschenberg!" There on a bike was a law school classmate of mine who I hadn't seen in 7 years! This was the busiest stretch of road I have ever had in a marathon!

I suddenly had new found energy and even with my breaks to tussle little kids hair, grab popsicles from spectators and have a merry old time, I was still running some great miles.

To the finish:7:13, 7:53, 7:00, 7:29, 7:48, 7:48, 1:43

As I crossed the bridge at mile 20 and headed past Sea World, I saw the last major exchange for the relay race ahead. Tons of people were crammed onto the sides of the road and a very familiar voice came over the Loud speaker. It was my buddy Rudy Novotny! When he saw me he immediately began to say so many nice things about me to the crowd and I think he was a little shocked when I came up to him and stopped to say hello. Rudy told the crowd I was doing 33 miles on my 33rd birthday and there was a huge cheer! After talking for a few more seconds, I said: " OK, Rudy. I guess I better go finish these last few miles!" and away I went.

A few miles later, one of the many Rock bands on the course was playing a little AC/DC or some other hard rock stuff and I began to headbang as I went by. The bank loved it and when I threw my hands up in the air he gave me a wave to "come on over". What the hell? I ran over to the stage, up a few steps and started head banging on the stage! "It's my birthday!" I yelled before jumping down and getting ready for the final 5k!

As the final miles ticked away, a girl i had run past and then fallen behind numerous times by stopping and talking to people, came up to me on my right. With less than a half of a mile to go, she was going to get a huge PR and a sub 3:10. She said" Come on, Dane! Let's go!" I told her "No way! You earned this 3:10, you need to run in all alone, Erin!" She smiled brightly and said: "Well, I couldn't have done it without your encouragement and fun-loving spirit out here on the course. " It was my turn to smile big and I playfully pushed her forward and said" Go get it!"

In the final 100 meters I began to wave to the assembled masses and thanked them for being out there. 33.2 miles after I started running that morning, with the final 26.2 timed, I crossed the finish line in 3:09:47.

What a birthday!
"

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

jenna s.
new york, NY

  (09-11-2009)

"This was my first marathon, so I didn't know what to expect and I don't have anything to compare it to, but I really enjoyed the experience. The race was very well organized (even though they ran out of blankets at the end and I was freezing, but the bag drop off and post-race set-up was awesome), the crowds and fans were amazing, and the course was rather scenic (although beware the end with the bridges!) I had a great time, and would do this marathon again. "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Liz O.
New York, NY

  (08-11-2009)

"Ugh - I don't know what everyone is talking about here! I thought the course was horrible. The slant of the 163 freeway was brutal on my ankles, the "back and out" around mile 20(?) was unpaved (read: rocky with glass shards) & there were no beach/ocean views that San Diego is so famous for. The race was very well organzied, the volunteers were wonderful, and the drink/energy support was solid. But this was not a course I would ever choose to run again. "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Freddy B.
Los Angeles, CA

  (08-11-2009)

"For being first full marathon, it was a great experience.
Most of the complaints I hear are hills.
I’m sure these are treadmill runners, any who the course was good mixture of nice sites.
The crowds support throughout the course was awesome, mile 15? The whole neighborhood had an 80’s theme, which was cool.
I don’t care to much for the bands (I have my ipod)
On the course you had it all orange slices, salt packs, pretzels, jolly ranchers, ice pops, & BEER mile 19?.
All items provided by neighborhood race supporters.
I was glad to able experience this finish line as I hear it is the last time it will be at the Marine Base.
All in all great organization, great race, great expo, and AWSOME crowd support
"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Danica K.
Long Beach, CA

  (08-03-2009)

"I really was amped for my first marathon, but San Diego really was disappointing. Pending my own personal issues, I really didn't like the course at all. I read it was flat and it was not at all. Also, at one point I maybe thought that running past bands was a good idea, but I was very disappointed when a high school marching band was an option. Wow, that's NOT motivating. I felt like for the first time and only running 1 marathon, it might be a good choice, but not for me. It was filled with a lot of Team in Training people as well. Course spectators were pretty good, but sparse in some areas. The mile long hill really kills you and though it's fun to run on a freeway, the curvature really messes with you. I didn't go to the 'concert' at the end, and just was driven off the site by a friend so I left immediately after getting my bag, which was easy to do. "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Melanie C.
San Jose, CA

  (07-30-2009)

"I'd heard rave reviews about this and it sounded like a beautiful course for my first full marathon. Expo arrangement was well set up and changing my pace group was quick and easy.

Our flyer said how to get to the starting line, but I arrived late because we had trouble getting onto the freeway to get to the street mentioned in the directions. Cops were not helpful.

