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Health & Fitness

Blog: Parking Tips for San Diego Marathon

16th Annual Rock N Roll Marathon will take place on June 2, 2013. This blog will help spectators find the best viewing spots, tourist attractions, parking garages, and plan a great day.

San Diego will be ready to rock out during the 16th Annual Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series. San Diego will line its streets with thousands of runners stretching from Balboa Park and across all sections of San Diego in a 26.2-mile marathon. Over 20,000 participants are many more spectators are expected to join in to support The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society on June 2.

The Marathon includes many bands and cheer squads performing throughout various miles of the course as entertainment for both guests and runners. Runners and spectators will be able to enjoy all of the beautiful sceneries that San Diego has to offer. Even with all of the great things to experience during the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon, there are a few things you can do to prevent having a major headache.

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 First and foremost, here’s a page with different sections of San Diego including a map with parking information for each section. Another important tool: There will be major street closures and plenty of spectators looking for a great parking spot which will surely add up for a hectic driving and parking day. Here are some tips for spectators hoping to get the most out of a great day.

Best Spots For Spectators To Park and Watch

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Georgia St. and University Ave - Full and ½  course participants will merge for the remainder of the marathon after Full runners run their 22nd mile. 

Parking tips for this location:

Parking parallel to Park Blvd will have plenty of space for street parking, but availability may depend on the time of your arrival. There are a few lots closer to the start of the race, but make sure to check out the street closures to see how you will be affected.

Marathon Mile 5: PETCO Park by way of the 12th & Imperial trolley station - Enjoy the fifth mile and only be a few blocks away from the finish line

Parking tips for this location: The San Diego Padres will play at home on the night of June 2. Luckily, the race begins bright and early in the morning. If you plan on staying for the marathon, you can park here and catch the game at night and pay for parking only once at one of the many parking lots near the stadium.

Finish Line - The finish line will be host to The Psychedelic Furs in a concert along with many other festivities.

Parking tips for this location: See: Marathon Mile 5 tips. You can catch Mile 5 of the marathon, head on over for the Finish Line concert, and finish off a great night at Petco Park.

Full Marathon Mile 10-17 - The Full marathon runners will circle around Mission Bay before they toward Friars Rd.

Parking tips for this location: This is the perfect spot for families and kids to enjoy the race. Plenty of tourist attractions can be walking distance away from wherever you park. Parking spots can be found at Sea World  San Diego and along the Mission Bay parks.

Parking Lots and Garages:

As with most events, there will most likely be an event fee when parking surface lots or parking garages. Keep in mind that these fees can be anywhere from $10-$30. Event rates do supersede regular rates.

Street Parking:

Many meters will be closed off due to the marathon. Meters that will be affected will have signage at least 72 hours prior to the event indicating that no parking will be allowed.

The San Diego Rock N Roll Marathon will be the biggest event in San Diego this summer. Competition will be fierce for both runners and spectators alike. Make sure to head to the event early, respect all traffic rules, and have a great day!

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