My experiences with this wonderful event was just amazing and it's my hometown of Encinitas! I couldn't ask for anything better because I love running and doing for my home town! This is a great feeling to support my hometown, I can't wait for 2019 Encinitas Half Marathon! All my Best! Elisa Randle Legacy Runner from Encinitas Half Marathon read more

Encinitas Half Marathon - Races & Competitions Near Me - Encinitas, California

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The inaugural Encinitas Half Marathon was held March 26, 2017 in the lovely seaside city of Encinitas, CA in northern San Diego County. The Start/Finish line was at Moonlight Beach, with the majority of the course heading being on The 101, complete with 7 miles of oceanside running. This was my first time running a course of this design where you head out one way, then backtrack and come back to the start line area before heading out the opposite direction only to return again to the finish line. There are several steep downhills, which then become steep uphills on your way back. Oh, and the starting line is on a hill going up, so you'll start the race going up a hill. Once turning left after crossing the starting line, you will immediately encounter a very steep downhill only to enjoy a longer but not as steep uphill climb just around the next corner. I personally found this race to be a little boring, but the citizens of Encinitas sprinkled throughout the course were fantastic. I'm sure the excitement will only increase as the race continues and crowd support grows. The finish line festival was great and offered many vendor booths. The only critiques that I would offer is to provide aid station locations for water, electrolytes,and gels on the course map to allow for runner planning, and a more accurate elevation chart. Also, final instructions and bib number information could be emailed to the runners. Perhaps they did send, but I received no correspondence other than my registration confirmation. Nor,did I receive the tech shirt when I picked up my bib on race day morning. All in all, it was a very nice race with plenty of aid stations, port-a-johns, and a large and colorful finishers medal at the end. Shout out to the organizers and volunteers on doing a great job. I totally recommend. read more

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The posted pictures of runners coursing along the shoreline are NOT part of the Encinitas Half. I'm, uh, not sure as to why the promoter placed them here, unless it was simply a mistake. Because those pictures are actually from the Surfing Madonna Beach Run, which is run entirely on the sand. (Both races, same promoter.) However, what is surely important to note is that if you run both the Surfing Madonna 15k (now, a 12k) and Encinitas' Half, consecutively and in that order, you'll snag not only two awesome-looking medals from the runs themselves, but also the badass combo medal for completing the Challenger Series. And it'll be worth it. Now, to the Encinitas Half... When I ran it this year, like it continues to, the out-and-back course simply follows for the most part the PCH as it runs alongside the beach. There's about a 560 ft. elevation gain, a hill, one tough to tackle, that's at the end, but 2019's course changes that: no more monster hill! That'll make things a bit easier. The course begins and ends at Moonlight Beach's parking lot, so if you get there early enough, parking will also be a bit easier. The run is ok, and I'd run it again, but it's not one of my favorites. The medals, though, from running both included in the Challenger Series, they make up for it. They definitely have eye-catching appeal! read more

Encinitas Half Marathon - Races & Competitions Near Me - Encinitas, California

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First time running the Encinitas Half, which took place TODAY 3/31/2019! I was dreadfully unprepared for this race (due to personal circumstances), but completed it pain-free and still had a great time! I'm a half marathon enthusiast, and truly believe that this course could have been perfect for those looking to complete their first half marathon or for those looking to PR. To the pros/deltas list: PROS: - picturesque, scenic course for the first 7 miles when it was by the ocean/beach area - relatively flat - tech t's are great quality and well-designed - medals are beautiful and large - cool mug as a pre-race goody - great / well-spaced course hydration and snacks (pretzels, gels) - awesome post-race food/goodies and vendors - good signage to direct the 5K vs half marathon - clear mile markers - clear pre-race communication - bib pick up was simple and easy, even to pick up for friends - easy to find parking (we parked on the streets near the high school and utilized the shuttle- super easy and hassle-free; takes about 10 min to get to the start line including the short walk from the bus station where they drop you off) DELTAS: - pretty congested throughout as the highway was split in two for the out/back route- could widen up the road space - boring route after the first 7 miles of oceanfront running since it became more residential (but thank you spectators for making it more fun!) - largely unshaded; it was a high of 80 and sunny today, so the heat really escalated by mid morning - minimal porta potties on the course; for the first 7 miles you have to utilize the bathrooms by the beach - bathroom lines were looong in the morning (as are with most races), so I missed the official start time at 7:30a and did not join my proper wave - expo was a bit underwhelming; not a lot of vendors or things to do; I just picked up my bib and left - could use more shuttles on the day of to minimize the wait time (but it was still pretty well organized today given the volume of people) - beer garden was super congested- could use a larger venue Would consider running it again next year! Organizers did a great job this year (and from what I hear, no "monster hill"!) -- kudos and congrats to the runners on finishing! read more

I participated in their inaugural 1/2 marathon on 3/26/17. Typically with first time races, the organizers haven't ironed out all of the kinds and you can expect delayed race start, poor aid stations, and non impressive medals. This was not the case here! They had famed race announcers Rudy Notovny and Fitz Koehler who are awesome and energetic. The race promptly started on time and had great support throughout the course. Not to mention the race was mostly coastal with beautiful weather and views. The finisher's shirt and medal were very nice. I especially appreciated that the shirts were offered in both men's and women's cut because a lot of races offer a boxy unisex shirt. The course is a little hilly but I really liked it. read more

Encinitas Half Marathon - Nice race shirt - Races & Competitions Near Me - Encinitas, California

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Beautiful, scenic course makes 13.1 miles feel like a breeze. I cannot wait to race it!

