What's Happening in Encinitas, CA…

Runners in Encinitas are gearing up for a much-anticipated event.

The Moonlight Beach Half Marathon is a spring tradition in the coastal city, giving runners a chance to enjoy spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.

There are three races on the day – a 5K, 10K, and the half-marathon, which covers 13.1 miles. All three races are out-and-back courses, which require the runners to turn around at the halfway point and return over the same ground. The course is level throughout, making it easy to enjoy the ocean views.

The races begin and end at Moonlight Beach. The 5K runners head south from the beach, pass Swami’s Beach, and turn around at a point approximately even with the Encinitas Community Park. The 10K follows the same route, but the turnaround is obviously further south, across the road from the San Elijo Lagoon State Marine Conservation Area.

The half-marathon begins at Moonlight Beach, taking runners south to the South Cardiff State Beach, where they will make a turn near the parking lot. They will then run north to F Street before turning south once again. They will follow that route until they make a final turn at South Cardiff State Beach, and head north to Moonlight Beach.

The race day is March 19. The 5K and 10K begin at 9.00 am, but the half-marathon starts earlier, at 7.30 am. Organizers of this type of event can use banner printing to create signage to point out the courses.