Has anyone run the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in San Diego? Putting aside the pros and cons of large races and the purple menace, my question goes to the course itself. I’ve seen a lot of on-line commentary and bitching about the course itself. In particular, many people have criticized the “slope” of the roads, particularly the stretch on Highway 163. I can deal with road camber, but the comments make it sound like the roads are egregiously “slanted” or banked in just one direction such that you couldn’t balance it out by changing sides of the road.
Can anyone confirm, deny, or otherwise comment on that?
I’ve run it twice and didn’t notice anything unusual about the slope of the road. The course has been changed this year, but still goes up the 163, which is one of the nicest freeways in the country. I have also run Boston, Chicago, Tucson, Orange County, & Phoenix, and I think San Diego is fine. There are some elevation changes, specifically headed down toward the city from the park and up the 163, but I’ve had decent times for the training I put in. Slow runners have had to worry in the past about stopping for the trolley, which I would normally say is a big ole shame, but the “runners” in question were probably walkers given the time the trolley came through. It’s a decent course and organized well, I’ve never heard the complaints about slope, I have heard that it’s not very scenic, but I think that’s unwarranted.
I did it once a few years ago (2002?). The course was fine but the finish area was very badly organized. We ended up stuck standing in the sun on the pavement in the Marine Recruiting Station for well over an hour because security issues meant that you couldn’t just walk out through the recruiting station. They may have changed things since then. I hope so.
I’ve done the race twice and didn’t notice anything unusual about the camber of the roads. The roads are completely closed so you have the at least two lanes to work with in all places. You may find excessive camber if you hug the shoulder the whole way, but with no cars on the freeway obviously no one has to do this. The course will never be legendary, but I see no reason for widespread complaints. Anyone in decent shape has a reasonable chance to hit their goal times (course is not blazing fast, but not it is not slow either). I’d actually like another try at the race now that the tour of mission bay goes counter-clockwise with the course changes.
I was a volunteer at last years race and have always been interested in running it. But the course is just not what I thought. I have no desire to run it now. I think the roads are fine, but I just don’t like the route. I thought is was more “in the city” and would cruise through nice parts of town and really shocase San Diego. Instead it immediately heads away from down town and has a nice “running by the railroad tracks” feel to it. Or at least that’s my impression.
Has anyone run the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon in San Diego?
I ran it last year. Slope was not an issue. Nice course and good volunteers. Like all big races, it is very crowded the first few miles. I would do it again.
One of my training partners ran it in '03; she had IT band problems in one leg that year and said the “slope” on the 163 aggravated the pain. Perhaps it’s more noticeable if you’re nursing injuries.
I ran it last year and didn’t notice anything, but then again I had to pee so bad at that point that my attention was focused elsewhere. Thank god for freeway shrubbery!
Let me be the discenting opinion then. The road does slope to the right quite a bit on 163. You will likely see people running on the shoulder or in the dirt due to the slope. For some reason that pavement just seems “hard” also. And it is a uphill drag followed by a moderately steep downhill, not fun for those with bad knees. It is certainly not my favorite part of the course, but it hasn’t stopped me either; comes fairly early. The rest of the course is quite flat and good pavement…there was one steep hill section around mile 20 that may have been cut out now. The race itself has always been great…getting to and from are the biggest issues…the trolley works okay if you don’t mind a little walk. Typically as you finish the race you then have to push yourself through 5,000 spectators crowding the finish exit waiting for their wife/husband. I’m typically in a crappy mood by then and disgustingly sweaty, so it would be in their best interests to make some room…
It’s not my favorite marathon (I much prefer smaller events), but it is a well run and enjoyable race.
I have run it 3 times and think it is fine. The 163 portion happened pretty early in the race (still loads of people stuck together if you are a slow fat ass such as myself)
Lots of fun going through aid stations manned by Marines. “here you go, sir” “your welcome, sir” I do not think you will find the camber egregious. and even if you did, you are just not on it long enough to put a big hurt on you. The bands are fun too.
I ran it last year and didn’t notice anything, but then again I had to pee so bad at that point that my attention was focused elsewhere. Thank god for freeway shrubbery!
That’s funny. That’s where I had to pee the two years I did it.
They changed the course a bit - running the second half backwards, I think. I liked it the way it was because of the section near Sea World you visit twice. Good spectator spot - you get to see runners still with lots of enthusiasm and then again when they’re just surviving to the finish.
I remember 163 being a bit cambered on the uphill. You either want to run along the left edge or near the center median.
I remember going over the freeway around 19 miles and smelling that Jack-in-the-box cooking up their greasy goo. Not what I needed at that point.
I also remember hearing some wicked fast-paced metal band just ripping it up. Came around the trees where they came into view and it was a group of sailors in their dress whites. Didn’t expect that - they rocked!
I do not think you will find the camber egregious. and even if you did, you are just not on it long enough to put a big hurt on you. The bands are fun too.