Race Information

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Race Date:

• May 31, 2009

Start Times:

• Wheelchair start: 6:25 am
• Race Start: 6:30 am

Location of the Start Line [ map of Start Line ]

• Palm & 6th Ave. on the west end of Balboa Park.

The start line is approximately 1-2 miles from most downtown hotels. The start line opens at 5:00 am on race day. There will be a sports drink, water and bananas. There is also a grassy area within the park to stretch and relax prior to the start of the race and plenty of port-a-potties.

• Arrive early and you might catch a glimpse of the Running Elvi

Finish Line Festival

The Rock 'n' Roll Marathon will finish in a secured area at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) in Point Loma. Participants receive a mylar blanket and a finisher's medal. The Finish Line Festival features live music, refreshments and food, and one well-deserved complimentary beer. The Family Reunion area will be located on the grass area within the Finish Line Festival. Look for tall alphabet signs (A-Z) to help you locate your friends and family. Please plan to meet your family in this area. It is advisable to discuss a reunion plan with your friends and family prior to the race.

• Click here for a map of the Finish Line

Spectators should arrive by 10 am to park at the Airport Authority parking lot near the finish line at the Marine Corp Recruit Depot. Please plan ample time to park, clear security, and take a shuttle ride to the finish line. The wait at the security checkpoint could be up to 30 minutes.

Rules Enforced on MCRD:

• No vehicles, including bicycles, will be allowed to enter the base.
• All persons entering the MCRD are subject to search and seizure of illegal substances.
• Arrive early and expect at least a half hour delay when entering the MCRD.
• Weapons of any type, alcohol, glass bottles and illegal drugs or paraphernalia are strictly prohibited on base.
• All bags, packs, camera bags and personal property will be searched.
  Guests are encouraged to limit baggage brought into the MCRD. This will facilitate expeditious entry.
• No dogs or pets will be allowed to enter the MCRD.
• While within the MCRD, please stay within the clearly marked designated area.
• Entry into the MCRD constitutes consent to search of personnel and the property under their control, pursuant to internal security act of 1950, section 21, 50 u.s.c. 797 (1979).
• The MCRD is an active military base. Due to national security concerns, any jokes or references will be treated seriously and will result in eviction from the base and possible arrest. Please respect the MCRD officials and grounds.

Weather

San Diego often experiences early-morning cloud cover in late May and early June, which keeps temperatures down. The chance of precipitation is minimal. Average temperatures for the starting time are in the low '60s. Visit our Medical Information page to read about the best methods for maintaining proper hydration throughout the race.

ChronoTrack Timing System

State of the art ChronoTrack systems will be used to record participants’ times at the start, at certain splits along the courses and at the finish. The ChronoTrack system uses a disposable tag, called a D Tag, which allows you to walk away from the finish without the need to have your tag collected.

The ChronoTrack timing tag (D Tag) will be attached to your race bib. The D Tag will be labeled with a number that matches your race number. When you pick up your bib, please make sure these numbers match, and also verify that YOUR name is printed on the bib you are issued*. Proceed to the Solutions Table if any of the information is incorrect.

Prior to the race, you must remove the tag from your number and attach it to your shoe. Please follow the instructions provided in your registration packet.

PLEASE NOTE: All participants in this race must wear the ChronoTrack timing tag on your shoe in order to have their times recorded. ChampionChip timing equipment will NOT be used at this race; ChampionChip timing chips will NOT record your time.

*If you register for the race before online registration closes (midnight, January 11, 2009), your race bib should have your name printed on it.

Visit chronotrack.com for more information.

Gear Bag Drop Off: Free From UPS

All participants may check their gear at the start at the Runner's Gear Check Area, provided by UPS, located at the Start Area. UPS will transport the Gear Bags from the Start to the Finish while you are running. Your gear bag will be waiting for you at the Finish Line.

Start Corrals

All participants will be assigned a starting corral based on their projected finishing time which is submitted on the entry form. One thousand participants are assigned to each corral, fastest to slowest, front to back. Participants will be able to enter their corral beginning at 6:00 am.

Packet Pick-Up

• There will be no packet pick-up on race-day. All packets must be picked up on Friday, May 29, or Saturday, May 30 at the Health & Fitness Expo.
• Family and friends are not permitted to pick up your race number. No exceptions! You must show photo I.D. to pick up your race number and chip.
• Packets will not be mailed.
• You may register at the Expo on May 29 or 30.

Age Group Awards & Medals

Commemorative Gold Record age group awards will be presented 3-deep in all age divisions for the Marathon in both male and female categories. All awards will be mailed within 4 to 6 weeks after the event. In accordance with USATF Rules, overall and cash awards will be determined by gun time while age group awards will be determined by chip time. There is also first place prize money for Masters and Wheelchair competitors meeting minimum time standards.

18 - 24 25 - 29 30 - 34 35 - 39 40 - 44 45 - 49 50 - 54

55 - 59 60 - 64 65 - 69 70 - 74 75 - 79 80+ Military

Pace Teams

The San Diego Track Club will help you set the pace and get you to the Finish at your goal time. To join a Pace Team, simply visit the Southwest Airlines booth at the Expo.

Pace groups offered this year include 3:00, 3:15, 3:30, 3:40, 4:00, 4:15, 4:30, 5:00 and 5:30. Participation is FREE, and registration is open to all runners in the Marathon.

Train with a Purpose

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training Program is the Official Training Program for the Marathon. In the past ten years, Team In Training participants have raised $122.1 million running in the Rock 'n' Roll Marathons in San Diego for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Find out more

 The spectators were to die for. I can't believe how many San Diegans turned out for this event. There were large groups of cheerleaders every mile or so, and then spectators lining the whole course (even the highway overpasses), many of them offering snacks and libation along with encouragement.  

Arsiyanti Ardie
Venice, CA