Race weekend is almost here! Whether you’re running the half marathon, tackling the 5K, or cheering on friends and family, the 2026 GOVX San Diego Half Marathon & 5K on Sunday, March 22, 2026, is shaping up to be an unforgettable race through the heart of San Diego.
This guide covers everything runners need to know before race day, from packet pickup and race morning logistics to course highlights and the finish line celebration.
Race Date and Start Times
The 2026 GOVX San Diego Half Marathon & 5K takes place on:
Sunday, March 22, 2026
Race start times:
6:30 AM — 5K Start
6:50 AM — Half Marathon Start
The half marathon begins with a wave start, with waves leaving every three to five minutes. Your assigned wave will be printed on your race bib.
Pre-race staging for both races is at the intersection of Tony Gwynn Drive and Trevor Hoffman Way, where there will be portable toilets, gear check, race day bib pickup, and water. All racers access the start line via the nearby Harbor Drive Pedestrian Bridge. 5K runners will make their way all the way to the front and to the first corral nearest the start line inflatable. Half marathoners look for your wave number and enter your assigned corral.
Packet Pickup and Race Headquarters
Packet Pickup will take place at the official race headquarters hotel:
Packet Pickup Hours
Friday, March 20: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Saturday, March 21: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
At packet pickup, runners will receive:
- Race bib
- Official race shirt
- Grocery bag
- Half Marathon Legacy gift (if applicable)
Packet Pickup is also a great opportunity to explore race merchandise and visit partner booths before race day.
If you cannot attend Packet Pickup, someone else may pick up your bib for you with a copy of your ID.
Race Day Packet Pickup
If you pre-purchased race day packet pickup, you may collect your bib starting at 5:30 AM at the start line staging area.
If you did not pre-purchase Race Day Packet Pickup but would like to pick up your bib on event morning, Late Race Day Packet Pickup will be available for $25 (cash or Apple Pay preferred) at the Bib Pickup Tent.
Course Highlights
The GOVX San Diego Half Marathon is known for being one of the most scenic urban races in Southern California, showcasing iconic neighborhoods and beautiful waterfront views.
Highlights include:
- Start line along Harbor Drive near the San Diego Convention Center
- Running alongside San Diego Bay
- Scenic loop around Harbor Island
- Crossing the Nimitz Bridge
- The climb through the vibrant Hillcrest neighborhood
- Palm-lined downhill stretch beside Balboa Park
- Celebratory finish through the Gaslamp Quarter
The race finishes at 5th Avenue and K Street, right under the iconic Gaslamp Quarter sign.
Course Support
The 5K will have one support station at approximately mile 2, featuring water and portable restrooms.
The Half Marathon will have support stations at approximately miles 2.5, 5, 6.25, 8.25, 9.5,10.75, and 12. featuring;
- Water
- Portable restrooms
- Lemon-lime Gatorade (miles 2.5, 6.25, 8.25, 9.5, and 10.75)
- GU Strawberry Chews (mile 6.25)
Course Time Limits
5K: 1 hour time limit
Half Marathon: 3 hours 30 minutes
Participants who fall behind the official pace may be directed to shuttles or asked to continue on the sidewalk in certain areas.
Gear Check
Gear check will be available through Mobile Locker.
Drop off your bag in the pre-race start line staging area and pick it up after finishing, near 4th Avenue and K Street.
Gear pickup will be available from 7:30 to 10:30 AM.
Parking and Transportation
There is no designated race day parking for the event.
Parking is available throughout downtown in paid parking lots and metered street parking. We recommend reviewing the Parking and Directions page in advance to plan your race day parking.
Another great option is taking the San Diego Trolley, which provides convenient access to the downtown start area. Using public transit can help reduce congestion and make race morning smoother for everyone. Planning your travel in advance will help ensure a stress-free start to race day.
Finish Line Celebration
Runners will cross the finish line at 5th Avenue and K Street in the Gaslamp Quarter, where the finish line celebration begins.
Each finisher receives:
- A finisher medal
- Water
- Finish line food bag
- Hollandia Dairy chocolate milk
Finish line snack bags include items from some of our great race partners, including:
- Partners Crackers
- Solely fruit snacks
- Welch’s fruit snacks
- Jimbo’s organic bananas
- Cure electrolyte drink mix
It’s the perfect way to refuel after earning your medal.
Legacy Zone and Legacy Club
All Half Marathon Legacy runners are invited to stop by the Legacy Zone in the festival area, where we’ll have extra goodies waiting!
Participants who have reached 10 stars or more are also invited to enter the Legacy Club, where they’ll receive their special Legacy Club medal, enjoy a dedicated photo opportunity, and more.
To enter the Legacy Zone, please present your bib number displaying your Legacy stars. Please note that access to the Legacy Zone and Legacy Club is limited to eligible Legacy runners only; guests are not permitted.
Race Photos
Professional race photos will be taken throughout the course and at the finish line.
Photos will be available shortly after the race so runners can relive the excitement and share their race day memories.
Gaslamp Race Weekend Specials
Final Race Day Tips
- Arrive early on race morning to allow time for staging and warm-up.
- Lay out your race gear the night before so you’re ready to go.
- Plan your transportation in advance to avoid race-day stress.
- Check the weather and dress accordingly.
- Don’t wear or eat anything new on race day!
Running the GOVX San Diego Half Marathon & 5K means miles of incredible views, vibrant San Diego neighborhoods, and thousands of runners sharing the excitement together.
We can’t wait to see you at the start line.
