America's Finest City Half Marathon
Category: Active Life Active Life [Edit]
Cabrillo National Monument to Balboa ParkSan Diego, CA 92101
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33 reviews for America's Finest City Half Marathon
33 reviews in English
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Review from Holly A.
San Diego, CA
8/22/2011
2:03. Would have been 1:57 had I not made that portapotty stop and got waylaid by the trolley crossing the tracks at Broadway and Kettner at mile 10. (Seriously, it's not like the trolleys have anywhere to be, seeing as they're never on time/schedule....but I digress.)
If you want to run a fast half, this race is for you! You start at the tip of Point Loma at Cabrillo National Monument. (Note: You must take AFC busses from Balboa Park -- near the Zoo off Park Blvd. -- to Cabrillo as it's National Park property and no unauthorized vehicles are allowed in on race morning. I arrived at the park by 5 am by using side streets and had no problem walking to the busses and getting to Cabrillo on time.) The first two miles are gently rolling mini-hills with the ocean on your left and a sweeping view of the bay and downtown on your right. At about mile 4 or 5, you wind down into the La Playa neighborhood of Point Loma. From there, you bank downhill into Loma Portal and turn onto Harbor Drive. You'll go over the bridge near Liberty Station, onto Harbor alongside the airport, and then will complete the world's most annoying double-out-and-back on Harbor Island (not my favorite part of the race, to be sure). You then cut through the rental car parking lot, which totally sucked (but thanks, random spectators who cheered us on amid the exhaust fumes of Enterprises shuttles!). You then get back on Harbor and onto the Embarcadero to Ash, right on PCH, and left on Broadway (where, if you're unlucky like I am, you may get stopped by a crossing trolley). You'll take a left on India, a right on A Street, and a left on Sixth for a steady 3/4-mile hill up Sixth Street to Laurel. The hill was the worst part, but if you can run Torrey Pines in the La Jolla Half, this will be cake! Once you turn right on Laurel/El Prado, you're in the home stretch: follow El Prado into the park, take a right on President's Way and past the organ pavilion, and you'll finish by the Hall of Champions. (How appropriate!)
Pros:
-- The busses were well-organized! I was actually surprised. Well done, you!
-- Amazing fan support consistently throughout the race -- so thanks, San Diego!
-- Chip timers, technical tee (unlike LJHM!), and a nice medal.
-- Great mile markers/timers; fantastic water stations with friendly volunteers -- big ups to the guy serving champagne at water station #4!
-- BEAUTIFUL course -- my favorite so far in SD.
Cons:
-- Why on earth would you plan the expo at a hotel on Harbor Island? That had to be the worst bottleneck of traffic I've experienced in quite some time.
-- No corral starts, which apparently creates a major slowdown at the beginning of the race. I actually started in the back of the pack, and since the race is chip timed, it doesn't matter. I had no problem settling into race pace once I crossed the start line.
-- The rental car segment. Ew.
-- I didn't even go to the post-race expo because it was so far from the finish. (Okay, it wasn't terribly far, but after running 13.1 miles I wasn't going to walk another half mile for a banana.)
Also, warning: the first five miles or so are steady downhill. I went out like crazy and didn't pace myself, so I was paying for it on that last hill at mile 11. Also, pack some extra aspirin :)
See y'all next year at the start! -
Review from Eveline A.
San Diego, CA
3/19/2012
AFC is a tricky course. It's the best downhill/flat ten miles you'll ever run, followed by what is probably the worst uphill 5K of your life. Also, with the race being held in August, there's always a 50/50 chance that race day will be unbearably hot by the time you finish.
Overall, the course is gorgeous and well-organized. The buses at Balboa Park are very well organized, although I can't comment on traffic leading into the park as I've biked to the buses from North Park the last two years. The start at Cabrillo Nat'l Monument is unparalleled by any other race I've run, and is honestly one of the main reasons to run this race. That said, the long downhill from Point Loma will fool you into thinking you're kicking butt, only to come back to bite said butt as the last two miles of the course are straight uphill into Balboa Park and Hillcrest (and yes, that's why it's called Hillcrest). Amazingly, my first PR was on this course, but the last two years I've run AFC, I've burned out hardcore at the Marine Corps Depot, which is the end of the downhill. That is, however, my own fault for not training enough, but be warned about that final climb!
Anyway, traffic leading to the expo is horrendous, as it's held at the Shelter Island Sheraton by the airport, so try to get there as early as possible, or shell out extra cash to have your bib mailed to you.
