Overview: GOVX San Diego Half Marathon and 5K race

If you come across countless runners hitting the pavement on Sunday, March 22, know they are not out for any ordinary jog.

If you come across countless runners hitting the pavement on Sunday, March 22, know they are not out for just any ordinary jog.

That day is set aside for the GOVX San Diego Half Marathon and 5K.

The event takes place through five miles of waterfront, four local communities, a trio of parks, two miles through the downtown area, and an exciting conclusion in the Gaslamp Quarter.

Christine Adams, chief executive officer of In Motion Events, which produces the GOVX San Diego Half Marathon & 5K, noted that the event will be celebrating its 15th anniversary this year.

“Over the past decade and a half, it has grown into a true San Diego favorite,” Adams said.

One new feature this year a pre-race Packet Pickup Party at Margaritaville.

“With its laid-back coastal energy, vibrant atmosphere, and signature island-inspired style, Margaritaville provides the perfect backdrop to kick off this year’s race weekend,” Adams said. “The hotel’s welcoming hospitality makes it an ideal host location where participants will pick up their race packets, connect with fellow runners, and fully embrace the race weekend spirit before toeing the start line.

“Adding even more meaning to this year’s event,  we are honored to introduce a Wear Blue: Run to Remember Circle of Remembrance ceremony at the race start, just prior to the half-marathon. This powerful tribute will honor some of our nation’s fallen service members.

“Participants and spectators will be invited to gather in reflection and gratitude as we recognize the bravery and sacrifice of those who gave their lives in service to our country. The ceremony will serve as a moving reminder that while we run for personal goals and achievement, we also run in honor of something greater.”

According to Adams, the annual event draws runners from all over the United States and North America and beyond.

Boosting the San Diego economy

The event provides more than just a solid day’s workout.

“We will welcome thousands of participants, many of whom travel from outside the region and bring family and friends, which translates into hotel stays, restaurant visits, and retail activity throughout race weekend,” said Adams, adding that races like these deliver a meaningful economic boost to host cities each year.

“Many guests arrive a day or two early to enjoy the city, and on race day, you can see the impact as runners wearing their finisher medals fill downtown and nearby neighborhoods’ restaurants and bars, celebrating with loved ones.”

As Adams sees it, once on the course, they can expect support stations along the route, spectators cheering, volunteers high-fiving, and beautiful San Diego scenery all around them. And when they cross the finish line under the iconic Gaslamp sign, it’s pure celebration.

“They might be walking a little gingerly on Monday,” said Adams. “But the pride and the memories will carry them long after race weekend.”

Earning a legacy

One runner who with experience in events like these is Bay Park resident Irene Morton.

Morton will be taking part in her 15th consecutive GOVX San Diego Half Marathon. She is known as one of the event’s “Legacy Legends,” given that she has participated in every event since its inception.

“I began taking running a bit more seriously after being on a fitness journey, probably around 2001,” Morton said. “At that time, my kids were older, and it was time to take care of myself. I signed up with a personal trainer at a local gym. He eventually put me on a treadmill for one of the HIIT workouts, and I liked how running felt.”

She decided to take her running from the treadmill to outside.

“Within a year, I signed up for my first 5K and had so much fun,” Morton said. “I’ve been running ever since.”

Morton said she enjoys the GOVX San Diego Half Marathon because she loves the course support with the many volunteers. She says that the course is very scenic, even when running up the Washington Street hill. 

“Many of my friends also participate in this race,” Morton said. “It’s like having a big family reunion every year. It also meant a lot when military personnel handed out the race medals — talk about special.”

Morton said that despite her years of running, she still struggles with challenges, such as remaining injury-free.

“Thank goodness for the wisdom of my running community and track club, my running coach, and physical therapists,” she said.

She added that another major challenge can be the runner’s mindset. “It’s easy to overthink training, nutrition, and a race, even though I’ve put the training in and I know I can achieve the time goal,” she said. “It’s easy to go down a hole and give up, especially if the race I’ve trained for doesn’t go as planned on race day. It has happened.”

While Morton has turned into a veteran runner, there are others who are newer to the sport. She offered a few words of advice.

“Nobody else will understand you like your running community will. Who else can you talk to incessantly about running shoes, running gear, race times, the time you had your personal best or worst, and so on?”

Morton said she never thought she would make so many friends through running.

“Yes, find the proper shoes, the watch, the gear that works for you, find a training program that fits your schedule, or find a knowledgeable coach, and sign up for that race, but community is everything.”