FAQ

Yes! During registration, you can choose to sign up as an individual or join a team. Once a team has been created, it will be available for other participants to join as well. The first person to create the team automatically becomes the team captain. We offer team scoring, learn more here!

How do I create a team?
How do I add myself to a team after registration?
How do I change my team name?
How do I invite people to join my team?
How do I view my team roster?

If your team has 25 or more members by March 1st you qualify for a team booth in our Finish Line Festival! We will contact team captains in March if they qualify.

Do you offer team scoring and team awards?

We offer team scoring for the half marathon only! Teams can be unlimited in size but must have at least ten people and two of each gender to qualify for team scoring.

Team scores are calculated by averaging each team’s top 10 chip times, including at least two of each gender.

The team captain of the top three overall teams will receive an award. Where and when you can pick up your award will be shared in the final event instructions.

How do I earn Legacy Perks?

Our Legacy Perks Program rewards those runners who return to run with us year after year! To be eligible for Legacy Perks you must complete the GOVX San Diego Half Marathon either in-person or virtually for consecutive years. Only half marathon, not 5K participants, are eligible for Legacy Perks. Your Legacy status resets if you do not complete the GOVX San Diego Half Marathon in consecutive years. You can verify your attendance and check your past results on our website.

What is the SoCal Triple Crown and how do I qualify for it?

The SoCal Triple Crown is a fun opportunity to recognize dedicated athletes who complete a race at all three of our signature events – Carlsbad, GOVX San Diego, and America’s Finest City! Learn more here!

Will medical services be available on the course?

A medical tent will be located at the support station at Univeristy & Ibis and at the finish line. Race Guards trained in CPR and first aid will also be out on the course. Runners observing others with possible medical difficulties along the route should alert the nearest race personnel and/or call 911.

Do any charities benefit from this event?

Yes! The charity beneficiary of the GOVX San Diego Half Marathon is the San Diego Fire-Rescue Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by former firefighters and dedicated community leaders. They provide enhanced equipment, training, technology, and community education resources ensuring that the men and women of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department are better equipped to protect the residents, property, and environment of San Diego and the surrounding region.

Where can I check if am registered?

Use this tool to see if you have already registered for the event. You can use your first name, last name, or email to search for an existing registration.

Is there a military discount?

Yes. We offer a 10% military discount to active duty service members only. Make sure to answer the questions about military service during registration to receive the discount instructions.

How do I get my bib number and race shirt?

A: All participants must pick up their bib number and race shirt at the Expo/Packet Pickup, they will not be mailed. You’ll first pick up your bib number (you must have your photo ID) and then use your bib number to pick up your race shirt, souvenir cinch bag, and Legacy gift if applicable. While we do all we can to ensure you receive the shirt size you request, we cannot make any guarantees.

If you’re unable to attend the Expo/Packet Pickup, you may send someone to pick up your items for you. This person must come with a photocopy or electronic copy of your photo ID.

IMPORTANT: If you’re unable to attend the Expo/Packet Pickup or send someone in your place to pick up your bib number and race shirt, be sure to add Pre-Purchased Race Day Packet Pickup ($20) when you register. If you’ve already registered and want to add Pre-Purchased Race Day Packet Pickup, you can do so here through Wednesday, March 19, 2025. Anyone attempting to pick up their bib number on race day will have to pay $25 for Late Race Day Packet Pickup (cash only).

Can I have someone pick up my bib number and timing tag for me?

Yes, if you’re unable to attend the Expo/Packet Pickup, you may send someone to pick up your items for you. This person must come with a photocopy or electronic copy of your photo ID.

I can’t pick up my bib number before race day. Can I pick it up on race morning?

Yes! If you’re unable to attend the Expo/Packet Pickup and are not able to send someone to pick it up for you at the Expo/Packet Pickup, be sure to add Pre-Purchased Race Day Packet Pickup ($20) when you register.

If you’ve already registered and want to add Pre-Purchased Race Day Packet Pickup, you can do so here through Wednesday, March 19, 2025. Anyone attempting to pick up their bib number on race day will have to pay $25 for Late Race Day Packet Pickup (cash only).

Are there time limits for the 5K and Half Marathon?

Yes! There is a 1-hour time limit to complete the 5K. All participants must maintain a 19:21-minute-mile pace or faster throughout the event to meet the time limit.

For the half marathon, there is a strict 3 1/2-hour time limit to complete the race. All participants must maintain a 16:02-minute-per-mile pace or faster throughout the event to meet the time limit. Those unable to maintain the required pace may be asked to use a shuttle to advance on the course or become pedestrians. Please see the specific time cutoffs below:

Participants who do not reach Liberator Way and Harbor Island Drive by 8:15 AM, will not be permitted to do the Harbor Island section of the course and will instead be directed to continue on the route to the finish line.
Participants who do not reach San Diego Avenue & Washington Street by 9:35, may be asked to take a shuttle up Washington Street. They may then rejoin the course and proceed to the finish line.
Participants who have not reached Sixth Avenue & Upus Street by 10:00 AM, will become pedestrians and use the sidewalk on Sixth Ave from Upas St to E Street. From there they may rejoin the course and proceed to the finish line.