I do have to say that the shirts have been hideous for the last three years and hold the dubious honor of being the ugliest race shirts I own (I kind of like them because of it), barring the Kathy Loper St Patrick's Day Mission Bay 10K shirts (sorry, guys, but the leprechauns get creepier every year). They also don't offer women's sizes, but at least it's a tech shirt (I'M LOOKING AT YOU, LA JOLLA HALF). On the flip side, the AFC (and Triple Crown!) medal is pretty awesome, so there's that.
Unfortunately, the registration price seems to have risen by $5 every year without an accompanying increase in perks, so it's quickly becoming too pricey. It's worth doing once, but having run it three times now I think I'm done. -
Review from Tiffany H.
La Jolla, CA
12/3/2011
I ran this race in 2011. I was hoping this would be the half where I would get under 2 hours but alas, I gained too much weight in the months between the LJ and AFC so I was just shy of 2:09. The course begins downhill and is relatively flat until the last half mile or so (where you have to climb up Sixth street). They say if you're going for a PR, this is the race to do it.
Running through the Cabrillo National Monument was...humbling, as another reviewer put it. For the most part, the run is lovely except when you're near the airport. Wasn't a huge fan of that even though you do get to see the water.
The bus systems worked well, I got an awesome tech shirt, and it was super easy to get my picture taken at the finish (unlike my experience with the La Jolla half). So logistically, a great race. Unfortunately, the one thing I dislike about my experience is that it was too hot. The sun came out after about an hour and a half, making it sort of uncomfortable to run.
And as others have mentioned, Expo Day is a nightmare. Traffic off the wazoo. Next time I am paying $10 to have my bib shipped to me.Listed in: Fitness
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Review from Mike C.
9/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
This was a pretty fun race that any individual, man or woman, old or young can do without that much issues.
There are of logistical issues that can be improved. There were 6700+ runners for the half marathon. It could have been better to run in phases/waves to minimize the congestion between start line and mile 3.
No Gu was given during the race. Only water and ultima? No real fuel there. Granted, I could have brought some fuel, but hey, it would have been nice if they passed them during the race.
Everyone is trying to get parking or board the buses on the east side of Balboa Park. Tip: park on the west side, ie 6th Ave and walk to the buses. No issues there or when trying to leave with all that traffic congestion on the east side of Balboa park.
Some of the runners were up in Cabrillo for up to 2 hours prior to race time. Recommend on future races on having portable heat lamps because it's still pretty cold. Runners should probably think about wearing a trash bag to keep warm during this time.
The race itself is deceptively easy. Running fast will kill your chances of meeting your time goal. Take it from me, since I had no Gu, and I pretty much sprinted up to mile 9 where I desperately needed fuel. Tip: Run conservately throughout the race, then speed up towards the end and conquer that dreaded uphill scenario through downtown and into Balboa Park.
Other than that, the mid August morning race definitely supports the cool temperatures. Pretty organized throughout the race. Post race gave some cool stuff like water, protein, and other stuff I could have used during the race. I would probably do this again. It was fun. I'll learn my lesson and not to over-exert for the first 9 miles. Trust me.Listed in: Military Appreciation
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Review from Maria C.
Updated - 8/22/2011
4.5...
My last 5K of the year and went out with a bang...
I have to admit, I had not trained for this race properly and I would have been happy with any time under 30.
After a night of wedding bliss debauchery - drinking, dancing, and eating until 1030p and not getting to bed until after midnight - I did manage to get up at 4am and shaved a 1:18 off last year's 5K. [2010: 28:46 vs 2011: 27:28]
I opted to do the 5K again this year to save myself for the Triple Crown next year, and concentrate all my training efforts for my 4 halfies in the next several months.
The 5K race started at 645a and the half at 7a. We were given notice that the 163 was closed and to take alternate routes. I was concerned with the traffic, and to my amazement, it wasn't bad coming into Balboa Park at Park Blvd around 545am. Actually there was no traffic and parking was a breeze. I began to walk over around 620a.
Evidently, all the half marathoners boarded and left to Cabrillo, so I was happy that there was no lines for the bathrooms (port-o-potties). It was a short walk to the start line, and we lined up about 10 mins before the gun start.
Luckily, I started at the front of the pack this year, and was happy with my time and how I did given the circumstance.
The expo was comparable to last year's - small, so many people left thereafter. We stayed a bit to roam around and watch the half marathoners pass before heading to breakfast.
Only con: Traffic after the race was crazy. The parking lot was a mess trying to leave. I realize traffic control was doing their best, but it was difficult to have that many cars with only 1 entrance / exit. Just have patience...
