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2026 AMERICA’S FINEST CITY HALF MARATHON & 5K

Join us for the 49th annual
America's Finest City Half Marathon & 5K
on Sunday, August 16, 2026!

AFC Half Marathon is a scenic, point-to-point race that showcases the very best of America’s Finest City. Your journey begins at the historic Cabrillo National Monument, where sweeping panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay set the tone for an unforgettable run. From there, you’ll run through Historic Fort Rosecrans, through Point Loma, along San Diego Bay and Harbor Island, before making your way through vibrant downtown San Diego to a triumphant finish in iconic Balboa Park, surrounded by cheering fans, live music, and celebration.

The 5K delivers a fast, flat, and fun course through the heart of Balboa Park — perfect for runners of all levels.

Registration fees

Prices are inclusive of mandatory charges, items, and fees

Half Marathon

5K Run/Walk

Virtual Half Marathon

Virtual 5K

The Details

The half marathon starts at 6:15 AM and there is a 3.25-hour time limit. All participants must maintain a 14:53-minute-per-mile pace or faster throughout the event.

The 5K starts at 6:10 AM and there is a 1-hour time limit. All participants must maintain a 19:21-minute-per-mile pace or faster throughout the event.

Not able to join us in person? No problem! Virtual options are available for both the half marathon and 5K.

Wheelchair competitors must contact info@inmotionevents.com for qualification and registration instructions.

The Perks

  • Technical fabric short-sleeve shirt
  • Custom finisher's medal
  • Reusable souvenir grocery bag
  • Complimentary beer in the beer garden
  • One-day pass to the Carlsbad Columbia Sportswear Company Employee Store
  • Early race start times for great race temps
  • Support stations along the route
  • Chip timing and live tracking
  • Virtual options available
  • Pre-race expo
  • Final race in 2026 SoCal Triple Crown
  • Outstanding finish line amenities including chocolate milk, pre-stuffed finish line food bag, DJ, and more!


The Course

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Team Incentive

During registration, you can choose to sign up as an individual or join a team. Once a team has been created, it will be available for other participants to join as well. The first person to create the team, becomes the team captain.

If your team has 25 or more members, 3 weeks before the event, you qualify for a team booth in our Finish Line Festival! We will contact team captains if they qualify.

Team scoring is offered for the half marathon only. Teams can be unlimited in size but must have at least ten people and two of each gender to qualify for team scoring.

Team scores are calculated by averaging each team’s top 10 chip times, including at least two of each gender. The team captain of the top three overall teams will receive an award. Where and when you can pick up your award will be shared in the final event instructions.

Countdown to event

Contact information

Event contact
In Motion
Phone
760-692-2900
Website
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