The three-race challenge has seen over a 34% increase in participation compared to 2025
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – The 49th annual America’s Finest City Half Marathon & 5K will take place Aug. 16, welcoming an estimated 6,000 participants. Of those participants, nearly 1,800 are eligible to complete the 2026 SoCal Triple Crown race series, which also includes the Carlsbad Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K in January and the GOVX San Diego Half Marathon & 5K in March. Athletes who complete all three races in the same calendar year, regardless of distance, are awarded a SoCal Triple Crown medal to celebrate their accomplishment. The multi-race challenge has seen increased interest, with over 34% more participants compared to 2025. As race day approaches, the number of eligible SoCal Triple Crown runners continues to grow, and is expected to surpass 1,800 by race day.
The SoCal Triple Crown offers a trio of distinct race courses and scenery, highlighting notable areas of San Diego County. The unique challenge has attracted many athletes year after year, including more than 360 who are SoCal Triple Crown streakers, meaning they’ve completed the series at least two consecutive years in a row. Race day will feature additional VIP benefits for 2026 SoCal Triple Crown finishers, including an exclusive SoCal Triple Crown hospitality area with free snacks, beverages, post-race recovery assets and more.
“As a family-owned and operated business, we truly feel like all our participants are a part of the In Motion Events’ family,” said Christine Adams, CEO of In Motion Events. “Seeing repeat faces throughout the year as nearly two thousand people complete this local challenge is just so fun for the team. We love recognizing and celebrating our returning runners, and only hope that the interest in our race series continues to grow!”
The America’s Finest City Half Marathon starts at the Cabrillo National Monument before winding its way to Balboa Park. Runners will enjoy a scenic journey with some of the best sights San Diego has to offer. The 5K course is a flat and fast loop within iconic Balboa Park. With its early start time, race day provides participants the unique opportunity to enjoy the sun rising over San Diego and complete the race during cooler temperatures. Race weekend also includes a two-day Expo/Packet Pickup event on Friday, Aug. 14, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 15, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. where participants pick up their race packets. Friends and family are invited to join in making free inspirational race signs, take part in photo ops and shop products and services. Race weekend concludes with the Finish Line Festival in Balboa Park. The Festival will include a DJ, vendor booths, refreshments and a beer garden for participants aged 21 and older with proper ID.
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.