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STATS:
Overall: 259
Place Sex: 73
Place Div: 10
Time: 27:28:00
Pace: 8:51Listed in: Races/Runs Near and Dear to My…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/19/2010
4.5...
Participated in the AFC 5K for the first time, and boy was it fun!!!
Great cause, fun… Read more »
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Review from Son V.
8/22/2011
First time running this race and was really impressed with the organization. As others have said, the course if mostly downhill/flat for the first 10/11 miles and then some hills for the rest and ends in Balboa Park.
Bib Pickup/Expo - Not fun getting there. Traffic backed up pretty fierce but once inside, pickup took about five minutes. I went on Saturday so can't really say how Friday was. Expo was really small and if you are a regular runner, you already have most of this stuff anyway.
Parking - I was on one of the first buses which left Balboa Park around 4:45. Having ran the Safari Park Half, I know how parking traffic can be a pain so I was pretty happy to get there early and not worry about it. I parked by the Zoo, which is a good 1/2 mile from the finish. If you want a shorter walk, park off of Presidents Way but getting out looked like a nightmare after the race.
Race - I wish they would have staggered the start because there was a lot of bottleneck going on but it thinned out fine by mile 2 or 3. On the downhill sections I saw quite a few people book it and not save their quads for the hills at the end. If you want to make up time, the flat middle section is the way to go. Plenty of aid stations with water but I wish I would have brought a couple GU packets for the middle. Mile markers at every mile which is nice. The sun didn't come out until the very end but I was almost done by then. Finish was inside Balboa Park and very true to the definition of AFC.
Overall, very well organized and fast course. After 34 years of doing this, the organizers can certainly put on a good event. Besides the hassle of bid pickup and the lack of staggered starts, I really enjoyed this race.
See you next year.Listed in: Running, and things of that…
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Review from Erik S.
Carlsbad, CA
8/31/2011
I've run this one 4 times now. My times on this half have ranged from 1:46 to 2:05.
My favorite new feature: for an extra $10 they mailed my bib to me, which saved me the atrocious trip to a clogged dirt parking lot by the airport the day beforehand.
Logistics of getting a few thousand people from Balboa Park to Cabrillo Monument are pretty good. Bus lines weren't bad -- about 30 minutes to board. I've figured out the optimal driving and parking to avoid traffic, but I can't tell you what it is, or I'd be staring at your bumper in traffic next time.
Run goes from beautiful to downhill to flat-n-borning to expletive-inducing uphill to the finish. Be aware that there are no water stations between about miles 3 and 6, so if you don't BYO and don't tend to drink in the first few miles you may find yourself wanting.
Final word of advice: No beer garden -- you'll have to bring your own. That's why there's a gear check. And nearby parking. -
Review from Ian C.
8/25/2011
i liked this one.
if you're from san diego. or not. and wanted to try a half marathon for the first time.
i could easily recommend this one for a n00b. like myself.
it's not too challenging. but you will have to put in work. in the end.
it starts off at the cabrillo national monument and you run through the fort rosecrans cemetary.
you would think that would be creepy. but actually it's not. if anything. it was quite humbling.
and since you're starting from the top. that means the beginning of the run is mostly down hill.
a nice warm up if you think about it. but you don't have to think about it.
who am i to tell you what to do. go ahead and blow your wad going down hill if you want. dummy.
next you find yourself running through parts of point loma and adjacent to the bay until you hit downtown.
so go. go now. go fast. go hard.
seriously. it's easy to forget how lovely our city is. until you're running through it. and sweating like a pig. nasty ass.
and finally. the last half takes you up a hill. not very steep. or too long.
just right. and enough to make you say. f*ck.
because you're tired. and you didn't bother to look at the course description.
as for being well organized. yes.
yes they were.
being bussed from the zoo to cabrillo was hassle free.
plenty of water stations.
and socal weather is. well. where it's at.Listed in: i hate man boobs.
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Review from Shayne C.
8/16/2010 1 photo
Can I get a Hallelujah ??!!!!
Triple Crown completed !!!! Woot ! Woot! Happy and proud to say that I did it in record time of 2:03.
Out of all three races, the AFC would have to be the easiest course for me to run. Rolling hills and one steep incline towards the end (11th mile or so). If you can survive the Torrey Pines hill (from La Jolla half), then you can definitely get through this climb.
Beautiful course from Cabrillo National Monument high atop Point Loma down towards Harbor Island Drive overlooking San Diego Bay and the Pacific, then towards downtown and ending in beautiful Balboa Park.
