Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series San Diego Hits its Stride with a High-Energy Weekend of Running In America’s Finest City

June 2, 2025

- Marathon entries were up 11% with 8,000 runners; 78% surge in participants from Mexico adds international flair. - Devin Desouza of Arlington, Texas (2:29:43), and Shelby Meek of Nampa, Idaho (2:58:51), captured victories in the marathon. - Abrham Tesfamaria of Flagstaff, Ariz. (1:05:17), and Julia Vasquez of San Francisco (1:14:07) won the half marathon titles. - Blink-182's Travis Barker and Pro MMA Fighter Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera conquer the Rock 'n' Roll San Diego Half Marathon. - Global Running Day brings more reasons to celebrate running with special race discounts on June 4

SAN DIEGO, Calif. /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – More than 31,000 runners hit the streets under overcast skies this weekend for the 2025 Rock ‘n’ Roll^® Running Series San Diego, as live music and community spirit turned the city into a celebration of fitness and fun. Participation continued to climb, with an 11% increase in marathoners (8,000) and over 6,500 runners from Mexico adding vibrant energy and international flair to the event.

Marathoners tackled the iconic course through eight distinct San Diego neighborhoods, cheered on by enthusiastic crowds, drumlines, and a nonstop soundtrack from dozens of local bands. Among the sea of determined finishers were some standout performances. In the men’s marathon, Devin Desouza of Arlington, TX surged to victory, breaking the tape with a time of 2:29:43. The women’s race saw Shelby Meek of Nampa, ID power through the finish in 2:58:51.

The half marathon was equally thrilling. Abrham Tesfamaria of Flagstaff, Ariz. stormed the 13.1-mile route in 1:05:17, while Julia Vasquez of San Francisco claimed the women’s title with an impressive 1:14:07.

Travis Barker joined thousands of runners this morning to complete the 2025 Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego Half Marathon. The Blink-182 drummer, originally from Fontana, Calif., has embraced running as a key part of his wellness routine in recent years. His initiative, Run Travis Run, has brought fans together nationwide through 5K events that blend movement and community. While today’s race wasn’t officially tied to that project, Barker ran under the radar—focused on the course, finishing strong alongside pro MMA fighter Marlon Andrés Vera Delgado, and taking time at the finish to snap photos and connect with fans.

“Today was what San Diego is all about – energy, excitement, and an unforgettable experience for every particpant,” said Colleen McDonald, Race Director of Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego. “From the first note of live music to the final step across the finish line, this city showed up in a big way. We couldn’t be more thrilled with the turnout, the vibe, and the memories made on the course.”

The weekend kicked off with a packed Health & Fitness Expo at the San Diego Convention Center, followed by 4,000 runners taking on the 5K course through Balboa Park on Saturday. The energy carried through Sunday’s races, culminating in an Encore Entertainment concert at Waterfront Park. Along the way, runners rang the “Highway to Hill” bell at mile 22, honored legacy participants, and experienced tributes to San Diego’s rich running history throughout the course.

Presale registration for all distances of the 2026 edition of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series San Diego, taking place on May 30-31, 2026, is now open online through 11:59 p.m. PT on June 6, 2025. Future participants can lock in presale pricing by visiting www.runrocknroll.com/san-diego.

Global Running Day takes place this Wednesday, June 4, and offers another opportunity to join the movement. The Rock ‘n’ Roll® Running Series will be offering the best prices of the season on all race registrations in the series. Runners and walkers alike can take advantage of these exclusive deals starting at 12:00 a.m. PT (3:00 a.m. ET) by visiting www.runrocknroll.com/global-running-day.

For more information about the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series, visit www.runrocknroll.com. Media Contact: Emily Gibbs, Emily@EmilyGibbsPR.com; press@runrocknroll.com

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About Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series

Established in 1998, the Rock ‘n’ Roll^® Running Series’ simple idea of making running fun has transformed both the U.S. and global running landscape by infusing the course with live bands, cheer teams, and entertaining water stations, creating a block-party atmosphere for participants and spectators alike. Focused on running, music and community, race weekends kick off with a free Health & Fitness Expo showcasing the latest in running gear, sports apparel, health and nutritional information and much more. Events culminate with an Encore Entertainment experience featuring eclectic musical artists from a variety of genres. Further information about the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series can be found online at www.RunRocknRoll.com and follow @RunRocknRoll on all social platforms.

About The IRONMAN Group

The IRONMAN Group is the world’s largest operator of participation sports with a portfolio of brands, events, media, partners, merchandise, and digital platforms operating in over 50 countries worldwide. A global portfolio consisting of hundreds of events includes the IRONMAN^® Triathlon Series, the IRONMAN^® 70.3^® Triathlon Series, 5150™ Triathlon Series, IRONKIDS^®, premier running events including the Rock ‘n’ Roll^® Running Series, the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon™ and City2Surf^®, the UTMB^® World Series of trail running, the Epic Series™ of mountain biking including the Absa Cape Epic^®, and a collection of road cycling and other multisport races. Since the inception of the iconic IRONMAN^® brand and its first event in 1978, millions of athletes have proven that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE^® by crossing finish lines around the world. From its beginnings as a single race among friends in Hawai’i, The IRONMAN Group has become a global sensation and collection of high-growth lifestyle brands that inspire people to unlock their potential in life. For more information, visit www.ironman.com/about-ironman-group