City News

Letters

Colleges

More Sports

Sunday Slant

Entertainment Extras

Directories

Sell

Research and Tools

Parts & Service

Find a Job

Quick Search

For Employers

Yahoo! HotJobs Local Search

San Dieguito Half celebrates its 40th anniversary

By: MATT NULL - Staff Writer | Friday, February 8, 2008 11:40 PM PST ∞

Solana Beach resident Jim Temples remembers the first San Dieguito Half Marathon vividly.

Only 18 runners competed in the first race in 1969. Temples, the former race director, said conditions were downright unbearable for the event, which started at Earl Warren Middle School.

Temples called it a "hurricane."

"It was like someone was throwing sand in your face, that is how hard the wind was whipping," Temples said. "I don't think anybody ran the same course, because I put out chalk and signs in the morning, but they were gone after the first mile."

Temples, along with an estimated 2,500 runners, will take to a different course as the San Dieguito Half Marathon celebrates its 40th anniversary Sunday. Runners will take off from San Dieguito County Park at 8 a.m. The 5K race starts five minutes later.

Temples isn't surprised the race has lasted as long as it has. He credits the runners.

"Just neat people," Temples said. "After that first one, it was like a family get together. An annual social almost, and Kathy (Loper) has maintained it and people just keep coming back."

Loper, the race director since 1987, also credited the San Diego Hash House Harriers, who also sponsor the event.

"They really offer a real spark into the event," said Loper, also a hasher. "They know a lot of the runners and they cheer them on, and that makes a big difference.

"Not to mention we have a beautiful view on Sunday afternoon and it is a great way to spend a Sunday."

In recognition of the 40th anniversary, Loper said this year's race will feature a new dry release long sleeve t-shirt, which is sweat resistant, along with a special medal for finishers.

It also helps that the race is held in one of the most beautiful parts of San Diego, said Temples.

"It is so scenic and peaceful and the course is always doing something to you," Temples said. "You are going up or down or turning a corner all the time so you have to stay mentally alert. There are no long straight stretches where you can go to sleep.

"Most people I know actually get their (personal bests) on that course because they just stay alert."

Contact staff writer Matt Null at mnull@nctimes.com.

What: 40th annual San Dieguito Half Marathon

When: 8 a.m. Sunday

Where: San Dieguito County Park

Entries: Entry fees if paid today are $40 for the half marathon, $30 for the 5K; race-day entry fees are $45 for the half marathon, $33 for the 5K

Registration: Late registration/packet pick-up is 1-4 p.m. today at Road Runner Sports, 5553 Copley Drive, San Diego (near state route 52, off Convoy).

Information: www.kathyloperevents.com