Give plenty of time for parking and bus transportation to the start. We had about 1.5 hours to kill before the race so even though we had a gorgeous view to admire, we were out in Cabrillo freezing our butts off. Next time, wear a garbage bag or extra clothing to keep you warm during the wait. Unless of course, you don't mind sharing body heat with complete strangers. Doh!
The setup of the waves could have been better. A mix of fast and slow runners were jumbled together in a narrow start point. I had to dodge a few stragglers and was over-taken by some whom didn't seem to care for human life. It was chaotic! Took me awhile to adjust to this since it literally was a stampede. I was lucky to find a clearing and avoided getting trampled on. Sheesh! (Minus 1 star)
The first 2 miles were a bit of a struggle. Had ipod issues and my fuel belt was not cooperating. Ended up tossing two bottles, because it got to be a distraction. Overall, I probably lost a good 5 minutes from these slight setbacks. (Note to self: No longer need a fully packed fuel belt for a half-marathon). Oh well..live and learn.
Once I found a rhythm and a good pace, I was then really able to enjoy my surroundings. Plenty of supporters to cheer you on with signs and music. That always helps. Another wonderful surprise was seeing my friend (shout out to Christian G.) wear a humungo hat sign with a blow up photo of me! "Go ! Shayshay! Go!" hehe. Talk about huge boost of motivation! It pumped me up even more!
Water stations were set up in just the right areas to keep us hydrated and there was even a water sprinkler/shower to run through, which I thought was cool!
Finished strong with an amazing and supportive crowd to cheer and push me through the finish line with the little ounce of energy I had left. It was an UNBELIEVABLE experience to say the least. Picked up my 2 medals, hydrated with some Jamba Juice, grubbed on bananas and breadsticks, and went on my sore @$$ merry way. =)
The 2010 Triple Crown races have been challenging and rewarding! I only strive to get better and hopefully one day complete a full marathon. Thanks AFC for a memorable time and the wonderful supporters/fans, charities, and sponsors that made this day possible!Listed in: Run Shay Shay Run !!!!
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Review from Blair S.
San Diego, CA
8/21/2011
Overall this wasn't a bad race but there were a few things that could have been a little better. The only food offered at the end of the race was bananas. Hot bananas are disgusting, no thanks. They also sent out emails suggesting that you park near the zoo since leaving the finishing area after the race was expected to be tough. Okay, did that. Didn't realize where I was parking in relation to the finish line. Definitely had a blast walking a mile to get back to my car after running 13.
Also, racers, please listen/read about throwing your clothes and trash in the first two miles through the cemetery. I imagine you wouldn't want people trashing your loved ones' memorial site, no? -
Review from Debbie L.
San Diego, CA
8/27/2010
There were a number of factors that weren't the AFC organizers' fault that contributed to this not being a favorite race of mine. I've tried to take that out in my rating of this race, but I still felt like this race was a little overrated.
The course is mostly very beautiful.. starting from the scenic Cabrillo national monument, then across the harbor... by the airport (and some rental car places, haha).. and then you get a glimpse of downtown at the end. I've run most of this a few times training for a different race, so it wasn't nearly as exciting to me, however I do know that I loved it when I first ran it.. it is beautiful. If you're going to take a break from running by the beach, this is a great alternative (if it counts.. it is still by the water, but not technically by the beach..). I still prefer the beach, though! I think this course is probably more interesting to out of towners because you do get a variety of different SD sights. For me, it was just okay.
The expo is on the smaller side, but it has all the typical interesting stuff. This was probably the first expo I walked away from without purchasing anything (not because I didn't like anything there, more because I exercised some great self control).
Also, I guess I didn't realize the shirts were unisex so I ended up with one way too big for me. Whoops.
Now onto things that I could have been better prepared for to make this race a better experience..
It was probably my bad for not bringing a plastic bag "jacket" but I hated freezing my ass off for an hour before the race. And waking up so absurdly early for a 7am race.. it screwed up my eating schedule so that I was ridiculously starving by mile 9 or so (I'm usually good for the entire race but I had eaten so much earlier than the actual race start & there is no gu or anything along the way. bring your own!). These are just some considerations to keep in mind if you're going to run this race. There was plenty of water along the way, which was nice. Sixth Ave hill is kind of sneaky.. it doesn't appear to be very steap but it seems like it lasts forever. It didn't help that by that point, all I could think about was food... haha.
All in all not my favorite race, but it wasn't terrible either... although I probably won't do it again. It was worth it to do it once, though! -
Review from Noel J.
San Diego, CA
8/18/2009
I want to say it was easy, I want to say I finished it in an hour but those would be lies.
Don't get me wrong, I had a blast. I trained for three months and was damn excited that morning.
