Half Marathon
The City to the Sea half-marathon course is a point-to-point race that starts in the heart of San Luis Obispo—downtown. The course winds through the city, takes runners on scenic backroads, and ends in the coastal community of Pismo Beach.
Half-Marathon Course Profile
The half-marathon course is slightly downhill for the first 4 miles. Beginning at mile 5, you’ll run along rolling country roads. The last 3 miles are flat to downhill and fast, and you’ll enjoy stunning views of the Pacific Ocean as you make your way to the finish line.
Click here to download a printable PDF course map.
Half-Marathon Start Time
The race starts at 7:30 a.m. The start line is at Higuera and Osos Street, in downtown San Luis Obispo.
It’s a Point-to-Point Race. Don’t Worry. We’ll take You Back to San Luis Obispo.
Following the race, post-race breakfast, and free entertainment from our live band, buses will take you back to the start-line area in San Luis Obispo. You may also arrange for your own private transportation if you prefer.
USATF Certified Course
The half-marathon is a USATF certified course open to runners and walkers.
Mild Temperatures
The average temperatures in October are in the 60s – 70s. Pismo Beach is generally a few degrees cooler.
Aid Stations along Course
The half-marathon course has 5 aid stations, which will have water and a sports drink.
Packet Pickup, T-Shirt, and Post-Race Breakfast
A race wouldn’t be complete without a well-stocked goodie bag! Packet pickup will be held Saturday afternoon before the race at Running Warehouse from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Packet pickup on race day is held on Court Street immediately adjacent to the start line, and is open from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. Click here for full details!
For participating in the race (all distances), runners will receive an official long-sleeve T-shirt, a finisher’s medal, and delicious post-race breakfast, prepared by Scotty’s Bar and Grill. The first 100 finishers will receive coffee mugs. Additional breakfasts (for all of your fans!) can be purchased for $10.00. The breakfast starts at 9:00 a.m..
Course Safety
The half-marathon course will be open for three hours. All walkers and runners must finish within the three-hour cutoff time. Walkers who start the race before the 7:30 start time will not be permitted through the finishing chute. No baby joggers, strollers, skates, or pets are allowed on the course. Wheelchair athletes are welcome.
5 K Course and Details
The 5k course (3.1 miles) begins and ends in the Pismo Beach oceanfront community at Dinosaur Caves Park. The scenic course winds through the beautiful neighborhoods of Shell Beach. There is one challenging climb.
Start Time
The 5 K race starts at 8:00 a.m.
No pets are allowed, but joggers/strollers will be permitted.
Kids’ Fun Run
The City to the Sea race is a family-friendly event. To encourage young runners, we’re hosting a ¼ mile Kids’ Fun Run, which starts and finishes in Pismo Beach at Dinosaur Caves Park. To enter, we ask that kids or parents donate a canned good or clothing item. All finishers will receive a fun kid’s prize. Following the race, there will be a kids’ zone, with activities for the whole family.
Start Time
The Kids’ Fun Run starts at 10:00 a.m.