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EVENT DATE: OCTOBER 25, 2026
Binational Race San Diego–Tijuana | Half Marathon
The Binational Race San Diego–Tijuana offers a truly unique running experience: a 13.1-mile course that connects two cities, two countries, and one powerful community.
The Half Marathon starts at Las Americas Premium Outlets in San Diego and continues along Camino de la Plaza, leading runners toward Dairy Mart Road. Around kilometer 5, the course enters the scenic Tijuana River Valley Regional Park, where participants run alongside natural reserves before approaching the border.
At kilometer 10, runners experience the unforgettable moment of crossing the international border through the San Ysidro–El Chaparral checkpoint, entering Mexico via the world’s busiest land border crossing. Participants run through a designated lane of Interstate 5, sharing a historic route that very few races in the world can offer.
After crossing into Tijuana, the course continues along an international route, rewarding runners with panoramic views of San Diego and a fast, downhill final 5 kilometers leading to the finish line in Playas de Tijuana, where all race distances come together.
More than a race, the Binational Race is part of a regional movement that promotes cultural, social, athletic, and community exchange between San Diego and Tijuana.
Prepare yourself for an unforgettable challenge—one that goes beyond borders.
Race Distances
The Binational Race offers multiple distances designed to deliver a one-of-a-kind cross-border running experience.
Half Marathon | 13.1 miles
The Binational Half Marathon is the flagship event, featuring a 13.1-mile course that connects San Diego and Tijuana. The race begins at Las Américas Premium Outlets and continues through the scenic Tijuana River Valley Regional Park.
At the 10K mark, runners cross the border through the San Ysidro–El Chaparral international checkpoint. Participants must complete the first 10 kilometers within two hours, the official time window during which the border remains open for the race.
After entering Mexico, runners tackle a rewarding climb with panoramic views of San Diego, followed by a fast 5K descent to the finish line in Playas de Tijuana.
12K | San Diego to Tijuana (New Distance)
Our new 12K is a shorter, more accessible way to experience the Binational Race—without committing to 13.1 miles. The race starts in San Diego, crosses the border into Mexico, and finishes at the same finish line in Playas de Tijuana.
Perfect for runners who want the unforgettable border-crossing moment, are building up to a longer distance, or simply want to enjoy the full binational experience in a shorter format.
10K | Tijuana
Prefer to run entirely in Mexico? Our 10K route starts in Tijuana at the beginning of Avenida Internacional and follows part of the same course as the Half Marathon.
All runners come together at the end, finishing at the shared finish line in Playas de Tijuana—where the post-race celebration awaits.
Race Kit
Every registered runner receives an official race packet, including a bib number and timing chip. All finishers will also receive a Binational Race medal at the finish line.
The official race shirt is included with the Half Marathon and 12K registrations.
For the 10K, the race shirt is not included with registration, but it can be purchased separately while supplies last.
Legacy
If you ran the 13.1m – Half Marathon last year and you’re coming back for the same distance in 2026, you are officially part of our story — you are Binational Race Legacy.
As a Legacy runner, you’ll receive a special recognition to celebrate your commitment and your return to the Half Marathon.
COURSE
New route for the 2026 edition — coming soon!
PACE MAKERS
We’re excited to announce that, thanks to PacersBC, we’ll have official pace groups to help you stay on track and reach your race-day goals!
Half Marathon Pace Groups
Our Half Marathon pacers will be available for the following finish times:
1:30 · 1:35 · 1:40 · 1:45 · 1:50 · 2:00 · 2:10 · 2:20 · 2:30
12K Pace Groups
We’re proud to introduce pace groups for our new 12K distance, with the following finish times:
50 min · 1:00 · 1:10 · 1:20 · 1:30 · 1:40
Our experienced pacers will run alongside you, helping you maintain a steady pace, stay motivated, and work toward your goal from start to finish.
We’re excited to have PacersBC as part of Binational Race and know their support will make race day even more rewarding!
See you at the starting line!
TJ – SD TRANSPORTATION
The shuttle service is provided by SDTJ Passport.
SDTJ Passport is a Tijuana shuttle company specializing in passenger service between Tijuana and San Ysidro.
Family Shuttle – From Start Line to Finish Line
This convenient shuttle runs from Las Américas Premium Outlets to the finish line. This option is perfect for family and friends who want to cheer, support, and celebrate with their loved ones at the Finish Line Festival.
Please note: The shuttle will go through immigration. You must present your American passport and fill out the Multiple Immigration Form (FMM) Point of entry: El Chaparral
If your are Mexican, you may present an official ID, example: passport, INE
Shuttle Departure Time: To be determined.
Finish Line to Border Shuttle
Shuttles will be available for participants, family members, and friends returning from the finish line to the U.S. border.
All Binational Race distances finish in the same location, so everyone can use the shuttle service.
Please ensure you have the required immigration documents ready for inspection before boarding.
Tickets:
* Provided during packet pick-up
* Available for purchase at the finish line on race day
Shuttle service hours will run from 9am to 12pm
Departures from finish line
Boarding at La Monumental Bullring parking lot west gate.
Place of arrival
SDTJ Passport point before the border for quick documentation check.
San Ysidro Border on the US side.
Once the shuttles drop passengers off at the border, you will need to go through customs. After completing customs, the exit will be on the PedEast.
Take the pedestrian bridge across the freeway to reach Las Americas Premium Outlets. It will be a 5-8 minute walk to the west.
AWARDS
MEDALS
All registered half marathon runners who complete the race will be rewarded with a medal in recognition of their achievement.
Awards
13.1mi and 10k
Recognition to the 3 overall winners male and female.
Recognition to first 3 places of each category.
2025 Half Marathon Medal
Categories:
1. 18-24
2. 25-29
3. 30-34
4. 35-39
5. 40-44
6. 45-49
7. 50-54
8. 55-59
9. 60-64
10. 65-69
11. 70-74
12. 75+
KING AND QUEEN OF THE HILL
Use the first 8 flat miles of the Binational Race 13.1m to get ready for the most iconic challenge: a climb of more than 300 feet on the famous Enchilada Hill. It’s a 1.1-mile ascent with a 7% incline that will test your endurance.
Only half marathon runners take part in the King of the Hill challenge, where the 5 fastest men and 5 fastest women to conquer the climb will be crowned the Kings & Queens of the Hill.
RESULTS
You did it! Thank you for being part of the Binational Race story. Find your results by entering your bib number or your name. See you at the next edition!