Put some new jams on my I-pod, and before I knew it I was 10 miles in.
At first I just wanted to finish, but every mile marker I noticed I was keeping a 10 min. mile pace. I got pumped and pushed myself up the last few miles where a good chunk of it was up hill.
Something about complete strangers waving and cheering me on gave me the push I needed to finish.
Yeah, my toes are bruised, my nipples are chafed, my legs are sore as hell, but I felt great after. Kicked the crap out of 13.1 miles in 2 hours and 22 min.
Next up for me is the Carlsbad Half in January. -
Review from Molly K.
San Diego, CA
3/5/2011
This is definitely my favorite half marathon course in San Diego. The race starts up at Cabrillo National Monument so the first couple miles are downhill. My only complaint is that they don't stagger the start so it's really easy to get boxed in for the first mile. Great scenery the entire race. You get to run through the streets of downtown and finish in Balboa Park. The final hill up to Balboa Park is a little long, but not too steep.
Plenty of parking in the zoo parking lot, but you really need to allow an extra 30 minutes to park because there are a lot of racers and traffic moves slowly. -
Review from Anastasia B.
San Francisco, CA
12/28/2007
This was my first and last half marathon that I've been fortunate enough to survive. The starting point is at Cabrillo National Monument and winds downhill along the Embarcadero through downtown and ends in Balboa Park.
My biggest complaint about this race was the lack of water along the entire stretch of the Embarcadero. There was plenty of water and watered-down Gatorade within the first few miles of the route, but there wasn't a single water stop along the Embarcadero, which happened to also be the sunniest and least shady stretch of the race. Other racers were practically passing out and had to stop at a drinking fountain just to cool themselves off.
I trained for this race for nearly a year. I was a hardcore runner and felt like I was in excellent shape at the time. I felt like I could've shaved at least 10 minutes off my time if there was more water available along the route to hydrate and cool me off. My fuel belt was filled with both water and Gatorade, but I still ran out of fluids.
I don't remember there being any water even towards the homestretch along Park Blvd, not until the finish line. I distinctly remember someone handing out freakin' peanut M&M's and other candy. I was ready to smack them upside the head and curse their mother for bringing their ignorant ass into this world. I DON'T THINK I NEEDED CANDY AT MILE 10. I NEEDED SOME GODDAMN H2O AND A FUCKING PRAYER TO GET ME TO THE FINISH LINE!!!
Overall, this was a fun and enlightening race. I learned a lot about my strengths and limitations. I would recommend it, but would advise stocking up on extra fuel belt bottles.
See you at the finish line you masochist.Listed in: Like a Virgin, Pack up the Winnie! We're…
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Review from Michael W.
San Diego, CA
10/29/2009
Ran the 32nd America's Finest City Half Marathon in August 2009 and thoroughly enjoyed the event. The course begins at the Cabrillo National Monument which sits upon a cliff top peninsula jetting into the Pacific Ocean and has a full view of the San Diego skyline. It runs through an upper class bedroom community where the residents cheer you on and in some cases have a mister setup to cool you down. The course then takes you beside the northern edge of the San Diego Bay and runs you into the City's high-rises just in front of The Star of India. You run through the City center and finish in Balboa Park just beyond a statue of El Cid, a fitting sight for a half marathoner who endured the final hill.
There are rolling hills for the first two miles, followed by a gradual downhill for three and a 1/2 miles, flat lands for six miles and then comes the hill. The hill is approximately a mile and a 1/2 long, starts out gradual then becomes quite steep for about a 1/2 mile. The good news is that the final stretch rests on a 1/4 of a mile downhill, so you'll be able to smile at the finish line.
The event administration is excellent, just be on time. You are bused to the start from Balboa Park as there is no parking anywhere near the beginning. The Cabrillo National Monument is completely closed off to unauthorized vehicles, so don't have a friend try to drop you off at the start, as the closest one can get is two miles away and it seemed dangerous to walk in the dark with all of the buses shuttling runners. Best to look at the 20 minute bus ride as a chance to relax and meet new people.
The thing to watch out for is the heat. Fortunately it was overcast for a big portion of the 2009 event, but when the Sun broke threw the clouds it quickly became hot. Was happy to have seen seven water stations and an awesome misting system at mile 10, where hamburgers were being served.
Also saw two marriage proposals along the course, which I now realize is one of the most intelligent ideas the male species has had in a long time. Ask them at the point of exhaustion when their resistance is low in order to improve the chances of a yes. -
Review from Frank C.
