More than 30,000 runners took part in Sunday’s Rock ‘n’ Roll half-marathon and marathon through San Diego, a 20 percent uptick from last year. They hailed from 49 states and 48 countries.
Few had a better day than Rene Ortiz. The Mexican-born marathoner was tops among the elite runners, finishing the 26.2-mile race in 2 hours, 28 minutes and 43 seconds. Dakota Bliler of Scottsdale, Ariz., was the top-finishing women’s runner in 2:52.31.
The 13.1-mile half-marathon was won by Ayrton Ledesma of Azusa, who posted a time of 1:03.42; San Diego’s Lisa Goodin was exactly 12 minutes behind him, making her the top-finishing women’s runner.
“Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego is the only race I’ve ever repeated because I love it so much,” said Bliler, who placed second in the women’s marathon last year. “I love running here because people are so kind and encouraging, and always cheering me on along the course.”
Bliler praised the overcast weather, which — given her hometown — was understandable.
“I train a lot in the heat, living in Scottsdale, so it was also nice weather out there today,” she said, “and I didn’t even break a sweat until mile 10.”
Since its founding in 1998, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon has prided itself on being different, loud and fun. Bands lined the course on Sunday, playing for participants as they ran by. Saved by the 90s and No Duh performed at Waterfront Park when the race was over.
Still, this year’s event may have been more somber than usual.
Race organizers held moments of silence for San Diego Track Club coach Bill Aaron, who died last month; and San Diego basketball legend Bill Walton, who died a week ago.
Compiled in part from a news release.
