Sunday, October 21, 2018 • Morgan Hill, CA • Course Map
The beautiful green, tree-dotted rolling hills of central California’s southern Santa Clara Valley are the setting for the late fall running of the Morgan Hill Half Marathon, which makes its 9th annual running this year, and is timed to take place between October’s San Jose Rock & Roll Half Marathon and the California International Marathon in December.
Perhaps best known for the distinctive hill known as El Toro, which can be seen throughout the city to the west and has become part of the city’s identity in its official seal and logo, Morgan Hill has seen its population grow in recent decades with the growth of California’s high-tech industry in nearby Silicon Valley, many of whose workers make their home in Morgan Hill and in other South Valley communities nearby.
Like the full, 26.2-mile marathon, the event’s 13.1-mile half marathon follows an out-and-back section, then a loop section that starts and finishes at the Morgan Hill Centennial Center on West Edmundson Avenue, which is part of the city’s Morgan Hill Community Park just south of its downtown areas.
From there, those running the half marathon follow an out and back section of the course, following East Main Avenue out and back for much of the half marathon’s first five miles.
Slow but steady hilly first half. The first half of the race is by far the more challenging half, as runners follow a slow but steady climb (filled with rolling uphills and some downhills) from just below 350 feet above sea level at the starting line to just over 400 feet above sea level at the turnaround point near mile 3.
From there, runners coast down the same hill they just conquered, with a couple of smaller hills thrown in before getting into the second half of the race.
Second half brings steeper hills. Along the way, runners will pass through a variety of scenery, from the beautiful green and rolling hills that lie on the west outskirts of town, along West Edmonson and Oak Glen Roads.
Then there’s a change of scenery in the second half of the race, which brings runners southward through Morgan Hill’s business and downtown districts on the way back in to the finish line at the Morgan Hill Centennial Center and park.
Race Weather & Climate
Located in the central part of the state in southern Santa Clara County, roughly 70 miles south of San Francisco, Morgan Hill enjoys mostly mild weather throughout the year thanks to moderating breezes coming off the Pacific Ocean.
On race day (Oct. 21), the average low is 48ºF and the average high is 77ºF.
Past Results
- 2017 Morgan Hill Half Marathon Results
- 2016 Morgan Hill Half Marathon Results
- 2015 Morgan Hill Half Marathon Results
- 2014 Morgan Hill Half Marathon Results
- 2013 Morgan Hill Half Marathon Results
- 2012 Morgan Hill Half Marathon Results
- 2011 Morgan Hill Half Marathon Results
Course Map
See the race route map for the Morgan Hill Half Marathon here.
Starting Time
- 6:30 AM – full marathon
- 7:00 AM – half marathon
- 7:15 AM – 10K
- 7:30 AM – 5K
Fees
- $65 – $85 for the half marathon
- $90 – $130 for the full marathon
- $35 – $55 for the 10K
- $30 – $50 for the 5K
Registration
To reserve your spot in the 2018 running of California’s Morgan Hill Half Marathon, 5K or Kids Run race, register online at RunSignUp.com here.
Official Race Website
Facebook Conversations
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