***Hi guys, my name is Bri and you can usually find me over at SanBriego.com. I’m happy to share a couple of guest posts with you this month while the lovely Jen is off being a rockstar in Afghanistan!!***
I don’t remember why I signed up for my first half marathon. I think I was tricked into it by my little brother, but however it happened, I found myself crossing the finish line of the Disneyland Half in 2011 thinking: I. AM. AWESOME.
Ok, well maybe what I was actually thinking was “ERMEHGAWD I’m dying, where’s the water, I can’t breathe, why did I do this to myself” etc, etc. But soon enough the sense of accomplishment kicked in and I was hooked.
The Disneyland Half is Anaheim, but there are plenty of great halfs here in San Diego that I’ve run and loved since then. In fact, I have Jen to thank for one of them! She was registered for the Carlsbad Half this past January and when she was called away for work she was kind enough to give me her bib. The Carlsbad Half is gorgeous and I can’t recommend it enough. But there are plenty of equally fun, flat and beautiful halfs in SD that would make for a great race if you’re considering running your first half this year!
Spring
- February 22nd, 2014 – The Women’s Running Series Half Marathon
This race is located near downtown San Diego and runs the harbor and Shelter Island. The best part is that it’s a women-only race and so you’ll have plenty of girl power and support surrounding you as you tackle your first race! And I have a discount code for you for $15 off!
Register: https://womenshalf-register.competitor.com/Register/
Promo Code: WHYIRUN2
- March 9th, 2014 – San Diego Half Marathon
I loved running the San Diego Half Marathon when I ran it in 2012. Right now it’s 85% sold out if that gives any indication of how popular it is. It starts downtown and takes you on a great run through some SD highlights, finishing with a giant block party at the end.
Register: https://race-signup.appspot.com/event/3
Summer
- June 1st, 2014 – San Diego Rock N’ Roll Half Marathon
I’m pretty sure this is the largest and most organized half in San Diego: about 20,000 runners were registered last year! And it’s definitely the most fun. With a band rocking out at every mile, it’s easy to keep up the energy. Plus, our June Gloom weather makes this race a balmy, overcast one, so don’t let the summer timing trick you!
Register: http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/san-diego/register
- August 17, 2014 – America’s Finest City Half Marathon
This is one half that I haven’t run, but it’s on my list for this year! Friends always brag about getting PRs (personal records) on this course. You know what’s great? If it’s your first half, you’ll PR no matter what! But do take into consideration that this is one race you must complete in under 3 hours.
Fall
- October 26th, 2014 – Temecula Half Marathon
This hilly course is a challenging one for first timers, but a great excuse for a wine-filled weekend in Temecula. Book the race, then schedule an afternoon wine tour and enjoy a beautiful fall day in San Diego County!
Register: http://www.active.com/temecula-ca/running/races/temecula-half-marathon-and-5k-2014
- November 16th, 2014 – Silver Strand Half Marathon
The Silver Strand Half starts in beautiful Coronado and takes you down to the Imperial Beach pier. A great race for fall weather and a great excuse for spending a few hours starting at the ocean.
Register: https://endurancecui.active.com/event-reg/select-race?e=6493603
What do you think? Do any of these races inspire you to run your first half in San Diego!?