19 August 2024
San Diego’s longest half marathon recorded an impressive turnout at its 47th edition
SAN DIEGO, Calif. /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The 47th annual America’s Finest City Half Marathon & 5K welcomed over 5,600 participants from across the country and around the world this morning. Participants traveled from 46 states and 20 countries, including Belgium, to compete in America’s Finest City Half Marathon & 5K, San Diego’s longest half marathon.
Half marathon winner and overall first place finisher Yohei Ikeda completed the 13.1 miles in 1:04:14, followed by half marathon runner-up Isaiah Labra. Kellen Blumburg took third place in the men’s half marathon. The women’s half marathon was led by Sarah Czuprynski, who finished with a time of 1:16:52. Second and third place finishers in the women’s half marathon were Ariane Hendrix and Alaina Skelley. Nia Dancey took first place in the nonbinary division with a time of 2:11:43, followed by Ryan Legaspi and Carter Spear.
The men’s 5k class was led by Mauro Viel, who finished with a time of 17:26, followed by second and third place finishers Craig Gerulski and Jason San Jose. Eva Lozano led the women’s class with a time of 18:37. Kelli Khuong and Michelle Minakais finished shortly after, taking second and third place in the women’s 5k. Raine Zimmerer took first place in the nonbinary class with a time of 3904, followed by second place finisher Julie Gonzalez Samperio.
The America’s Finest City Half Marathon & 5K is the third and final race in the In Motion Events SoCal Triple Crown race series, which also includes the Carlsbad Marathon, Half Marathon & 5K and the GOVX San Diego Half Marathon & 5K. Athletes who complete each race in the same calendar year, regardless of distance, will receive a SoCal Triple Crown medal to celebrate their accomplishment at the conclusion of the race series. Over 1,200 runners completed the 2024 SoCal Triple Crown at this year’s America’s Finest City Half Marathon & 5K.
America’s Finest City Half Marathon featured participants taking a scenic tour of San Diego on foot. The race began at Cabrillo National Monument and then wound its way to Balboa Park. Along the way, runners were able to enjoy some of San Diego’s most beautiful sights. The 5K course was a flat and fast loop through the famous Balboa Park. The early start gave participants the unique opportunity to enjoy the sunrise over San Diego on race day and finish the race in cooler temperatures. The day concluded with the Finish Line Festival in Balboa Park, where participants and spectators could celebrate the day’s victories. The festival included a DJ, vendors, refreshments, and the Ballast Point Beer Garden for participants 21 and older with ID.
This year’s America’s Finest City Half Marathon & 5K returned after the 2023 event was canceled on the eve of the race due to a revoked permit after the Governor of California declared a state of emergency ahead of the unexpected impacts of Hurricane Hilary. The race offered those affected by the cancellation the opportunity to defer their registration for this year’s event, and over 2,000 participants took up the offer.
For more information about In Motion Events, visit www.inmotionevents.com and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
ABOUT AMERICA’S FINEST CITY HALF MARATHON & 5K AND IN MOTION EVENTS
America’s Finest City Half Marathon & 5K is a scenic run through downtown San Diego with excellent course support and entertainment. The race is presented by In Motion Events, a full-service event marketing and management company based in San Marcos. The family-owned company has been working with races and events in Southern California since 1981. In Motion Events’ mission is to produce the best running and walking events possible that bring honor to the company, sponsors and the community in which they are held. For more information about In Motion Events, visit www.InMotionEvents.com.
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