City to the Sea Half Marathon & 5K
City to the Sea Half: from Mission Plaza to Avila Beach, a stunning point-to-point.
Race Date
Nov 16, 2025
Location
San Luis Obispo, CA
Quick facts
- Date
- Sunday, November 16, 2025
- Location
- San Luis Obispo, California
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 3.1 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Road
- USATF certified
- Yes
- Finishers on record
- 27,307
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The City to the Sea Half Marathon begins with sunrise at San Luis Obispo's historic Mission Plaza, sending nearly 1,900 runners on a point-to-point journey to the Pacific. Now in its 26th year, this USATF-certified course drops gently downhill (a net 2.74 m/km) through downtown landmarks, past vineyards, and along the Bob Jones Trail. Thirteen percent of runners are repeat participants, lured back by the promise of a PR and views that change from urban to coastal.
The finish line awaits at Avila Beach, a charming seaside village, where runners collect a finisher's medal and a custom t-shirt. A celebratory beer (for those 21+) and savory provisions for purchase turn the beach into a party. With a typical winning time around 68 minutes, the field is competitive, but the experience is welcoming—from the dawn start to the ocean breeze, City to the Sea delivers a singular Central Coast running experience.
Race-provided description
More info and race registration is at: https://www.citytothesearun.com/ The City to the Sea Half Marathon, presented by Running Warehouse, is a breathtaking point-to-point race that begins in the heart of downtown 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. The Avila-Seaside 5K is an out-and-back course with roughly 75% of the route showcasing breathtaking views of the beach, harbor, and the Pacific Ocean. Keep a keen eye open for sea lions, otters and whales along the route. The course briefly joins the scenic Bob Jones Trail before finishing at the beautiful Avila Beach Resort.
Logistics
Race Day
Sunday, November 16, 2025
Start Time
7:00 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt / Medal
Start Location
895 Monterey St, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93403
Course Info
USATF CertifiedCourse Type
Loop Course
Terrain
road
Scenery
Coastal, Small Town
Surface
Paved
Difficulty
Ultra-Flat
Net Drop/km
+2.74 m
Separation
61.5%
Also Offers
USATF Certified Course
CA25030TEB · 2025 City to the Sea Half Marathon
Net downhill course — fast finishing times are common. Point-to-point course layout.
Quality Score
Runner Favorite8526 years running
~1,945 finishers a year
growing or steady
18% returning runners
USATF certified · 5 timing sources · 8 photos
runners from 32 states
winner 1:08:04
typical high 72°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
47°
Afternoon (High)
67°
Pleasant conditions — light layers at start, comfortable by finish
0.2"
Precipitation
8 mph
Wind
71%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 27,307 finishers actually crossed the line across 26 years.
Most recent
2026
Total finishers
27,307
Median time
2:05:34
Latest turnout
2,541
States
46
Turnout by year
2016–2026
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Frequently asked
When is the City to the Sea Half Marathon & 5K?
The City to the Sea Half Marathon & 5K was held on Sunday, November 16, 2025, starting at 7:00 AM.
Where does the City to the Sea Half Marathon & 5K take place?
It takes place in San Luis Obispo, California.
What distances does the City to the Sea Half Marathon & 5K offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 3.1 Miles.
Is the City to the Sea Half Marathon & 5K course flat and good for a PR?
The City to the Sea Half Marathon & 5K is a ultra-flat, loop course course. The course is USATF-certified, so finish times can be used for qualifying.
How many people run the City to the Sea Half Marathon & 5K?
HalfRuns has finish records for 27,307 runners who have completed the City to the Sea Half Marathon & 5K.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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