Pick up a Spectator & Entertainment Guide at the Health & Fitness Expo for a list of band sites, popular spectating locations and Trolley information.
Follow these important tips on how to navigate on race day:
- Know the projected finish time and pace of your runner to keep track of time
- Ride the Trolley to access the Finish Line and other spectating locations on the course
- Before 10 am – Finish Line Festival Spectator Parking at Marine Corps Recruit Depot
- After 10 am – Finish Line Festival Spectator Parking at County Administration Building or Qualcomm Stadium
- Give yourself at least 45 minutes to get through the security checkpoint at the MCRD to see your runner finish
Start Line – 6th Ave & Palm Street · 6:25 am Wheelchair, 6:30 am Marathon
There is no official parking lot at the start line and parking is very limited. Side street parking may be available along 3rd, 4th or 5th Avenues and is within walking distance to the Start Line. There are no Trolley Stations immediately surrounding the Start Line, the closest is downtown – Fifth Avenue Station (5th Avenue & C Street) located on both the Blue and Orange Lines. From here the Start Line is a 1-mile walk up 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th Avenue (north) towards Balboa Park.
Finish Line Festival – Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) · 7 am – 5 pm
The Airport Authority Parking Lot for the Finish Line Festival will close at 10 am, or when full
Spectators arriving after 10 am can park at either the County Administration Building (if coming from downtown or the south) or Qualcomm Stadium (if coming from the north or east counties).
Before 10 am (if not full) – Park for free at the Airport Authority Parking Lot adjacent to the Finish Line. From here you can either walk 3/4 mile or take a shuttle to the Finish Line at MCRD.
After 10 am – Park at the County Administration Building or Qualcomm Stadium. Both of these locations are near Trolley Stations. Hop on the Blue Line Trolley and ride to the Washington Street Station near the Finish Line. From here, walk 2 blocks south to the Airport Authority Parking Lot to catch a finish line shuttle or walk 1 mile to the finish line.
Please note: All spectators will be searched before entering the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD). Bikes and pets are not allowed onto the base, but you may lock your bike in front of the pedestrian entrance at the Airport Authority lot. The more you bring, the longer the security lines. Pack light and pad your time by 45 minutes to get through the security checkpoint to ensure you see your runner finish.
Ride the Trolley to Watch the Race · Purchase Trolley Passes at the Expo
Ride the Trolley to watch the Marathon and avoid the road closures and traffic delays. Park at the Airport Authority Parking Lot (before 10 am) or near any Blue Line Trolley Station [ see map ] to access the following spectating locations:
- Miles 6 through 7.5 – American Plaza/Santa Fe Depot
Broadway & Pacific Highway: within 1-2 blocks walking distance to course on Harbor Drive and Broadway
- Mile 11.8 – Fashion Valley Transit Center
Fashion Valley Mall: within 1-2 blocks walking distance to course and entertainment stage on Friars Road
- Mile 13.5 – Morena/Linda Vista Station
Within 1 block walking distance to course on Napa Street/Friars Road
- FINISH LINE - Washington Street Station
Within 2 blocks walking distance to the Finish Line Shuttles at the Airport Authority Parking Lot or a 1-mile walk to the Finish Line.
Please note : If you plan on watching your runner cross the finish line, limit your viewing spots to two locations, including the Finish Line. If your runner is faster (sub-5 hour pace), choose either the Fashion Valley or Linda Vista viewing options.
