About
Cuesta College
Since 1995, City to the Sea has proudly served as the premier fundraiser for the Cuesta College Track & Field and Cross Country teams. More than just a race, City to the Sea is a celebration of community, wellness, and athletic excellence—bringing together individuals and families from across the Central Coast in support of healthy, active lifestyles.
The student-athletes of Cuesta College are more than competitors; they are leaders and role models within our community. Off the track, they generously volunteer their time at events such as the Special Olympics, local high school meets, the Castle to the Coast Fun Run, and the Prado Day Center's homeless outreach programs. Their dedication to service reflects the same commitment they bring to their sport and their studies.
Your support not only fuels their athletic journey—it strengthens a tradition of community, character, and connection.
Thank you for being a part of the City to the Sea legacy.
City to the Sea Board
We’re a small team of local organizers who work behind the scenes to bring the City to the Sea Half Marathon & 5K to life each year. From planning the course and handling logistics to organizing volunteers and promoting the race, we take care of all the moving parts. Our goal is to create a smooth, safe, and fun event that brings the community together and celebrates the spirit of running on the Central Coast.
Brian Locher
Brian has been at the heart of City to the Sea for over 17 years - as a volunteer, race director, and driving force behind the race’s growth and modernization, helping to expand the event beyond the Central Coast, leading it to record participation in 2014. A lifelong runner, Brian’s passion for the sport began in middle school and carried him through competitive collegiate racing at Chico State and beyond, eventually logging a 1:11 half marathon with the Asics Aggies.
For Brian, Race Day is pure magic - the early morning buzz, the shared anticipation at the start line, and the quiet intensity once the gun goes off. He loves the competition, the camaraderie, and watching runners of all levels test their limits step by step.
Brian also directs the Castle to Coast Fun Run each January, teaches in Cuesta College’s Movement and Health Sciences department, and coaches athletes online with Team RunRun. Whether standing on the start line or behind the scenes, he thrives on the energy of race day and the community it brings together.
Race Director
Robert began his running journey in 2000 with a youth track club in Atascadero and continued competing through junior high, high school, and at UC Davis. These days, most of his running involves chasing after his two young daughters - but his love for the sport hasn’t slowed down.
He currently serves as the cross country and track and field coach at Cuesta College, where he shares his experience and passion with the next generation of athletes. For Robert, Race Day is all about the early morning energy, the stunning course, and the tight-knit running community that shows up year after year.
Head Coach, Cross Country/T&F Cuesta College
Robert Neely
Natalie Rodriguez
Natalie started running in middle school and continued competing in cross country and track throughout high school and later at Cal State San Marcos. After college, she ran competitively for a few years with the HOKA Aggies Running Club, recording a 5K personal best of 16:06. But what has always stayed constant is her love for the people and the community that comes with the sport.
Natalie founded runslocub in March 2024 to create a welcoming space in San Luis Obispo where runners of all levels can come together, support one another, and share their passion for running.
This is her first year with the City to the Sea team, and what she loves most about race day is the sense of community. For her, lining up at the starting line isn’t just about competition - it’s about standing shoulder to shoulder with others who share the same passion, knowing all the effort will be met with support. Crossing the finish line is a celebration of that connection and the collective spirit that makes running so special.
Marketing & Creative Director