Camarillo, CA
9/30/2011
I've run AFC a number of times, and the race organizers never cease to impress. It's a very well-organized event with ample parking, efficient transportation to the start line, well-planned and stocked aid stations along the route, and an awesome crowd all along the way.
The course is very fast with just under four miles of down hill to start the race, eight miles of pancake flat roads near Harbor Island, and a nice one mile incline to finish the race.
I always PR or come close to a new PR on this course. -
Review from Michael C.
San Diego, CA
8/16/2010
I just finished the AFC 33rd annual half marathon yesterday. (Time 1:43:05) and what a great day it was.
The AFC is a great half-marathon that begins in Point Loma at the Cabrillo National Monument. Set against the skyline of downtown and the scenic rolling hills of Point Loma, the race starts off with a nice downhill portion to get the legs warm.
There were plenty of supporters waving and cheering on as the race then leads into a very nice scenic neighborhood of classic "father of the bride" style homes. There are several watering points along the route where one can re-hydrate.
Next is the airport stretch along the water and out onto shelter Island, before curving around to downtown broadway in the heart of the city. Finally up 6th ave over to the race end at Balboa Park, where music food and refreshments await, as well as cheering friends, family, and supporters.
This was a great race, perfect for starters who are doing their first marathon like myself. One can feel the sense of community and commitment to fitness all around.
If after this you feel inspired, there are two other great ones, The Carlsbad Half and the La Jolla half...If you complete all three, you receive a Triple Crown medal and recognition.
Cheers. -
Review from Grace L.
9/28/2009
I have run several different half marathons.
This one is the most dicey. 2 out of the three times I have run it, it was friggin hot. Yes there was rolling hills, and you run in balboa park. but I think people are failing to remember the rental car parking lot that is a pit of hotness and boooooring. I spoke to a man that was there to support his wife and saw her pass out from dehydration at the finish line. So everyone who is planning on running it, pay attention to the weather and if necessary bring water! I missed it this year but I have had my fair share. The misters are nice and refreshing. You get a cool tech tee and a decent medal.
I swear there used to be beer and jello shots a long the way but it really isnt a good idea to drink and run anyway.Listed in: "Run" for fun!
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Review from howard l.
San Diego, CA
8/18/2010
Well organized and great race. Just be prepared for the 3/4 mile or so uphill around mile 11 or 12.....save some extra energy for it.
Only complaint is how early you have to arrive since you have to park (and there's backup traffic), get in a long line for the bus and then take a 20min bus ride to the start....then stand in line for porta-potties.
But it's a huge race so that's the way it goes. As long as I'm able to run and live in San Diego, I'm doing it every year. -
Review from Ericka W.
San Diego, CA
2/5/2008
This 1/2 marathon is great! I would have given it five stars except for a few small things.
1. It gets crowded - my girlfriend and I were in the middle of the pack when the race started and we didn't actually cross the starting line until 7 minutes after the gun had gone off. Thank goodness for champion chips! And there were tons of walkers who were ahead of us - if you're going to walk, maybe start towards the back so the runners can get out of your way?
2. A bit of doubling back on Harbor Island occurs. I hate seeing how many people are ahead of me, but that's just me.
3. The hill at the end up 6th ave! TOUGH!
Ending at Balboa Park is awesome and I actually saw a guy holding up a sign proposing to his girlfriend as she was coming into the home stretch. She stopped and lost some time finishing but I don't think she cared and she said "Yes!" -
Review from Sal M.
Santa Monica, CA
9/8/2010
A great way to end the Triple Crown Series.
Nice flat course, well organized, very scenic!
Parking: Best to park your car at the finish (Balboa Park)
a little chilly (better than hot).
Nice downhill start, although a little crowded in the beginning.
Lots of water stops and again, very scenic!
great crowd support, never a dull moment. One group served "sliced cheese burgers!"
Cons: not really bad, but uphill 12-13th mile to Balboa Park.
A great 1st or 2nd half marathon for noobs! -
Review from Allison D.
Mountain View, CA
9/27/2008
The AFC half is the third race in the Triple Crown series in San Diego. It starts at the Cabrillo Monument in Point Loma and follows the bay to downtown and then heads up into Balboa Park to finish at the Aerospace Museum.
This is the only race that I have run twice so far. The view from the course is beautiful. There is a strech of the course that goes out onto Harbor Island and on the return you have an amazing view of downtown.
There are no starting corrals so there is a chance that you'll get stuck behind walkers. I've spent the first mile or two leap frogging both times. They changed the chip system they use this year to a disposable chip, which was nice because it made the finish line process move a lot smoother and there was no trying to get your leg up on a chair and almost falling over business.
