Pacific Beach Half Marathon & 5K Expands to a Two-Day Race Weekend in 2025

January 30, 2025

San Diego’s Favorite Beachside Run Introduces the Surfside Double Shot Challenge

SAN DIEGO — January 30, 2025 /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ — The Pacific Beach Half Marathon & 5K is turning up the volume on race weekend in 2025, transforming into a two-day event that gives runners more ways to soak up the SoCal sunshine and log some serious beachside miles.

For the first time ever, the half marathon will take place on Sunday, October 5th, while the 5K will remain on Saturday, October 4th. Along with this new format, the 5K will also feature updated start times to enhance the race day experience. The full schedule of events will be as follows:

• Saturday, October 4th
  • 5K Early Wave: 7:30 AM
  • 5K Main Wave: 9:00 AM
  • 1K Kids Run: 10:15 AM
• Sunday, October 5th
  • Half Marathon: 6:30 AM

This schedule shift not only extends the party across the entire weekend, but also paves the way for an exciting new challenge: The Surfside Double Shot Challenge. This unique challenge gives runners the opportunity to race the 5K on Saturday and the Half Marathon on Sunday, earning an exclusive Surfside Double Shot medal for conquering both distances. Participants will also enjoy a discounted rate when signing up for the challenge, making it the ultimate PB race weekend experience.

“With the energy of Pacific Beach, ocean views at every turn, and a community that loves to run and have a good time, the Pacific Beach Half & 5K has always been more than just a race—it’s a vibe,” said Eric Marenburg, Chief Running Officer of San Diego Running Co. “Extending the event into a two-day experience gives runners the opportunity to double down on the fun and challenge themselves in an exciting new way.”

The Pacific Beach 5K will continue to take place alongside Pacific Beachfest, making for an action-packed Saturday where runners can race and then celebrate with live music, food, and drinks just steps from the sand. This quintessential SoCal experience features a one-of-a-kind course that’s 50% sand and 50% boardwalk, with both the start and finish on the beach—because nothing says PB like running with your toes in the sand. Meanwhile, Sunday’s half marathon will take runners on a stunning waterfront 13.1-mile journey, starting in Crown Point Park with views of Mission Bay before leading them along the coastline and finishing with an epic beachside post-race celebration.

With thousands of runners expected to hit the start line, race organizers encourage participants to lock in their spots early. Registration is now open for both the individual races and the Surfside Double Shot Challenge.

For more information or to register, visit www.SanDiegoRunningCo.com.

Event Details

What: 2025 Pacific Beach Half Marathon & 5K
When: Saturday, October 4 & Sunday, October 5, 2025

• Saturday: 5K – Early Wave (7:30 AM), Main Wave (9:00 AM), Kids 1K (10:15 AM)
• Sunday: Half Marathon (6:30 AM)
• Surfside Double Shot Challenge: 5K + Half Marathon = Exclusive Medal & Discounted Entry!
• Where: Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA