San Diego Half Marathon Announces 2013 Date and Opens Registration

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The San Diego Half Marathon, a one-of-a kind race and fundraising event with 100 percent of its net proceeds benefiting local charities, today announced that registration is open for its 2^nd annual race to be held on Sunday, March 10, 2013.

“The race this past March was a first-of-its-kind, but it operated and ran like it’s been around forever”

Building on a hugely successful inaugural race, the 2013 event will feature the same amazing start on Tony Gwynn Drive under the Omni Sky Bridge and will follow a signature scenic course that showcases San Diego’s beautiful bayfront and historic communities. New for 2013 will be a ‘5K’ course, a shorter, fun-filled option with the same starting line and some of the same spectacular views as the half marathon. Both races will have a new, downtown San Diego finish, featuring a live jumbotron and a “Celebrate San Diego Food & Brew Festival.”

"The San Diego Half Marathon & 5K is an event for the community, by the community and a race for runners, by runners," said Susan Briggs, executive director of the San Diego Half Marathon. "Over 800 volunteers, our amazing team of Operation Captains and experienced vendor partners made the inaugural race more successful than we could have hoped for. We are looking forward to having the running and volunteer communities join us again in 2013 for another premier half marathon and 5K experience.”

"The race this past March was a first-of-its-kind, but it operated and ran like it’s been around forever,” said 2012 San Diego Half Marathon honorary starter and U.S. Olympian Meb Keflezighi. “Having grown up in San Diego, it was great to be part of a race that gives all its profits back to the San Diego community. I am looking forward to next year’s event and to establishing a new half marathon tradition with a great new course, stunning views and locally supported festivities.”

“Legacy & Friends” special pricing for the half marathon and “First 500” special pricing for the 5K are available for a limited time. Learn more at sdhalfmarathon.com and get important updates via the event’s Facebook page (facebook.com/sdhalf) or Twitter feed (twitter.com/sdhalf).

The 2012 San Diego Half Marathon successfully raised and donated more than $100,000 for community service projects including Lake Murray Playground Project, San Diego Police Department Communications Division Kitchen & Break Room Renovation, Toys for Joy, Robb Field & Hickman Field upgrades.

As with many charity races, runners in both the half marathon and 5K are able to individually raise thousands of dollars for local and national charities of their choice, while creating goodwill for all San Diegans.

“Designed with a ‘runners-first’ perspective, the 2012 San Diego Half Marathon was a refreshing and exciting new race for the running community," commented Paul Greer, long-time San Diego Track Club Coach. "The downhill finish through historic downtown is undoubtedly the best finish to a half marathon in San Diego! I am looking forward to 2013!"

About the San Diego Half Marathon

The San Diego Half Marathon is a premier, one-of-a-kind race and event that celebrates the beauty and uniqueness of the city of San Diego while raising money to help local community charities. The organization is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) with all net proceeds benefiting community service projects and select charitable causes in San Diego. In addition to charitable giving, the San Diego Half Marathon was created to catalyze volunteerism as a way to build community spirit and boost neighborhoods in need of support.

The event culminates in a unique “Celebrate San Diego Food & Brew Festival” finale that brings together food, drink, music, runners and their supporters. The charitable San Diego Half Marathon strives to make a meaningful, positive difference in the lives of the San Diego community and beyond. Bringing together some of the business world’s best executives with decades of experience in management and event operations, the San Diego Half Marathon has the ideal team to ensure a unique experience for runners and spectators alike. More information is available at www.sdhalfmarathon.com or www.facebook.com/sdhalf. Businesses interested in supporting their community, please contact sponsorships@sdhalfmarathon.com.