Bands were good but passed too quickly, and some were not there when we passed (recordings available then..I do understand breaks are necessary) but the bands were infrequent enough they did not make up for the mediocre course. I was expecting coastal beauty but it seemed a good portion was on the freeway, and they hadn't bothered to clean up the road kill prior to the race.

Port-o-potties appeared plentiful before I felt the need for one, then it seemed like quite a distance.

I did love the crowds, especially random people picking out my name from the bib to cheer me on.

My Garmin also claimed the distance to be 26.45 rather than 26.2 miles. Parking for pickup was not immediately close (lot closed at 10, I think, and my pickup arrived later than that, so we had to walk, as if I hadn't gotten my exercise for the day!

A bag to put after-race goodies in would have been helpful. Carrying two bottles as well as fruit and other things was a little unwieldy while trying to reach my pickup on the cell.

Okay race, but definitely not worth the 8 hour drive to run it again."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Lisa O.
Malibu, CA

  (07-17-2009)

"Great race! Loved the music. The weather was PERFECT this year."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Nicol A.
San Diego, CA

  (07-09-2009)

"I have to say that when I first ran the San Diego RnR Marathon, I didn't know what to expect but there was so much support with the running, water and people I would recommend this race to ANY first timer! The music is a definite plus! There is something about music that puts people in AWESOME moods. Also, the weather in San Diego that early in the morning is usually PERFECT running weather!"

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2000

Ed C.
San Francisco, CA

  (07-05-2009)

"I decided to try the San Diego Rock n Roll marathon b/c I heard that it has a band stationed at every mile. Since my two previous marathons were both the Chicago Marathon, I thought this would be a good change of pace and provide me with the chance to run through San Diego.

Overall, this was a great race. The weather that day was sunny and warm. While each mile did have a band, most of the bands, if not all of them, played old school music and did not provide the inspirational energy to get me through the latter portion of the race (I have my own Ipod and a bunch of salt pills that my race partner and I used to prevent crampings).

Fun race overall and would definitely recommend this to any serious runner or beginner. "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2008

Brooke B.
san diego, CA

  (06-21-2009)

"For a city that I LOVE (I live here now), the race was kind of disappointing to me. :-( I had just come from doing the LA Marathon 3 mos prior, which I loved. This race didn't live up to my expectations (maybe my expectations were too high!) but of all of the major races I have done, this was honestly my least favorite. I love SD, just not this marathon."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2003

Tara M.
Walnut Creek, CA

  (06-16-2009)

"
Overall, this race was well put together and organized with good crowd support. The expo was a bit crowded for the size of the marathon. It was difficult to navigate through the aisles at times. It was easy to get your bib upon entering the convention center; parking was just a bit of a challenge. I had a few friends who wanted to change corrals and that was very easy for them to do.

Getting to the race was simple. I hopped on a bus that took me to the starting area. I would recommend getting there at least an hour early, if not a bit more, in order to check your bag and use the port-o-potties as the lines were long due to the size of the race. The 1st half of the course flew by very quickly and would make for a great half marathon. I was prepared for the "hills" that were present based on the elevation chart, however they seemed to take more out of me that day due to the humidity. Much of the freeway and other portions of the course are cambered; that took a toll on my ITB.

The second half of the course was less scenic and had much more incline/decline than I had expected based on the elevation chart. There were always plenty of water stops and aids stations, which is always a plus. The very end of the course is great! As you enter into MCRD since it's lines with spectators and supporters. Overall, it would recommend this race. However, I don't think I would run it again.
"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Steve B.
Long Beach, CA

  (06-13-2009)

"This is my third time running the RnR marathon, and it was the charm. The course starts in Balboa Park and goes through the Gaslamp and downtown, up the 163 freeway (i will agree it is a little weird to be running on the freeway) winds around Mission bay and finally ends at MCRD. The course support is very good and there are lots of cheerleaders and plenty of volunteers at the water stations. In addition to the beer at the finish line, several residents are more than happy to provide some liquid nourishment along the way if you ask nice. This is a huge race, with people coming from all over the country to run for TNT, so if you don't like crowds this isn't for you. I suggest everyone run it and see!

The one major drawback is the expo. I hate expos, all I want to do is get my bib and shirt and leave. The expo is at the convention center and it costs twelve bucks to park for all of ten minutes. "

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

George S.
San Antonio, TX

  (06-09-2009)

"The weather was perfect, the expo was the best I've been to, aid stations and water stops seemed to be plentiful, medals were cool, the Marines at the finish line had displays for family, transportation to and from was a breeze, and the fans were awesome (except for the guy at mile 23 who decided to remind me I would be hurting for the next 2 days after I had fought through the last 5 miles with cramped legs). My major complaint was the stretch of highway from miles 8 - 11 which was banked hard to the left the entire way. If there is some way to run on that type of surface without generating blisters and stress fractures I simply don't know what it is. However, if that stretch could be worked out this was easily a 5-star event.

