The 48th annual America’s Finest City Half Marathon & 5K is right around the corner! Whether you’re racing for a new personal best, soaking in San Diego’s stunning scenery, or cheering someone on, this blog is your go-to for everything race weekend. From expo logistics to parking tips to FAQs and finish line festivities, we’ve got you covered.

️Race Weekend Schedule

‍Friday, August 15

• Expo/Packet Pickup
• ⏰ 12:00 – 4:00 PM
• Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina – Eventide

‍Saturday, August 16

• Expo/Packet Pickup
• ⏰ 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina – Eventide

Can’t make it to the Expo/Packet Pickup in person? No worries — someone else can pick it up for you. Just make sure they bring an electronic or paper copy of your ID.

Sunday, August 17 – Race Day

• 5K Start – 6:10 AM (Balboa Park)
• Half Marathon Start – 6:15 AM (Cabrillo National Monument – VIA EVENT-PROVIDED BUS ONLY)
• Finish Line Festival – 6:30 – 10:30 AM (Balboa Park)

Where Should I Park?

Parking is available throughout Balboa Park and the surrounding area. We recommend arriving early and giving yourself extra time to walk to the start or bus pickup zones.

For the 5K, you’ll start and finish in Balboa Park, so parking nearby makes for an easy morning. For half marathoners, park near one of the bus pickup areas and hop on a bus to Cabrillo. Your bib is your ticket onto the bus, so be sure to have it ready for our race crew to see.

View the Parking and Busing Info Page →

How Do I Get to the Half Marathon Start Line?

If you’re running the half marathon, this part is crucial:

The only way to reach the start line is via the event-provided buses. No drop-offs are allowed at or near Cabrillo National Monument.

Buses leave from Balboa Park between 4:00 and 5:15 AM, with two pickup locations:

• President’s Way & Park Boulevard (near the Finish Line Festival)
• Zoo Place & Park Boulevard (about a ¾-mile walk from the finish area)

Miss the last bus? Unfortunately, you miss the race. Set your alarm early and plan ahead! More information and helpful maps can be found here. 

Are There Time Limits?

Yes — to keep everyone safe and ensure roadways reopen on schedule, there are strict time limits for both races.

• The half marathon has a 3 hour and 15 minute time limit (chip time). Runners who do not reach the 6.3-mile mark at Harbor Island Drive within 90 minutes will be rerouted to skip that section of the course.
• The 5K has a 1 hour time limit, based on a 19:21-minute-per-mile pace.

If you fall behind pace, you may be asked to board a shuttle to the finish area. More information on time limits can be found here. 

Where Can Spectators Watch the Race?

Looking to cheer on your favorite runner? There are plenty of great spots to support them!

Spectators are not allowed at the half marathon start line at Cabrillo National Monument. But don’t worry — you’ve got some great viewing options elsewhere!

Here’s where you can catch the action:

• The Finish Line in Balboa Park – The finish area near the Comic-Con Museum is the best place to watch your runner or walker cross that finish line and celebrate their accomplishment. Then reunite at the lawn at Park Blvd & Presidents Way, where there’s plenty of space to relax, snap photos, and enjoy the Finish Line Festival together.

• Along the 5K Route – The 5K takes place entirely around Balboa Park, which means lots of open viewing spots with easy access. Bring signs, grab coffee, and find a shady spot along Balboa Dr. or Pan American Rd. E to watch the final stretch of the race.

• Along the Half Marathon Course (after Mile 2) – While you can’t see the start, we recommend heading to the Embarcadero area, Harbor Island, or along 6th Avenue for scenic, spectator-friendly cheering. You’ll see runners cruising past the waterfront with a beautiful backdrop and lots of energy. Be sure to check out these event-day road closures before heading out.

Wherever you watch, bring your enthusiasm — your cheers really do make a difference out there on the course!

What’s Happening After I Cross the Finish Line?

After you cross the finish line, the celebration continues at the Finish Line Festival in Balboa Park on the lawn at Park Blvd & Presidents Way. From 6:30 to 10:30 AM, enjoy music, post-race refreshments, photo-ops, and reuniting with family and friends!

Participants 21 and older can toast their accomplishment in the beer garden — just don’t forget your ID! 

Final Tips for Race Day

• Coordinate your ride or parking early and ahead of time.
• Set your gear out the night before.
• Don’t wear or eat anything new on race day!
• Hydrate and fuel well before and during the race.
• Wear sunscreen and anti-chaffing protection.
• Give yourself extra time for parking and transit.
• Trust your training, soak up the views, and enjoy the run!

Whether you’re chasing a personal best or just enjoying the journey, AFC is one of the most iconic running events in Southern California. We can’t wait to see you out there on race day!

Have more questions? Check out the final race instructions on the AFC homepage for more info!