With coastal views, clear skies, and not-too-hot weather conditions, the Moonlight Beach Half Marathon is a favorite among veteran racers and newcomers discovering the joy of running. Kicking off at Moonlight State Beach in the San Diego suburb of Encinitas, California, the 13.1-mile course is a sight to be seen.
Here’s everything to know about the annual Moonlight Beach Half Marathon, including when it’s held, registration details, awards, what to wear, how to prepare, and what to expect on race day.
Event overview
The fourth annual Moonlight Beach Half Marathon will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2026. Falling two days before the Irish heritage holiday, the event celebrates with a St. Patrick’s Day theme.
Runners will meet at Moonlight State Beach in Encinitas, and the race kicks off at 7:30 a.m. There’s also a 10K (6.2-mile) race that starts at 8 a.m.
Course and scenery
The course is considered the best half marathon in the San Diego metro area. It starts at Moonlight State Beach, heads north to F Street, and then turns back south. The route continues and makes its way north again before South Cardiff State Beach, and the finish line is back at Moonlight State Beach.
Since it’s an out-and-back course design along the beach, you’ll get up to 8 miles of Pacific Ocean scenery, including views of the stunning blue lagoons. The race starts at 7:30 in the morning, so you’ll get to see the gorgeous sunrise reflected over the ocean.
Registration details
Registration is $144 for the Moonlight Beach Half Marathon and $88 for the 10K, plus a few dollars in processing fees. If you sign up with a partner, you’ll get the Lucky Duo 40% discount. When you register as a group of three or more, you can save 45% with the Lucky Crew discount.
The price of registration includes an event T-shirt and finisher bling, along with entry into the prize money contest for top finishers and best costumes.
There’s no deadline to register for the event—you can sign up any time before and on the day of the event. But if you register before January 31 using the code LUCkY30, you can save 30%.
Runners can register for the event through Race Roster.
Awards and recognition
Runners who finish in first, second, and third place will win a cash prize of $300, $200, and $100, respectively.
The people who get first, second, and third place for their respective age brackets in the half marathon and 10K race will earn free entry into next year’s race. Age groups are 18 to 25, 26 to 31, 32 to 37, and so on in five-year brackets.
There’s also a costume contest. Individuals and groups are awarded for donning the best St. Patrick’s Day-themed attire, with first ($300), second ($200), and third place ($100) cash prizes.
Make sure to register for the costume contest at the sign-up table on the day of the event by 7 a.m. And then be at the start line between 10:30 and 11 a.m. after the race to hear the winners announced.
Training and course strategy
Since it’s along the coastline, this half marathon is relatively flat, but there’s a slight hill on the final stretch. The last couple of miles might be a push on account of the incline and simply being winded toward the end of the race.
Runners can train for the Moonlight Beach Half Marathon with a combination of trail runs, moderate hikes, and neighborhood jogs.
Race-day logistics
The majority of participants park their cars at the San Dieguito Academy parking lot on the day of the event. Shuttles run from 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. between the high school and Moonlight Beach Park.
Those who want to park closer to the event can find parking at the Encinitas Library and City Hall.
Day-of registration opens at 6:15 a.m., and opening announcements are at 7 a.m. As mentioned, the half marathon begins at 7:30 a.m., and the 10K starts at 8 a.m. Then the race course closes at noon.
You can pick up your race packet, which includes your T-shirt and numbered race bib, at Road Runner Sports in Carlsbad, California. You’re wise to do this on Friday, March 13, or Saturday, March 14, before the event (between 1 and 6 p.m.) to avoid the early-morning crowd on race day.
Theme and what to wear
Racers can wear their event T-shirts or dress in line with the St. Patrick’s Day theme. Those entering the costume contest might wear extra-festive or silly pieces, like green leis, tutus, top hats, or clover-shaped glasses.
Otherwise, focus on comfortable running attire, like breathable shorts, compression tights, a sweat-wicking top, and supportive sneakers.
Weather conditions to expect
As a Southern California city, Encinitas is mostly sunny year-round. In March, the highs tend to be in the mid-60s, with lows in the low-50s or high-40s.
It can be a little chilly in the morning at the start of the race. Runners often bring lightweight layers they can easily remove as the day warms up.
On-course support and amenities
Water stations are placed throughout the course. Strollers are allowed in the race for those who want to push one.
There’s no gear check, though, so if you need to remove a layer of clothing mid-race, you might want to have a loved one ready for a hand-off at a spectator checkpoint.
Spectator and community experience
Those who want to participate in the Moonlight Beach Half Marathon but aren’t runners themselves can volunteer for the event, also via Race Roster. Volunteers help set up the event, direct runners on the course, manage the water stations, and hand out race packets and awards. They’ll get a free event T-shirt for helping.
Spectators can cheer on racers at viewing areas all along the coastal roads and beach path. Many choose two spots to allow plenty of time to relocate and catch their favorite runners as they pass. Your best bet is to check the course map, plan ahead, and arrive early.
Post-race activities
The finish line is back at Moonlight Beach State Park, with a water station and recovery area for racers.
Stick around for the awards announcements, and then grab a bite to eat at one of the many nearby restaurants or food trucks. The area can get pretty crowded with people hungry for lunch, so you might consider packing a picnic to enjoy on the beach.
Recovery support for Encinitas runners
Training for the Moonlight Beach Half Marathon will take dedication, and finishing calls for endurance. Once you finish the race, be sure to stretch and do gentle movement the rest of the day (like walking) to avoid stiffness.
Want to reward yourself with the ultimate recovery support? Consider booking an assisted stretching session at Strech*d Encinitas. A bodywork pro can loosen tight muscles, improve your flexibility, and help you feel rejuvenated after pushing your body, all while you lie back and relax.
Sources:
Moonlight Beach Half Marathon. Get ready for a Half Marathon, and 10k Shamrock Run to remember!. https://moonlightbeachhalfmarathon.org/
Moonlight Beach Half Marathon. Half Marathon Course. https://moonlightbeachhalfmarathon.org/race-day-information/
Race Roster. Moonlight Beach Half Marathon. https://raceroster.com/events/2026/103366/2026-moonlight-beach-half-marathon-and-10k
Moonlight Beach Half Marathon. Half Marathon Top 3 Finishers. https://moonlightbeachhalfmarathon.org/award-for-runners/
Moonlight Beach Half Marathon. Costume Contest. https://moonlightbeachhalfmarathon.org/costume-contest/
AccuWeather. Encinitas, CA, March 2026. https://www.accuweather.com/en/us/encinitas/92024/march-weather/332118
Moonlight Beach Half Marathon. Volunteers. https://moonlightbeachhalfmarathon.org/volunteer-page/
Moonlight Beach Half Marathon. Ambassador Program. https://moonlightbeachhalfmarathon.org/ambassador-program-page/
Half Marathon Guide. Moonlight Beach Run Half Marathon, 15k, 10k & 5k. https://www.halfmarathons.net/races/moonlight-beach-run-half-marathon-15k-10k-5k/