BTW, the reason I wouldn't run this again is the distance for me to get there. If I lived in San Diego I would most likely do it again, but that wasn't one of the options. :)"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Laurie H.
San Diego, CA

  (06-07-2009)

"This race is always fun. 2005-2006 ran full Marathon. 2007,2008.2009 ran half marathon only offered to Team in Training participants. I did hear that next year they may offer the half to all participants. The support along the course is fabulous, and a band right when you need some encouragement.
Very organized, great race for 1st timers. The weather this year was superb, never saw the sun. "

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

Steven H.
Durham, NC

  (06-07-2009)

"Great race! lots of participants and spectators. Great to have the SD race club offer pace groups. I saw a 3:00 and 3:15 group. Would have been great if they had a 3:10 group, but I guess i am splitting hairs.

It's a little expensive (just over $100). Make sure you get there early. They say to be there by 5:00-5:15 and they aren't kidding. With more than 15,000 runners, the exit from the interstate to teh satrting line was rediculous, even at 5am!

Overall, great race, and one that I'll definitely do again!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Rob B.
Visalia, CA

  (06-07-2009)

"This is a really fun marathon: the bands and the crowd make it a blast. The route on 163 sucks though, as there is no flat part to run on. But once that is over, everything is great."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

Mark P.
San Jose, CA

  (06-07-2009)

"Great race course!!! well organized and the tech shirts were a great addition to this years race."

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

heidi g.
San Antonio, TX

  (06-03-2009)

"I thought the race was great. It's a little hilly and I heard a lot of complaints from first time marathoners. (That's why you do hill training folks :) - I did).

I enjoyed the otter pops from the great families in the neighborhood between miles 17 - 18 (?). That was such nice timing and I really needed it.

I can say that the only thing that I was disappointed about was the headlining band. The English Beat?? Really? I mean New Kids On the Block would have been at least tolerable. I thought it was such a poor choice for such a great race.

And lastly, I thought it was pretty amazing that when the National Anthem was being sung, the thousands upon thousands of people where silent and respectful. As cliche as it may sound, it made me proud to be an American."

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Shar N.
Castaic, CA

  (06-02-2009)

"I have to start out by saying that I did this with NO TRAINING at all. Yea I know stupid BUT it actually worked out for me. The reason is this My mother has Lukemia and my sister and I did this for her! Neither one of us had ever done a marathon or ANYTHING like it. I had a goal in mind when I started and that was to cross that finish line on my own two feet. I was not worried about time or anything. I just wanted to make it ALIVE LOL.

The "TNT" coaches and team that I met along the way were AWESOME! I was supposed to train with the TNT peeps but never got the chance to due to my home situation. Even though I was not a "part of TNT" they "adopted" me for the day! :) If it was not for their words of incouragement and support I am not sure that I could have made it to the finish line!! I want to thank Kim for paring me up with Lynn! She was awesome to talk with when I lost my sister :) Also I wanted to thank "the Pacer guy" LOL I forgot his name but he took SUPER good care of me! he walked with me when I thought I was going to die! He stayed there untill I found my sister Again! After he had finished (yes he finished b4 me) He came back to find me and my sister he was there again for the last 3 miles keeping me and my sister going! We were both crying because we hurt and were pushing ourselves more than we EVER had! So I owe ALOT of my success on my 1st marathon to TNT!!! I WILL do another and I WILL train with TNT!!! "

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Anne .
San Diego, CA

  (06-02-2009)

"This course is ideal for a first-timer since it's full of people running for charities or just trying to knock a marathon off their lifetime to-do list. Very generous finish cut-off times, too. The scenery on the current course takes in a lot of different parts of the city, but there are stretches void of music, spectators and scenery.

Pros:
--Great expo that's open to the public, so family and friends can shop and gather schwag too.
--A kind course, with one exception: the freeway part is not level and will aggravate anyone with biomechanical issues, such as ITBS or a hurt hip. The key is to run on the flattest parts, usually the shoulders.
--The entertainment. When all else is starting to fail, you can rely on the next band to give you a lift. Other runners are incredibly supportive too.
--The aid stations. Plentiful, even for back-of-the-packers.
--Very generous finish times.

Cons:
--It can be hot and humid, though the last two years it's been blessedly cool and cloudy.
--It's expensive. In a recession, this can be important, especially when you are coming from out of town.
--No public transportation to the start. Make plans to arrive very early to Balboa Park because all roads clog quickly.

