On May 31, 2026, San Diego hosted a vibrant edition of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon that drew large crowds and competitive fields. The event combined live music, neighborhood routes and thousands of participants moving through downtown and adjacent communities. Organizers and spectators described it as a celebration of running and city spirit, with finish-line festivities at Waterfront Park.
The race weekend featured both the traditional 26.2-mile marathon and the 13.1-mile half marathon, plus a 5K that took place around Balboa Park the previous day. Race officials estimated that participation rose about 10% from the prior year, with a strong local showing: nearly half of U.S. entrants came from the San Diego-Carlsbad area.
Marathon champions and top finishers
The full marathon crowned a local winner in the women’s division. Sara Bagnell of San Diego completed the 26.2-mile course in 2:57:46, holding off close competition. The women’s podium was tightly contested; Irene Abfalterer of Los Alamos, New Mexico, finished just behind at 2:58:06, with fellow San Diegan Alaina Skelley taking third in 2:58:57.
In the men’s marathon, Isaac Hernandez of Willow Park, Texas, claimed first place in 2:28:54. Local and regional athletes rounded out the leaders: Brendan Gee of Redlands posted 2:32:34 for second, and Noah Murasmith of Murrieta finished third in 2:35:47.
Why these finishes mattered
These results highlighted both elite performances and strong regional representation. The sub-three-hour finish by Sara Bagnell resonated with local fans, while the men’s winning time by Isaac Hernandez emphasized competitive depth in the field. Organizers noted that many entrants were first-time marathon participants, underlining the event’s dual role as a high-level race and community fitness festival.
Half marathon winners and notable performances
The 13.1-mile race produced fast times and California winners in both divisions. On the men’s side, Anthony Solis of Barstow crossed the line first in 1:04:18, followed by Esteban Prado of Fountain Valley in 1:04:49, and Tim Hendricks of Coronado in 1:04:58. The women’s half-marathon was topped by Yilin Wu of San Marino, who posted an even 1:16:00. Canadian runner Ava Dyck from Calgary finished second in 1:18:12, and Katie Alvarenga of Mission Hills took third in 1:18:28.
Community impact and participant breakdown
Organizers reported that more than 9,000 runners took part in the marathon events on Sunday alone, while the broader weekend programming, including the 5K, drew over 30,000 people across all races. They estimated that roughly 70% of entrants were tackling a marathon-distance event for the first time, and that nearly half of U.S. participants hailed from the San Diego-Carlsbad region.
Another notable statistic involved long-term participants: Legacy Runner status was cited for 39 individuals who have started every Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego since the inaugural event in 1998. Organizers described these runners as an important thread of continuity that connects the event’s past and present.
Route, atmosphere and race-day logistics
The marathon and half-marathon routes passed through a sequence of neighborhoods that showcased San Diego’s urban variety, including downtown, Hillcrest, North Park, Normal Heights and Mission Valley. Road closures were implemented across these corridors to ensure a safe course for runners and spectators. Along the way, live bands and cheer teams contributed to the signature Rock ‘n’ Roll mix of music and racing energy.
Race Director Colleen McDonald summarized the event as a blend of performance and celebration, noting the visible enthusiasm at the start lines and the lively finish-line scene at Waterfront Park. The weekend format, with multiple distances and a festival atmosphere, continues to attract both competitive athletes and recreational runners.
Results snapshot
For quick reference, the top three finishers and their official times in each race were recorded as follows:
Men’s marathon: Isaac Hernandez 2:28:54; Brendan Gee 2:32:34; Noah Murasmith 2:35:47.
Women’s marathon: Sara Bagnell 2:57:46; Irene Abfalterer 2:58:06; Alaina Skelley 2:58:57.
Men’s half marathon: Anthony Solis 1:04:18; Esteban Prado 1:04:49; Tim Hendricks 1:04:58.
Women’s half marathon: Yilin Wu 1:16:00; Ava Dyck 1:18:12; Katie Alvarenga 1:18:28.
Overall, the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego event on May 31, 2026, combined competitive finishes, wide community participation and the festival-style elements that distinguish the series. The mix of elite times and mass participation reinforced the event’s role as both a race for top performers and a weekend celebration for the city.
