Where to watch

Read the geography first

This is a point-to-point course: the finish is about 1.2 miles from the start as the crow flies. Pick one mid-course anchor and the finish; trying to leapfrog repeatedly is usually the trap.

Landmarks that make useful anchors

Moving around race morning

Transit works for this race, which is unusual for a 6:15 a.m. start. MTS runs deliberately early service on race Sunday: the UC San Diego Blue Line from San Ysidro starts at 4:34 a.m. and reaches Fifth Avenue Station, 1.4 miles from the start; the Green Line leaves El Cajon as early as 4:59 a.m. for County Center/Little Italy, 1.6 miles from the start; the Orange Line begins at 5:15 a.m. but has a weekend service closure between Lemon Grove and Euclid Avenue, and MTS itself recommends the Green Line instead (MTS transit guide). Note that no trolley station puts you at the start line: every option ends with a mile-plus walk, which is fine as a warm-up but must be in your timeline. Fares are standard adult $2.50 one-way on a PRONTO card, loadable at ticket machines with cash or card, or through the app. Bus and trolley routes themselves detour on race day (official traffic page), so confirm your specific line the night before rather than trusting a stored route.

Check final access guidance on the official site →