2026 - City to the Sea Half Marathon & 5K
- Date
- October 18, 2026
- Distance
- City to the Sea Half Marathon · City to the Sea 5K
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
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
78°
Typical Low
51°
Chance of Rain
10%
Based on US Climate Normals data from San Luis Obispo Poly, 2 mi from the venue.
Host City
About San Luis Obispo, CA
Nearest Airport
SBP
San Luis County Regional Airport · 3 mi
Major Hub
FAT
Fresno Yosemite International Airport · 115 mi
Time Zone
Pacific Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at 2026 - City to the Sea Half Marathon & 5K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
132
Days to train
- Race
- 2026 - City to the Sea Half Marathon & 5K
- Date
- October 18, 2026
Coming Up
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18 miles away
From Endurance Grid
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.
Running
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the 2026 - City to the Sea Half Marathon & 5K?
- 2026 - City to the Sea Half Marathon & 5K is a running race held in San Luis Obispo, California on October 18, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the 2026 - City to the Sea Half Marathon & 5K?
- Sunday, October 18, 2026 in San Luis Obispo, California at 989 Chorro Street, San Luis Obispo, CA. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the 2026 - City to the Sea Half Marathon & 5K?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
2026 - City to the Sea Half Marathon & 5K
Oct 18, 2026