Best of 2003: Best Half-Marathon

La Jolla Half-Marathon
www.lajollahalfmarathon.com

The La Jolla Half-Marathon, a 13-mile race held each April, traces San Diego's coastline from the Del Mar Racetrack, through Del Mar, up into Torrey Pines, past UCSD, through La Jolla Village, and over to La Jolla Cove, where it finishes in postcard-perfect Cove Park. Runners are inspired by expansive ocean and inland views, the coast's uncommon geography of clay cliffs and dramatic terrain, and the prime real estate of Del Mar and La Jolla. The race is grueling and brutal. But the strain of the climb up into Torrey Pines followed by the drop to La Jolla Shores make this road race a level (so to speak) playing field.