On the course itself, they did a better job this year of having the aid stations adequately stocked. Since this race is in August, there is the tendancy for it to be incredibly hot. There are supporters along the course almost the entire way, which is always nice. There are also two rainforest tents to run through. The Margaritaville people are out at this race as well with little hamburgers, somewhere around mile 8. I've never understood the runners who actually take a hamburger. The last mile and a half runs UP Sixth Ave, so make sure you leave a little in your tank to get up the hill. Its not super steep, but its long. The process for picking up your Triple Crown medal could have been made a little easier.
Overall, this is a great San Diego race! -
Review from Christine B.
San Diego, CA
1/9/2009
Great race. A combination of a moderately easy course and great fan support make this one fun.
It's the third (and best) race of the triple crown. -
Review from Paul A.
Honolulu, HI
9/28/2011
This was my second marathon, my first was the Rock and Roll marathon. The beginning part of the course was pretty cool starting out at Cabrillo. The road was pretty narrow for the first couple miles but then widens. The transportation and organization was pretty good, no complaints. It's a small half marathon limiting to somewhere around 8000 runners so it's mostly for people really into running and it is a intermediate run so if you're looking for a first half marathon to run, I'd go with something with a larger venue and listed as amateur which would be easier and more fun, however, for people who like to run and want to be challenged especially on the 11th to 12th mile running up bankers hill at the end kicks your ass and makes you feel awesome that you didn't just score a good time on an easy breezy course, you did it on a hard hill climbing, calves punishing hill to finish off in Balboa Park. 1hr 38min. 7:31 mile!
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Review from Ric A.
San Diego, CA
6/4/2011
my very 1st official race of my entire life.
race starts in Cabrillo National Monument & heads east along the San Diego Bay, eventually finishing inside Balboa Park. the 1st 4 miles are actually all downhill, which helps you as a runner set your pace & allow you to conserve a lot of your energy. miles 5-11 are on steady elevation as you get to enjoy harbor island (with water mist sprays to cool you down), the embarcadero, & parts of downtown. (i still remember the person at mile 9 who was passing out quarter portions of in-n-out burgers!). once you get past downtown & get to mile 12, the real race starts! you are treated to a steep climb up hill. i struggled during this part of my race & probably walked a majority of this part of the course. but once you get to the top of the hill & inside Balboa Park, its the home stretch! don't make the same mistake i did & assume the finish line is around the corner. its actually a little bit further inside the park!
this is a very beautiful course, in terms of the scenery you get to see. while we were waiting for the starting gun at Cabrillo, all the runners were treated to a beautiful sunrise to the east, casting a silhouette on the city skyline, which was a great way to mentally prepare for the race. there were plenty of water stations & a bevy of "cheerleaders" pushing you towards the finish line. the temperature does play a factor, as in all races. by the middle of the course, it felt like it was over 100 degrees, even though we were next to the water.
i would strongly recommend this course/race for novice & beginning runners!Listed in: Bucket List Before Turning the…
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Review from Darren S.
9/2/2009 5 photos
This was my third half marathon of the year, as I completed the SD Triple Crown. Of the three, the AFC was the easiest, most scenic, best stocked w/ water and aid stations and best organized. It's debatable, but the AFC may also have the best looking t-shirt and finisher's medal this year too. I was hoping for a blue shirt similar to what was given out last year, but instead I got a maroon one. Missed a good looking shirt by a year.
Listed in: I'm sorry that I don't have…
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Review from Melinda T.
San Diego, CA
9/9/2009
I have done a fair number of half-marathons in my day and this one was not what I expected. There are a good number of hills, most rolling but hills still. I did enjoy the water misters and the guys grilling burgers downtown... That last hill is killer but crossing the bridge into Balboa felt fantastic (until I realized that I still had to keep running).
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Review from Cheryl C.
San Diego, CA
8/15/2010
This was my first and only half marathon, so i have nothing much to compare it to. But it really shows that San Diego truly IS America's Finest City!
The expo that goes on the day before is cool, they sell a lot of stuff you may need during the race, and also stuff for training. It was well organized, and all the volunteers were really helpful and knowledgeable.
The meeting place is Balboa Park and you get shuttled out to the Cabrillo Monument. The view here is awesome. Usually, I see the view OF Point Loma, now I'm seeing the view FROM Point Loma! Course starts on rolling hills and through the Point Loma neighborhoods. It was amazing to have the children come out & give us high fives and see their parents coming out of their houses, set up lawn chairs, and cheer us on! The next part is through Harbor Blvd. and through a back lot - I think it was where the rental cars are returned. It was pretty hot with no view. But after that it's more down Harbor Blvd and the beautiful skyline view of Downtown San Diego! I usually LOVE driving this street, and the opportunity to RUN it was even better! They even had a band set up at Mile 7! Next is the weaving of the streets of downtown. The hill at the end killed me, but I ended back up in Balboa Park.