The time limit is necessary to ensure the safety of all participants as the public roadways must be opened to normal traffic and closed to participants at specified times. Please do not enter the half marathon or 5K if you do not expect to finish within the designated time limits.

Both the half marathon and 5K time limits are based on chip time, meaning the time limit countdown begins the moment the participant’s timing chip passes over the start line timing mat. All participants must be in their designated start line staging area, prior to the official start time of their race.

How do I switch from the 5K to the half marathon or vice versa?

To switch between race distances or the virtual and in-person events, please follow these instructions. Switches can be done online through Wednesday, March 19. An upgrade fee will be assessed when switching from a shorter distance to a longer distance. The upgrade fee will be the price difference between event distances at the time of original registration. Refunds are not offered for downgrades. After Wednesday, March 19 you must visit the Solutions table at the Expo/Packet Pickup or on Race Day to make an event switch. You may not participate in a race that does not match your bib assignment.

Participants are only able to perform one transfer/switch on their own. If you need help with an additional transfer/switch, email [email protected].

Is race day gear check available?

Gear Check will be available through Mobile Locker ONLY. Locker rentals give you a secure, convenient storage option for your gear at the start line. You can pre-purchase a locker* during registration or on race day.

Small: 6″x6″x9″ – good for a small layer, keys, wallet, and other small items – $10
Medium: 11″x6″x18″ – best for small to medium bags – $15
Large: 12″x12″x18″ – best for larger bags and backpacks – $20

If you didn’t purchase a locker during registration and would like to purchase one prior to event day, you can do so here through Wednesday, March 19, 2025.

*5K participants – Please note that drop off is in the half marathon staging area, and gear will not be available for pick up at the Finish Line Festival until approximately 7:30 AM.

Where are the start and finish lines?

The start line staging entrance for 5K is located at the corner of 5th Ave & Harbor Drive. Follow the direction of even personnel to stage correctly.

The start line staging entrance for the Half Marathon is nearest to the intersection of Convention Way and Harbor Drive, via the pedestrian bridge from the Lexus Premier parking lot. Please visit the Directions and Parking page and familiarize yourself with the map below before event day.

The finish line for both the Half Marathon and 5K is near the intersection of 5th Avenue & K Street. See our Key Areas Map here.

Where should I park on race day?

Please visit the Directions and Parking page.

Is there a wave start?

There will be a wave start for the half marathon. Your wave number will be assigned to you on your bib. Make sure to stage in the correct wave corral.

What is the refund policy?

All entry fees are non-refundable and non-transferable to a future or alternate In Motion event. Should you no longer be able to attend the event, we offer the following options:

Race Insurance
Transfer Period
Switch to a Virtual Participant
Paid Deferral

Active duty military members who are unable to participate, because they are unexpectedly deployed, may choose to either defer their entry to the following year’s race or receive a refund less a $15 administration fee. Email request with a copy of orders to [email protected] no later than 10 days prior to event day.

Can I switch my race from virtual to in-person, or vice versa?

Yes! Learn more here.

How do I submit my virtual results?

Check back to find out how to post your virtual results.

Virtual participants are not eligible for age group or overall awards.

What is the transfer policy?

Transfers are available until March 19, 2025. During this timeframe, you will be able to log into your Race Roster account and transfer your entry to someone else. There is a $20 transfer fee and registered participants are responsible for finding transferees and making sure transfers are completed before the deadline. Transfers must be completed by 11:59 PM on March 19, 2025.

To transfer your registration to another person, follow these instructions.

For help logging into your Race Roster account, please review this helpful article.

If you purchased the event insurance, you cannot use the online transfer tool. Please email [email protected] for help. Additionally, participants are only able to perform one transfer/switch on their own. If you need help with an additional transfer/switch, email [email protected].

Participating with a bib number and timing tag not officially assigned to you is not permitted.

Do you offer deferrals?

We offer both race insurance and a transfer period should you not be able to attend the event, but if those options do not work for you, you can choose to defer your entry to the following year for a $50 fee.

If you would like to defer your entry, please fill out this form by March 23, 2025. All deferrals must be submitted by March 23, 2025.

If you have arranged to defer your entry, you cannot run on event day. Your registration will be canceled and we will not have a bib for you on event day. All deferrals are final.

What amenities are offered on the half marathon and 5K course?

5K
– Water and restrooms will be available at the 5K support station, which is located near mile 2 of the course.

Half Marathon
– Water and restrooms will be available at all support stations, located at approximate miles 2.5, 4.8, 6.2, 8.2, 9.4, 10.7, and 11.9.
– Lemon-Lime Gatorade will be available at the support stations located at approximate miles 2.5, 6.2, 8.2, 9.4, and 10.7.
– GU Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel in Tri-Berry will be available at the support station located near mile 6.2

Course support will remain in place based on a 3.5-hour finish pace for the half marathon and a 1-hour finish pace for the 5K.

