America's Finest2026

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 · San Diego

Race over

America's Finest 2026 has been run

Want to run it next year? Put America's Finest on your Radar and we'll tell you when entries open for 2027 (15 Aug 2027).

Distance: 21.1 km
Race day: 22°C (71°F)

Course details aren't published yet. Check the official site

America's Finest City Half Marathon is an annual road running event over the half marathon distance 21.0975 kilometres (13.1094 mi) which is held in mid-August on the streets of San Diego, California. ("America's Finest City" is the official nickname of the city of San Diego. The race was inaugurated in 1978 and has been held every year since then. By 1985, more than 6000 professional and amateur runners were taking part in the race each year. Both men and women are able to enter into the half marathon. The race starts at the historic Cabrillo National Monument, where participants are required to take a shuttle bus from the finish area (there is no private vehicle or pedestrian access to the start). From there, the course takes runners past the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, through quaint Point Loma neighborhoods, into the very scenic San Diego Bay taking runners onto Harbor Island, past The Star of India, through downtown San Diego and finally into Balboa Park where the race finishes in front of the Hall of Champions. The race is used to raise money for the American Lung Association and in its first fourteen years of existence it had cumulatively raised US$1.7 million for the non-profit organization. The race was sponsored by the Home Federal Bank in the 1980s and early 1990s. The organizers endured financial difficulties in 1992 after the loss of its title sponsor. The race remained popular, however, and the following year over five…

Before you go

Pro tips

Racing it

01
Shuttle to the start
The start at Cabrillo National Monument is reached only by shuttle from the finish area; no private vehicle or pedestrian access. Plan your morning around the shuttle.
From the description, layout
02
Early cool start
With a 06:15 start and typical race-day temperature around 21.5°C, the early miles are your coolest. Settle in before the sun and heat build.
From the start time, temperature
03
Point-to-point finish
This is a point-to-point half marathon, so you finish in Balboa Park in front of the Hall of Champions, not back at the start. Arrange your post-race plans from there.
From the layout, description
04
Landmark segments
The course passes Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, Point Loma neighborhoods, Harbor Island, the Star of India, downtown San Diego, and Balboa Park. Use these landmarks to break the race into mental segments.
From the description

In San Diego

Getting around
San Diego's trolley and bus network can help you avoid race-day road closures; Balboa Park is near downtown and connected by transit.
Spectator spots
Spectators can find views along San Diego Bay, downtown, and Balboa Park, which are central and connected by transit.
Recover and vibe
After the race, Balboa Park's gardens and museums offer a relaxed place to walk and cool down; San Diego's laid-back coastal and beach culture makes for a gentle recovery day.

Written by AI from the course data and the race's description; city tips are general knowledge. Check race-day details with the organizer.

More half marathons nearby in time