Vic Salazar: Marathon deserves better than the Q

This Sunday will mark the end of an era for the San Diego Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon. After the last runner (or walker) crosses the finish line, the race in its present form will have run its course.

The 26.2-mile test of endurance has ended on the parade grounds at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot since 2001. The Marines say a construction project is the reason the military is ending its long association with the marathon. This means Elite Racing, which manages the marathon, must design a new route for the 2010 marathon.

As a four-time finisher of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon, it’s my hope that the newly-charted finishing half-mile will be as inspiring and exciting as the atmosphere generated by the historical significance and energetic spectators at MCRD.

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Elite Racing is on record as saying it is considering using Qualcomm Stadium for the finish.

Ugh! There is a huge boredom factor involved in running down Friar’s Road. Then, to see a huge concrete structure serving as the homing beacon does little to pick up the pace. If the stadium had the history of the Roman Coliseum, I would be enthusiastic. But it doesn’t. Other than parking convenience there isn’t much left to be desired.
Elite should consider a runner’s point of view when designing a new end for the marathon.

Surround the athletes with spectators for the final stretch. Right now, marathon runners break free of Pacific Highway at Barnett Avenue and continue for the next mile and a half to the finish line. How about directing the race east for a finish in Old Town?

Some minor adjustments would have to be made. Running to Old Town would require a little more distance down Pacific Highway before reaching the cloverleaf at Witherby Street. Runners would have to avoid the huge potholes on that street before reaching Hancock Street where they would turn left.

Vic Salazar is a veteran San Diego journalist and an SDNN sports columnist.

It will be a slight incline to Old Town Avenue for a right turn, then over Interstate 5 and then left on San Diego Avenue to the State Park. In the end, it’s pretty much the same distance as the trek to MCRD.

Imagine a Sunday morning in Old Town, filled with spectators who have arrived by trolley to have breakfast and a few libations before heading to the sidewalks to cheer the runners. For the athletes, the change in atmosphere from MCRD would be dramatic. At the Marine base, the spectators are to the right of the runners and the stands extend a few hundred yards. San Diego Avenue could be lined with spectators from El Agave restaurant to the park. It would be colorful, loud and memorable.

Spotlighting Old Town would also do wonders to bring San Diegans back to the area that we locals left in droves after the state’s ill-fated decision to have Delaware North manage the park’s concessions. A new owner has promised to make changes - ending the race at Old Town would send a strong, positive message of change to the community.

The Marines are to be saluted for hosting tens of thousands of runners, their families and friends over the years. If you are taking part in Sunday’s race as an athlete or are headed to MCRD as a spectator, soak in the atmosphere for the final time. Then imagine how much fun it would be to end the marathon on the other side of I-5 where great food and drink are abundant.

That’s my proposal. Where would you like the race to end next year?

Vic Salazar is a veteran San Diego journalist and an SDNN sports columnist.

Tags: SDNN

This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 27th, 2009 at 5:29 pm and is filed under Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.