
From the Organizer
CUESTA COLLEGE'S - CITY TO THE SEA HALF MARATHON & 5K
RUNNING WAREHOUSE - HALF MARATHON (13.1 MILES)
Start with the sunrise at historic Mission Plaza for this one of a kind race. The City to the Sea Half Marathon, presented by Running Warehouse, is a breathtaking point-to-point race beginning in San Luis Obispo. The course guides runners past iconic local landmarks, through scenic country backroads, and along the picturesque Bob Jones Trail, culminating at the edge of the Pacific Ocean in the charming coastal community of Avila Beach.
This beautiful course delivers a truly unique Central Coast experience - from the charm of downtown SLO to the relaxing vibes of the Pacific shoreline.
Half Marathon Start Time: October 18th, 2026, 7:00AM
Location: 989 Chorro Street, San Luis Obispo, Ca 93401 ¦ Mission Plaza
The events top 100 men & women will take home a commemorative 2026 City to the Sea mug. All half marathon participants will receive a finisher’s medal and a custom event t-shirt to commemorate their accomplishment. After crossing the finish line, runners can enjoy savory provisions and beverages for purchase—cheers to those 21 and over—a celebratory beer on us!
AVILA - SEASIDE 5K (3.1 MILES)
Begin and end your run at the Pacific Ocean. The Avila-Seaside 5K is an out-and-back, with a loop, course with roughly 60% of the route showcasing breathtaking views of the beach, harbor, and "The Peaceful Sea". Keep a keen eye open for sea lions, otters and whales along the route. The course joins the scenic Bob Jones Trail before finishing at beautiful Avila Beach Resort.
5K Start Time: October 18th, 2026, 7:00AM
Location: 6464 Ana Bay Rd, Avila Beach, CA 93424 ¦ Avila Beach Resort
All 5K participants will receive a 2026 finisher’s medal and a custom t-shirt to commemorate their accomplishment. After crossing the finish line, runners can enjoy savory provisions and beverages for purchase—cheers to those 21 and over—a celebratory beer on us!
More Information
After crossing the finish line explore a vibrant selection of community vendors while taking in live music from a local band. You’ll have the option to purchase a variety of meal options from Mulligan’s, or venture into the charming coastal village of Avila Beach to bask in the sun, savor a wine tasting, or stroll the iconic Avila Beach Promenade and Pier. For half marathoners, buses will take you back to the start-line in San Luis Obispo. You may also arrange for your own private transportation if you prefer.
Refund Policy
Please note that entry fees are non-refundable and non-deferrable. However, we understand that unexpected circumstances can arise. You may transfer your registration with a fee. If you can't attend the event please let us know. We will add someone from our waitlist. Our goal is to provide flexible options while continuing to deliver a high-quality experience year after year.
Questions? Please visit www.citytothesearun.com or email us at city2thesea@gmail.com
Distances & Pricing
Race Location
About This Sport
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
The half marathon is the distance where you find out what you're actually made of. Long enough to demand real preparation. Short enough that it doesn't consume your life to train for it. Most people who run their first half describe it as the race that changed their relationship with what they're capable of. Once you cross this finish line, the bar moves. That's not a warning — that's the point.
Race day energy varies by event size, but the finish line feeling is the same regardless. Big races keep the noise going the whole way. Smaller races give you stretches where it's just you and the miles — and that solitude becomes its own kind of fuel.
The half marathon rewards people who show up for the boring training miles.
How long to train: 10–14 weeks. If you're already running consistently, 10 weeks of structured buildup is enough. If you're building from a casual base, give yourself 14.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Coming Up
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Run for Chocolate 5K/10K/13.1 SAN DIEGO
Tiki Time Run: Paradise Run 5K, 10K, & Half Marathon by Califlow Runs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
2026 - City to the Sea Half Marathon & 5K
Oct 18, 2026