More than 29,000 runners are expected to take over San Diego’s highways, parks, bike paths and streets for the 12th annual Rock ’n’ Roll San Diego Marathon on June 6. Running through the city bright and early on Sunday, starting at 6:15 a.m., competitors will have seven hours to run the course, which hits city landmarks like Petco Park, Balboa Park and runs along a section of state Route 163. Southbound state Route 163 will be closed on race day between I-805 and I-5 between 2 a.m and noon. Traffic will detour to southbound I-805. All other freeways will remain open but the race will force some temporary ramp closures. A characteristic that makes the Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon unique — and the reason it was named one of the best races and post-race events in the country by Competitor Magazine — is the music, of course. Every mile is layered with music — more than 45 acts to be exact — from Tim Cash & The Bayou Brothers to DJ GarGar, Radiostar and Graceland, as runners pound the pavement to the beat. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and Flock of ’80s will conclude the weekend festivities at the annual post-concert wrap-up. Runners can catch the show at the Finish Line Festival from 8:30 a.m. through 2:30 p.m. Beginning at Sixth Avenue on Palm Street, the race will wind through Balboa Park (near the El Prado, Plaza de Panama and San Diego Air & Space Museum, then to Petco Park (K Street through Park at the Park), past the San Diego Airport (Harbor Drive) and then along state Route 163, up through Friars Road past Fashion Valley. Runners will make their way toward Clairemont Drive, up to Mission Bay Drive through the Interstate 5 south onramp before hitting Fiesta Island and the Hilton San Diego Resort. For the first time in the history of the race, runners will finish their 26.2 miles at SeaWorld. Another first, a half-marathon will be held this year as well. Even during the grueling 26.2 miles, Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon enthusiasm is infectious. Standing out from the crowd are bedazzled men and women who take part on the Running Elvi team — jogging through the course with black wigs, glasses and sparkling bell-bottoms. The impersonators entertain the crowd while finishing their own route. Fans can support their fellow San Diegans with screams alongside local cheer squads who line the course. What’s even more rewarding are the Team in Training runners who have helped the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society raise more than $219 million during the Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon’s history. The Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon isn’t just about race day. The entire weekend is filled with events for athletes. The annual Health & Fitness Expo at the San Diego Convention Center offers public access to sports retail vendors, information on nutrition and free gear. The expo runs both Friday Saturday and the site is also the location where runners pick up their racing packets. For more information see san-diego.competitor.com.
