Runners get a chance to test their mettle with a combination of hilly terrain and what is likely to be fairly warm weather at the Temecula Half Marathon & 5K, which makes its 9th annual running this year along the dirt roads that wind through the wineries and vineyards of this growing city that lies about an hour’s drive north from San Diego.
The out-and-back course for the half marathon race starts at equestrian and event space Galway Down just outside of Temecula, and then heads north and uphill for the first five miles of the race. The steady incline is almost immediate, with a starting elevation of 1225 feet and a max elevation of 1643 feet just past mile five.
Once runners head south again, the rest of the race is a steady downhill, with the exception of a steep hill near miles 9 and 10. From there, runners make their way back to Galway Downs, retracing most of the route from the first half of the race.
Race organizers note that because temperatures here can rise into the 80s and perhaps even the 90s here this time of year, runners should be prepared for hot weather, even if it’s chilly around the time the race starts.
Those thinking of signing up for the race are encouraged to do so early, as space will be limited. Runners in the half marathon will have four hours to complete the course.