The course is changing in 2010 due to the MCRD no longer being available to host the finish (it's building barracks where the finish line is located). There's an opportunity here for Elite Racing to incorporate more of America's Finest City into the tour on foot and make some sections more spectator-friendly as well.
"

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2007

Mike W.
Big Bear Lake, CA

  (06-02-2009)

"I've participated in the San Diego Rock and Roll Marathon twice but in two different races.
In 2002, I ran my first full marathon. The weather was great, I came prepared, and had a great experience. The course is relatively flat, the race was well organized and I had a great overall experience. My time of 3:43:30 was better than my times in later races (Chicago, Sacremento, and Arizona) and I really enjoyed the atmosphere.
In 2009, my brother approached me about doing their relay along with our wives. It's the first time I've seen a relay portion to a marathon event. We each ran 1/4 of the race as a team and everyone had a great time. We were not in marathon shape but the preparation, and the wear and tear on the body was very minimal so I thought the relay was perfect for runners in varying fitness levels.
I would definately recommend participating in this event. Whether it be the full marathon, the half marathon, wheel chair or relay event. Team in Training showed a lot of support for everyone and I thought the overall energy was terrific. Volunteers were very enthusiastic, it draws one of the largest crowds, and the weather is always fantastic.
The 2 complimentary MGD beers after the race was nice too. :) "

Reviewed by a: Repeat Participant for 2009

Jamie t.
santa barbara, CA

  (06-02-2009)

"Great race for first time marathoners. Crowd was so enthusiastic and the music was great. The event was very well organized until the very end where it seemed everyone was lost and wandering around...or maybe I was just delirious from running 26.2 miles!

Overall, great marathon..amazing experience"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Mark F.
San Diego, CA

  (06-02-2009)

"This was my first marathon. It was awesome. I really enjoyed it. My only goal was to finish when I first started last Feb. and I did. It was a great feeling crossing that finish line. The long training is worth it. I live here in San Diego, so I was familiar with the city. I am not really sure why I took so long to do this race, well maybe its because I have been out of the country for the last 5 years, but that is another story. The course was good, very scenic and just love the San Diego crowd, very friendly. So over all it was a good race. If ask if I would do it again...I guess I would. Well if I am around next year, we will see. But now off to the next race...maybe...hehehe"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

evangi p.
san diego, CA

  (06-02-2009)

"I've so much to say about this race. I was supposed to have my two cousins run with me since they're both experienced marathon runners, but one got injured in snowboarding and the other packing in DC to move back down here, in San Diego. So, it was just me, myself, and I. I started training 8 months ago for my quest to run this race. I've participated in the Carlsbad and La Jolla Half prior to the Rock N Roll. Although, I was not in the same shape as was in right when I ran my first half marathon last January, my spirit was just as strong and the fighting force for the race. The week leading to race day was filled with so many obstacles that could've probably forced others to not show up on race day but it didn't stop me. I had jury duty and dealt with working a 13 hour shift the Saturday night before the race. I worked from 8am to 9pm that day and got home around 10p.m. Got my gear set up and tried to go to sleep as soon as I can. But I probably didn't fall asleep until midnight and woke up at 2:25 am. just 5 minute shy of the alarm going off. I got to the parking lot before 4am. and was off to my very first full marathon. I met Matt at the parking lot and he pretty much became my tour guide during the pre-race routine. He was such great help. Thanks Matt.

As the race started, I felt my heart pumping. I was so excited that this was actually happening. I thought I was doing pretty well considering I slacked off the 2 weeks prior to the race. I was looking forward to all the bands along the way and all the people cheering all over. I surprised myself for making both the cut off lines well ahead of my own expectation. Little did I know I was going to hit the "wall" and hard, too. At mile 21, I felt my left ankle twist a little but enough to stop me from running. I tried to walk it off and started running again at least a couple of times, but I made it worse. My mental anguish started but got myself composed and started running again at mile 24 and despite all the pain, I made it to the finish line without stopping. Yes, I would've gotten a better finish time, but all I wanted to do was finish and I did!

The water stations and volunteers were the best and were total lifesavers! Without them, I probably would've cramped up and not make the finish line. When I was getting my ankle and knee wrapped in ice, all I could think about was "It's definitely going to be better next year!""

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Derek B.
Long Beach, CA

  (06-02-2009)

"Overall, a wonderful first marathon experience. The course was quite scenic, but the downhill start made it easy to go out too fast, and I would recommend a better finishing spot than the Marine Corps recruiting depot, perhaps a loop back into downtown rather than a point to point race. Overall, the race was organized well and the crowds were very supportive. The City does a great job of hosting a race. Thanks San Diego for a wonderful experience"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009

Jocelyn S.
New York, NY

  (06-02-2009)

"It was such a good first timers marathon. People were so much fun and there was a lot of positive energy. Even though I lost my two running partners after mile 10 I never felt lonely!"

Reviewed by a: First Time Participant for 2009