By SDCN Staff
San Diego, CA–The GOVX San Diego Half Marathon and 5K hosted thousands of participants at their 15th annual event Sunday morning.
Half marathon runners journeyed through five miles of waterfront, four historic communities, three parks, two miles of downtown streets, and finished in the historic Gaslamp Quarter, while 5K participants enjoyed a flat and fast course all in downtown San Diego. Key moments included an elite local running club, Lane Zero Athletics Club, sweeping the podium for the men’s half marathon, a lineup of all San Diego County runners taking first place across all distances and divisions and a special ceremony honoring fallen military members before the start of the race.
Medhane Woldu, the men’s half marathon champion and overall first-place finisher, completed the 13.1 miles in 1:07:36, followed by the men’s half marathon second-place finisher, Lars Dewall. Steven Martinez, took the third-place spot. The women’s half marathon course was led by Madison Tanner, who finished with a time of 1:22. Second and third-place finishers for the women’s division were Monica Dos Santos and Megan Lizotte. Eric Mott was the top nonbinary finisher in the half marathon with a time of 1:56:36.
“The 15th edition of the GOVX San Diego Half Marathon and 5K showed what makes it so special: the stories of the amazing people who choose to participate with us,” said Christine Adams, In Motion Events CEO. “A bride and groom who took part before their wedding tonight, runners who ran in honor of fallen military heroes, the over 160 legacy runners who have participated all 15 years – every participant has their own unique reason to run and we’re proud of their accomplishments.”
The men’s and women’s 5K division was led by San Diego County residents Cesar Palomares, who finished with a time of 17:54, and Lexi Evans in 19:54. Rounding out the podium for the 5K were the men’s second and third place finishers, Grant Elliott and Andy Rodas, as well as Brandi Crown and Samantha Walsh for the women’s division. Scott Johnson took home first in the nonbinary division with a time of 32:13.
After crossing the finish line under the famous Gaslamp arch, runners celebrated their accomplishments at the finisher festival, which featured vendors offering food and beverages, recovery-focused services, live music and many photo opportunities.
Two runners at the event had an extra special day, as they ran the half marathon in the morning and hosted their wedding ceremony in the evening. Kasie and Matt Sopha, long-time participants of the GOVX San Diego Half Marathon, completed the race together in 1:46:57. The soon-to-be newlyweds sported custom “bride” and “groom” running shirts, and were joined by other wedding party guests as they took on the 13.1 course through downtown San Diego.
This year’s race featured a brand new partnership with wear blue: run to remember, a nonprofit dedicated to honoring the service and sacrifice of American military members through active remembrance. Since 2010, the organization has honored thousands of fallen heroes, with athletes worldwide joining in weekly tributes. Ahead of the half marathon start, the event hosted a wear blue: run to remember Circle of Remembrance ceremony. Participants and spectators took part in the tribute that recognized the bravery and sacrifice of those who gave their lives in service to the country.
Over 1,000 participants of this year’s race were a part of the GOVX San Diego Half Marathon Legacy program. Those who participate in the race for consecutive years are automatically members of the Legacy program, with each consecutive year offering a new Legacy item. Of the over 1,000 Legacy runners, 168 of them have participated in the race every year since its inception.
The GOVX San Diego Half Marathon and 5K is also part of In Motion Events’ SoCal Triple Crown race series, which also includes the Carlsbad Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K and the America’s Finest City Half Marathon and 5K. Athletes who participate in each race in the same calendar year, no matter the distance they participate in, will be awarded a SoCal Triple Crown medal to celebrate their accomplishment of completing the race series. This past year, over 1,330 athletes completed the three-event challenge and participation is expected to grow in 2026.
