The silver edition of the San Diego 100 was run on May 1-2, and the new date, being a month earlier than when the race had been traditionally held, brought cooler temperatures and high hopes for fast times. The 188 runners who toed the line at Lake Cuyamaca were ready to run the (mostly) looped course through the San Diego mountains. Runners had to conquer Stonewall Peak, Middle Peak, Cuyamaca Peak, Pine Ridge, the Harvey Moore Climb and Noble Canyon before reaching mile 60, but they were rewarded for their hard work with rolling hills through the night and a downhill course from there to the finish.
The full moon illuminated the nighttime aid stations while the energy of the Run Dirty Crew and the South Bay Y brought the party atmosphere. A few runners fell victim to the fairy lights and Dark Wizard of Red Tail Roost, but most made it to the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) and the glorious sunrise over the Anza Borrego Desert and the victory lap back to the lake.
Co-RD BJ Haeck hugs a 100-mile finisher. Photo: Howie Stern
Locals dominated the results, with Juan Rocha taking the lead at Cuyamaca Peak and cruising to a win by over an hour, sneaking in under 20 hours at 19:54:05. Likewise, Laura Leidle, also of San Diego, slipped away relatively early and won the women’s race by over an 1 hour and 15 minutes, in 23:26.
The San Diego 100 is a special event with an unparalleled volunteer corps that will make you feel like you’ve been running with us for the last 25 years. We would love the opportunity to welcome you to our SD 100 family and hope to see you on April 30, 2027.
Full results here.