Our History

Founded in 1995, the City to the Sea Half Marathon has deep roots in the San Luis Obispo running community. The event was originally established by Joe Rubio, founder of Running Warehouse, and Dale Anderson, a local businessman, to honor the Fairbanks family - longtime San Luis Obispo residents. Bob Fairbanks, a respected editor at The Tribune, along with his wife and daughter (a promising local prep runner), tragically lost their lives in a car accident while returning from a track meet. To honor their memory, proceeds from the inaugural race supported the development of the Fairbanks Cross Country Complex, located at Cuesta College.

Over the years, the race has evolved into one of the Central Coast’s most beloved and scenic running events. While the original course finished in Avila Beach, a construction project in 2007 prompted a move to Dinosaur Caves Park in Pismo Beach. In 2008, a 5K race was added, followed by a Kids Fun Run, expanding the event’s reach and appeal to runners of all ages and abilities.

The early 2010s marked a period of remarkable growth for City to the Sea. Spurred by the broader marathon boom, the post-recession running revival, and the launch of its first professional website, the race hit record participation in 2012, with over 2,600 registered runners.

City to the Sea has welcomed an impressive roster of talent over the decades, from Olympians to world record holders:

  • Phillip Reid, local educator, coach, and elite Hoka Aggies athlete, holds the current half marathon course record at 1:06:08.

  • Sergio Reyes, 2010 U.S. Marathon Champion and former Aggies teammate of Reid, is a multi-time race champion.

  • Jordan Hasay, a standout at Mission College Prep and a former American record holder in the marathon, has served as a proud race ambassador.

  • Linda Somers-Smith of Arroyo Grande, a 1996 U.S. Olympian, set the women’s course record of 1:16:16 in 2003 and still holds the American Masters record for the 50–54 age group.

  • Perhaps most famously, Steve Jones of Wales—former world record holder in the marathon (2:08:05, Chicago 1984)—competed in City to the Sea’s early years.

Today, proceeds from the race continue to support Cuesta College’s Track & Field and Cross Country programs, staying true to the event’s community-driven mission.