In the interest of fairness and full disclosure I am one of the race announcers and have been since the inception of the event. So while that may appear to create a bias my experience covers events all over the state and spanning a period of over 25 years so it's fair for me to comment. As several have already commented this race has a very strong local vibe and it has been embraced by the locals who come out and cheer you on through several sections of the course. The course itself is quite scenic and the "big hill" has been removed which should make things more enjoyable for many. This year there is a 5K for those that are not interested in going the longer distance. The race organization is very small and Bob and Meg Nichols have shown a very sincere dedication to participant experience. Additionally, the charitable foundation that is a direct recipient of proceeds, The Surfing Madonna Foundation has a well established history of serving youth and local ocean enhancement programs that are truly exceptional. A huge contingent of volunteers come out and does an amazing job of making every runner feel special Course 4.5 Medal 4.5 Shirt 3.5 Runner swag and race day amenities 4.5 Post Race Party 5.0 read more

I've run A LOT of races and this one is TOP notch and will always be among my favorites. The course is amazingly scenic, the vibe energetic and the organization on point! I love that my freinds and family can get around at ease to cheer, have coffee/breakfast and find me at the finish. The expo was convenient and well organized and the after party and giveways were crowd pleasers for sure. Thanks Encinitas Half Marathon staff and volunteers for putting on such a great event! read more

As part of Team Hoyt San Diego, we love the Encinitas Half Marathon. Completely has a local vibe & can't beat running along the ocean. Even with the "big hill" our athlete runners pushing athlete riders had a great time. Bob & Megan Nichols are amazing and love that this race supports the local Surfing Madonna Ocean Project. We can't to compete again this year and bring more riders to compete! read more

This years course changes look awesome! Since the inaugural race in 2017, the organizers have made slight changes each year to keep it fresh. I think that is a huge difference from other events. Also, the special needs surf camps they put on are just... the best. On a side note, the race swag this year looks sweet! read more

I am reviewing this event after having competitions in it this past Sunday. The course was changed a little bit from last year. I really like this new course a lot better. The placement of the uphills in the first half of the race made it a lot easier (at least for me). The course support was great. There was plenty of water stations along the way for anyone that needed it. They did a very good job at clearing up the roads on the way back up PCH by the 5k turnaround and so on. The crowd cheering everyone on was amazing. I will definitely try to come back next year. read more

I love the Encinitas half marathon. Such a beautiful run along the coast through beach towns. The parking was very convenient and the expo was really a lot of fun. This year they even have a beer garden after with live music! It's going to be one of my regular yearly runs. read more

The organizers of this race are so friendly and helpful. I've run in several races and am looking forward to this year's event as well. The races always run smoothly. There is great swag. It's the most scenic and fun route; from one beach to another with beautiful ocean views. And the whole day is a great atmosphere with a beer garden/pavilion with fun music. read more

Great race! My team and I had a blast. Absolutely beautiful course, nice hydration stops, plenty of pick me up gels and an awesome free breakfast and hot chocolate at the finish line. Will I be back next year? Definitely! read more

I am going to run the race on March 31, 2019. I am looking forward to this race because of the beautiful view of the Beach during the race. Love running around the water. It gives a calm feeling to my mind. read more

Wow!! This course is just breathtaking. One of my favorites! I make a day of it -enjoying the downtown and beer garden after the race. Such a reward after the race. Spoiled to live in Southern California and have such a fun experience at our door step read more

Last year I was a spectator . So many runners were out competing . The course looked awesome and everything seemed to run smoothly. I am excited to actually run this year! read more

The Encinitas Half Marathon is a beautiful course through several coastal towns. This run is so much fun! Participants, volunteers and race crew are all so happy to be a part of this iconic event! read more

This is a great race and an awesome organization. I love the course but more than that I love the people and projects this race supports. Special needs surf camps, access to the beach for all and ocean conservation. The medals, shirts and swag are great too. read more

I have run in this race both years and had a wonderful time! The inaugural year, I expected glitches, as it was the first time. However it went off without a hitch! The course was amazing, the swag was fantastic, and year two had a delicious beer garden! I plan on running this race as long as I can, and afterwards, someone can push my ashes along the course. read more