Over 5,600 Participants Compete in America’s Finest City Half Marathon & 5K

August 19, 2024

San Diego’s longest-running half marathon saw an impressive turnout at its 47th annual event

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The 47th annual America’s Finest City Half Marathon & 5K welcomed over 5,600 participants from around the nation and world this morning. Participants traveled from 46 states, and from 20 countries including Belgium to participate in the America’s Finest City Half Marathon & 5K, which features San Diego’s longest-running half marathon.

Yohei Ikeda, the men’s half marathon champion and overall first-place finisher, completed the 13.1 miles in 1:04:14, followed by the men’s half marathon second-place finisher, Isaiah Labra. Kellen Blumburg took the third-place spot for the men’s half marathon. The women’s half marathon course was led by Sarah Czuprynski, who finished with a time of 1:16:52. Second and third-place finishers for the women’s half marathon were Ariane Hendrix and Alaina Skelley. Nia Dancey claimed first in the non-binary division in 2:11:43, followed by Ryan Legaspi and Carter Spear.

The men’s 5K division was led by Mauro Viel, who finished with a time of 17:26, followed by second and third-place finishers, Craig Gerulski and Jason San Jose. Eva Lozano led the women’s division with a time of 18:37. Kelli Khuong and Michelle Minakais came in shortly after to claim second and third place in the women’s 5K. Raine Zimmerer took first place in the non-binary division with a time of 3904, followed by second-place finisher Julie Gonzalez Samperio.

The America’s Finest City Half Marathon & 5K is the third and final race of the In Motion Events SoCal Triple Crown race series, which also includes the Carlsbad Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K and the GOVX San Diego Half Marathon & 5K. Athletes who participate in each race in the same calendar year, no matter the distance they participate in, are awarded a SoCal Triple Crown medal to celebrate their accomplishment of completing the race series. Over 1,200 runners completed the 2024 SoCal Triple Crown at this year’s America’s Finest City Half Marathon & 5K.

America’s Finest City Half Marathon took participants on a scenic tour of San Diego on foot. The race started at the Cabrillo National Monument before winding its way to Balboa Park. Along the way, runners enjoy some of the best sights San Diego has to offer. The 5K course provided a flat and fast loop within iconic Balboa Park. With its early start time, race day provided participants the unique opportunity to enjoy the sun rising over San Diego, and complete the race during cooler temperatures. The day was wrapped on with the Finish Line Festival in Balboa Park, where participants and spectators got to celebrate the day’s victories. The Festival included a DJ, vendor booths, refreshments and the Ballast Point beer garden for participants aged 21 and older with proper ID.

This year’s America’s Finest City Half Marathon & 5K returned after the 2023 event was canceled on race eve due to a rescinded permit after the governor of California declared a state of emergency ahead of the unexpected impact of Hurricane Hilary. The race offered those affected by the cancellation an opportunity to defer their entry to this year’s event, and over 2,000 participants accepted the offer.

For more information about In Motion Events please visit www.inmotionevents.com, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

ABOUT AMERICA’S FINEST CITY HALF MARATHON & 5K AND IN MOTION EVENTS

America’s Finest City Half Marathon & 5K is a scenic race through downtown San Diego with outstanding course support and entertainment. The race is produced by In Motion Events, a full-service, turnkey event marketing and management firm based in San Marcos. The family-owned and operated business has been working with Southern California-based races and events since 1981. In Motion Events’ mission is to produce the very best running and walking events possible that are a credit to their company, to their sponsors and the community in which they are held. For more information on In Motion Events, visit www.InMotionEvents.com.

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