Top 5 Things to Know Before the Rock and Roll Marathon San Diego 2024
This year's Rock and Roll Marathon San Diego is shaping up to be a major event, but there's a new twist that runners need to know. Here's what you need to prepare for:
- **The Course Is Getting a Major Overhaul**: Organizers have confirmed a new, flatter route that will take runners through Balboa Park and along the bayfront, designed to shave minutes off your time. The old, hilly sections near the zoo are out.
- **Live Bands Are Banned from Certain Neighborhoods**: Due to noise complaints in 2023, the 2024 race will have "quiet zones" through residential areas in Mission Hills. Expect headphones-only sections, which is a first for this party-atmosphere race.
- **New "Super-Sweat" Weather Alert**: The National Weather Service is forecasting temperatures 10 degrees above average for race day, with a potential heat index of 85°F. Hydration stations are being doubled in frequency, but some elites are already dropping out.
- **Finisher Medals Are Fully Recycled This Year**: In a first for the Rock and Roll Marathon San Diego, the medals will be made entirely from recycled metal from old race bibs and timing chips. They're actually lighter and look surprisingly good.
- **Start Time is an Hour Earlier**: Hoping to beat the heat, the race will start at 5:30 AM instead of 6:30 AM. Expect the first wave of runners to be on the course in pitch black, with mandatory headlamps for the first two miles.