California > Salinas Valley Half Marathon
Soledad, CA • Saturday, August 4, 2012 • Course Map
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Widely known both for its numerous vineyards and wineries as well as for its farms that grow crops such as strawberries, salad greens, tomatoes and lettuce -- which have earned the valley its nickname as "America's Salad Bowl" -- the Salinas Valley and the towns of Soledad and Salinas will welcome runners from around the region and the country at the third annual running of the Salinas Valley Half Marathon in the late summer of 2012.
Just over 1,600 runners crossed the finish line at the race's 2011 running, which takes runners on a 13.1-mile course that winds from the start at the Soledad Mission to the finish line at the Pessagno Winery to the northwest of the town, just miles from nearby Salinas and the town of Gonzales.
The race starts at 8:00 AM near the grounds of the Soledad Mission, which lies at 36641 Fort Romie Road just south of the town center of Soledad. Founded in late 1791 (and known by its full name Mission Nuestra Senora de la Soledad), the mission was the 13th of 21 Spanish missions established by the Spanish Catholics of the Franciscan Order, which are now some of the most-visited historic structures in the state.
From there, the course winds first southward, and then westward and northward from Soledad up toward the town of Salinas, taking runners along Fort Romie Road (County Road G17) as well as nearby country roads that lie just in the shadow of the Santa Lucia Mountains to the west. Once runners reach the base of the mountains, they turn northward and head along the rolling hills just west of the waters of the Salinas River, passing by green farm fields filled with the crops the region is known for, as well as plenty of vineyards, on their way northward toward the finish line at the Pessagno Winery.
Though runners can expect plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures, thanks to both the time of year the race is run as well as the valley's low elevation, the town also typically receives ample coastal breezes blowing in from Monterey Bay, which lies just over the Santa Lucia Mountains and about an hour's drive by car. Soledad usually sees its warmest, sunniest and driest weather of the year in the late summer, though the morning and afternoon temperatures can be quite different -- it's generally much cooler in the mornings, and can get quite cold at night.
Race Weather & Climate
Located in central California's Salinas Valley wine-growing region, about 25 miles south of Salinas and roughly 85 miles southeast of San Jose, Soledad typically sees August temperatures that average between 86°F and 53°F, while rainfall is virtually nonexistent this time of year. On the day of the race (Aug. 4), the average high is 85°F and the average low is 53°F.
Course Map
View the race route map for the Salinas Valley Half Marathon
Fees
$65 for the half marathon, if registered by March 31, 2012
$75 between April 1 - May 31
$85 after May 31, until the race sells out
Race registration closes at 11:59 PM on August 1
Registration
To reserve your spot in the late summer 2012 running of Soledad's Salinas Valley Half Marathon, register online at Active.com.
Official Race Website
salinasvalleyhalfmarathon.org
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