See the course map showing support stations here.

Will there be pace groups and what are they?

Complimentary pace groups will be provided by On Pace. Pace group leaders run a steady pace throughout the race so members of their group are able to finish half marathon in the projected finish time for that group.

Pace groups with the following target finish times will be offered on race day (times are subject to change):

Half Marathon – 1:20, 1:25, 1:30, 1:35, 1:40, 1:45, 1:50, 1:55, 2:00, 2:10, 2:15, 2:20, 2:30, 2:40, 2:50, 3:00 & 3:15

Please note: besides the clock at the finish line, there are no additional clocks or timers on the course.

What is the policy for the use of headphones during the race?

We discourage the use of headphones; however, if you choose to use them, it is recommended that you only use one headphone and keep the volume at a level at which you are aware of your environment, can hear course directions, and be aware of any emergency situations that may arise.

Will there be timing clocks on the course?

No, there will not be timing clocks along the course.

Is the GOVX San Diego Half Marathon USAT&F sanctioned?

Yes! The half marathon is run on a certified and sanctioned course. The certification number is CA15087RS.

Why did my GPS device record a distance greater than 13.1 miles on the half marathon course?

The half marathon course is certified using USA Track & Field course measurement criteria employing the use of an Alan Jones counter. The courses are measured along the shortest distance between the start line and finish line, which entails taking the straight line tangent on all curves. It is virtually impossible for anyone to run the course exactly as measured, even the front runners.

A GPS device measures distance wherever you go during the race. If you go to the side of the road to a water station or if you zig-zag around other runners in the first few miles, the GPS measures the extra distance. Wherever you do not run the short line tangent in the road, the additional distance you cover is measured by the GPS. A GPS device, worn in a race, will always record a distance greater than an accurately measured course.

Will medals be presented to half marathon and 5K finishers?

Yes! Both 5K and half marathon finishers will be awarded a medal upon completion of the race in the finish line chute.

What are the award categories?

Overall
Overall awards will be offered to the first three male, female and non-binary finishers of each race.

Half Marathon
Age group awards will be offered to the first three male, female and non-binary finishers in the following age groups: 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 and 80+.

5K
Age group awards will be offered to the first three male, female and non-binary finishers in the following age groups: 12 & under, 13-17, 18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79 and 80+.

Teams
Awards will be offered to the team captain of the fastest three overall teams on race day. See how teams are scored here.

Those who do not pick up their award on race day will be emailed instructions for picking up their award from our office in San Marcos or having it mailed for a $10 fee. Awards not claimed within two weeks of the event will no longer be available.

Note: Awards will be based on net chip time.

Is there an elite athlete program and prize money?

There is not an elite athlete program or prize money.

Will my finish time be adjusted if I am stopped by the Trolley?

No. The half marathon course crosses the San Diego Trolley tracks at 6th Avenue & C Street at approximately 12.4 miles. The 5K crosses the trolley tracks at the intersection of Kettner & G Street at mile 2.

Later runners may have to wait for 20 to 30 seconds to allow the trolley to pass. MTS personnel hold trolleys for a limited period of time, but must allow them to pass after a certain time period.

Finish times will not be adjusted. If stopped, please stop your watch and then restart it when you begin running.

PLEASE OBEY THE DIRECTIONS OF THE TROLLEY PERSONNEL STATIONED AT THE CROSSINGS AND DO NOT CROSS THE TROLLEY TRACKS IF THE GATES ARE DOWN – you will be disqualified.

Are strollers allowed?

No. Strollers are not allowed on the half marathon or 5K course due to a few key sections of the course that are too narrow to accommodate wheeled vehicles, the steep descent on the Half Marathon course, and the trolley tracks that are crossed.

Are dogs allowed?

Though we love animals, dogs or pets of any kind except for service animals are not allowed at the race or the Expo/Packet Pickup.

Is there a minimum age requirement for the half marathon?

Although there is no official minimum age requirement for the half marathon, we recommend all half marathon participants be at least 12 years old on race day. All participants under 18 must have their event waiver signed by their parent or legal guardian. In addition, we recommend everyone under 16 years of age on race day be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian (who is also registered for the event) during his/her participation.

What is the policy on racing chairs or handcycles in the half marathon or 5K?

Due to safety concerns on the course, racing chairs and handcycles are not permitted on the Half Marathon or 5K course.

Is there any type of insurance offered for my entry?

Yes! We offer the Race Roster Enhanced Refund Protection Program through Protecht/FanShield. It can ONLY be purchased during the registration process. See full coverage details here.

The insurance charge is in addition to the cost of your registration and will be billed separately by FanShield. If you purchased insurance and need to submit a claim, you will need to contact FanShield here.

Insurance cannot be purchased after your registration is complete.

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