More than 31,000 runners hit the streets at the 2025 Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series San Diego, as live music and community spirit merged at the event weekend on May 31 to June 1, 2025.
According to event organiser The IRONMAN Group, participation in the event continued to climb, with an 11% increase in marathoners (8,000) and over 6,500 runners from Mexico adding energy and an international backdrop to the event.
Marathoners tackled the course through eight distinct San Diego neighbourhoods, cheered on by crowds, drumlines, and a soundtrack from dozens of local bands. Among the sea of determined finishers were some standout performances. In the men’s marathon, Devin Desouza of Arlington, TX, surged to victory, breaking the tape with a time of 2:29:43. The women’s race saw Shelby Meek of Nampa, ID, power through the finish in 2:58:51.
In the half marathon Abrham Tesfamaria of Flagstaff, AZ, stormed the 13.1-mile route in 1:05:17, while Julia Vasquez of San Francisco, CA, claimed the women’s title with an impressive 1:14:07.
Blink-182’s Travis Barker joined thousands of runners to complete the 2025 Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Half Marathon. The drummer, originally from Fontana, CA, has embraced running as a key part of his wellness routine in recent years. His initiative, Run Travis Run, has brought fans together nationwide across the US through 5K events that blend movement and community.
While the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Half Marathon wasn’t officially tied to that project, Barker ran under the radar – focused on the course, finishing strong alongside pro MMA fighter Marlon Andrés Vera Delgado, and taking time at the finish to snap photos and connect with fans.
“Today was what San Diego is all about – energy, excitement, and an unforgettable experience for every participant,” said Colleen McDonald, Race Director of Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego.
“From the first note of live music to the final step across the finish line, this city showed up in a big way. We couldn’t be more thrilled with the turnout, the vibe, and the memories made on the course.”
The weekend kicked off with a Health & Fitness Expo at the San Diego Convention Center, followed by 4,000 runners taking on the 5K course through Balboa Park on Saturday.
Sunday’s races culminated in an Encore Entertainment concert at Waterfront Park. Along the way, marathon runners rang the ‘Highway to Hill’ bell at mile 22, honoured legacy participants, and experienced tributes to San Diego’s rich running history throughout the course.
www.runrocknroll.com/san-diego
