San Diego Half Marathon Announces "Celebrate San Diego @ The Gaslamp Block Party,” Seven Local Charitable Partners

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The San Diego Half Marathon, a beautiful, scenic race and non-profit event with 100% of net proceeds benefiting local charities, today announced "Celebrate San Diego @ The Gaslamp Block Party,” which will be free and open to the public to commemorate its second annual event. The March 10, 2013 San Diego Half Marathon & 5K will finish downtown with a block party that brings great food, beverage, music, shopping, and race participants together with their friends and family after the race to celebrate in San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter.

“Celebrate San Diego @ The Gaslamp Block Party”

The San Diego Half Marathon also revealed its 2013 local charity partners, which include the San Diego chapters of: ALS Association; Huntington’s Disease Society of America; Make-A-Wish Foundation; National Foundation for Autism Research; San Diego Police Officers Association Widows & Orphans Fund; Team Red, White & Blue and Toys for Joy.

The inaugural San Diego Half Marathon in 2012 resulted in over $100,000 in donations to local charity partners, which helped fund community service projects including the Lake Murray Playground Project, San Diego Police Department Communications Division Room Renovation, Toys for Joy and Robb Field upgrades. In addition to funds contributed by the race, participants are also able to individually raise thousands of dollars for local and national charities of their choice.

“We celebrate San Diego by inviting everyone to participate – runners, walkers, volunteers, spectators and entertainers alike – in an exciting Gaslamp Block Party to benefit local communities and charities,” said Susan Briggs, executive director of the San Diego Half Marathon. "We are partnering with Gaslamp Quarter Association merchants to bring thousands of people together in support of important local causes. Our event last year had over 800 volunteers, 5,500 finishers, and 7,000 spectators. We are proud to showcase our beautiful city and celebrate with so many others who are truly dedicated to helping our community."

The Gaslamp Block Party will include a DJ, live music and other entertainment. It will feature:

Family Fun Zone – bounce houses, a rock wall, and lots of games for children of all ages
Runner’s Market – the latest running-related apparel and gear available for purchase
Special Offers from Downtown Businesses – restaurants and retailers in the Gaslamp District will open their doors early with special offers for race participants and supporters
And many more options to “eat, shop and play!”

The second annual event will begin on Tony Gwynn Drive under the Omni Sky Bridge, kicking off a signature, scenic course that showcases San Diego’s beautiful bayfront and historic communities with a downtown San Diego, Gaslamp Block Party finish featuring a live jumbotron. The new 5K course starts in the eclectic Hillcrest neighborhood and enjoys a downhill run to the Gaslamp Block Party that could prove to be one of the fastest 5Ks around.

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 @ The Gaslamp Block Party” 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. 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.