By SDCN Staff
San Diego, CA–The America’s Finest City Half Marathon and 5K saw nearly 6,000 registrations for their 49th annual race in San Diego on Sunday.
The half marathon started at Cabrillo National Monument, where runners then journeyed along the waterfront before heading to the finish line in the historic Balboa Park. The 5K participants enjoyed a flat and fast course throughout Balboa Park, where the finish line festival was also held, featuring a DJ, vendor booths, refreshments and a beer garden.
Edward Buck, the men’s half marathon champion and overall first-place finisher, completed the 13.1 miles in 1:04:40, followed by the men’s half marathon second-place finisher, Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier and San Diego local Lars Dewall. Jaquavious Harris, took the third-place spot. The women’s half marathon course was led by Morgan Jensen, who finished with a time of 1:13:13. Second- and third-place finishers for the women’s division were Melissa Berry and Katelyn Yunker.
“The local community really showed up today. Seeing the support from spectators, run clubs, local businesses and the overall running community is always so special,” said Christine Adams, In Motion Events CEO. “We couldn’t have asked for a better race day to wrap up the 49th year of the America’s Finest City Half Marathon and 5K, and we can’t wait to start our preparation to celebrate the event’s 50th year!”
The men’s and women’s 5K division was led by Mario Humberto Martinez Garcia, who finished with a time of 16:12, and Lane Robertson in 18:39. Rounding out the podium for the 5K were the men’s second and third place finishers, Dylan Shubert and Luca Colasanto, as well as Sarah Gonzalez and Luisa Fernanda Martinez Portillo for the women’s division.
Nearly 1,700 participants of this year’s race completed the SoCal Triple Crown. The race series also includes the Carlsbad Marathon, Half Marathon and 5K in January and the GOVX San Diego Half Marathon and 5K in March. Athletes who completed all three races in the same calendar year, regardless of distance, were awarded a SoCal Triple Crown medal to celebrate their accomplishment.
Those who completed the challenge at the America’s Finest City Half Marathon and 5K got to enjoy additional VIP benefits, including an exclusive SoCal Triple Crown hospitality area with free snacks, beverages, post-race recovery assets and more. The multi-race challenge has seen increased interest, with over 34 percent more participants compared to 2025.