I finally crossed the finish line, and there were a bunch of booths to visit. Most gave bottled waters, protein bars, bagels, bananas, massage...everything you need for recovery.
The event itself was really organized - the mile markers and timers were displayed and helpful, they had the people giving out water at the right places, and the route really shows off our city.
DEFINITELY a MUST!! -
Review from Joel H.
San Diego, CA
8/16/2010
My first AFC in 10 years, but my fourth half this year. Completed the Triple Crown and that was the goal. A good, moderate, challenging race. Long initial down hill which helps with the overall time. Then flat for a few miles, and THEN, you start to wind your way up through downtown and finally up 6th street to Balboa Park. Great staff. A little chilly in the morning while waiting to start. Would not be my choice for a first half though, I'd recommend the San Diego Rock-n-Roll for the first.
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Review from Melissa M.
San Diego, CA
2/18/2009
Yes, I agree. Great race. It's pretty much all flat until the very end (hill up 6th I think to Balboa park). It's a great half-marathon to start on. The only downfall is that it is in the summer so it can get a little warm in the morning.
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Review from RL W.
Temecula, CA
1/19/2011
Love this Half marathon! this was my 2nd half, and I will definitely keep it on the must do list!
It is so scenic the whole way through. From the start at the Cabrillo National Monument, to Harbor Island (minus a turn through the car rental return area for the airport :)), the finish in Balboa Park, you cannot beat San Diego for great views and great people.
This is a BIG race, and ther is no wave start, so be prepared for the catlle call clump of people at teh beginning, until you exit the base. once in point Loma, the pace opens up and you can make your move if you want to pick up the pace.
There is tons of great spectator support along the entire course, from the neighborhood in Point Loma, the misting station along habor island, to the Burger guy at the base of downtown, and all of the people cheering in between, it really helps you to push to the finish.
There is a pretty big uphill at mile 12 you must push through, and it is FREEZING in the morning before the race, so bring a hefty bag or throw away long leeve shirt you can toss or check in the beginning, and you do have to get there VERY early, but it is all well worth it to enjoy the great San Diego scenery at sunrise! I felt terrific at this run (1:46 finish!) and will be back to complete the entire Triple Crown in 2011! -
Review from maggie c.
8/16/2010
Yesterday was my first time running this race. The weather was awesome so it was a great day for a race. I thought it would get all chaotic trying to go on the bus to Cabrillo but is wasn't. The only thing I didn't like was we didn't start off with people who run at your pace. Cause normally they would bunch you up based on how fast a mile but no... Kinda sucked you had people running at different speeds that I was afraid of getting hit or bumping into people. So the first 4 miles is all downhill which really speeds up ur momentum. Which I never trained so boy was I in trouble. Miles 5-10 were nice flat runs through harbor drive so you had this great view of the harbor and city. I really enjoyed that. And the people around you are awesome and amazing. At one point i asked this old man running it if i could jog with him cuz he was running it at the pace i was. It really amazes me to see people who are older running. I'm like 25 and struggling and these older folks can still definitely jog just the same or better than me. :-) The last two miles are killer!!! Just all uphill. And I don't know about you, but I wasn't prepared for this and if you already ran 10 miles.. Oh gosh a hill will make you wanna cry. Ha the thing that kept me going was the awesome people cheering u on. And where would you find people giving away hamburger slices and apple cider at a half marathon. Ha I loved it. Then in the end there where so many samples being given out. I definitely got hooked up!! Haha but the one thing I loved most about the race was we were running for cancer patients. My aunt recently passed from pancreatic cancer and so this race meant a lot to me. If you love to run or want a challenge go for a marathon you'll never know what you can accomplish and if feels so good!!
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Review from Erin K.
San Francisco, CA
8/19/2009
This was my third - and favorite - half marathon race. I really enjoyed the course - rolling hills in the beginning, relatively flat in the middle and then ending on a bit of a steep hill for the last couple of miles and then all downhill to the finish. The course was challenging for me and I didn't set a PR, but the race was very well organized. I also liked how many hydration stations were set up along the course. I've run races in the past where there are so few water stations or they run out toward the last station. Another plus about this race was the clear mile markers with the electronic time posted at every mile. I plan to run this race again next year.
