San Diego Rock and Roll Marathon

I have been looking forward to participating in the San Diego Rock and Roll Marathon (http://san-diego.competitor.com/)%20for) for over a year. I am one of those racers who plan vacations around races! I mean San Diego, what could better than running a marathon in San Diego?

Expo: The location was easy to get to (even for an out of towner). The expo was set up in such a way that packet pick-up was completed before really entering the vendor area. There was also a carnival type set up (that my kids personally liked). Yes, it was crowed, but with that many runners what do you expect?

Start Line: The start area was a nice big park, plenty of space. There could have been more port-a-potties, but I think that could be said about every race! The Marine Corp Band matching by prior to the start was perfect! The start was a little chaotic, but manageable.

Course: The course started off going through Balboa Park which was very nice, then the marathon section went through downtown San Diego, through Petco Park and ended up on the highway. Mile 6 – 7 was enjoyable since we went by the USS Midway. I understand that the race directors have no control over the weather, but they do have control over the course. I have to say the number of miles that were on highway (or something similar) or through neighborhoods with NOTHING to see seriously out numbered the miles with scenery. The course finally got to the water (miles 18 – 21), unfortunately there was no shade and it was uncomfortably hot. The last 5 miles were around Fiesta Island, not sure why it is called “Fiesta” Island but having any part of the race on the island was the worst decision of the entire race. I would have to say over all, this was the worst course I have even done.

Course Support: The people running the water stops along the course were great, the cheer squads were great, the spectators who were handing out peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, liquorish, pretzels and other things were fantastic, they were truly angles!

Finish Line: Sadly, there is not much to say. It was a finish line, no bells or whistles, no water until well after the finish line.

Overall This course had more hype than it deserved. San Diego would be a perfect place to have a race, sadly the course director either was unable to have a better course or just didn't plan it out very well. I was very disappointed by this course and do not plan on doing it again.